Groningen - an attractive new option for your trip to the Netherlands.

As the largest city in northern the Netherlands and renowned for its cycling culture, Groningen is famous for its beautiful canals, historic buildings, and the youngest average population in the country. Here's how to make the most of Groningen for a short getaway.

Explore the city by bicycle.

Forty years ago, politicians implemented an ambitious plan to reduce car use within the city. At the time, this plan was revolutionary, and its results are still evident today. Proof of this is that approximately 60% of city journeys are now undertaken by bicycle. You can join a pre-planned tour, or simply rent a bike (around €10/day) and explore the wide, red-paved streets on your own.

Visit Prinsentuin Gardens

This charming garden is ideally located – just a few hundred meters from the bustling center of Groningen. There are several interesting and quirky acoustic areas to visit, and admission is free. 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 labyrinth, along with many varieties of roses, herbs, and, notably, a covered walkway overgrown 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 stood for over 500 years in various forms (because during that time it has unfortunately been struck by lightning a few times). You can climb the Gothic tower to enjoy stunning views of Groningen. Tickets are available at the tourist office for 3 euros, or you can pay just 1 euro at the entrance to the church – which will impress you with its vaulted ceilings and tubular organ. The church also has public spaces for community projects such as university art exhibitions. So be sure to check the schedule before you visit!

Wandering around Noordeplantsoen Park

Noordeplantsoen is a large, shady park, about a kilometer long. Located just outside the city center, it boasts rows of large, old oak and poplar trees. The park is crisscrossed with paths winding around ponds, and you'll find students and ducks alike enthusiastically playing in the shade. In the summer, it hosts all sorts of events, from food festivals to live music concerts.

Where to stay in Groningen?

Miss Blanche Hotel offers individually decorated accommodations in the heart of Groningen, ranging from small standard rooms to spacious apartments overlooking the canal. As is typical with city center locations, good spots also mean you'll have to put up with some noise at night, so remember to request a quieter room if you're a light sleeper. Double rooms start from €109 (room fee only).

Another option is a boutique hotel called Corps de Garde. This hotel offers 19 rooms with striking colors and rather unusual and eye-catching wallpapers. The common areas are particularly welcoming, featuring a recently renovated gallery and library, along with some cleverly designed exposed ceilings dating back to 1634. Double rooms start from 119 euros (room only).

Right next to the Prinsentuin gardens is the Prinsenhof Hotel. This historic building has been renovated in its original style, blending modern art with antique furnishings. The more expensive rooms have lovely details – some overlook the rose garden, or showcase 100-year-old beams – but all come with complimentary Acqua di Parma toiletries and Wi-Fi. A double room costs €144 (room only).

What to eat in Groningen?

Bakkerij Blanche is definitely an ideal brunch spot perfect for Instagram photos. It features hanging potted plants and a few black and white accents, like a marble breakfast bar. The beautifully polished copper restrooms resemble... a freshly baked loaf of bread.

What else? Pannekoekschip is a permanently fixed pancake-serving ship. Its antique brass lamps and old engine parts create a striking aesthetic. The ship serves both sweet and savory dishes, and the portions are truly enormous. It's also a great place for kids. The best time to visit is during the week!

Frietwinkel is usually bustling in the evenings for one compelling reason: skin-on fries served with large bowls of sauce at incredibly low prices! Don't leave without trying a goat cheese croquette!

Where to drink in Groningen?

At Mout, the lower level of a traditional stilt house has been renovated into a vibrant "olive and old wood" bar, serving a variety of Dutch craft beers.

Groningen is certainly not a city of cafés, but its Black and Bloom artisanal café is definitely worth a visit. It also serves a wide variety of freshly baked cookies and other delicious treats.

Where to shop in Groningen?

Zwanestraat is the perfect place to start your shopping adventure. Voted the most beautiful shopping street in the Netherlands in 2017, it boasts a variety of small shops and restaurants with expansive views overlooking the Martini building. If you want to visit a shop, it absolutely must be De Kaaskop – a place sure to uplift your spirits. Besides a wide selection of delicious Dutch and other cheeses, it's also a great place to sample a wide variety of nuts and fine wines.

De Zwerver is a charming little travel bookstore located on Oude Kijk, Het Jatstraat. While it doesn't have a wide selection of English-language books, you could easily spend an hour admiring the beautiful mugs, maps, and lovely notebooks.

Additional information

What currency do you need? Euros.

- Language: Dutch – however, speaking English is also extremely common.

- Should you tip? A 10% tip would be appreciated, but it's not mandatory.

- Public transportation: The easiest way to get around and sightsee is by bicycle. But if cycling or walking isn't a suitable option for you, you can always choose trains and buses.

- Tip: Many shops and restaurants don't accept foreign debit cards, so it's best to bring cash instead of a card!

Hai Hien