Groningen is a beautiful city that isn’t too well known by foreigners, making it the perfect hidden gem to visit during your trip to the Netherlands. It is a humble place, well known as a student city, so the streets have a bit of a younger energy.
The day time is calm with tons of hidden beauty and gardens, which is rewarding for curious travelers that happen upon this town.
Between the historic streets, the lovely greenery, and the canals, Groningen is the perfect Dutch city to visit if you’re looking for a lesser known hidden gem.
This guide will share the best things to do in Groningen, from where to stay, to where to eat and drink, and what to do. Luckily, everything is located pretty central, so it’s easy to get to most areas too!
Why Groningen is special
Groningen is a unique place, with tons of friendly people, and it feels very safe. Those are just a few reasons why this city is so special. The beautiful outdoor spaces are naturally placed around, so that no matter where you are, you are surrounded by beauty.
It has a youthful charm to it with the large number of students who live there. The history of the town is incredibly interesting too, and you can see it everywhere. You’ll notice it’s a special place with tons of charm just from wandering around or biking aimlessly.
If you explore Groningen at your own pace, you’ll see exactly why it makes for such a lovely place to visit, whether it’s just a weekend or a whole holiday.
Where to stay in Groningen
Where you stay is super important in Groningen, especially since some places are a bit tough to reach the city center in. Being based in the city center makes your whole visit much easier and more enjoyable.
Rebel Rebel Hostel is a budget-friendly option, but it can be a bit tough to get around since it’s outside the center. It’s a great choice if you don’t mind biking, plus you can see more of the city outskirts this way. Rebel Rebel Hostel is perfect if you want a bit of distance from the noise of downtown.
For a comfortable and centrally-located stay, Hotel The Happy Traveler is the perfect middle ground. It’s a relaxed hotel with nice and comfortable rooms, but more importantly, easy access to the center of the city.
If you’re looking for a special stay, the Prinsenhof Hotel is hard to beat. The rooms and grounds at this spot are absolutely gorgeous, plus it’s right next to the most beautiful garden in Groningen.
Best things to do in Groningen
A good place to start your adventures here is by simply getting outside. Groningen is an incredibly green city, and Noorderplantsoen is the best way to see that.
This park is built on old fortifications, and it winds through water and paths covered in trees. It’s an incredibly peaceful place to visit. I’d compare it to Central Park in NYC on a much smaller scale. It’s frequented by locals and visitors alike.
If you can only do one thing in the city, then you need to head to the historic center. From there, you’ll find the Martinitoren which is 311 steps and gives you a view of the city. It’s a great way to get your bearings before traveling further into the city blindly.
Once you’ve climbed that iconic landmark, then you should take a stroll down Lage der A, which is a street with the best atmosphere in Groningen. The old warehouses are picturesque along the water, and have a distinct beauty to them.
Tucked away but close to this area, you’ll find the Prinsentuin. This cute little garden is a peaceful alternative to that area.
It’s a hidden renaissance garden that has some local knowledge and offers a quiet break from the busier city.
Your final sightseeing destination should be Het Forum, Groningen’s cultural center. This is a museum that hosts tons of events and has super cool architecture.
Best places to grab a drink in Groningen
Groningen’s nightlife is one of its best parts. In spite of the young crowd, there are some incredibly elevated options that have a great atmosphere. I enjoyed some of the best craft cocktails of my life here too.
