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Top things to do in Groningen

Attractions, tours, and activities in Groningen

About Groningen

Including tips for the best time to visit Groningen

The city of Groningen was formerly one of the Netherland’s most prominent cities, evidence of which can still be found in its historical Grote Markt and illustrious medieval architecture. Across Groningen, you’ll find museums like the Groninger Museum detailing the city’s history and artistic past, as well as how it came to be known as the ‘Metropolis of the North’.

Groningen remains one of Holland’s most picturesque cities with many dining and shopping areas lining its canals. Take a walking tour across the Old Town to see the neoclassical and neo-renaissance architecture of the Provinciehuis or experience some nature at the Noorderplantsoen. These festival grounds showcase the overgrown walls of the former city, reminiscent of a traditional English garden. For exquisite views of Groningen and its surrounding areas, climb the stairs of the 15th-century Martinitoren Bell Tower that dominates the skyline. Outside the city, the fortified village of Bourtange is not to be missed – renowned for its moat system and geometric hedgerows.

As one of the Netherland’s largest university towns, Groningen has superb nightlife. Start your evening at the Old Town’s Martinus Brewery to sample local beers in a traditional bierkeller environment. Afterwards, head to the Grote Markt’s Der Witz Café for an idiosyncratic pub filled with titbits and curiosities or visit The Stockroom – Groningen’s first speakeasy, home to 1920s iconography. For music, Simplon hosts over 200 events a year, ranging from pop and urban to techno, attracting music lovers from across the Netherlands.

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Most popular time to visit October-December
Cheapest time to visit January-March
Local currency € 1 = $1.08
Language Dutch
Average weekend price $141 per night
Average weekday price $138 per night
Average stay 1 night

Points of interest in Groningen

Stay near the top sightseeing spots in Groningen

Groningen reviews

What other travelers say about Groningen

10

Very nice city - good vibe, lot of cyclists, ‘slow pace’,...

June 8, 2023

Very nice city - good vibe, lot of cyclists, ‘slow pace’, very atmospheric. The Forum building (and its rooftop) are a must - this is what libraries should like today. Multifunctional, a place to work, read, have a nice coffee… And exceptional architecture. The rooftop provides great views over the city and surrounding area.

Hans
Hans United Kingdom
10

I fell in love with this city!

May 2, 2023

I fell in love with this city! I was blown away by The Forum! We went back a second time to see more. If we'd had time, I would've liked to go back at night to see the stars and the city at night, particularly the Martini Tourin. I think it's beautiful! And so are the other churches. We ate at pubs and like to have desserts in different places than dinner so we can walk a bit in between, so we had desserts in lots of different types of places. Sometimes at fancy restaurants, and sometimes at bakeries we could find still open, once we had dessert on a rooftop terrace. We walked almost everywhere in Groningen, but driving was easy. I think the next time we will go in the early fall and hope for less wind and rain. It was quite cold and windy for April.

Melanie
Melanie United States of America
10

The hotel was pretty good, it is more beautiful that the...

April 16, 2023

The hotel was pretty good, it is more beautiful that the pictures, the only things is the check in is by call, No one greeted me at the entrance, everything was done over the phone, one person gave me the instructions. but I recommend, is near the centrum.

Magnerys
Magnerys Netherlands
10

Groningen is a great town, feels very safe and everything...

January 30, 2023

Groningen is a great town, feels very safe and everything you would like to see is at a walkable distance. I may be prejudiced as I have lived there before, but it's even more pedestrian friendly than it already was.

Christine
Christine Netherlands
10

Nice city center to walk around.

December 22, 2022

Nice city center to walk around. Good place to spend couple of days. Despite on many bicycles crossing everywhere, a lot of young people, Groningen center gives me a sense of tranquillity. Maybe it is due to absence of car/moto noise around.

Vassily
Vassily France
10

A beautiful and vibrant city .

November 2, 2022

A beautiful and vibrant city . A great balance between old and the modern symbolised by Martini Tower and the Forum sitting side by side. Walking around is very easy and it's great to see so few cars. Be wary of bicycle riders though. Wide selection of restaurants available though be aware that it would be difficult to find a kitchen open after 9 pm.

Cachia
Cachia

Popular places to stay in Groningen

Stay in some of the best accommodations Groningen has to offer