Groningen: tips, sites, Martini Tower, nature and more!

Like a local

Vibrant city life vs. ultimate peace and quiet

With brand-new architecture rising up next to historic, centuries-old buildings, Groningen is just like its inhabitants: down-to-earth, vibrant and daring. Standing watch over all of this is the Martini Tower, a Gothic beacon amidst Groningen's bustling city life. Nicknamed D'Olle Grieze (The Old Grey One), it has been looking out over the city and the surrounding countryside for over 500 years and has witnessed many changes. One such change was the building of the Forum. This contemporary and futuristic building is the new cultural ‘living room’ of the city, with a library, cinema and various exhibition spaces. Take the escalators up – an experience in itself – and enjoy the unparalleled view from the roof.

Groningen is bursting with creativity. It’s the heart of the vibrant cultural scene of the northern part of the Netherlands and home to numerous museums, theatres and festivals. Take the Groninger Museum. The exterior alone is a work of art, and then there are its unique exhibitions. Take a good look around when walking through the city, because art can often be found literally in the street. Festivals such as Eurosonic Noorderslag and Noorderzon provide a stage to local and international talent, so it’s no surprise that Groningen was an important stepping stone to global fame for international artists such as Dua Lipa and Sam Smith.

Don’t worry if the day is coming to an end but you’re not quite ready to head home yet. In Groningen, we do not rush the fun. With no closing times for the hospitality industry, you can stay out for as long as you like. Poelestraat and Peperstraat offer the most places to really cut loose, but there is also plenty to discover in the rest of the city. Whether you fancy a craft beer or want to go dancing, in Groningen you will always find a place where the night stays young.

Whether you like bustling city life or open spaces and peaceful countryside. Groningen has it all. Just outside the city, you will find charming little villages where you can unwind amongst the greenery or on the water. The surrounding countryside offers beautiful natural surroundings that are ideal for walking and cycling. Here you can relax and recharge.

A taste of Groningen

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10x fine dining in Groningen

Anyone who thinks you have to visit one of the major cities of the Randstad for an evening of fine dining is wrong. Groningen has intimate Michelin Star restaurants and cosy bistros with regional specialities. All with their own little twist of course, nice and quirky, just like the residents of Groningen.

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Green addresses in Groningen

The green way of life flourishes and grows in Groningen. The local farmers' markets and trendy places to have lunch offer an abundance of fresh, organic products. Discover new flavours and surprising combinations.

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The best places for a cup of coffee

Intense espresso, silky smooth cappuccino or creamy latte: the many options for coffee in the city are a testament to how much the people of Groningen love it. While the love of coffee is ubiquitous, no establishment is the same. Enjoy your coffee in the company of cats, books or bicycles or with a delicious piece of cake. Enjoy!

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Ideal lunch spots

Whether you’re a proper foodie or just looking for a great place to eat after a morning of exploring the city, Groningen will surprise you with its diverse lunch scene. Atmospheric streets filled with welcoming cafes, trendy bistros and gastronomic hotspots. Hungry yet?

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Sharing: double the fun

No fixed menus, just an abundance of delicious delicacies on the table. Groningen has a wide range of shared dining restaurants. Enjoy exotic flavours together, share special moments and taste every dish on the table.

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Groningen pride: the aaierbal

It’s quite an achievement to win the 'UNESCO intangible cultural heritage' stamp of approval. The Groningen aaierbal is a famous culinary celebration that you simply must try. A delicacy filled with egg and ragout. Crunchy on the outside, creamy on the inside – a unique culinary experience.

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Sustainable

Wander through the healthiest city in the Netherlands

Groningen might be a bustling city full of energy, but it’s also a great place to relax and unwind. The many parks and natural surroundings mean you can enjoy the silence and leave everyday life behind for a little while. Why not visit the Stadspark, the ‘back garden’ of Groningen. It was donated to the city in 1907 by Jan Evert Scholten, one of the richest people in the Netherlands at the time. The Vondelpark in Amsterdam and the Zuiderpark in The Hague pale in comparison to this 140-hectare gift.

Go almost anywhere on foot or by bike

Groningen’s many green spaces are why it’s been declared the healthiest city in the Netherlands. Also worth noting is the space given to cyclists and pedestrians. Almost any destination can be reached on foot or by bicycle. So bring your bike or hire one when visiting Groningen. It’s a healthy way to see the city and its surroundings and allows you to see the places you just cannot go with a car.

Green tips in Groningen

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Noorderplantsoen

On top of the old defensive walls of the city is the most popular park in Groningen: the Noorderplantsoen. Once the site of intense battles, it’s now one of the best places in the city to chill in the grass.

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Fine vegetarian restaurants

Groningen has a wide selection of green restaurants for vegetarians, flexitarians or people who just want to eat less meat. These places offer a good range of vegetarian dishes.

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Sustainable shopping

Whether it’s for clothing, gifts or groceries, here are some of the best shops in Groningen for sustainable shopping.

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Hortus Botanicus

Close to the city is one of the oldest and largest botanical gardens in the Netherlands, the Hortus Botanicus Haren. Created in 1626, these 20 hectares contain, among other things, the Chinese Ming garden, which is unique in Europe.

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The Stadsakker

The Stadsakker is located in the Oude Kijk in 't Jatstraat. Here you can get locally grown vegetables and find everything you need to grow your own food, even for those with the smallest gardens.

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Hidden gems

Visit remarkable, historic courtyards

A long time ago, the poor, the sick, and widows could seek free shelter in Groningen's almshouses. The shared courtyards of these almshouses are a typical Groningen phenomenon. There are still many to be found in the city centre. Please note: the entrance gates are not always easily noticeable, but if you find one you should definitely take a look. Even if it’s just to enjoy a moment of peace and quiet. Because they are walled, the courtyards are far quieter than the hustle and bustle going on around them.

Two of the most famous courtyards belong to the St. Geertruidsgasthuis. In the past, Stadjers, the inhabitants of Groningen, could go to the fair on Sunday and, for a few cents, they could look through the bars at those they called the 'crazy people'. It’s not an episode in Groningen’s history to be proud of, and thankfully those fairs no longer exist. Those courtyards now offer a soothing green escape from the city.

Curious about all the courtyards? At the Groningen Store you can pick up a city walk that takes you past all the courtyards of Groningen, offering interesting information along the way. Or take a guided tour with someone from the Groningen guide team. They will show you the best places and courtyards and share all kinds of fascinating details about them.

Hidden gems

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The Prinsentuin

Relax in a peaceful oasis, surrounded by high walls, in the middle of the city. Enjoy a stroll through the beautiful leafy corridors of the Prinsentuin garden. Take a break and read a good book on one of the benches or order a cup of tea at the tearoom.

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BOEL Groningen

Boules and beers – that is BOEL's credo. In addition to playing a game of jeu-de-boules, you can also enjoy meals and drinks and play other games here. Reserve your lane and prepare to go home just a little later than planned.

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The Suikertuin

This area was once used to store thousands of sugar beets but is now a bustling place on the fringes of Groningen. The Suikertuin is a creative hotspot and there is plenty to do, with a roof terrace, many festivals, a secret garden and much more. It’s well worth the 10-minute bike ride from the city centre.

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Art routes through the city

Groningen is quirky, down-to-earth and 100% genuine. All this is reflected in the art you can see if you know where to look. Follow these art routes to see remarkable works in surprising places throughout the city.

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Baxbier

Located just outside the city centre is Baxbier brewery and tasting room. From Wednesday to Sunday, you can book a tour including a beer tasting. If the weather is sunny, you can also enjoy a beer on the terrace by the water.

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Paddle boarding through the city

Experience Groningen from the water! Paddle boarding is a unique way to enjoy the city and add a fun, active experience to your visit. Perfect for those who want to see Groningen from a different perspective!

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