The largest city in the north of the Netherlands and famous for its cycling culture, Groningen is known for its beautiful canals, historic buildings and the youngest average population in the country. Here's how to make the most of Groningen on a short break.
Explore the city by bike
40 years ago, politicians launched an ambitious plan to reduce car use in the city. It was revolutionary at the time, and the results are still visible today. Around 60% of journeys in the city are made by bike. You can join a pre-planned tour, or simply rent a bike (from 10 euros/day) and explore the wide, red-brick streets on your own.
Visit Prinsentuin Garden
This lovely garden is ideally located just a few hundred meters from the hustle and bustle of Groningen. There are a few interesting “naughty” soundscapes that you can visit and there is no entrance fee. The garden is quite small so you won’t need more than 30 minutes to explore it. Despite its small size, the garden is perfectly laid out with rows of small trees forming a maze, along with a variety of roses, herbs and especially the archway covered with greenery.
Climb the Martini Tower
The Martini Tower is also known as “The Old Grey Thing” in Dutch. The church next to it has been around for over 500 years, in various guises (it has unfortunately been struck by lightning a few times in that time). You can climb the Gothic tower for stunning views over Groningen. Tickets are available at the tourist office for 3 euros, or just 1 euro at the entrance to the church, which will wow you with its vaulted ceilings and pipe organ. The church also has public spaces for community projects like university art exhibitions, so check the calendar before you visit!
Wandering around Noordeplantsoen park
Noordeplantsoen is a large tree-lined park about a kilometer long. It’s just outside the city center and is lined with large oak and poplar trees. The park is crisscrossed with paths that weave around ponds and you’ll see students and ducks frolicking happily in the shade. In the summer, it plays host to all sorts of events, from food festivals to live music festivals.
Where in Groningen?
Hotel Miss Blanche offers individually decorated rooms in the heart of Groningen, from small standard rooms to large apartments overlooking the canal. As usual with city centre locations, the good location means you’ll have to put up with a little noise at night, so be sure to ask for a quieter room if you’re a light sleeper. Double rooms start from 109 euros (room only).
Each room of the Miss Blanche hotel is decorated differently.
Another option is a boutique hotel called Corps de Garde. It offers 19 rooms with bold colors and quirky wallpaper. The communal spaces are especially welcoming, with a recently refurbished gallery and library, and some exposed ceilings that date back to 1634. Double rooms start from 119 euros (room only).
Cozy hotel room at Prinsenhof
Right next to the Prinsentuin gardens is the Prinsenhof hotel. It’s a historic building that’s been restored in its original style, mixing modern art with antique furnishings. The more expensive rooms have lovely details – some overlook the rose garden, or boast 100-year-old beams – but all come with free Acqua di Parma toiletries and Wi-Fi. Doubles start at 144 euros (room only).
What to eat in Groningen?
Bakkerij Blanche is definitely an Instagram-worthy brunch spot, with hanging potted plants and a few black and white accents like a marble breakfast bar. The brass bathrooms are as beautiful as... freshly baked bread.
What else? Pannekoekschip is a permanent pancake ship. Antique brass lamps and old engine parts give it a striking aesthetic. It serves both sweet and savory food and the portions are truly “huge”. It’s also a great place for kids. The best time to visit is during the week!
Frietwinkel is always busy in the evenings for one good reason: the skin-on fries, served with huge bowls of sauce, are incredibly cheap! Don’t leave without a goat cheese croquette!
Where to drink in Groningen?
At Mout, the bottom floor of a traditional stepped-up house has been converted into a lively “olive and old wood” bar, serving a wide range of Dutch craft beers.
Groningen is certainly not a city of coffee shops, but its artisan coffee shop, Black and Bloom, is worth a visit. It serves up a wide variety of freshly baked cookies and other tasty treats.
Where to shop in Groningen?
Zwanestraat is the first place to start your shopping journey. It was voted the most beautiful shopping street in the Netherlands in 2017 and is full of small shops and restaurants with a great view of the Martini building. If you want to visit one shop, it must be De Kaaskop – it will definitely make you feel more excited than ever. In addition to a variety of delicious cheeses from the Netherlands and elsewhere, this is also the destination for visitors to enjoy a lot of nuts and good wine.
De Zwerver is a cute little travel bookstore on Oude Kijk, Het Jatstraat. Although there isn’t a huge selection of English books, you could easily spend an hour just looking at the beautiful mugs, maps and range of notebooks.
De Kaaskop sells cheese, and....lots of cheese.
More information
- What currency do you need? Euros.
- Language: Dutch – however English is also widely spoken.
- Should you tip? A 10% tip is appreciated, but not required.
- Public transport: The easiest way to get around is by bike. But if cycling or walking isn't an option for you, there are also trains and buses available.
- Tip: Many shops and restaurants do not accept foreign debit cards, so it's best to bring cash instead!
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