What’s it like to move to and live in Utrecht?
Utrecht is the fourth largest city in the Netherlands and the one city I always tell people to visit if they want to see something else besides Amsterdam.
My friend Anja moved to Utrecht from Belgium and I’m excited to do this interview with her to share more about what life in Utrecht is like.
This article is part of the Ask an Expat Series. In this series I interview people living all over the world but outside of their home country. I try to help paint an honest picture of the pros and cons of life abroad, share tips for other (future) expats, and information about the city the expat now calls home.
Life in Utrecht, the Netherlands
Name: Anja Meuwissen
Age: 52
Hometown: Houthalen, Belgium
Why Did You Move to Utrecht?
”For work, not for love or studies like so many others. 😉
Before I moved to Utrecht I was working in the travel industry as an interim employee for a company in Belgium.
I’ve always been a very social person, so I quickly built good relationships with my colleagues in the Netherlands. We met up for work a few times and really had a good connection. When there was a job opening at our HQ in Utrecht, they immediately reached out to me, asking if I was interested in applying. So I did, and I got the job.
For the first few months, I traveled between Utrecht and Antwerp, as I had to finish my interim job in Belgium as well.
But, traveling between two cities and working two jobs was a bit exhausting, so one day I decided to move to Utrecht completely. December 1st, 2010 – I’ll never forget that day.
The first few years, I rented, which isn’t cheap in Utrecht. Eventually, in 2018, I managed to buy a small place in Utrecht and I’ve been living there ever since.
While I was renting I lived in many parts of the city, and I can tell you, each part has its own charm and beauty.”
What Do You Like About Living in Utrecht?
”Utrecht is a student city. Vibrant, lively, and safe.
When I first moved to Utrecht I went out a lot and felt good knowing I could easily walk around at night without problems. There are always people on the street.
Nowadays, I’m more into having a nice dinner or a few drinks, and I usually try to catch the last bus home when the weather isn’t nice. That’s a great thing about Utrecht—the public transportation is really good. My last bus is around 1 am, and if you miss it, there is a night bus to certain areas once per hour starting at 2 am.
When the weather is nice, I typically cycle or walk, another great thing about Utrecht, bicycle lanes are available and well-maintained. Utrecht is also a very walkable city.
Another thing I love about Utrecht is that it’s a medieval city with so much history. There are beautiful old buildings, canals illuminated by lanterns that tell a story through their consoles, wharf cellars that have been converted into cafes and restaurants, and castles both within and outside the city center.
Utrecht is also wonderful for shopping. Hoog Catharijne shopping mall was recently renovated, and our city canal runs right underneath it. Outside the mall, shops are clustered together along the canal and within the many side streets that branch off from it.
Another great thing about Utrecht is its central location in the Netherlands. The city has excellent connections to the rest of the country, both by car and public transport.
If you enjoy going to bars or restaurants, Utrecht has a huge selection. From traditional places that have been around for many decades to trendy new places popping up all the time. You just can’t keep up.
And for those into museums, Utrecht has many to offer.”
What Do You Dislike About Living in Utrecht?
”There’s really nothing I dislike about the city itself.
The only problem is that it’s becoming very expensive, especially when it comes to housing. I would like to buy a bigger house, but that’s impossible if you’re a single earner.
And of course, I dislike the Dutch winter weather, but that doesn’t only apply to Utrecht.”
Also Read: Things to Do in Utrecht When it Rains
Is Utrecht Safe as a Place to Live?
”Yes, absolutely.
Of course, it’s always important to use common sense. Unfortunately, car break-ins happen regularly.
And around the end of the year, quite a few cars are set on fire in the province. But again, this doesn’t happen only in Utrecht.”
Is Utrecht Expensive as a Place to Live?
”I guess it depends on what you compare it to.
Sanne and I met in Valencia while she was living there. If you compare the cost of living in Utrecht to that of Valencia, then yes, Utrecht is expensive.
If you compare it to major cities in the United States, then Utrecht is more affordable.
Housing in Utrecht is expensive compared to local salaries. And eating out isn’t cheap. You’ll easily pay 7 euros for a glass of wine and 3.5 to 5 euros for a latte macchiato.
If you’re comparing living in Amsterdam to living in Utrecht, then you’ll find Utrecht a bit more affordable”
What is Your Favorite Thing to Do in Utrecht?
”Showing friends, family, colleagues, and even total strangers the city through a walking tour. I’ll tell them the juicy stories and show them the best bars, restaurants, and hidden gems.
I also love to explore the city myself and try out new bars and restaurants, so I can add them to my Google Maps. I have a reputation to maintain, even colleagues who have lived their whole life in Utrecht come to be me for sightseeing and restaurant tips.”
Any Favorite Bars and Restaurants in Utrecht you’d Love to Share?
”Oh my gosh, I don’t know where to start. Ok, my absolute favorites are:
La Cantina di David – An Italian restaurant in a beautiful wharf cellar. In summer, you can sit outside on the terrace and watch the boats and ducks pass by. I’ve been a customer there for over ten years.
Piero’s – An Italian restaurant. One of the waiters I know from Cantina di David is co-owner of this restaurant, and he has the best pizzas. It’s also a very cozy place with friendly staff. I like that people recognize me when I go there.
My favourite breakfast place: Karibu. Located a little bit out of the city, about a 20-minute walk from the central station. And while you’re in the area, do stop to admire the former prison Wolvenburg, which is an event space now called De Lik.
The Rum Club: Great for a cocktail and an appetizer. It’s truly a beautiful wharf cellar. You instantly feel happy thanks to the colorful interior.
Ruby Rose: Though no longer the new place in town, it still impresses many visitors with its Instagram-worthy interior. It’s a great spot for wine and drinks, offering a shared dining concept.
Olivier: A beer bar in a former shelter church. This is a must-see. Try some “bitterballen”.
Rubens Proeflokaal: my hidden gem, tucked away in a small street on the edge of the city. They offer delicious liqueurs, whiskeys, cognacs, gin tonics, wines, beers, and some really nice cheese and meat platters to go with it.”
What is the Expat / International Community Like in Utrecht?
”As a Dutch-speaking expat, I didn’t really have to dig into the international community. But, there are plenty of international groups to join.
You’ll find various groups on Facebook or Meetup.com.
Personally, when I moved here, I joined NMLK (Nieuwe Mensen Leren Kennen, which translates to “getting to know new people”). You can organize your own activity such as a city walk, dinner, movie, or game night, or find an event that someone else is organizing. It’s great for singles, but couples are also part of the community. By using this platform you’ll never have to go out alone, you’ll always find people to join you.
The great thing about Utrecht compared to Amsterdam, in my opinion, is that international people blend in with the locals more.”
Any Tips for Moving to / Living in Utrecht?
”You don’t need to speak Dutch to live in Utrecht, but it’s highly appreciated if you do (or at least try).
The city has become very international though, and sometimes in restaurants or shops, the staff doesn’t even understand or speak Dutch.
Be prepared for Dutch weather (rain, wind, etc.), and be prepared to ride a bicycle.
Before moving, try to live here first in autumn or winter (for example, November or January). If you can stand the worst, you’ll appreciate the best months more.
Make sure you know everything about the paperwork, especially if you plan to live here officially. You’ll need to register with the municipality to get your BSN (Burgerservicenummer) and have health insurance.
I was quite surprised to find out that health insurance is much more expensive in the Netherlands than in Belgium. Prices vary based on the choices you make, but it’s roughly between 150 and 250 euros per month. It’s something to consider when you negotiate your salary.”
Also Read: Things to Consider Before Moving to Another Country
Any Resources You Found Useful During the Process of Moving to and Building a New Life in Utrecht?
Kamernet.nl: to rent a room or apartment in Utrecht.
Funda.nl to buy property (tip: use a realtor), but you can also find rental properties on this website.
City of Utrecht: the official government website.
Is There Something You Just Have to See or Do When You Are In Utrecht?
”There’s a lot to see, and a walking tour is the best way to hear the fascinating stories that bring the city to life.
If I had to choose, this would be my must-see list:
The Dom Tower: Recently completely renovated, it’s the pride of our city. The tower used to be connected to the church, and an interesting fact, it’s the tallest church tower in the Netherlands.
The City Crane (Stadskraan): Originally it stood in the city center at the Oudegracht at Winkel van Sinkel. The crane broke and wasn’t repaired. In 2022, they made a reconstruction, and it’s now a must-see attraction. It’s lovely to spot it while taking a boat tour.
The Utrecht Library: Located inside the former post office building of the Netherlands at Neude.
Olivier: A Belgian beer bar in a former shelter church. Utrecht has a rich history of schuilkerken (shelter churches). After the Reformation began in Utrecht in 1580, public Catholic worship was banned. Churches were taken over by Protestants and religious minorities like Catholics, Lutherans, and Mennonites had to hold services in hidden or disguised locations.
Oudaen: A city castle (stadskasteel) with a rich history. They have their own in-house brewery.
Miffy’s Little Square. Miffy is a fictional white rabbit (Nijntje in Dutch) created by artist Dick Bruna. Miffy became incredibly popular in the Netherlands and a sculpture of Miffy was placed on this square in Dick Bruna’s hometown.
A boat tour on the canals. I can recommend Utrechtsloeprondvaarten.nl which is a family-owned business, not a big organization. You can bring your own snacks on the boat and buy drinks from them at reasonable prices. Because Utrecht has such lively canals running through the city, seeing Utrecht from a boat like this is a great experience!”
About Utrecht
Utrecht is one of the Netherlands’ most charming and livable cities.
Often overshadowed by Amsterdam, the city offers a similar canal-lined beauty but with a more relaxed and local feel.
Utrecht’s historic center is compact and easily walkable, with its iconic Dom Tower, lively terraces, and unique split-level canals that set it apart from other Dutch cities.
As a university town, Utrecht has a youthful energy, plenty of cultural events, and a great café scene. It’s also well-connected, with excellent public transport links making it easy to explore the rest of the country.
Whether you’re drawn to its historic charm, bike-friendly streets, or thriving international community, Utrecht has a lot to offer for those looking to move to the Netherlands.
Also Read:
- Things to Do in Utrecht When it Rains (and on Sunnier Days)
- What’s It Like to Live in Amsterdam – Interview
- What’s It Like to Live in Rotterdam – Interview
- What’s It Like to Live in The Hague – Interview
- Typical Dutch Food You Should Try