What to do in Utrecht this Valentine's Day

Visit Centraal Museum
For the cultural couple: Centraal Museum is Utrecht's local museum showing artwork and changing exhibitions. Right now, you can see “MODA”, an impressive Moroccan fashion exhibition, alongside paintings and art from several periods.

Listen to Live Music and have a Drink: t’ Oude Pothuys
Beloved by many, especially me, Pothuys is a cosy bar on Oudegracht where you can catch a live performance almost every night of the week. 

Go Ice Skating
The unfortunate thing about February is that it’s very cold. The silver lining is that you can go ice skating! This makes for an entertaining date, especially if you’re not a gifted skater. The popular ice rink De Vechtsebanen will have a special event called "Disco Skating" on the 14th, so you can try dancing on ice. 

Visit a book or vinyl store
There are countless book and music stores in Utrecht. If your significant other is a nerdy book or music lover, consider skimming through records together for a few hours. Pick out a book/CD/LP for one another, doubling this idea as a both date and a gift. 

Stroll Along the Singel
Enjoy the scenic sights of Utrecht with your loved one by walking along the Singel, the canal surrounded by parks and greenery in the city centre. A lap of the Singel is 5.2 km, not to mention it is an affordable way to spend some quality time with your significant other. If the sun is out, consider people-watching on a well-placed bench. Perhaps you can even bring a few snacks and turn it into a picnic.

Go to the movies
Utrecht has several cosy movie theatres showing cult movies. My favourites are Springhaver and The Louis Hartlooper Complex because they have the charming feel of a small-town cinema. Both movie theatres also have a restaurant and a bar, so you can easily turn it into a dinner and a movie type of date.

Try a New Experience
If you’re looking for something new, Utrecht is full of cafés offering fun activities, such as The Ping Pong Club, Jeu de Boules bar, Poolcafe, or Chi Chi Golf. Although, be warned, maybe this is not the perfect date for the “overly competitive” couple…

Go out for brunch
Brunch, this Frankenstein between breakfast and lunch, is a less formal meal than a dinner. Utrecht has more than enough places to brunch at, but I would suggest Karibu, Tijm, Gys, Café Ddadi, BROEI, De Veldkeuken, and Teds.

Final note: if you want to make someone special feel special with a romantic gesture, consider getting them some flowers. Sure, you can find those at any supermarket, but Utrecht has plenty of nice flower shops, such as Tom den Daas Bloemen and De Kleine Bloemensingel. And of course, one can't not mention the flower market on Oudegracht.