The Best Places to Visit in Groningen

Groningen is the capital and largest city of the province of Groningen. This far-flung corner of the Netherlands should not be overlooked! Thanks in part to its large student population, it seamlessly blends history, culture, and modern energy, creating a youthful vibe.

This makes Groningen an ideal city to visit over a weekend. It’s also perfect for work or even to live! With its charm, bustling streets, and rich history, Groningen has plenty to explore. In no particular order, we’ve put together a list of the top places to visit in Groningen.

Some quick-fire facts about Groningen

Before we dive into our list, let’s get to know the city a little better:

• Groningen was founded in the 11th century.
• Groningen is known as ‘The Capital of the North’ in the Netherlands.
• The city has the youngest demographic in the Netherlands.
• Groningen’s population is around 240,000 residents.
• Groningen was once part of the powerful Hanseatic League.
• The city has a rich beer history, with over 200 breweries at its peak!
• The Netherlands’ second-oldest university, the University of Groningen, was founded here in 1614.

Climb the Martinitoren (Martini Tower)

The most obvious and best place to visit in Groningen is the beautiful Martinitoren. You can get panoramic views of the city from the top, especially the oude stad (old town), also called the Binnenstad. At 97 meters high, this historic tower remains the tallest building in Groningen. It used to be taller, but an accidental fire destroyed much of it. The Martinitoren in its current form was completed in 1482! The climb may be steep, but it’s worth every step. You’ll also get a fascinating glimpse inside the tower and the construction of the Martinikerk.

Stroll Through the Groninger Museum

The Groninger Museum stands out with its bold architecture, which is visible from the main train station. You’ll find contemporary art, history, and design exhibits that rotate frequently inside. The museum was founded in 1874 and boasts the highest number of museum visitors in the province of Groningen. Tickets can be purchased online or at the museum itself.

A selection of other museums in Groningen are also worth seeing. The Groningen University Museum hosts the University of Groningen’s scientific collection. Museum aan de A is currently undergoing renovations, but it will be worth a visit for those interested in maritime history once completed. For fans of graphic design, the GRID Grafisch Museum tells the history of graphic design, printing, and bookbinding. Their hands-on exhibits are renowned throughout the Netherlands.

Relax in the Noorderplantsoen

This park follows part of Groningen’s old town’s old defensive walls and moat. Outside the city center, it is perfect for picnics, jogging, or relaxing. The Noorderzon Festival brings music, theatre, and food to the park in summer. You’ll find local theatre groups, musicians, and community projects on full display. This green area is a great spot to meet locals and other expats alike!

Another park worth visiting is the Stadspark. A short cycle or bus journey from the center, this large open space is great for families to relax or to work out in the sun. Events and festivals are also hosted here throughout the year.

Visit Forum Groningen

This futuristic building in the city center is a hub for culture, learning, and leisure and one of the best places to visit in Groningen for fans of the arts. It has a cinema and library and hosts frequent exhibitions. With activities for both children and adults, the Forum is an ideal way to spend a rainy day or dive into a new topic or project!

The Forum also boasts one of the best rooftop views in town, which is free to access. Several cafes and restaurants are also inside, and on a sunny day, you can enjoy a drink or some food on their rooftop terrace. All this combined makes the Forum a popular coworking and hangout space for both Groningen locals and visitors!

Sample Local Food at Vismarkt, Grote Markt, and More

The Vismarkt (Fish Market) and Grote Markt (Big Market) host open-air markets several days a week. You can pick up fresh produce, try Dutch snacks like stroopwafels or kibbeling, and soak up the market atmosphere. Overlooking the Vismarkt is the Korenbeurs (Corn Exchange), with its beautiful Neoclassical facade. While no longer used, this UNESCO monument is worth a photograph!

The Grotemarkt lies at the foot of the Martinitoren, making both an ideal combination! Groningen’s City Hall also overlooks the Grote Markt. After shopping, you can relax on one of the many terraces that line the Grote Markt – ideal on a warm summer’s day.

The Vismarkt hosts a market every Tuesday, Friday, Saturday, and every 1st Sunday of the month. The Grote Markt hosts a market every Sunday.

Groningen is also known as a gastro heaven, with fine dining restaurants and more casual eateries scattered around the city. You’ll find terraces, delicatessens, specialist coffee shops, and regional stores on almost every corner!

Walk the Oude Stad/Binnenstad

With charming streets and historic buildings, Groningen’s city center is ideal for wandering. Many coffee shops, bars, independent stores, and restaurants are dotted throughout the Oude Stad. For those interested in architecture and photography, the buildings of the University of Groningen, such as the Academiegebouw, Harmoniegebouw, and the University Library, are beautiful!

There is young energy in Groningenfound in the courtyards, cafes, terraces, and cozy corners. Poelestraat and Peperstraat are the beating heart for nightlife in Groningen. Uurwerkerplein offers a more relaxed vibe. The main shopping streets are Folkingsestraat, Oosterstraat, and Oude Kijk in ‘t Jatstraat, More recently, the cultural Steentilstraat has emerged.

Also of note in Groningen are the many courtyards that dot the city center and older parts of the city. Quiet and calm, these small residential corners once offered free shelter to poor residents. Today, the cute buildings make for great photo opportunities or a quiet moment to relax!

Wander Groningen’s Canals

While Amsterdam is famous for its canals, Groningen’s water routes offer a quieter charm. Like other Dutch cities, Groningen relied on canals for its economy and flourished as a trading hub in centuries past. As the Oude Stad is relatively small, walking the canals is a pleasant way to explore and relax while taking things easy!

You can also hop onto a boat, whether hired or as a guided excursion, to enjoy the city from the water and learn about its mercantile history.

Catch a Show at Stadsschouwburg/Spot

This historic theatre hosts plays, concerts, and dance performances. Many performances are visual or multilingual, ideal for expats! It is located just out of the center, an easy walk after dinner or a pre-show drink. A second, more modern location, Spot Oosterpoort, is just south of the city center. It also hosts events and shows throughout the year.

Take a Day Trip to the Wadden Sea & Beyond

Just an hour north lies the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Wadden Sea. This is a world-renowned region for birdlife and an important environment for marine mammals and other species. You can join a mudflat hiking tour or take a ferry to Schiermonnikoog, a peaceful island perfect for nature lovers and beachcombers.

You could also visit Lauwesmeer, a man-made lake close to the Wadden Sea. This national park is a bird-lover’s paradise, with many important species calling it home.

East of the city, on the German border, is Fort Bourtange. This remarkable star fort is a must-see for history fans, being perfectly preserved as a museum. When viewed from above, the ingenious defensive design of the fort is eye-catching.

For a breath of nature closer to the city, hop on a bike or a bus and visit Hoornse Meer. This is a popular lake hangout spot frequented by students and families during the summer months.

Compact and Bustling – A City Full of Life

So, how does that sound? Groningen might seem far away, but it is well worth the trip with some of the best places to visit in the Netherlands. If you’re moving for studies, for work, or simply want to visit for the weekend, there’s plenty to see!