NL

Culture and going out

In Utrecht you can enjoy a varied range of art and culture. You can visit museums, the municipal theatre, the TivoliVredenburg music centre or one of the many cinemas and film theatres in the city at a discount. You will have to show your student card and, possibly, proof of registration.

Courses and performances at the Parnassos Culture Centre

Parnassos is the culture centre for students in Utrecht. At Parnassos you can attend courses on music, theatre, photography, fine arts, writing and dance. You can also go to dance, music and cabaret evenings, theatre productions and jam sessions.

> Take a look at what is on offer at Parnassos.nl

Hiring rehearsal rooms

At Parnassos you can hire rehearsal rooms of various sizes. These are set up for music, theatre and dance. Each room has a music system and a tuned piano. If you want to rehearse regularly then a Parnassos Card is handy. With the card, you can practice in the rehearsal rooms as often as you like (for a month or a year) during opening hours.

Student discount

Students have a discount on the courses and facilities at Parnassos.

Open lesson week and enrolment

Parnassos has two seasons:
  • September to January
  • February to June
You can often also enrol for short courses in November and April. In September, you can attend trial lessons free of charge during the Open Lesson Week.

> Enrol at Parnassos (in Dutch)

More art and culture

Utrecht events calendar

Music/theatre

Stadsschouwburg Utrecht
Theater Kikker
TivoliVredenburg
Het Werftheater

Film

Filmhuis 't Hoogt
Filmhuis Louis Hartlooper Complex
Springhaver

Beeldende Kunst en Vormgeving

HKU Academiegalerie
Centraal Museum
Rietveld Schröder Huis
Museum Catharijneconvent

Recreation

There is always a lot going on in Utrecht. Besides a multitude of pubs and restaurants, Utrecht has various
museums, a city theatre (Stadschouwburg), several cinemas and smaller theatres. Foreign films are usually shown in their original language with Dutch subtitles.

  • Utrecht has a wide variety of pubs (usually referred to as a café or kroeg) and restaurants. Ask your fellow students about the most popular venues. Note that a particular kind of coffeeshop is more dedicated to the sale and consumption of hashish and marijuana than coffee!

  • Pubs are usually open until 1 or 2 a.m., on Thursday to Saturday until 3 or 4 a.m.. Alcohol is served as well as coffee, tea and soft drinks. Often small snacks are available.

  • In Utrecht’s large diversity of restaurants, you can have a simple and cheap meal or enjoy a more expensive cuisine. www.iens.nl or www.tripadvisor.com offer reviews and adresses.

  • The Facebook page of 'I know this great little place in Utrecht' will show you the best kept secret spots in the city of Utrecht. A collection of thoughts on the best in Utrecht's unexpected or special little venues and activities.

  • Parnassos is the cultural center of Utrecht University. They offer courses and workshops in visual arts, dance, film, photography, music and theater.

    Parnassos also has rehearsal rooms of various sizes. These are designed for music, theater and dance. Each room has a music system and a tuned (grand) piano.

    HKU students can make use of all Parnassos facilities, at a reduced rate (rate 1). When registering, let them know you are a student at HKU and bring your student ID card.

    For more about workshops, courses and other possibilities, www.parnassos.nl

  • You can purchase an ISIC for € 12. This will give you various discounts and other benefits, such as reductions on travel arrangements, youth hostels, museums, cultural events and entertainment. It also provides emergency help line services including legal and medical assistance and access to a world wide telecommunications package.

    The card is issued in more than 100 countries. You can find more information on www.isic.org.