City Centre Areas
The old town is the place to go out and do some shopping. You'll find there also two faculties.
- City Centre
The old town is the place to go out and do some shopping. You'll find there also two faculties. VIEW ALL Canoe rental Utrecht
Reserve a canoe in the center of Utrecht. Discover Utrecht from the canals, the ideal day out for everyone.- By Vito + 4
- Studentlife Team: “There is no better way to discover Utrecht than through canoeing!”
- Berne: “I especially enjoy canoeing on the Oudegracht where happy people are chilling out along the canals.”
- Vito : “With the canoes you can see a large part of the city center of Utrecht from a beautiful and different perspective. Canoeing under Hoog Catharijne is a fun experience. ”
Pool cafe Hart van Utrecht
A cozy cafe where you can play pool with your friends, in the middle of the city centre.- By Berne + 1
- Studentlife Team: “Grab your friends and enjoy your evening playing pool!”
- Berne: “If you want some good nachos and pitchers of beers to share with your friends over a game of pool, this is the place to go. Plus, it’s a great way to prove to your friends how good you are at pool, especially if they did not believe you at first”
Ananda
Embrace your spiritual journey at this very unique store in the city centre of Utrecht.- By Lobke + 1
- Thomas : “Personally, I don't care for the spiritual items in the store, but I visit Ananda regularly to buy beautiful stones. As gifts for friends and, of course, to expand my own collection of minerals and fossils.”
- Lobke: “This is the ultimate store for everyone who loves spiritual matters, but actually also for everyone who doesn't. There is always so much to see, hear, and smell (lots of different types of incense). I always find great gifts here; lucky charms are my favorite.”
University Library City Centre
The white furnishings and natural light make this a perfect place to concentrate.- By Jamal + 6
- Vito : “I really enjoy attending lectures here, and in the room of my study association, I can relax and hang out with my fellow students.”
- Studentlife Team: “The city centre library is known for its beautiful design. It also offers great coffee which is perfect for an enjoyable study break with your friends.”
- Jamal: “Persoonlijk vind ik deze bibliotheek veel huiselijker dan de universiteitsbibliotheek in het Utrecht Science Park. De inrichting van deze bibliotheek geeft mij rust.”
- Live music
Music complex Tivoli Vredenburg
Tivoli is a hotspot for students and music lovers who meet there for concerts and events of any kind.- By Smaranda + 4
- Isa: “Apart from parties, events such as the International Comedy Festival Utrecht are also organized in Tivoli.”
- Fayruz : “Lemongrass Chai Latte at Tivoli’s café is to die for! Also, I’ll never forget when my mom ordered a ginger tea there and they brought her a huge chunk of ginger in a hot water… We then realized that in the Netherlands a mint tea, for example, is just hot water with mint leaves. Don’t you just love learning new things about different countries? ”
- Smaranda : “By far, my favorite place to enjoy music in a concert hall or a restaurant during the day and their many club-events during the night. ”
The AKT Office
Media and Culture: A second home- By Milan + 1
- Berne: “The AKT office feels like my second living room where I can always go and have a chat with my fellow students.”
- Milan: “A super nice place, where I feel like Mario Kart or Just Dance is played 24/7. So to spend a few free hours competitively in the AKT office where you need to be”
Shopping centre Hoog Catharijne
The one-stop shop for everything you need in life.- By Fayruz + 3
- Studentlife Team: “Apart from a myriad of stores, Hong Catharijne offers a lot of food options together with its convenient location just few minutes’ walk from Utrecht Centraal.”
- Jamal: “Ever since I was young, every time I visit the city centre, I always make a tour through the mediamarkt. Window shopping, I can enjoy that.”
- Fayruz : “This is easily my favorite place in Utrecht. I can get lost here for hours and always find something to do. I love that it has everything from Amazing Oriental, Bruna bookstore, and Action to clothing stores, Lush, and countless other shops, as well as great restaurants.”
Restaurant Vapiano
Not just a nice restaurant, but also a great place to study!- By Stephan + 1
- Studentlife Team: “Come and taste Vapiano’s Italian food! In spring you can also dine on their roof terrace”
- Stephan: “If you don't know where you will make a reservation to eat out, Vapiano Hoog Catharijne is always a good choice! They have friendly service and the food is always good.”
Griftpark
This park is a few minutes away from the the City Center University library and is a popular meeting spots for students.- By Fayruz + 2
- Studentlife Team: “Griftpark has so much to offer, from a basketball court to skate park and a “city petting zoo”!”
- Thomas : “A beautiful park, perfect for a picnic with friends. It also has an interesting history. Until 1960, it was the most polluted place in Utrecht due to the gas factory that was built there.”
- Fayruz : “As I wander aimlessly around Griftpark, I forget about my stress. I just focus on the green scenery, the ducks leisurely swimming in the pond, and the trees. If you take a break from studying, I highly recommend taking a stroll in the park, as it can be a rejuvenating experience for the soul.”
Wilhelminapark
This 122-year-old park is Utrecht's most favourite spot for a summer BBQ.- By Wiktoria + 3
- Studentlife Team: “It is a perfect spot for a date or quality time with friends. Located between the International Campus and the city centre, Wilhelminapark is always full of students having picnics or going for walks. In the summer you should definitely try ice cream from Vorst, which is just around the corner.”
- Kees: “I have a very sweet dog who I love to walk and play with. When we go to the Wilhelmina Park together, she is as happy as a pup and runs/swims after everything.”
- Wiktoria: “I have a soft spot for this place since a lot of social events took place there during my first year of studying in Utrecht. ”
University Hall
The most iconic UU building in the city centre- By Derin + 2
- Berne: “It is such a beautiful building to visit and to take a picture of. As it is located nicely in the centre of the city, I love taking a walk around the area, visiting the building and proudly saying that I'm a UU student :)”
- Studentlife Team: “It’s a historical place where the Union of Utrecht was signed in 1579, eventually leading to the formation of the Dutch Republic! Now this is where all academic ceremonies take place.”
- Derin: “Every time I walk through this location, it always motivates me.””
Studio M
Media and Culture: Make it practical!- By Milan + 1
- Derin: “Our gorgeous temple! Or at least a meeting place for everyone! Not only home for Studio M but also the location for other student associations like AKT! ”
- Milan: “If you ever want to work out a project but just don't have the right material or knowledge/experience, the members of Studio M are always eager to lend you a hand.”
Plantjesmarkt
The place for plants!- By Fayruz + 1
- Milan: “Although I first ridiculed a friend of mine for her amount of plants, I now have eleven in my room…”
- Fayruz : “Flowers always remind me of my mom, hopping from one blossom to another like a little girl finding her happy place. There are so many beautiful flowers and plants on this market. Simply strolling amidst them makes my day better. ”
It's a Present!
Struggling to find the perfect gift? Visit It's a Present!- By Vito + 1
- Sarthak: “Imagine a store that's just like the Room of Requirement from Harry Potter. You never know what you might find inside, but one thing's for sure: it has something for everyone. ”
- Vito : “Here you can buy nice gifts, gadgets and cards for your friends and family. It is a cozy and colorful shop where you see something new every time you are there.”
- Many cafés
De Neude square
Perfect place to have a drink, paced with bars and restaurants- By Studentlife Team + 1
- Berne: “Square De Neude is a meeting place for me and my friends, as it is located in the city centre.”
- Studentlife Team: “Neude is the place that pops into your mind when someone asks to go for drinks. Among students, it has become a popular meeting point, while going out with friends.”
Coffeebar Anne & Max
In the summer, the courtyard garden is a great place to be.- By Studentlife Team + 2
- Jiani : “Anne&Max is a popular café in the city center, serving a delicious brunch. You need to try their croissant with scrambled eggs and salmon. It’s amazing! ”
- Berne: “Also a good location if you are looking for a place to study!”
- Studentlife Team: “Anne&Max is one of the best breakfast places in Utrecht. They also offer delicious coffee which now you can enjoy in their beautiful outdoor patio!”
- Bar dancing
Feestcafé De Vrienden
One of Utrecht's best-known student bars, right in the centre.- By Jamal + 1
- Berne: “In "De Vrienden" it is always busy, if you really want to dance well then you should not be here. But it's a good place to meet new people!”
- Jamal: “Maybe this is strange coming from a Med student, but life is more than studying. Sometimes your prefrontal cortex also deserves a night off. De Vrienden is perfect for that!”
