Instagrammable Cafes in Utrecht
History of Cafés in Utrecht
Utrecht Coffee Safari. The moment I walked through Utrecht’s charming streets, I felt at home. The old canals tight lanes and the smell of fresh coffee wrapped the city in a cozy storybook feel. I kept wondering how did cafés become such a big part of life here?
In the 17th century during the Dutch Golden Age, Utrecht buzzed with trade and visitors. People filled the streets and looked for places to sit chat and relax. Coffee houses quickly opened their doors to welcome them.
Back then, cafés packed small, smoky rooms. Men drank coffee smoked pipes and talked business. Coffee felt new exotic and sharing a cup was a little luxury.
By the 18th and 19th centuries, Utrecht’s cafés changed a lot. More cafés popped up along the canals and in the city center. They welcomed not just businessmen but also artists, writers and students. If you sit by a canal today, you can almost hear their lively conversations!
Cafes in Utrecht
Many cafés still stay inside old buildings with stone walls and wooden beams. I once sat in a little café near the Dom Tower sipped a creamy cappuccino and felt like I was touching history.
After World War II, life sped up and cafés added more color and casual vibes. Outdoor terraces filled the streets, and on sunny days people laughed sipped coffee and enjoyed the fresh air.
Today, Utrecht’s cafés buzz with life. Some serve plant-based lattes, some invite you to cozy up with books, and others hum with students working on laptops. Every café shares a story — about the city, its people, and the love for good coffee.
A café in Utrecht welcomes you like a warm hug. It offers more than just coffee it brings community, history and that beautiful Dutch coziness they call “gezelligheid.”
And that’s why, every time I visit Utrecht, I make sure to sit by the canal, coffee in hand and simply soak it all in feeling like a small part of a very old very special story.
1. The Village Coffee & Music
The cafe looks simple from the outside. A small black sign and a glass door invite you in. Inside the vibe changes completely. It is lively and warm.
The coffee here is very strong and full of flavor. I ordered a flat white with oat milk. It was creamy and had a deep roasted taste. You can tell they roast their own beans with care.
I also tried their banana bread. It was moist and sweet with small chunks of walnut inside. The portion was generous.
The seating area has a cozy indie feel. Wooden tables, a few vinyl records on the wall, and big windows for natural light. It felt like a place where artists and dreamers gather.
The atmosphere is casual and welcoming. Many people bring laptops or simply sit and chat with friends.
Address: Voorstraat 46, 3512 AP Utrecht
2. 30ML Coffee Roasters
You will spot this cafe easily because of its bright windows and clean design. It looks modern but still very cozy.
Inside the walls are white the furniture is simple wood and the plants are everywhere. It feels fresh and happy.
The coffee tasted amazing. I ordered a cappuccino with coconut milk, and the rich, creamy foam and smooth flavor won me over — no bitterness at all.
I loved their chocolate brownie the most. It came out thick, soft, and packed with melted chocolate chunks.
Soft natural light filled the entire café, making it perfect for Instagram photos. Every table looked beautiful for a perfect coffee shot.
Many people come here to relax, read books, or catch up with friends. It never felt too noisy.
Address: Vredenburg 23, 3511 BB Utrecht
3. KEK Utrecht
From the outside, KEK looks like a cozy little house. A small green door and a few potted plants welcome you.
Inside it is bright and cheerful. There are colorful cushions hanging plants and light wood tables. It feels like you are sitting in someone’s happy living room.
The coffee menu is big. I chose an iced latte with hazelnut syrup. It was cold, sweet and creamy. Perfect for a warm day.
I ordered their famous avocado toast too. It came with fresh tomatoes, feta cheese and a sprinkle of seeds. So delicious and very fresh.
The best part is the back garden. It is small but full of greenery and flowers. A perfect place for Instagram photos.
Everyone here seemed to smile more. The vibe is very positive and bright.
Address: Donkere Gaard 8, 3511 KW Utrecht
4. The Streetfood Club
This place is an explosion of colors. From outside, it looks like a normal restaurant. Inside it is a pink, green and gold dream.
The walls have palm trees and neon signs. The furniture is colorful velvet. Big golden chandeliers hang from the ceiling. Every corner is perfect for photos.
I tried a flat white here. It was strong but smooth. The presentation was beautiful too with a little heart in the foam.
I also ordered their “French Toast Surprise.” It came with fresh berries, cream and a little syrup pot. So sweet and satisfying.
It was a bit louder than other cafes but full of life and energy. Perfect if you want a vibrant background for your pictures.
Address: Janskerkhof 9, 3512 BK Utrecht
5. Ruby Rose
Ruby Rose is stunning. The cafe looks like a flower shop from outside. Big windows fresh bouquets and a lovely sign.
Inside, it feels magical. Flowers everywhere, soft velvet seats and golden touches on every table. The ceiling is painted like a rose garden.
The coffee was delicious. I had a mocha, and it was the perfect balance of coffee and chocolate.
I also tried their lemon tart. It was tangy, sweet and had a perfect buttery crust.
It is one of the most Instagrammable spots in Utrecht. Every seat, every table and every corner is picture-perfect.
The staff is friendly and the service was fast.
Address: Korte Jansstraat 23, 3512 GM Utrecht
6. Broei
Broei looks very earthy from outside. Lots of plants and a simple wooden sign.
Inside, it feels like a cozy greenhouse. Plants hang from the ceilings, sit on tables and peek from corners. It smells fresh and earthy.
I ordered a black coffee and a slice of vegan apple pie. The coffee was strong and rich. The pie was soft not too sweet and full of cinnamon.
The furniture is recycled wood. Big shared tables make it easy to meet other travelers. There are also small quiet corners for alone time.
Broei is very Instagrammable if you love natural, green spaces.
Address: Oosterkade 24, 3582 AV Utrecht
7. GYS
GYS is a small organic cafe. From outside, it looks simple but clean.
Inside, the design is minimal but cozy. White walls, wooden tables and soft jazz music in the background.
I had a matcha latte here. It was smooth, not bitter and very creamy.
I ordered a vegan burger too. It was big, juicy and full of flavor. The sweet potato fries on the side were crispy and perfect.
GYS is great for health-conscious people. Everything is organic and freshly made.
The light is soft and natural perfect for peaceful Instagram shots.
Address: Voorstraat 77, 3512 AL Utrecht
8. De Ontdekking
De Ontdekking means “The Discovery.” It truly feels like discovering a hidden treasure.
From the street, you see a cozy little shop with a blue door.
Inside, it feels vintage and charming. Old maps, wooden globes, and little travel souvenirs decorate the walls.
I ordered an espresso and a slice of homemade apple pie. Both were strong and comforting.
The seating area is small but very cozy. You feel like you are traveling back in time.
Every photo here looks warm and nostalgic. Perfect for vintage Instagram lovers.
Address: Voorstraat 110, 3512 AV Utrecht
9. Koffie Leute
This cafe is playful and colorful.
From outside, you see a bright yellow door and colorful posters.
Inside, it is full of retro vibes. Old games, vintage couches, and funny signs everywhere.
I had a latte here and it was soft and sweet.
I also tried a slice of cheesecake. It was creamy, light and had a perfect cookie crust.
The atmosphere is casual. Many people were playing board games and laughing.
It is perfect for fun Instagram photos with a retro twist.
Address: Westerkade 30, 3511 HC Utrecht
10. Bagels & Beans
Bagels & Beans is a chain, but it feels personal and cozy.
From outside, it looks simple with small plants and cute chairs.
Inside, it is warm and welcoming. Soft music, lots of light wood, and cute little drawings on the walls.
I had a cappuccino and a sesame bagel with hummus. Both were fresh and tasty.
It is a quiet place where you can sit for hours with a book or laptop.
Every corner is simple but very cozy for a quick Instagram snap.
Address: Oudegracht 145, 3511 AL Utrecht
Conclusion
Utrecht may be a small city, but it hides so many gems. Every café tells its own story and shows off its own style. From green jungle themes to pink velvet dreams you can find the cozy nook for your Instagram.
I loved sitting in a quiet courtyard, sipping coffee soaking up the sunshine and realizing that these little moments make life truly beautiful.
If you love cozy vibes, pretty photos and delicious coffee Utrecht welcomes you with open arms.
I hope you find your perfect cozy spot too!
Happy Coffee Adventures!
FAQs
Q1: What makes a café Instagrammable?
A: An Instagrammable café usually has beautiful decor, cozy corners, stylish food and drinks, and lots of natural light — perfect for capturing pretty photos!
Q2: Are there cafés in Utrecht with unique themes?
A: Yes! You’ll find cafés with jungle vibes, pink velvet designs, vintage styles, and even cozy book corners. Each place has its own special look.
Q3: Which areas in Utrecht have the most Instagrammable cafés?
A: The city center, around the canals, and near the Dom Tower are full of charming cafés perfect for photos.
Q4: Can I find vegan or plant-based options at these cafés?
A: Absolutely! Many trendy cafés in Utrecht offer plant-based lattes, vegan cakes, and healthy brunches.
Q5: Is it okay to take photos inside the cafés?
A: Most cafés are happy when guests take photos, especially if you tag them on Instagram. Just remember to be polite and avoid disturbing other customers.
Q6: What’s the best time to visit for photos?
A: Morning to early afternoon is best! Soft natural light fills the cafés, and they are usually less crowded.
Q7: Do I need to book a table in advance?
A: For popular cafés, especially on weekends, it’s a good idea to reserve a table to avoid waiting.