Discover the vibrant culture and atmosphere of Groningen
Embrace a quintessential Dutch city, full of canals, culture and bicycles.
If you’re going on a Dutch road trip, make sure you stop in Groningen!
Why visit Groningen?
If you’re looking for an alternative to Amsterdam, an authentic Dutch city with iconic buildings, canals, history, art and a vibrant cultural scene, Groningen could be the place for you. It’s the largest city in the north of the Netherlands, close to stunning countryside, waterways and the UNESCO World Heritage Site Wadden coast, home to the University of Groningen and many unique sights and attractions.
The city skyline is dominated by the Martinitoren and the Forum
What is Groningen best known for?
With more bikes than people, a relaxed atmosphere and miles of beautiful canals, Groningen is perhaps the quintessential Dutch city. Boasting a wealth of historic and modern architecture, from the medieval Martini tower to the postmodern Forum and Groninger Museum, this is a city of contrasts – one where you can escape to the quiet peaceful courtyards of the Hofjes, and emerge onto bustling shopping streets, where the bars in this university city almost never close, and you can stroll the Vismarkt and Grote Markt, eating Dutch delicacies like kibbeling and stroopwafel.
The best things to see and do in Groningen
View the city from its tallest building, the Martinitoren
The Martinitoren – climb Groningen’s tallest building
The Martini or St Martin’s Tower has stood proudly over Groningen since the late 15th century. One of the beauties of historic cities in the Netherlands and Belgium is the ban on modern skyscrapers, and so in Groningen the tower known as D’Olle Grieze (‘the old grey one’) remains its tallest building, at 97 metres high. There are 260 steps to the viewing platform near the top of the tower. On your way up you’ll be able to admire the bells that ring out over the city, and gaze out over the rooftops and across the surrounding countryside. The Martinitoren is open 7 days a week, and tickets to climb the tower cost €7 for adults and €5 for children under 11.
The Forum – take a seat in the ‘living room’ of Groningen
Groningen glories in a mix of old and new architectural styles, exemplified in The Forum, just a few steps from the Martinitoren. This unmistakable building, designed like a sloping pyramid, is a cinema, library, technology and exhibition space, and also has cafés, bars, restaurants and a rooftop terrace serving up more superb views. The rooftop has cinema screenings during the summer. Storyworld, the Dutch museum of comics, animation and games, is a permanent ticketed exhibition within this popular cultural space.
Opened in 2019, The Forum is where the people of Groningen come to meet, think, be entertained and relax. They call it the ‘living room’ of Groningen. It’s open throughout the week, free to enter and has late night opening hours every night except Sunday.
Groninger Museum – an iconic building in the heart of the city
The iconic shapes of the Groninger Museum
If ever a museum was worth visiting just to look at the building alone, it is the Groninger Museum – a masterpiece of postmodern architecture, built on an island in the main canal. It’s the first thing rail travellers see as they arrive at Groningen station – a colourful mix of towers and angular pavilions, but welcoming visitors through a striking blue arch. Inside it’s no less challenging – its exhibitions are noted for their boldness, ranging across abstract and modern visual arts, but also finding space for more traditional collections of painting and regional art, as well as forays into popular culture. Tickets for the Groninger Museum are €19.50 for adults (children go free).
Unwind in Groningen’s green spaces
Groningen is known as the ‘healthiest city in the Netherlands’, a reputation won not only through its bicycle-friendly initiatives but also its profusion of public parks and green spaces. Some, like the Prinsentuin, are hidden behind high walls which you could almost miss. But step inside and you’ll discover an oasis of manicured hedges, an arched walkway, elegant topiary and a rose garden – an oasis of peace and quiet amid the city hustle and bustle. Head to the Noorderplantsoen and the Stadspark for the large public parks in Groningen – places to chill out by the water, cycle round the paths or enjoy family time at the petting zoo or playground.
Feel the maritime history in Hoge der A
The idyllic Hoge der A quayside
The seafaring golden age of Groningen is captured in the quayside of Hoge der A – the most photographed spot in the city, a scene not unlike Amsterdam or Bruges. The canal is lined with former warehouses and merchant houses, with 28 of the buildings now national monuments, and serving as private homes, bars, shops, hotels and restaurants. Stroll along the quayside, enjoy a beer or coffee, or take a canal boat tour. A number of companies, like Rondvaartbedrijf Kool, run cruises around the waterways of the city lasting around an hour. Hop on board at the departure point near the station.
Chill out in the student city
Get on your bike in Groningen!
Groningen may have ancient roots but it is certainly young at heart. With two of the biggest universities in the Netherlands located here, 25% of Groningen’s population are students. It makes for a city with a vibrant nightlife, and plenty of places for a chilled out afternoon or evening in a café or bar on Poelstraat. The Forum, Grote Markt and the streets around the University of Groningen’s main buildings are where students like to hang out. There are a couple of well attended festivals in the city, and summer gigs in the Noorderplantsoen and the Stadspark.
Drive from Calais to Groningen
Groningen is in the northern part of the Netherlands, around a 5 hour 30 minute drive from the LeShuttle terminal in Calais. You’ll be driving on motorways like the E40, E17 and E19 through Belgium, via Ghent and Antwerp, and then using the A27 and A6 motorways in the Netherlands.
Explore Groningen in the Netherlands with LeShuttle
Discover why Groningen is such a popular Dutch city to visit. Remember it’s just a 35-minute crossing from Folkestone to Calais on LeShuttle!
FAQs
What are the best things to do in Groningen in a weekend?
If you have a head for heights, view the city from the medieval Martini tower, and catch a film at The Forum, the new cultural hub of Groningen. Explore the city’s beautiful green spaces, like the Prinsentuin, and take a boat tour along the canals.
Is Groningen a good city break outside Amsterdam?
Yes, Groningen is only a two hour drive from Amsterdam, and offers plenty of cultural attractions and things to do.
What is the Martinitoren and can you climb it?
The Martinitoren is a bell tower attached to the Martinikerk, the oldest church in Groningen. There are 260 steps to the top, which you can climb.
Where is the best place to park when visiting Groningen?
The central railway station offers long stay parking options, with easy access to the city. There are also numerous Park and Ride locations on the outskirts of Groningen.
