Funny thing: last week I got a call from someone who had read the article about the Daalsebuurt on INDEBUURT. She was getting to know the different neighbourhoods. But she didn't actually know this one yet. She had read an article from 2019. And since then the neighbourhood has become even nicer. Have you discovered the Daalsebuurt yet? This Utrecht neighbourhood has undergone an enormous transformation. Where in 2010 I didn't even dare wait for the bus here, we now live here ourselves. What's more, it's now one of many Utrecht residents' favourite places. The neighbourhood is buzzing, house prices are rising (yes, we'll come to the figures shortly) and the atmosphere is getting livelier and livelier. Curious why you really should buy a house in the Daalsebuurt now? Read on!
1. The Amsterdamsestraatweg is getting a makeover
Let's start with the news of the day: the Amsterdamsestraatweg is being redesigned. You'd probably not noticed yet 😉 The street will still be dug up next year. But after that it'll be more beautiful than ever. Once a long, busy traffic artery, no less than 5 km long and dead straight, but now ready for a modern, fresh look. Wide pavements, more greenery, fewer cars and above all: much more conviviality. This will be the new draw for an afternoon of shopping, strolling or just flopping down on a terrace. And the benefits? Liveliness without it feeling chaotic. Ideal for young families, couples and really anyone who loves a cosy city vibe.
The Amsterdamsestraatweg is one of Utrecht's most iconic streets and has a rich history going back more than 200 years. Originally, the main route between Utrecht and Amsterdam ran via the Tweede Daalsedijk, a road built around 1200. This route remained the main road to Amsterdam for centuries, until Napoleon Bonaparte ordered the construction of the Amsterdamsestraatweg in 1812 as part of the road connecting Amsterdam and Paris, the Route Impériale. With that, the Tweede Daalsedijk lost its prominent role.
The Amsterdamsestraatweg, laid out dead straight, remained the main route between Utrecht and Amsterdam until well into the 20th century. At 5 kilometres long, it's also the longest street in the Netherlands. Over the years the street has gathered many stories, from its construction by Napoleon to the opening of the largest sex shop in the Benelux.
2. The food and drink scene is flourishing: from Moos to De Hondekop
Not so long ago, the Amsterdamsestraatweg was mainly home to shawarma places and hair salons. Not that we have anything against them, but let's be honest, a bit of variety is nice, right? Well, that change is in full swing. Alongside the established names, there's now an explosion of new, trendy places to eat and drink. Moos is a trendy spot for food and drinks where you can enjoy a good drink on the terrace in the sun.
Then there's De Hondekop, a brilliant new spot run by the team behind Zware Jongens. With a unique atmosphere. There's even a trendy Bakkert in the building. The dishes are truly innovative. Yet you'll also still find the good old familiar places, such as Satriales Pizza for artisan pizzas. And don't forget Prem, where you can get the most delicious Surinamese sandwiches or roti.
Fancy somewhere a bit special to eat or drink? Then alternative places such as De Nar, Warmoes and the Ping Pong Club are real must-visits. They're just that little bit different, and definitely worth a detour. For the most delicious gluten-free cakes, head to Rose & Vanilla, and if you fancy a lovely sandwich, Brandstof is the place to be.
3. From hair salon to concept store
The Amsterdamsestraatweg is changing not only in look, but also in what it offers. Where you used to trip over the shawarma places and hair salons, you now see trendy concept stores (such as &meer and Winkel vol winkeltje), coffee bars and vintage shops popping up. Bagels & Beans has been here for a while, and the number of cool new places keeps growing. For exotic ingredients you absolutely must go to Amazing Oriental, where you'll find products you can't buy anywhere else.
And for wine lovers, Familie van Rijk is the place to be. Whether you're looking for a reasonably priced bottle or going for something special, they have it all. And want to really push the boat out? They sell a wine from Spain here that ranks among the top 1% of wines in the world. We also really recommend The Food Club. Jeroen and Carlijn make the whole neighbourhood feel at home. It's gluten-free, but you can't taste that at all. In sunny weather we also love sitting on the terrace at GYS. The vegetarian hotspot among the terraces. Fancy Greek food? Then head to Oli Mazi or ’t Dikkertje. Both are family restaurants: while one serves fusion dishes, the other specialises in authentic cuisine.
Feel like cooking? You'll find the most exotic ingredients on the Amsterdamsestraatweg.
4. Hidden parks and playgrounds
But what if you want to escape the bustle for a while? No worries, the Daalsebuurt has plenty of options for that too. Julianapark, a lovely green spot for a walk or a picnic, is within walking distance. This park is the place for a relaxing day in the sun. Have you seen the Miffy (Nijntje) playground yet? The Daalsebuurt also has lots of hidden playgrounds and little parks. Perfect for young families who want to escape the hustle and bustle of the city for a while. You'll always find a quiet green spot here to relax, or for the children to play.
5. The Werkspoorkwartier: from industrial to creative paradise
Close to the Daalsebuurt is the Werkspoorkwartier, an area that has grown into a creative hotspot in recent years. Here you'll find not only art and culture, but also great places to eat and drink, such as Brouwerij De Leckere, De Nar and Warmoes. Whether you come for a drink, a cultural event, or just to wander among the industrial buildings, the Werkspoorkwartier has something for everyone. Perfect for an inspiring afternoon out in your own neighbourhood.
6. And now a word about those house prices…
The housing market in Utrecht is booming, but you probably knew that already. Still, we want to zoom in specifically on the Daalsebuurt and Pijlsweerd. House prices in Pijlsweerd rose by 19% over the past year. By comparison, for Utrecht as a whole that percentage was 18%. So the rise in this neighbourhood is just slightly higher, which means only one thing: this is the moment to seize your chance. Waiting means prices will rise even further, and before you know it, you'll be too late.
Did you know that no less than 73% of buyers come from Utrecht itself? And that 11% of buyers come from Amsterdam? That says enough about the neighbourhood's popularity. People from outside the city are increasingly discovering the charm of the Daalsebuurt, but it's above all the people of Utrecht themselves who know this is the place to live.
7. The neighbourhood where you now do dare to wait for the bus
We can't say it often enough: the Daalsebuurt has undergone a true metamorphosis. Where you used to look around nervously at the bus stop, the neighbourhood is now hip and happening. It's the place where young families, first-time buyers and creatives love to live. We really love living here. The mix of character, history and renewal makes it one of the most sought-after neighbourhoods in Utrecht. And honestly, who wouldn't want that?
So, are you convinced? Book a viewing and discover for yourself why this is the place you want to live. Don't forget to stop by Moos for a good cup of coffee or settle in at De Hondekop for a drink. See you in the neighbourhood!
