I was recently asked by the editor of GAPBRAVE to write an article about somewhere specific in Utrecht. GAPBRAVE is the first bilingual global travel guide supporting local cultures worldwide. It's targeted at a young audience that want to travel or live a unique experience abroad, getting to know the local customs of their destination.
I chose to write about the salsa hotspots in Utrecht so read up if you have itchy dancing feet!
Now
I know what you're thinking, why are the words 'salsa' and
'Netherlands' in the same sentence? But stick with me on this one and
I'll sweep you off your feet.
I
am currently on exchange at University College Utrecht in the
Netherlands. Utrecht is an authentic Dutch city located half an hour
south of Amsterdam and is overflowing with yummy restaurants and
beer-laden bars, unique boutiques and students from all over the
world. I am definitely enjoying being away from the tourists looking
to smoke up and get crazy in Amsterdam and I encourage any one with a
broader outlook to visit my new home city.
I
began taking my university's salsa classes which taught me the basic
steps but also introduced me to Utrecht's salsa scene. Unbeknownst to
most, this city entertains one of the biggest salsa cultures in
Europe. Like in every city you need to know where to go so I hereby
present you with two of the salsa venues I have tried and loved.
First
up: Café Maria on
Mariaplaats. It's a small indoor bar located south of the city
centre within walking distance of the centraal station. Just
walking by you wouldn't pay much to it but it attracts a large amount
of salsa-goers every week. Salsa beginners do not avert your eyes!
From 21:30 a salsa teacher holds a free informal beginners class on
the dance floor. With him you will learn the basic steps that can
easily be evolved later on when dancing with your partner. From about
10 o'clock onwards the floor begins to fill with dancers from all
levels and backgrounds. It's definitely worth going to Café Maria
just for the free show! Do not worry if you are partnerless because
you will quickly be scooped up by a dancer who will adapt to your
level. The prices are reasonable, a glass of wine will set you back
3.50€ and a beer 3€.
Tips:
- Thursday is salsa night at Café Maria. Entrance is free.
- It can get crowded and sweaty on the dance floor so dress accordingly and girls bring a hair tie!
- You can order tapas until 22:00 and the atmosphere dies down at around 1 in the morning.
- Mariaplaats is a famous square with many bars and restaurants so if you don't have access to Google maps, follow the signs scattered around the city.
 |
| Café Maria restaurant and bar |
Second:
Stairway to Heaven, also on
Mariaplaats. This venue is a popular hang out for the locals
and boasts two dance floors and an upstairs dining space. Every
Tuesday there is a free salsa workshop from 20:30 and salsa regulars
come pouring in around 22:00 to showcase their impressive skills.
There are no rules but the lower floor is filled with more advanced
dancers whereas beginners tend to stay upstairs. Treat yourself to
nachos, hamburgers and other juicy meats for dinner (prices do not
exceed 16€).
Tips:
- Tuesday is salsa night at Stairway to Heaven and is called “Stairway to Salsa”. Entrance is free.
- Come here if you want to salsa but also have a drink and chat with your friends.
- You can order food until 22:00 but the atmosphere goes on until late.
 |
| Stairway to Heaven |
Whatever
your level of salsa I guarantee you a fun evening at these Spanish
cafés in the heart of a very Dutch city.
Getting
to Utrecht:
- Trains from Schiphol Airport to Utrecht leave every 20 minutes and cost 16.20€ return.
- Trains from Amsterdam Central Station to Utrecht depart every 15 minutes and cost 14€ return. After midnight, trains depart every hour.
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