Activities in Groningen

1. What to do

Start at the Grote Markt. There stands the Martinitoren, called d'Olle Grieze (the Old Grey One) by the people of Groningen, with the Martinikerk next to it. The tower can be climbed by a narrow, steep stair; on the way up you pass the bells, and at the top there is the view over the flat city and the land around it. The Grote Markt itself was largely rebuilt after wartime damage and is the square where markets, terraces and nightlife come together. Close by lies the Vismarkt, the long square where the weekly market stands.

Walk from the Grote Markt south, towards the station, and you reach the Groninger Museum. The museum stands on its own island in the canal, opposite the station, and stands out for its colourful, postmodern building. Inside there are collections of old and contemporary art, design and ceramics, alongside changing exhibitions. The building itself is worth a visit, even if you have little time.

Opposite the Grote Markt, at the Nieuwe Markt, stands Forum Groningen. The building, opened in 2019, holds a library, cinemas, exhibition spaces and places to eat and drink. From the roof terrace you look out over the roofs of the city centre and the Martinitoren. The Oude Kijk in 't Jatstraat, between the Grote Markt and the Noorderplantsoen, is the street for coffee and small shops.

For quiet, there are two places in the city itself. The Noorderplantsoen, just north of the city centre, is laid out on the old fortifications and has winding paths, ponds and lawns. The Prinsentuin, a garden in Renaissance style behind the Prinsenhof, is smaller and quieter, with a rose garden, a herb garden and a sundial above the entrance. The Der Aa-kerk, a medieval church in the city centre, is used for concerts and exhibitions; check on the spot what is on.

Anyone who likes sport can go to the Euroborg, the stadium of FC Groningen in the south-east of the city, by Europapark station. The stadium is also a leisure area with a cinema and shops. A boat trip through the canals shows the city centre from the water; boarding points are in the centre.

The University of Groningen, founded in 1614, belongs to the street scene: the Academy Building on the Broerstraat and the students in the city centre set part of the rhythm of the city. A walk through the old streets around the Martinikerkhof and the Hoge der A shows the oldest buildings in the city.

2. Seasonal notes

Groningen can be visited all year, but the city changes with the season. In spring and summer, the Noorderplantsoen and the terraces on the Grote Markt and the Vismarkt are at their busiest, and walks and cycle rides are at their best. In summer there are open-air performances and festivals in the Noorderplantsoen, including the Noorderzon festival for theatre and music. Check on the spot which edition and which dates apply; this page names no dates.

In autumn and winter, life moves indoors: museums, the Forum, cinemas and cafés. The Martinitoren and the museums are an option all year in bad weather, but climbing the tower is less pleasant in strong wind or icy conditions. Allow for rain and wind in every season; Groningen lies in open, flat land and the wind is often felt there.

3. Practical notes

Always check opening hours and entry prices on the official website of the place itself. This page names no hours and no prices, because they change. For the Martinitoren: the stair is narrow and steep, and anyone who has difficulty walking is better off choosing the Forum roof terrace for the view.

The city centre is compact, but the bicycle belongs to it: as a pedestrian, always look for cyclists first, even on squares. Take water on warm days and a rain jacket when the sky clouds over; both are needed in Groningen more often than you might think.

For a first visit, go first to the Grote Markt and the Forum, then to the Groninger Museum and the Noorderplantsoen. That way you see the centre, the museum and the park without hurrying. Anyone staying longer can take a cycle ride to the villages and the countryside around the city.

This page is general information only. The site does not verify opening hours, prices, events, or availability. Check everything on the spot or on the official website.