Best things to do in Utrecht: from Gamestate to the Dom Tower

Rain is tapping against the window, you're scrolling through the same three apps for the fifth time, and your friends are texting "do you know something fun to do?" Sound familiar? Utrecht is a beautiful city, but that's exactly why choosing an activity can feel overwhelming. Do you go for culture, action, or just a relaxing walk along the canals?

Maybe you're out with the kids and they're already "tired" after half an hour in a museum (spoiler alert: they're never really tired, they just want to move). Or you're planning a Saturday night out with your friend group, and the cinema feels predictable again. Couples looking for something other than yet another terrace date know this feeling too: coming up with a good idea is easier said than done.

That's why we've rounded up the best things to do in Utrecht. From active evenings to cultural highlights, including one you probably didn't expect to see at number one. This guide answers questions like what's there to do in Utrecht today and where you can go in Utrecht, no matter who you're with.

1. Gamestate Utrecht: the place to be for action and competition 🕹️

If you're looking for things to do in Utrecht that go beyond "just another café," start at [Gamestate Utrecht](/en/utrecht). Right in the city centre, at Mariaplaats 13, you'll find an indoor arcade hall that runs all year round, no matter what the weather does. Rain? No problem. Scorching hot? Also no problem, since it's fully climate-controlled inside. That instantly makes Gamestate one of the most flexible activities Utrecht has to offer.

A gaming paradise for every age

What sets Gamestate apart from an average outing is the sheer range of what's on offer. There's literally something for everyone, from your six-year-old nephew to your colleague who "isn't really into gaming" (you'll win them over within ten minutes).

- **Racing simulators:** Mario Kart Arcade GP DX and MotoGP simulators guarantee pure competition between friends, partners or parent and child.

- **Virtual reality:** Beat Saber and The Walking Dead VR pull you completely in, perfect as an icebreaker on a date or during a team outing.

- **Ticket games and redemption:** classics like skee-ball and claw machines earn you tickets you can later trade in at the prize wall full of plush toys, sweets and gadgets.

- **Air hockey and basketball hoops:** perfect for the whole group together, regardless of age or gaming experience.

- **Dance games:** Pump It Up guarantees plenty of laughs and, let's be honest, secretly also a workout for mum and dad.

The convenience of the Playcard system

Instead of carrying around loose coins, at Gamestate you use a rechargeable [Playcard](/en/utrecht). Your balance and tickets remain valid indefinitely, so even if you come back months later, your remaining credit is still there waiting for you. This is ideal for groups: nobody has to make change or split the bill, everyone just tops up their own card. A tip for smart planners: register your Playcard online, it gives you an extra benefit and protects your balance in case you lose it.

Opening hours and accessibility

Gamestate Utrecht is within walking distance of Utrecht Centraal station, making it easy to combine with the rest of your day in the city. The location on Mariaplaats sits right in the heart of the city centre, close to the Neude and within walking distance of the Dom Tower. Parking is available in one of the car parks around the centre, such as Springweg or Paardenveld.

| Day | Opening hours |

| --- | --- |

| Friday and Saturday | 12:00 to 01:00 |

| Sunday through Thursday | 12:00 to 00:00 |

No reservation is needed, which also makes Gamestate a strong Plan B if your day doesn't go as expected. What we often hear from visitors: a spontaneous visit ends up being the highlight of the day. If you want to plan on a budget, join in on Winners Wednesday: on Wednesdays, most games are half price, ideal during school holidays.

2. The Dom Tower and Domplein: culture with a view 🏰

No list of the best things to do in Utrecht is complete without the Dom Tower. The Netherlands' tallest church tower literally towers over the city, and the climb to the top rewards you with a breathtaking view, all the way to the Utrechtse Heuvelrug on a clear day.

What you can do there

You can climb the tower with a guided tour, or simply stroll across Domplein and soak up the atmosphere among students, terraces and street musicians. Around the square you'll find plenty of nice lunch spots, and the Dom Church itself is free to visit.

Connection with Gamestate

The Dom Tower and Gamestate are less than ten minutes' walk apart. A logical combo route: start your morning with the tower climb and a walk through the historic city centre, then wrap up the afternoon or evening at Gamestate on Mariaplaats. While the tower closes at 5 pm, Gamestate stays open for hours longer, making it a natural way to end your day.

3. National Military Museum: adventure for young and old 🚁

Just outside the city centre, in Soesterberg, you'll find the National Military Museum. The museum combines history with interactive technology and is hugely popular among families with teenagers who "think museums are boring" (until they see a real fighter jet up close).

Interactive and impressive

You'll walk among tanks, aircraft and simulators, and can even experience what it's like to sit in a helicopter. For teenagers who normally never put their phones down, this is surprisingly an outing where the screens can stay away for a while.

Connection with Gamestate

After a day full of technology and action in Soesterberg, the step to Gamestate is a small one. The racing simulators and VR experiences fit perfectly with the vibe teens just experienced at the museum. Combine an afternoon in Soesterberg with an evening back in the city at Gamestate Utrecht, and you've got a day built entirely around action and adventure.

4. Walking and cruising along the canals ⛵

Utrecht is famous for its unique wharf cellars and double canal structure, something you won't find in any other Dutch city. A boat trip or simply a relaxed walk along the Oudegracht belongs on every visit to the city.

What makes this special

The wharf cellars, once used for loading and storage, have now been transformed into cosy cafés and restaurants right on the water. Especially at sunset, a boat trip or walk along the canal is one of the most atmospheric activities Utrecht has to offer.

Connection with Gamestate

A boat trip usually takes about an hour, ideal as a warm-up for the evening. Afterwards, simply walk on towards Mariaplaats, where Gamestate is located less than five minutes from the canal. That way you combine daytime calm and atmosphere with evening action and competition, exactly the mix many visitors are looking for when they ask what to do in Utrecht on a weeknight.

5. Terraces and dining on the Neude and Vismarkt 🍔

No day or evening out in Utrecht is complete without a good terrace. The Neude and the Vismarkt are two of the city's most popular squares, offering a wide range of restaurants, from cosy eateries to trendy lunchrooms.

For every moment of the day

During the day it's lovely to relax here with a coffee, and in the evening the tables move closer together for drinks or dinner. For groups and couples, this is a great spot to start or end the evening.

Connection with Gamestate

The Neude is within walking distance of Mariaplaats, meaning you can easily build an evening around it: start with a bite on the terrace, then head over to Gamestate for the competitive part of the night. For groups of friends and hen or stag parties, this is a popular route, partly because at Gamestate you decide for yourself how much budget everyone spends via the Playcard, without the hassle of cash or a split bill.

Why Gamestate completes the best things to do in Utrecht

When you line up all the options, it's clear that Utrecht is a city where culture, nature and action all sit close together. Yet Gamestate is the place that brings all target groups together under one roof: families with young kids eager to clear out the prize wall, teenagers who finally set their phones aside for a VR headset, and groups of friends or couples looking for an alternative to the cinema or the pub.

The combination of no waiting time thanks to no reservations, long weekend opening hours and the flexible Playcard system makes it easy to drop by spontaneously, even if the rest of your day didn't go as planned. As the market leader in family entertainment centres in Europe, we continuously refresh our lineup, so even if you visit often, there's always a new game to take things Next Level.

Klaar voor jouw bezoek aan Gamestate?

Whether you choose a day full of culture along the Dom Tower and the canals, or head straight for action and competition, Gamestate Utrecht on Mariaplaats 13 is the perfect way to end your day in the city. Feel free to combine your day in Utrecht with museums, walks or a terrace, and finish it off at Gamestate late into the evening. Check the [Gamestate Utrecht location page](/en/utrecht) beforehand for current opening hours and ongoing promotions, and register your Playcard online in advance for extra benefits on your next visit.