Groningen

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Groningen

Groningen is a beautiful city and an economic and cultural center located in the Province of Groningen, northern Netherlands. Groningen is located at the junction of the Hoornsediep and Winschoterdiep canals, which makes the city an important port for coastal shipping to the North Sea and a famous tourist destination in the Netherlands. Groningen is an ancient yet youthful city where you can experience the tranquility of centuries-old courtyards, all while being in close proximity to lively student areas and bustling market squares. This dynamic city is brimming with energy.

Groningen is also known as a city of festivals because the city hosts many arts events throughout the year, some of which you can watch for free. There are several festivals that you can watch, such as Eurosonic Noorderslag (ESNS), which is the largest showcase festival in Europe, with more than 200 bands performing at the four-day festival. Apart from that, there is the Noorderzon Festival, an international art festival held annually in August, and the King's Day Festival, one of the biggest national parties in the Netherlands, with several different events.

Groningen is also known to be very bike-friendly, with an extensive network of bicycle paths that make exploring the city and its surroundings a breeze. While cycling, you can see and visit various tourist destinations, such as the Neoclassical Town Hall (Stadhuis) at Grote Markt, Renaissance Gold Office (Goudkantoor), Huis Cardinaal, and Fish Market (Vismarkt).

Get to Know Groningen

Take a tour of this destination's highlights

Travel Tips for Groningen

What you need to know before traveling here

Getting Around Groningen

A guide to Groningen's local transportation

Bus

Bicycle Rental

Opting for the bus is the ideal way to get around Groningen. When using the bus in Groningen, payment can be made with a debit or credit card or by utilizing the OV-chipkaart, with the ticket cost depending on the type of ticket and the distance to your destination.

Various ticket options include those valid in 2 zones for up to 1 hour after purchase, priced at EUR3.05; tickets valid in 5 zones for up to 1.5 hours after purchase, priced at EUR6.10; tickets valid in 8 zones for up to 2 hours after purchase, priced at EUR9.15; and tickets valid for 9 zones for up to 2.5 hours after purchase, priced at EUR12.20. Alternatively, a day ticket, valid for 9 hours, is available for EUR17.90.

Practical Tips for Groningen

Things to prepare and best way to visit

What to do for one day in Groningen?

Starting the day in Groningen is perfect with breakfast and coffee in the Grote Markt area. Afterward, continue your journey by walking through the Martinikerkhof, a city park characterized by traditional Dutch architecture, and visit the Martinikerk, a gothic-style church which is a venue for exhibitions, conferences, and dinners. Then continue your journey to the Groningen Forum, a cultural center with captivating city views.

For lunch, enjoy options like pizza or French fries accompanied by a soft drink, then continue your journey to the Groninger Museum. Here, you'll encounter a diverse array of exhibitions encompassing modern and contemporary art, design, and local history. To conclude your day, consider enjoying beer or indulging in a fine dining experience at various restaurants scattered in Groningen.

What are the best places to visit in Groningen?

Groningen has many tourist attractions. When exploring Groningen, a must-visit destination is The Academy Building of the University of Groningen. The building of Groningen University has a Neo-Renaissance style structure, ranking as the second oldest in the Netherlands and one of the leading in Europe. Apart from that, adjacent to the Academy is the University Museum which is a first-rate science museum with various fascinating displays, including an Egyptian mummy.

One of the most enchanting open spaces in Groningen is the Noorderplantsoen, a small English-style park with winding paths, serving as the venue for the Noordezon Festival. Apart from that, Groningen City Park (Stadspark) and Haren Hortus Botanicus are also interesting open spaces for you to visit.

You also can't miss Lauwersmeer National Park, the most popular recreation and conservation area in the Netherlands with breathtaking landscapes. Here, you can engage in activities such as sailing and canoeing. Apart from that, visit the Doe Zoo, where you can observe various types of animals, insects, and reptiles, and the Pieterburen Seal Centre, where you can see the life of seals up close.

What to eat in Groningen?

When you visit Groningen, make sure to try Poffert, a distinctive local cake featuring apricots, raisins, ginger, and figs, typically accompanied by sweet syrup or butter. Additionally, indulge in Boerenjongens, a traditional Dutch delicacy from Groningen comprising preserved raisins infused with spices. Boerenjongens are commonly served as a meat filling or a topping for yogurt and pancakes. Another must-try on the menu is mosterdsoep, a traditional Dutch soup indigenous to Groningen, garnished with chopped spring onions and smoked meat. To enhance the flavor, consider adding bacon and white wine to this delightful soup.

What is the easiest way to get to groningen?

The easiest way to reach Groningen is by using the train. Trains depart from Schiphol Airport to Groningen twice every hour, and the journey takes approximately 2.5 hours. The trains are quite comfortable and usually equipped with free wireless internet. However, there is no onboard beverage service, so make sure to purchase your snacks at Schiphol. You can buy tickets for business class at EUR27.40 or first class at EUR45.21. To obtain tickets, you can explore various methods, such as purchasing them directly from the railway staff at the ticket counter, using ticket vending machines available, and buying online as print-at-home tickets or E-tickets.

What is the best time to visit Groningen?

If you're considering a trip to Groningen, the best time to visit is from May to September when the weather is perfect for outdoor activities. Specifically, for a summer visit, plan to come during June, July, and August.