UTRECHT, THE NETHERLANDS. 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 Utrecht Centraal (Central 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.

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.
  • Whatever your level of salsa I guarantee you a fun evening at these Spanish cafés in the heart of a very Dutch city.
Stairway to Heaven

Stairway to Heaven

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.