Many visitors to the Netherlands never go beyond Amsterdam, which leaves the north quietly underrated. If you are wondering what to do in Groningen, the short answer is: a lot, and at a gentler price and pace. This northern city is home to a large university population, which gives it a lively, youthful energy, and it packs an excellent museum, a historic centre, canals and plenty of cafés into a compact, very bikeable area. Here is a practical guide.
Start in the centre
The heart of the city is the Grote Markt, a large square with the town hall, the Goudkantoor and the Martinikerk. Nearby, the Martinitoren rises to roughly 97 metres and is a symbol of the city. You can climb it during opening periods for a view over the flat Groningen countryside, but check times in advance, because opening varies by season and day.
The Vismarkt and the Aa-kerk are close by, and the narrow streets between them hold bookshops, cafés and small shops. Take time to wander off the main roads, as many courtyards hide small gardens and almshouses known as hofjes.
Museums worth your time
Groninger Museum
The Groninger Museum is the standout. Its building, a colourful, deconstructivist structure of metal and glass on a small island in the Verbindingskanaal, is the work of several architects and designers, including Alessandro Mendini. Inside, the collection includes art, ceramics and design, and rotating exhibitions. It is a few minutes’ walk from the main railway station.
Other museums
The Noordelijk Scheepvaartmuseum covers the maritime past of the northern Netherlands. The Universiteitsmuseum, near the Academy Building, tells the history of the University of Groningen, founded in 1614. The Forum, a large cultural building on the Grote Markt side, has a film house and an exhibition floor, and a rooftop terrace with city views.
Parks, canals and the outdoors
The Noorderplantsoen is the main city park, used by students and families alike, with ponds, paths and sometimes outdoor events. Along the old canals you can walk or take a boat tour. The Prinsenhof Garden, a small historic garden in the centre, is a peaceful break. Bicycles are the standard way to get around, and hiring one lets you reach everything within minutes.
Eating, drinking and nightlife
Student life shapes the food and drink scene. Cheap cafés, bars and brown pubs sit next to modern restaurants, and the city is known for an energetic evening scene, particularly around the Peperstraat and Poelestraat areas. Local specialities include Groninger mustard soup, and the sweet spiced cake Groninger koek, a regional gingerbread. Try the local liqueur or the Dutch classic, a bitterbal with a drink.
Markets
Markets take place regularly in the centre, with produce, cheese and flowers. Days and times change, so check the municipal site.
Day trips from Groningen
- Wadden Sea: take the train and bus to Lauwersoog, then the ferry to Schiermonnikoog, a car-free island with long beaches and dunes. Leave early, because the crossing and return times limit your day.
- Fraeylemaborg: a moated country house at Slochteren, with gardens and an interior open to the public.
- Appingedam and Delfzijl: small towns on the Eems with hanging kitchens in Appingedam, a local curiosity.
- Hortus Haren: a botanical garden just south of the city.
- Westerwolde and Drenthe: quiet countryside for cycling and walking.
When to go
Spring and summer are lovely for terraces and cycling, but the city is also pleasant in autumn and winter, when cafés turn cosy. The academic year shapes the mood: during term time the streets fill with students, and during summer holidays the centre is calmer. Winters can be windy, so bring a warm coat.
Getting there and around
Groningen has a central railway station with direct trains from Amsterdam, Utrecht and Zwolle, and the trip from Amsterdam takes around two to two and a half hours depending on the service. The city centre is compact enough to walk, and the bike is the true local mode of travel. Buses cover the outskirts. Use the NS or 9292 journey planners for current timetables.
Practical tips on what to do in Groningen
- Many shops close on Sunday mornings or are limited, so plan accordingly.
- If you rent a bike, lock it carefully, and follow cycle rules, including lights at night.
- Card payments are widely used, but some small places prefer them over cash.
- Weather changes fast in the north, so carry a rain jacket.
Prices, opening times and tower access change, so check the official visitor site, Visit Groningen, before you set out. A weekend gives enough time for the main sights and a short trip beyond the city, and you will find that what to do in Groningen is simply a good balance of culture, canals and everyday northern Dutch life.
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Image credit: Michielverbeek via Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0).
