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The capital metropolis of the Groningen province within the northern Netherlands, Groningen provides a singular mix of wealthy historical past and artsy tradition. Residence to the sizable pupil inhabitants of the College of Groningen (Rijksuniversiteit Groningen), the city has earned a status as an historical metropolis with a younger vibe.

Positioned simply over two hours northeast of Amsterdam by prepare, Groningen has all the things from historic structure to artwork galleries, festivals, and an all-around wonderful cultural scene. Be part of me for an inventory of causes to think about including Groningen to your bucket checklist!

TL;DR

Most vital landmark – Martinitoren (Martini Tower)

Finest park – Lauwersmeer Nationwide Park

Finest free exercise – Prince’s Backyard (Prinsentuin)

Finest exercise for youths – Universiteitsmuseum Groningen (College Museum)

Finest exercise for adults – De Drie Gezusters Grand Café and Terrace

Finest meals – Ariola

Finest place to remain – Lodge Prinsenhof Groningen

Finest Issues to Do in Groningen, Netherlands

1. Discover the Outdated City District

Groningen canal houses along Hoge der A quay
Wut_Moppie / Shutterstock.com

Many vacationers who’ve by no means visited Groningen earlier than are pleasantly shocked by its huge vary of sights! As with many different Dutch canal cities, town heart is all the time a stable place to begin exploring.

Head to the previous city heart, the place you’ll discover Grote Markt Sq., which has been town’s predominant commerce heart for hundreds of years. There, you’ll discover loads of nice retailers and cafes in a big pedestrianized zone surrounding the attractive Nineteenth-century Neoclassical Metropolis Corridor (Stadhuis).

Grote Markt can be the place you’ll discover the Martinitoren, Vismarkt, and plenty of different sights we’ll discover quickly! Within the meantime, it’s value signing up for a customized personal tour with an area who provides you the lay of the land!

For those who’re keen to remain proper within the coronary heart of the motion, then The Market Lodge provides a superb location in Grote Markt. Nevertheless it’s the lodge’s on-site restaurant, bar, spa, assembly rooms, and different facilities that solidify it as a fantastic selection for any traveler.

See Associated: Holland vs Netherlands: What’s the Distinction?

2. Climb the Martini Tower at Martin’s Church (Martinikerk)

Martini Tower in Martin's Church, Groningen
RSK Foto Schulz / Adobe Inventory

Deal with: Martinikerkhof 3, 9712 JG Groningen, Netherlands

Positioned within the coronary heart of town heart, Martinikerk is a shocking Thirteenth-century Gothic church that’s among the many oldest buildings on the town. It’s almost unattainable to overlook because of its well-known Martinitoren (Martini Tower), town’s tallest tower that can reward anybody who braves its 250+ steps with a implausible view.

Even in the event you’re not inclined to place within the full cardio exercise of climbing the tower, the church itself has a lot to supply. Drop by to discover the unimaginable murals, previous church organ, and beautiful historic structure.

Lodge Prinsenhof Groningen is the perfect place to remain close by. Lower than a 5-minute stroll from the Martini Tower and residential to the Prinsentuin Gardens, Lodge Prinsenhof provides fashionable consolation in a constructing that dates again to the Center Ages.

Not solely does the lodge supply a next-level ambiance, but additionally the comfort of two on-site eating places. Certainly one of them is even located proper within the former mattress chamber of the Prince of Nassau.

3. Go to the Discussion board Groningen

Sunset view at Forum Groningen, Groningen
Rik / Adobe Inventory

Deal with: Nieuwe Markt 1, 9712 KN Groningen, Netherlands

Inside strolling distance of Martini Tower, you’ll discover the brand new Discussion board Groningen, which itself is a feat of contemporary structure. That includes ten flooring and an epic roof backyard and cinema, the Discussion board has develop into the unofficial coronary heart of Groningen’s wealthy cultural scene.

Inside, you’ll discover a fantastic vacationer workplace, 5 cinemas, numerous eating places and cafés, a metropolis library, and extra! There’s even a small museum known as Storyworld, which is devoted to Dutch comics, animation, and video games.

See Associated: Finest Locations to Honeymoon within the Netherlands

4. Discover The Groninger Museum

Panoramic view of Groninger Museum
creativenature.nl / Adobe Inventory

Deal with: Museumeiland 1, 9711 ME Groningen, Netherlands

Talking of unimaginable fashionable structure, ensure you put aside a day to discover the Groninger Museum, probably the most well-known artwork museum in Groningen province. Initially based within the late Nineteenth century, the constructing moved from its previous neo-Gothic constructing to its new post-modern residence in 1994.

The Groniger Museum has earned a status for its stellar fashionable and modern artwork galleries, together with its revolving choice of fascinating non permanent exhibitions. Whilst you’ll discover numerous attention-grabbing displays inside, the constructing itself is significantly well worth the go to in case you have even the slightest curiosity in structure.

There are additionally a couple of high motels close by, such because the Lodge Watertorean West, which was created from a reimagined water tower close to town heart. A wonderful selection for enterprise vacationers, Lodge Watertorean provides stylish, apartment-style rooms, distinctive work services, and unimaginable views.

5. Take a Canal Cruise

Boats on a canal in Groningen, Netherlands
venemama / Adobe Inventory

Like many Dutch cities, Groningen boasts an enthralling canal community. Reserving a canal cruise is a enjoyable approach to study all concerning the metropolis and its most well-known landmarks.

As is the case with different canal cities (taking a look at you, Amsterdam), you’ll discover loads of choices, from wine and cheese cruises to cruises themed across the metropolis’s maritime historical past. For those who’re extra of an unbiased kind, you’ll be able to even hire a paddleboard and float by way of town’s historic heart solo!

See Associated: Finest Canal Cruises in Amsterdam

6. Stroll The Prince’s Backyard (Prinsentuin)

Aerial view of Prinsentuin, Groningen
Prinsentuin / visitgroningen.nl

Deal with: Prinsentuin, 9711 VV Groningen, Netherlands

Prinsentuin, or the Prince’s Backyard, is a beautiful backyard oasis proper within the metropolis heart. Named for the sixteenth and seventeenth century Princes of Nassau, who had been its authentic creators, Prinsentuin is a fantastic rose and herb backyard.

Positioned behind the Prinsenhof Lodge, the walled backyard welcomes anybody to come back in and take a stroll or chill out on considered one of its benches. In the course of the summer season, the backyard additionally incorporates a tearoom and serves because the venue for a poetry competition known as Dichters in de Prinsentuin (Poets within the Prinsentuin) every July.

7. Get pleasure from A Go to To Universiteitsmuseum Groningen (College Museum)

University of Groningen museum
Universiteitsmuseum Groningen / Fb

Deal with: Oude Kijk in Het Jatstraat 7A, 9712 EA Groningen, Netherlands

Based in 1614, the College of Groningen has since earned a spot among the many high 100 universities on the earth. However even in the event you aren’t on the hunt in your subsequent diploma, it’s wort exploring the Universiteitsmuseum Groningen (Groningen College Museum), which has been delighting the curious since 1934.

As we speak, the museum is filled with 4 centuries value of historical past and focuses primarily on nature, society, and science. That includes hundreds of historic artifactsm actions, workshops, and non permanent exhibitions, that is one Groninger museum that’s certain to intrigue.

See Associated: Finest Issues to Do in Utrecht, Netherlands

8. Stuff Your Face At The Fish Market (Vismarkt)

Panorama of Vismarkt in Groningen, Netherlands
venemama / Adobe Inventory

The Vismakt or Fish Market is a historic Groningen sq. that was used to promote (you guessed it) fish again within the fifteenth century. Lately, it turns into extra of a contemporary farmer’s market every Tuesday, Friday, and Saturday.

On market days, the Vismarkt is lined with stalls promoting all the things from recent fish and meat to bread, fruit, and greens. Even in the event you aren’t on the town on market day, the Vismarkt can be residence to a group of fantastic retailers, eating places, and bars which can be open anytime.

9. Cycle By means of the World Biking Metropolis

Man Biking in Groningen, Netherlands
venemama / Adobe Inventory

For those who plan to go to Groningen, you’ll quickly uncover the way it earned the nickname “world biking metropolis.” A real bicyclist’s paradise, town is residence to an intensive community of cycle paths.

Fietsverhuurgroninge, a motorbike rental store situated at Gedempte Zuiderdiep 95, rents bikes, electrical bikes, cargo bikes, or just about every other kind of motorcycle you’ll be able to think about! Then, set out alongside one of many many nice bike paths you’ll discover all through town!

See Associated: Finest Bike Excursions in Amsterdam

10. Go Birding At Lauwersmeer Nationwide Park

Lauwersmeer National Park in Groningen, Netherlands
Hulshofpictures / Adobe Inventory

Deal with: Nationaal Park Lauwersmeer, Lauwersoog 9976 VT, De Rug 1, 9976 VT Lauwersoog, Netherlands

If there’s any day journey vacation spot value exploring, it’s Nationaal Park Lauwersmeer, a shocking nationwide park on the North Coastline that’s a part of the Wadden Sea UNESCO World Heritage Web site. Positioned to the northwest of Groningen, you’ll be able to attain the park in about 45 minutes by rental automobile or hop on a prepare on the predominant railway station.

The park’s community of forests and grasslands is residence to a whole lot of species of birds, making it an exceptionally nice place for bird-watching and stargazing. The vacationer info workplace can even fill you in on the park’s many different recreation choices, from swimming and fishing to canoeing and kite browsing.

Professional tip: For those who do select to e book a rental automobile throughout your travels, ensure you don’t neglect to buy journey insurance coverage. Listed below are a few of our favourite insurance coverage suppliers for the Netherlands, or yow will discover the correct deal for you on TravelInsurance.com.

11. Head to Folkingestraat for Nice Buying and Highly effective Historical past

Locals and tourists shopping in Folkingestraat, Groningen
C messier / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0

Amsterdam may be the place to go for all of your name-brand wants, however Groningen has loads of enchantment for retail addicts and memento hunters at Folkingestraat. Plus, visiting historical past fans can take a deep dive into town’s darkish previous!

For those who cross the museum bridge from the primary prepare station, you’ll hit a avenue known as Ubbo Emmiusstraat that ultimately turns into Folkingestraat, town’s greatest buying avenue. Cease by specialty meals retailers like Ariola, an genuine Italian grocery retailer that additionally sells the perfect pasta on the town.

Or head to De Pindakaaswinkel Groningen to discover extra sorts of peanut butter than you ever dreamed existed! From clothes and celebration provides to books and Chinese language porcelain, Folkingestraat has one thing for each curiosity, choice, and style.

However Folkingestraat additionally maintains highly effective echoes of its tragic finish as the guts of town’s Jewish district in World Warfare II. On the aspect wall of “quantity 9”, you’ll see the phrase Weggehaald (taken away), whereas a handle-less bronze door at “quantity 67” memorializes the hidden historical past of the road’s Jewish inhabitants.

See Associated: Most Well-known Landmarks within the Netherlands

12. Be taught Jewish Historical past At Groningen Synagogue

Groningen Synagogue in Groningen, The Netherlands
¡zenzen! / Adobe Inventory

Deal with: Folkingestraat 60, 9711 JZ Groningen, Netherlands

For those who’re thinking about studying extra concerning the Jewish historical past of Groningen, then the Groningen Synagogue is a wonderful place to begin. Be taught all concerning the lovely synagogue and the historical past and tradition of the native Jewish neighborhood.

The synagogue all the time has a rotating choice of displays and provides guided excursions that provide a behind-the-scenes have a look at the personal space the place providers happen. You possibly can even take a robust guided tour of the previous Jewish quarter to study the tales of its former inhabitants.

13. Go to De Drie Gezusters Grand Café and Terrace

De Drie Gezusters building exterior
De Drie Gezusters / De Drie Gezusters

Deal with: Grote Markt 36 – 39, 9711 LV Groningen, Netherlands

De Drie Gezusters (the Three Sisters) is thought amongst Groningen residents because the “front room of Groningen.” Positioned on the south aspect of Grote Markt, the large constructing is a good place to seize any meal of the day from breakfast to dinner.

The De Drie Gezusters is the spot to seize a drink and revel in pub trivia. Head to Draaibar for an evening of dancing, watch the sport at Sportsbar De Groote Griet, or seize lunch within the Grand Café.

See Associated: Finest Eating places within the Netherlands

14. See A Stay Present

Performance in SPOT Groningen Theater
SPOT Groningen / Fb

Many individuals go to Groningen to soak up town’s thriving tradition, which you’ll discover loads of at Stadsschouwburg, the Nineteenth-century metropolis theater. Often known as SPOT Groningen by locals, the gorgeous venue provides a revolving choice of reside performances, a lot of which supply English subtitles for non-Dutch audio system.

This stylish two-bedroom vacation rental is an effective place to remain in the event you’re planning an evening on the SPOT. Be certain you additionally see what’s on the agenda at Martiniplaza (Martini Plaza), a big indoor occasion area. It commonly hosts all the things from musical theater productions to sports activities occasions.

For those who’re round in August, take a look at the Noorderzon Performing Arts Competition, an annual occasion that takes place in Noorderplantsoen Park. In the course of the epic 11-day occasion, small villages appear to look out of nowhere to host reside performances, lectures, literature occasions, and loads of nice meals and drinks.

15. Sail Again In Time At The Northern Maritime Museum

Northern Maritime Museum building in Groningen
Administration / TripAdvisor

Deal with: Brugstraat 24, 9711 HZ Groningen, Netherlands

Serious about studying extra concerning the maritime historical past of Groningen province? Look no additional than the Northern Maritime Museum, aka Northern Delivery Museum, the place you’ll study all about all the things from native historical past to shipbuilding.

16. See It All At The Nationwide Carriage Museum and Household Park Nienoord

Museum Nienoord building exterior
Museum Nienoord / Museum Nienoord

Deal with: Nienoord 1, 9351 AC Leek, Leek, Netherlands

Head right down to Leek to discover the Nationwide Carriage Museum (Nationaal Rijtuigmuseum), which incorporates a powerful manor home and an awe-inspiring assortment of carriages. Whilst you’re within the neighborhood, ensure you take a look at Household Park Nienoord, a enjoyable little amusement park with over 80 sights and a petting zoo.

17. Clip-Clop Away At The Worldwide Picket Shoe Museum

Deal with: Wolfhorn 1A, 9761 BA Eelde, Netherlands

Nothing says “Dutch trip” fairly like a to go to the Internationaal Klompenmuseum, aka Worldwide Picket Shoe Museum. Positioned in Eelde, residence of the Groningen Airport Eelde, this delightfully random attraction options over 3,000 pairs of wood footwear!

FAQs

What are some distinctive cultural experiences in Groningen, The Netherlands?

Groningen locals can’t get sufficient of festivals and occasions, which is why you’ll discover a lot all through Groningen Province just about year-round. From main occasions like Eurosonic, Noorderzon, and Paradigm to native festivals or performances, test the Groningen occasions web site to see what’s occurring throughout your go to.

What are some family-friendly actions in Groningen, The Netherlands?

Groningen is a fairly kid-friendly metropolis total! From the Groningen Museum and the Discussion board to the gorgeous gardens of Prinsentuin or excursions alongside the canals, town provides loads of enjoyable for the entire household.

The place is Haren Hortus Botanicus?

Residence to 10 lovely gardens, together with a rock backyard, water backyard, and Chinese language backyard, Haren Hortus Botanicus is simply southeast of Groningen correct within the village of Haren.

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