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Groningen
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Groningen blends medieval landmarks, student energy, cycling culture, contemporary art and northern Dutch character across a compact, walkable city centre.

Medieval Foundations and Modern Energy

Groningen is the cultural and economic centre of the northern Netherlands, a compact city where medieval streets, university life and an energetic cycling culture shape everyday experience. At its historic core, the tall Martinitoren rises above the Grote Markt, while the adjoining Martinikerk, the former Aa-kerk and the elegant Prinsenhof complex reveal the city's religious and civic past. Narrow lanes lead towards open squares, canals and courtyards, creating a cityscape that is substantial without feeling overwhelming.
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A City Built for Exploration

Much of central Groningen is easily explored on foot or by bicycle. The pedestrianised Herestraat and Folkingestraat combine established shops, independent boutiques, cafés and specialist retailers, while the Vismarkt and Grote Markt provide busy urban settings for markets, festivals and daily life. The University of Groningen gives the centre a youthful rhythm, particularly around Oude Kijk in 't Jatstraat, the Oosterstraat and the nightlife streets near the Grote Markt. Contemporary architecture is represented by the Groninger Museum, positioned beside the railway station with bold forms and ambitious art exhibitions.

Culture Beyond the Centre

Groningen's appeal extends beyond its historic heart. The Noorderplantsoen offers lawns, mature trees and walking paths close to the centre, and the city's canals and cycle routes provide a distinctly northern Dutch perspective. Museums, music venues, theatres and independent cultural organisations contribute to a lively arts scene, while the surrounding province offers open farmland, villages and the wide landscapes of the Wadden region. The result is a city that combines provincial importance, student-led energy and a carefully preserved historical identity.

When is the best time to visit Groningen?

Best: June–August · 20–22°C
Average daytime high and rainfall by month
MonthHigh (°C)Rainfall (mm)
January645
February635
March1035
April1430
May1735
June (best)2040
July (best)2245
August (best)2245
September1940
October1535
November1040
December845

Getting to and around Groningen

How to get there

Groningen is well connected by Dutch rail, with direct or convenient train journeys from cities including Amsterdam, Schiphol Airport, Utrecht and Zwolle, although some routes require a change. Groningen railway station stands just south of the historic centre and is also a major regional bus interchange. Groningen Airport Eelde is the nearest commercial airport, located outside the city near Eelde; its limited route network means that many international visitors use Schiphol Airport and continue by train. Long-distance buses and regional coaches connect Groningen with towns across the province, while motorways provide road access from the directions of Assen, Drachten and Germany. Check current rail and road conditions before travelling, particularly during engineering works.

Transportation

Central Groningen is compact, and walking is practical for most sightseeing. Cycling is the dominant local mode, supported by extensive cycle lanes and large bicycle parking facilities, but visitors should keep out of designated cycle tracks and watch for fast-moving bikes. City and regional buses serve the centre, railway station, university areas and suburbs, with services operated within the Dutch public transport system. An OV-chipkaart or suitable contactless bank card can generally be used for public transport, subject to current operator arrangements. Taxis are available, while driving in the centre is less convenient because of pedestrianised streets, traffic restrictions and limited parking. Parking on the edge of the centre can be easier than entering the historic core.

Best attractions in Groningen

Groningen's principal sights are concentrated within a walkable centre, beginning with the Martinitoren, whose elevated position gives context to the city's compact streets and squares. The adjacent Martinikerk and the leafy Prinsenhof garden add historical depth, while the former Aa-kerk introduces a different perspective on the medieval town. The Groninger Museum, beside the railway station, brings art, design and regional culture into a striking contemporary building, with changing exhibitions rather than a single fixed perspective on Groningen. Markets on the Grote Markt and Vismarkt provide a more everyday attraction, especially when stalls fill the squares with local produce and provisions. The pedestrianised lanes of Folkingestraat, the canals and the Noorderplantsoen offer slower ways to explore, while the university quarter contributes bookshops, cafés and academic architecture. Together, these places show Groningen as both a historic provincial capital and a living student city.

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Best landmarks in Groningen

The Martinitoren is Groningen's defining vertical landmark, rising beside the Martinikerk on the Grote Markt and reflecting the city's long religious and civic history. The church contains architectural layers from different periods, while the tower's brick mass has dominated the skyline for centuries. Across the centre, the Aa-kerk recalls the medieval parish structure of the western town, and the Prinsenhof complex combines historic institutional buildings with a formal garden. Groningen railway station is a notable nineteenth-century gateway, distinguished by an ornate historic interior and an important place in the city's connection with the rest of the Netherlands. The Academiegebouw of the University of Groningen represents the continuing influence of scholarship, while the Groninger Museum offers a deliberately modern counterpoint near the station. Taken together, these landmarks trace Groningen's development from religious settlement and trading town to university city and regional cultural capital.

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Explore Groningen on the map

Plan your Groningen trip on one map. See where the top attractions, landmarks, restaurants, bars and hotels are, find what's near where you're staying, and book hotels and experiences in a few clicks.

Best restaurants in Groningen

Groningen's food culture combines familiar Dutch specialities with a broad, contemporary restaurant scene shaped by students, international residents and the surrounding agricultural province. Local tastes include the savoury eierbal, a breaded egg snack strongly associated with Groningen, and Groninger koek, a dense spiced cake often served with coffee. Poffert, a traditional steamed cake, belongs to the region's older home cooking, while mustard-based dishes and dairy products reflect northern Dutch culinary traditions. Cafés and casual eateries cluster around the Grote Markt, Vismarkt, Folkingestraat and the university streets, with restaurants ranging from simple lunch rooms to modern kitchens using seasonal produce. Markets add cheese, bread, fish and prepared foods to the city's daily food landscape. International cuisines are well represented, but the most distinctive meals often come from trying regional ingredients alongside Groningen's relaxed café culture.

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Best bars in Groningen

Groningen has a lively evening scene largely shaped by its university population, with much of the activity concentrated around the Grote Markt, Poelestraat, Peperstraat, Oosterstraat and nearby streets. Traditional brown cafés, modern bars, terraces and music venues sit close together, making it possible to move between a quiet drink, live performance and late-night dancing without travelling far. The city is also known for a strong live-music culture, with established venues such as Vera and Simplon contributing concerts across different genres; programmes vary throughout the year. The Stadsschouwburg and other performance spaces provide theatre and cultural evenings for visitors who prefer an organised event to clubbing. Nightlife is generally informal, and cyclists remain a major presence after dark, so care is needed when crossing roads and cycle lanes around the centre.

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Best nightclubs in Groningen

Groningen has a lively evening scene largely shaped by its university population, with much of the activity concentrated around the Grote Markt, Poelestraat, Peperstraat, Oosterstraat and nearby streets. Traditional brown cafés, modern bars, terraces and music venues sit close together, making it possible to move between a quiet drink, live performance and late-night dancing without travelling far. The city is also known for a strong live-music culture, with established venues such as Vera and Simplon contributing concerts across different genres; programmes vary throughout the year. The Stadsschouwburg and other performance spaces provide theatre and cultural evenings for visitors who prefer an organised event to clubbing. Nightlife is generally informal, and cyclists remain a major presence after dark, so care is needed when crossing roads and cycle lanes around the centre.

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Best shops in Groningen

Shopping in Groningen ranges from mainstream retail to independent businesses in streets that retain a strong local identity. The Herestraat is the principal central shopping street, while Folkingestraat is known for smaller specialist shops, cafés, galleries and boutiques in a more intimate setting. Oude Kijk in 't Jatstraat and the nearby university quarter add bookshops, vintage stores and independent retailers, and the Vismarkt and Grote Markt bring regular market shopping into the centre. Visitors can look for Dutch food products, regional biscuits such as Groninger koek, cheese, design goods, books and locally made crafts, though selection varies by shop. The city also has larger modern retail facilities around the centre for everyday purchases. Groningen's shopping character comes from the contrast between pedestrian retail streets, historic façades, weekly market life and a young customer base.

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Groningen essentials

Currency and Payment
The currency is the euro (EUR). Debit and credit cards, including contactless payments, are widely accepted in hotels, museums, supermarkets, restaurants and shops, although smaller market stalls or independent businesses may have their own payment preferences. Dutch bank cards and contactless systems are common, and international visitors should ensure that their card is enabled for transactions abroad. Cash machines are available in the city, but carrying a small amount of euros remains useful for occasional market purchases or places that do not accept a particular card network. Check whether a payment terminal offers to charge in euros or in your home currency, as the latter may use an unfavourable exchange rate.
Safety
Groningen is generally straightforward for visitors, but ordinary urban precautions remain appropriate. Keep phones, wallets and bags secure in crowded market areas, on public transport and around busy nightlife streets. Bicycle theft is a recognised practical concern, so use a proper lock and designated bicycle parking rather than leaving a hired or borrowed bike unattended. Take extra care when crossing cycle lanes, especially near the railway station and central shopping streets. At night, stay aware of traffic and other road users, and use reputable taxis or public transport if unfamiliar with the city. Weather can change quickly, while wet roads and tram-free but busy cycle traffic make careful movement more important than speed.
Emergency Situations
For urgent police, fire or medical assistance in Groningen, call 112, the Netherlands' national emergency number. State whether you need the police, fire service or ambulance and provide the location as clearly as possible; operators can assist with language needs where available. For less urgent police matters, contact the Dutch police through its non-emergency number, 0900 8844, or seek help at a police station. If medical advice is needed outside normal GP hours, visitors can use the local out-of-hours GP service system, while pharmacies can advise on minor ailments. Travel insurance details, identification and information about regular medication are useful to keep accessible.
Do's and Don'ts
Keep to the right on pavements and never walk casually in a marked cycle lane, where bicycles can approach quietly and quickly. Wait for pedestrian signals at major crossings and avoid standing in cycle paths to take photographs. In churches and other religious or memorial spaces, dress and behave respectfully, and follow any photography restrictions. Dutch dining etiquette is generally informal; tipping is not compulsory, but rounding up or leaving a modest amount for good service is appreciated. Queues and appointments are taken seriously, and direct communication is normal rather than discourteous. Do not assume that every shop or café accepts cash or every foreign card, particularly as payment practices vary between businesses.
Local Tips
The area around the Grote Markt, Martinitoren and Vismarkt is the easiest starting point for first-time orientation, while Folkingestraat and Oude Kijk in 't Jatstraat offer a more independent, local retail atmosphere. The Noorderplantsoen provides a pleasant pause close to the centre, and a walk along the canals reveals quieter views of the city beyond the main squares. Groningen's student population means that cultural events, exhibitions and live performances are often part of the city's ordinary rhythm, but programmes change regularly. For a broader understanding of the province, the tourist information service and museum staff can help distinguish city experiences from excursions into the surrounding countryside and Wadden region.
Eve, your Evendo local guide

From Eve

Local phrases worth knowing

You don't need to get them perfect. A few words go a long way, and locals appreciate the effort.

6 phrase groups · English, local and pronunciation

Basics
EnglishLocalSay it
HelloMoi[Moy]
GoodbyeDoeg[Dookh]
YesJa[Yah]
NoNee[Nay]
Please/You're welcomeGraag gedaan[Khrahkh khedahn]
Thank youDank je[Dahngk yeh]
Excuse me/SorrySorry[Soh-ree]
How are you?Hoe is 't met die?[Hoo is t met dee]
Fine. And you?Goud. En met jou?[Khowt. En met yow]
Do you speak English?Praotstoe Engels?[Prauts-toh-eh Engels]
I don't understandIk begriep't nait[Ick beh-greept nayt]
Eating & Drinking
EnglishLocalSay it
I'd like to see the menu, pleaseMag ik de menu kaiken, aub[Mahkh ik deh menew kai-ken, owb]
I don't eat meatIk ait gain vlees[Ick ait khain flays]
Cheers!Proost![Prohst]
I would like to pay, pleaseIk wil betoalen, aub[Ick wil beh-tow-luhn, owb]
Emergencies
EnglishLocalSay it
Help!Help![Help]
Go away!Goa vot![Goh fawt]
Call the Police!Bel de politie![Bel deh poh-lee-see]
Call a doctor!Bel een dokter![Bel ayn dokh-ter]
I'm lostIk bin verdwaald[Ick bin fer-dwahlt]
I'm illIk bin ziek[Ick bin zik]
Shopping
EnglishLocalSay it
I'd like to buy...Ik wil kopen...[Ick wil koh-pen]
I'm just lookingIk kiek alleen mor[Ick keek a-lane mor]
How much is it?Hoeveul kost dat?[Hoo-vool kost dat]
That's too expensiveDat is te duur[Dat is teh dur]
Can you lower the price?Kun je de prijs verlagen?[Koon yeh deh preis fuh-rah-lah-ghen]
Time & Numbers
EnglishLocalSay it
What time is it?Hoe loat is 't?[Hoo loat is t]
It's one o'clock't Is ain uur[Is ain oor]
Half past (10)Half elf[Half elf]
MorningMörn[Murn]
AfternoonMiddag[Middakh]
EveningOavend[Ow-vend]
YesterdayGuster[Goo-ster]
TodayVandoag[Vahn-dohkh]
TomorrowMörgen[Mur-ghen]
1Ain[Ayn]
2Twee[Tway]
3Drij[Dreiy]
4Vaaier[Vah-yer]
5Vief[Veev]
6Zes[Zehs]
7Zeven[Zeh-ven]
8Acht[Akh-t]
9Negen[Neh-ghen]
10Tien[Teen]
Transport & Directions
EnglishLocalSay it
Where's a/the...?Weer is de...?[Wehr is deh]
What's the address?Wat is 't adres?[Wat is t ah-dres]
Can you show me (on the map)?Kanstoe mie (op kaart) laoten ziehn?[Kahn-stow mee (op kart) lau-tuhn zeen]
When's the next (bus)?Wanneer is de volgende (bus)?[Vehn-ehr is deh fohl-ghen-deh (bus)]
A ticket (to ....)Een kaartje (naar ....)[Ayn kahrt-yuh (nar)]

History of Groningen

Early Settlement on the Hondsrug

Groningen developed on the northern end of the Hondsrug, a sandy ridge that offered relatively dry ground amid the surrounding wetlands. Archaeological evidence indicates prehistoric activity in the area, while the settlement later became associated with the Drentse Aa region and the trading routes of the northern Netherlands. The name Groningen appears in medieval sources as Groeningen and related forms, although the precise origins of the name remain debated. Its position between the higher sandy lands to the south and the coastal and marshy districts to the north helped the settlement become a point of exchange. The underlying landscape still influences the city's geography, with Groningen serving as a regional centre between inland communities and the northern coast.

Medieval Town and Bishopric

By the eleventh and twelfth centuries, Groningen had become an important settlement with growing commercial and religious significance. The Martinikerk developed as the principal church, while the nearby Aa-kerk served communities on the western side of the town. Groningen fell within the sphere of the bishops of Utrecht, but its merchants and citizens increasingly sought political and economic autonomy. Town rights were confirmed during the Middle Ages, allowing the settlement to regulate trade, administration and defence. The construction and expansion of walls, gates and civic buildings reflected its growing importance. The medieval street pattern around the Grote Markt and the surviving churches preserve the basic form of this period, even though later rebuilding changed much of the town's fabric.

Trade, Hanseatic Connections and Civic Power

During the later Middle Ages and early modern period, Groningen profited from trade with the surrounding countryside, the German lands and the North Sea coast. Its merchants participated in regional networks associated with the Hanseatic world, while markets provided outlets for grain, livestock and other agricultural products. The city gradually extended its influence over the Ommelanden, the neighbouring rural districts, leading to tensions between urban authority and local interests. Civic institutions, fortifications and wealthy houses expressed the power of Groningen's governing elite. The Prinsenhof complex, originally connected with the city's religious institutions and later with provincial government, is among the architectural reminders of this changing political landscape.

The Reformation and the Eighty Years' War

The sixteenth century brought religious upheaval and political conflict to Groningen. Protestant ideas gained ground, and in 1594 the city joined the Dutch Revolt against Spanish Habsburg rule after the Siege of Groningen. This event, sometimes called the Reduction of Groningen, brought the city into the Republic of the United Netherlands and altered its religious and political order. Catholic institutions lost their dominant public position, while the city became part of the Protestant Dutch state. Groningen's strategic location made its fortifications important, and later defensive works formed part of the broader system protecting the northern provinces. The seventeenth-century city prospered within the Republic through regional trade and administration.

University, Industry and Urban Expansion

The University of Groningen was founded in 1614, establishing a long-term intellectual presence that remains central to the city's identity. Its teaching and research helped attract students, scholars and institutions, while the university's buildings and academic traditions shaped the centre. From the eighteenth century onwards, Groningen also grew as a regional administrative and commercial hub. Population increases and nineteenth-century industrialisation encouraged expansion beyond the old walls, whose military purpose had diminished. New roads, canals, rail connections and neighbourhoods linked the city with the wider Netherlands. The railway station, opened in the nineteenth century and later rebuilt in an elaborate style, became a prominent gateway and a symbol of modern connectivity.

War, Reconstruction and Cultural Renewal

Groningen experienced occupation during the Second World War, and fighting in April 1945 caused serious damage in parts of the city centre, particularly around the Grote Markt. Canadian forces and Dutch resistance fighters helped liberate the city after several days of conflict. Post-war reconstruction repaired historic buildings while also introducing modern planning and traffic solutions. In the later twentieth century, Groningen increasingly prioritised pedestrians, bicycles and public transport in the central area, helping create the street environment visible today. Cultural investment produced institutions such as the Groninger Museum's present building, opened in 1994, and reinforced the city's role as a northern centre for art, education and public life.

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Evendo - Your Ultimate Travel Guide to Groningen

Explore Groningen like a local with Evendo! This 100% free app-based travel guide covers attractions, landmarks, shops, restaurants, and more, ensuring a memorable trip.

  • Detailed information on attractions, landmarks, shops, bars, nightclubs, restaurants, hotels, tours, experiences, and activities.
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Unlock the best of Groningen with Evendo, your all-in-one travel guide. Discover top attractions, book hotels, and immerse yourself in local culture, all for free.

  • History of Groningen and travel essentials.
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Welcome to Evendo, your ultimate travel companion for exploring the vibrant city of Groningen! Whether you're a history buff, a foodie, or an adventure seeker, our 100% free app-based travel guide has everything you need to make the most of your trip. Dive into the rich history of Groningen with detailed information on landmarks like the Martinitoren and the Groninger Museum. Savor local flavors at renowned restaurants such as De Drie Gezusters and enjoy the bustling nightlife at popular bars and nightclubs.

With Evendo, easily navigate through the city with our user-friendly maps and 'Near me' feature, which shows you the best attractions, shops, and experiences around you. No need to worry about bookings – our app lets you effortlessly book hotels, tours, and tickets, making your travel planning a breeze. Experience Groningen like a local with curated tips and hidden gems that are off the beaten path.

Some must-visit spots include the picturesque Noorderplantsoen park, the historic Vismarkt, and the lively Grote Markt. For a unique experience, don't miss the Vismarkt's bustling fish market or the cozy cafes lining the Aa-Kerkhof. Evendo isn't just limited to Groningen; it covers over 7,000 destinations worldwide, so your next adventure is just a tap away.

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