Utrecht is buzzing with cool design places that we sometimes don’t even know exist. Are you going shopping in Utrecht for a cool outfit, hunting for furniture for your new home, or just looking for a lovely spot for a great dinner? We’re highlighting a few design spots from different categories for you. Take a look!
Fashion
LIVStores
You’ll find LIVStores on the bustling Twijnstraat. This lovely concept store sells unique items by Dutch entrepreneurs and young brands. You’ll find fashion, lifestyle, design, and accessories here, all under one roof. Oh yeah, and another cool fact: all items at LIVStores are sustainable, eco-friendly, and fair trade. Website: livstores.nl
Puha Shop
Puha Shop on the Voorstraat is where you can find unique products that attach great importance to fair trade materials and craftsmanship. The store offers a stage to about 70 different upcoming and talented designers. The assortment consists, among others, of original clothing for women and men, books, bags, and jewellery, and you can also see different art there. Why shop at Puha? Read our store report and find out.
Eleganza
For a big selection of the more beautiful women’s and men’s shoes, head to Eleganza on the Lijnmarkt. From trendy leisure shoes to fancier shoes from different esteemed brands, they’ve got it all. Website: eleganza.nl
Interior
Bij den Dom
For gorgeous furniture, you definitely need to check out Bij den Dom on the corner of the Oudkerkhof. This shop specializes in (Italian) design furniture. The collection comprises stylish and timeless couches, chairs, tables, cabinets, small interior items, wall paper, carpets, and lots more. Just walking through the shop is a feast for the eyes. Website: bijdendom.nl
Strand West
But don’t forget to visit Strand West, a super pretty interior shop on the Oudegracht. You can head to Strand West not only for furniture, but also for gorgeous accessories. They also have a gift section with small, fun, and funny gifts where you’re sure to find something if you need a present! Website: strandwest.nl
Emma b.
A couple of doors up on the Oudegracht is the exclusive furniture shop Emma b. This awesome little store has gorgeous, high-quality things for you. It’s a little Walhalla with especially Scandinavian design, like HAY and Normann. Take a look and you’ll thank us later. Website: emma-b.nl
Restaurants
WT Urban Kitchen
WT Urban Kitchen is located in the water tower on Heuveloord. Here, you can have a chic lunch 37 meters high with bubbly cava! Enjoy a delicious three-course lunch with a breath-taking view of our city! Believe me, you need to go there. Read our review on a wonderful lunch at WT Urban Kitchen.
Fico Urban Italia
You’ll find Fico Urban Italia on the Veilinghavenkade. Fico is the sister restaurant of WT Urban Kitchen. Here you can choose a four-, five-, or six-course menu. Do you want meat, fish, or vegetarian? There’s something for everyone on the menu. End the night with a sweet or hearty dessert. And of course, there are also delicious matching wines of the menu. Read our review on a romantic dinner at Fico.
Pictures by Lars Verkroost
De Zagerij
De Zagerij is located in the former Pastoe factory on Rotsoord in Utrecht. You can head here for a delicious lunch, dinner, or drinks six days a week. Extensive dining is possible in the restaurant area, where you’re seated by the open kitchen. The menu mainly lists vegetable-based and vegetarian dishes. Website:dezagerijutrecht.nl
Het Ketelhuis
Het Ketelhuis can also be found in the former Pastoe factory on Rotsoord. Here, you can have dinner five nights a week with a set and seasonal menu with matching wines. You can choose between four, five, and six courses. Read our review on a lovely evening at Het Ketelhuis.
Culture
The Rietveld Schröderhuis
For the culture fiends among us, the Rietveld Schröderhuis is one to recommend. This architectonic high point of the De Stijl art movement was developed and furnished by the Utrecht architect and sculptor Gerrit Rietveld in 1924. The Rietveld Schröderhuis is on the UNESCO World Heritage list, along with the Eiffel tower and Big Ben, among others. That’s already reason enough to check it out. Website: centraalmuseum.nl
TivoliVredenburg
Not a fan of museums? Then TivoliVredenburg might be something for you! The building has five unique rooms, each designed by a world-famous architect. Enjoy one of the many food and drink facilities or catch a concert: TivoliVredenburg offers a stage to all musical worlds, from classical to jazz. You can find me there monthly. Website: tivolivredenburg.nl
Free time
Five City Spa
After a busy day, head to Five City Spa in the Wittevrouwen area. Enjoy specialty massages, wonderful facials, and professional pedicures. Besides the daytime, you can also go in the evening outside of opening hours! How ideal is that? And to make your me-time a total success, you can enjoy a delicious Kusmi tea after your treatment too. Read why we love going to Five City Spa.
Laurent salon & spa
You’ll find Laurent salon&spa at Janskerkhof 11. As soon as you walk in, you’re welcomed by the stylish and serene ambiance, making you immediately zen. Careful attention is paid to the details, smells, and relaxing music. They offer a total concept for body, soul, head, head, and skin. Read our review on Laurent Salon & Spa.
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