Utrecht Entertainment

Visiting Utrecht’s canal quayside is a unique and a pleasurable way of spending an evening. Visitors can choose to stroll on the picturesque quaysides, shop at the quaint stores that line the quayside or stop at one of the many cafés or restaurants and enjoy a coffee or a meal. Boat rides are also available and are a good way of exploring the canals.

Eating out

There are many trendy restaurants and bars on the quayside of the canals. These get fairly crowded at night, but the atmosphere is quite exciting. Occasionally, street buskers will entertain diners in the hope of being rewarded with some money. The nightlife on the quayside is very much alive and bustling.

Local cuisine

Strangely, local cuisine is not commonly served at many restaurants and there are not many traditional Dutch restaurants to be found in Utrecht. This could be due to the cosmopolitan nature of the city. However, pancakes seem to be a very popular dish with the locals and can be found in many restaurants. Diners can choose the toppings that accompany the pancakes; syrup, apples or whipped butter.

Theatre and music

Utrecht has several theatres, a rock club called Tivoli, a classical music centre known as Vredenburg and many cinemas. Usually, several concerts or theatrical productions are held on a daily basis in this city, which is known for its cultural life.

Shopping

Shoppers will be spoilt for choice in Utrecht, with its many shopping malls, markets, boutiques and small curio shops by the quayside to choose from. Market shopping is best experienced at the weekends, when there are vegetable, flower, plant and cloth markets.