Utrecht is a veritable shopper’s paradise. Shopping mall Hoog Catharijne is one of the best-known malls in the whole of Holland. Quite in contrast are the narrow inner city streets with their chic boutiques, delicatessen shops and exclusive gift shops. Shopping in Utrecht is great fun!

Fun shopping

Are you looking for antique objects or trendy gear? Come and shop in Utrecht’s old centre. A range of contemporary, with-it shops and special fashion stores for young and old will cater to your wishes. As motorized traffic is banned from the heart of the city you will be able to shop at your leisure.

Local colour

Every little alleyway and corner in the city’s Museum Quarter has plenty of places to browse trendy boutiques, delicatessens and exclusive gift shops. And even 100% Utrecht. To create a true shopper’s paradise, motorised traffic is banned from the heart of the city! Markets are a great way to get to know a city. Enjoy the market sellers singing the praises of their fresh fish, flowers and fruit, browse through home-designed clothes, jewellery and leather goods and sample cake from a master baker.

 Tip: Combine a day of shopping with a delightful Tapas Tour

Tip: Flower Market on the Janskerkhof and Oudegracht, Clothes market on the Breedstraat (Saturdays only)

Like arts or antiques?

Utrecht is known for its many galleries presenting contemporary and trendy art, including the works of local artists, as well as paintings, sculptures and photographs by (inter)national masters. Most galleries and antique dealers offer art for sale.

Tip: Try a creative pottery or painting on canvas workshop!

Markets

Markets are a great way to get to know a city. On a number of days and locations throughout the city the Utrecht vendors offer their wares. Come and listen to them praise their fresh fish, flowers, fruit and materials. Stamps and second hand goods are among the many items for sale at the markets. A flowermarket is a feast for the eyes, on Saturday Utrecht has two, one on Janskerkhof and one on Oudegracht. On Saturday morning the ‘lapjes’markt (fabrics market) on Breedstraat is the place to go for bargain fabrics.

Department stores

When you get off the train at Utrecht Central Station you arrive in the largest shopping mall of Holland: Hoog Catharijne. All Dutch main store chains are represented here. More department stores such as Bijenkorf, HEMA and V&D are located a little further on, in the heart of the city. Take your pick!