Explore Groningen
Your perfect trip to Netherlands
Groningen is the rebel of the North. Far removed from the ‘Randstad’ (the Amsterdam-Rotterdam loop), it operates like an island state. It has the youngest demographic in the Netherlands—roughly 25% of the population are students—which gives the city an unkillable energy. In Groningen, the bars do not have a closing time. Seriously. You can enter a pub on Wednesday and leave on Thursday morning.
But it’s not just a party town. Groningen is a visual clash of medieval gables and aggressive modernism. The Martini Tower (The Old Grey One) has watched over the city for 500 years, while the Groninger Museum looks like a colorful explosion of Memphis-style design floating on the water. The new Forum building is a sci-fi monolith that serves as the city’s living room, offering the best views in town.
Because it is isolated, Groningen is self-sufficient. The culture is fierce, the dialect is distinct, and the food is hearty. The ‘Eierbal’ (Egg Ball) is a UNESCO-protected cultural heritage snack—a boiled egg wrapped in ragout, breaded, and deep-fried. It is the holy grail of late-night snacks. Groningen feels vibrant, intelligent, and completely unpretentious.
The perfect plan for Groningen:
Day 1 Agenda
Theme: The Highs & The Arts
- Morning: Groninger Museum. The building itself is the art. Inside, it’s a mix of local history and avant-garde modern art.
- Afternoon: Forum Groningen. Take the escalators to the roof. The view of the Martini Tower is perfect. It’s a library, cinema, and museum in one. Lunch at the top.
- Evening: De Drie Gezusters. The ‘Three Sisters’ on the Grote Markt. It’s the largest pub in Europe—a maze of connected bars. Have a drink just to see the scale.
Day 2 Agenda
Theme: Medieval & Markets
- Morning: Martini Tower. Climb the d’Olle Grieze. The spiral staircase is tight, but the history is palpable.
- Afternoon: Vismarkt. If it’s market day (Tue/Fri/Sat), buy fresh cheese and fish. Walk to the Hoge der A and Lage der A wharves to see the historic ships. Most photogenic spot.
- Evening: Eierbal Hunt. Go to a ‘snackbar’ (cafeteria) or the automats (walls of food) and eat an Eierbal. It is curry-flavored, crispy, and essential.
Day 3 Agenda
Theme: Gardens & Fortresses (Bourtange trip)
- Morning: Prinsentuin. A Renaissance garden within the city. Very quiet, with a tea room.
- Afternoon: If you have a car, drive to Bourtange (45 mins). A perfectly preserved star-shaped fortress village. It looks like a movie set from the 1700s.
- Evening: Poelestraat. The nightlife street. Dive into Mr. Mofongo (robot arm makes cocktails) or a jazz bar.
Weather
Spring (April-May): Noorderplantsoen park fills up with barbecues.
Summer (June-Aug): The Noorderzon festival (Aug) is incredible—theater/music in the park.
Autumn (Sept-Nov): Students return, the city wakes up.
Winter (Dec-Feb): Cold, dark, but the pubs (Bruine Kroegen) are cozy.
Local Customs
- No Closing Times: Pace yourself. The night starts late and ends at sunrise.
- Walking: The center is effectively car-free. Watch out for the thousands of bikes.
- Directness: Northerners are even more direct than Amsterdammers. Don’t take it personally.
History & Culture
Groningen has always been the capital of the North. It was a Hanseatic trading city and a fortress. Its most famous moment is ‘Bommen Berend’ in 1672, when the city withstood a massive siege by the Bishop of Münster, an event still celebrated annually with fireworks and festivals.
Getting Around & Safety
Bike is king. Groningen is the world’s premier cycling city (60% of trips are by bike).
- Train: It’s 2 hours from Amsterdam. A commitment, but worth it.
- Walking: The center is compact.
Info for Nomads
A hidden gem. Cheap rent, young vibe, great English proficiency.
Workation Vibe
Speed: Fast. 100 Mbps.
Cafes: Black & Bloom (serious coffee nerds) and News Cafe.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it too far from Amsterdam? +
2 hours by direct train. It’s a journey, but the transition from the crowded west to the open north is refreshing.
What is an Eierbal? +
Think of a Scotch Egg, but instead of sausage meat, it’s a thick, curry-flavoured ragout. It’s vegetarian (usually) and delicious.
Is it only for students? +
No, but the energy is youthful. The museum and history appeal to everyone. The nightlife is intense, but you can avoid it.