Eating on the Utrecht wharves

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About Eating on the Utrecht wharves

Eating on the Utrecht wharves is a company with a local service area.

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Terraces a floor below street level, on the water, in medieval cellars. Nowhere else in the Netherlands is like it.

How it happened

The Oudegracht ran lower than the town. Merchants built cellars under their houses opening onto quays at water level, so goods went straight from boat to store.

What it is now

Those cellars are restaurants and cafés, with terraces on the quay in front. You sit by the water without hearing traffic, because the street is above you.

The Oudegracht

A kilometre and a half of wharf on both sides. The busiest stretch lies by the Vismarkt and the town hall bridge.

The Nieuwegracht

Quieter, with less hospitality and more trees. For the same picture without the crowds.

When to come

One side faces south. Which quay has sun changes by the hour, and locals know exactly which.

Where to look

The Oudegracht between the Vismarkt and the Ganzenmarkt, and the Nieuwegracht for quiet.