Things To Do
in Groningen
Groningen is a lively university city in the north of the Netherlands known for its youthful energy, striking modern architecture and compact historic core. The city blends canals, cycling culture and a prominent skyline dominated by the Martini Tower. Groningen has a rich cultural scene with museums, music venues and frequent festivals, yet it remains easy to explore on foot or by bike.
The surrounding province offers access to wetlands, dunes and the Wadden Sea for day trips into nature.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a visit to the Martinitoren, the iconic tower that offers stunning views of Groningen. After climbing the 260 steps, enjoy a leisurely breakfast at a nearby café, savoring traditional Dutch pastries. Stroll through the picturesque streets of the historic center, admiring the beautifully preserved architecture and vibrant atmosphere.
In the afternoon, visit the Groninger Museum, renowned for its modern architecture and impressive art collection. Engage with interactive exhibits that showcase the city's history and contemporary art scene. Afterward, wander through the Noorderplantsoen park, where you can relax by the pond or enjoy a picnic surrounded by lush greenery.
As evening falls, head to the vibrant A-Kerk area for dinner at one of the many cozy restaurants offering local cuisine. Sample traditional dishes such as 'Groninger mustard soup' or fresh herring while soaking in the lively ambiance. Conclude your day with a nightcap at a local bar, enjoying the warm hospitality of the city.
Begin your day with a peaceful canal cruise, taking in the scenic views of Groningen's historic waterfront. Listen to the informative commentary as you glide past charming houses and lush greenery lining the canals. After the cruise, treat yourself to brunch at a canal-side café, indulging in Dutch pancakes topped with fresh fruit.
After brunch, visit the University of Groningen, one of the oldest universities in the Netherlands, to explore its beautiful campus and historic buildings. Check out the University Museum, which showcases fascinating scientific exhibits and historical artifacts. Spend some time at the nearby Harmonieplein, where you can relax and people-watch in a vibrant urban setting.
In the evening, treat yourself to a culinary experience at one of Groningen’s renowned restaurants specializing in international cuisine. After dinner, catch a performance at the Stadsschouwburg, the city’s main theater, where you can enjoy a variety of shows from drama to music. Wrap up your night with a leisurely stroll along the canals, basking in the reflections of the twinkling lights.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $10-15 |
| 🍽️Three-course meal for two at mid-range restaurant | $50-80 |
| ☕Coffee (regular) | $3-4 |
| 🍺Local beer (pub) | $4-6 |
| 🚆One-way local train or bus ticket | $2.50-5.00 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Compact, highly bikeable city with a lively student-driven culture
- Good mix of museums, live music and accessible nature nearby
- Friendly, safe and easy to explore on foot or by bike
- Weather can be windy and rainy much of the year
- Fewer direct international flight options than larger Dutch cities
- Some attractions and services follow quieter seasonal schedules outside summer
- "Hallo" - Hello
- "Dank u / Dankjewel" - Thank you
- "Alstublieft" - Please / Here you go
- "Waar is het station?" - Where is the station?
- "Ik spreek geen Nederlands" - I don't speak Dutch
Places to Visit in Groningen
Visit one of these nice places.
Iconic skyline landmark with panoramic views over the city—great for sunrise/sunset shots and architectural detail.
Striking modern architecture and colourful facades provide dramatic photo opportunities both inside and out.
A leafy inner-city park with ponds, winding paths and seasonal colours—excellent for nature and lifestyle photography.
Historic market square and adjacent canals capture lively street scenes, market activity and traditional buildings.
Lakeside vistas and reed-fringed shores ideal for tranquil landscape shots and golden-hour reflections.
Food in Groningen
Groningen Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A Groningen specialty: a deep-fried chopped-meat and ragout ball wrapped around a hard-boiled egg. Common at local snack bars and market stalls.
Must-Try!
Traditional Dutch mashed-potato-and-vegetable dish (often boerenkool/kale) served with smoked sausage — comforting and widely available in traditional restaurants in winter.
A spiced, sometimes caramelized cake or biscuit with a distinctive flavour; look for it in bakeries and specialty shops.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Central market areas where you’ll find weekday stalls selling produce, cheese, fish and quick snacks; Saturdays often have a larger market atmosphere with street-food options.
Seasonal stalls and small food trucks near the water and parks offering coffee, crepes, waffles and savory bites—perfect for grab-and-go eats.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Respect bike lanes—do not walk in them. Always look both ways when crossing and be aware of the heavy bike traffic.
Groningers are generally direct and pragmatic; politeness is valued but people may be frank. Punctuality for meetings and appointments is expected.
Keep noise reasonable in residential areas, especially at night; Dutch people value privacy and calm in neighborhoods.
A handshake is a standard greeting in formal situations; say 'dank u' (thank you) or 'dankjewel' in casual contexts.
Safety
Tipping in Groningen
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is appreciated but not obligatory; rounding up the bill or leaving 5-10% in restaurants for good service is common. For cafes and bars, leaving small change is typical.
Contactless debit cards and credit cards are widely accepted; the Dutch debit card (Maestro/EC) is common. Mobile payments (Apple/Google Pay) and PIN are standard. Cash is accepted but used less frequently.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Mild and pleasant with long daylight hours; ideal for cycling, canal trips and outdoor festivals. Expect occasional rain and breezy days near open water.
Crisp days, colourful parks and more frequent rain and wind—good season for cozy cafés and museum visits; bring a wind- and waterproof jacket.
Generally cool and damp rather than severely cold; occasional frost or snow can occur. Shorter days and festive markets make for atmospheric city scenes.
Blossom and greenery return, temperatures slowly rise and many outdoor spaces reopen; unpredictable weather means layers are useful.
Groningen at Night
Hiking in Groningen
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A diverse wetland reserve ideal for walking, birdwatching and long flat trails with wide skies and water views; reachable by car or public transport for a day trip.
Rolling heath, streams and traditional villages a short drive to the southeast—offers well-marked trails and scenic countryside walking.
Coastal trails and unique tidal landscapes; opportunities for guided mudflat (wad) walks and seal-spotting excursions along the north coast.
Airports
How to reach Groningen by plane.
The nearest regional airport about 15–30 km south of the city; offers seasonal and limited international flights. Shuttle buses and car/train connections link it to Groningen city center.
Major international hub approximately 2–3 hours by train from Groningen with frequent rail connections; best for most long-haul flights and wide airline choice.
A cross-border option in northern Germany about 1.5–2 hours by car or train; useful for some low-cost and regional routes depending on schedule.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
A large portion of the population is made up of students from the University of Groningen and Hanze University, creating a youthful and international vibe.
Established neighbourhoods of families and long-term residents contribute to a balanced urban mix outside the student areas.
Increasing numbers of internationals and researchers, attracted by the universities and local economy.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Local professional football team with a passionate fanbase; attending a match at Euroborg is a popular local experience.
Both a daily transport mode and a recreational sport—road cycling and leisure rides in the countryside are widespread.
Field hockey is common in clubs, while natural ice skating is a traditional winter activity when conditions allow.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Groningen.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Many cafés and restaurants offer vegetarian options and a growing number of fully vegetarian/vegan spots; markets and supermarkets have plant-based choices too.
Vegan dishes are increasingly common; ask staff about gluten-free options—many places will accommodate with prior notice.
Halal options are available but less ubiquitous than in larger Dutch cities—look for Middle Eastern or international restaurants; always confirm ingredients if you have strict dietary needs.