Welcome To Groningen

Groningen is an international haven tucked away in the North of the Netherlands. At the crossroads of the Dutch, German and North Sea trade routes, the city and province of Groningen have always fulfilled a pivotal role in local and international affairs. Many internationals end up in this historically Hanseatic city, may it be by chance or choice, as a student or as a young professional; they all find a home in this relatively small city and its surrounding landscape.

If you’ve just arrived, you won’t know the ins-and-outs of this beautiful area yet. Luckily, we’re here to get you off to a good start. Here are eight gems you’ll have to know about when you’re new to Groningen.

1. Groningen Central Station

When you arrive in Groningen, you’ll probably arrive at the train station and immediately move on to your destination. The historical train station was built in 1896 and is often overlooked. Since you don’t have to go through the building, many people miss how beautiful the building is on the inside. The main hall is beautifully decorated with ornate art and architecture. Even the establishments such as Albert Heijn and Starbucks are some of their most beautiful locations due to the high windows and artistic ornate ceilings. If you’re ever not in a hurry, take a breather and look up!

2. Prinsentuin

Hidden behind the Prinsenhof lies this enchanting Renaissance-style garden that dates back to the early 17th century. Originally designed for Prince William Frederick of Nassau, the gardens feature a stunning rose garden, intricate geometric patterns, and a picturesque sundial. Don’t miss out on this charming spot that’s perfect for a peaceful stroll or an afternoon lunch at the café in the garden.

3. Vintage Fashion: Oosterstraat & Steentilstraat

Vintage and second-hand fashion have been a big aspect of Groningen fashion for over ten years now. For example, clothes’ swap events have been a staple in the Groningen scene and pan-European VinoKilo was cooked up in a small attic room in the Kleine Rozenstraat ten years ago and has been a leading example in vintage fashion. Nowadays, the Oosterstraat has been a staple of Vintage and second-hand shopping with iconic stores such as Vintage Island being located there. A new vintage valhalla is emerging in front of our eyes in the Steentilstraat with Sappho Vintage, Onder De Linde and Tien, too. Our pick to visit first is Sappho Vintage; a queer-owned high-quality vintage store on the Steentilstraat. All items are individually selected and their stock is regularly updated. Go shop for your next fashion statement!

4. Stadspark

Coming to Groningen, the first park you’ll probably encounter is the Noorderplantsoen. And although it’s the city’s favorite park for good reasons, you cannot miss out on the amazing Stadspark. Just south of the city center, this massive park is the best place for a leisurely walk discovering new parts of the park, some running on the inner kilometer circle, chilling by the water, and much more. There’s even an petting zoo to check out and many festivals are hosted on the horse track and the surrounding park. It’s the perfect park for whatever you might need.

5. The Stockroom

In 1920s America, alcohol was prohibited, and the secret and hidden speakeasy bars were on the rise. Hidden from plain sight, there was a place you could illegally drink. Inspired by this concept, The Stockroom built their bar with secret entrance and all to keep the mystery alive. It’s Groningen’s favorite cocktail bar and they always serve top quality classic cocktails inspired by the roaring ’20s with a seasonal twist.

6. Hoornse Plas & Paterswoldsemeer

On the border of Groningen en Drenthe, the Hoornse Plas (and also the Hoornsemeer and Paterswoldsemeer) are three connected bodies of water and great locations south of the city of Groningen to relax by the water. With a variety of activities on and off the water, it’s a bustling yet quiet escape from city life and therefore a favorite of many Groningers to go to during a hot summer day. There’s a harbor, playground, swimming beaches, nude beach, and you can even cycle around the whole lake on a fresh summer day when it isn’t too hot. It’s easily reachable from the city, too.

7. Zeehondencentrum Pieterburen

For many years, the seal rescue center in Pieterburen (moving to Lauwersoog in 2025) has been a staple of Northern culture. Seals are an integral part of the Wadden Sea, but the seals’ habitat has been jeopardized by pollution and climate change. The Zeehondencentrum functions as a hospital and science center for seals, studying seals and preventing the deterioration of their natural habitat. To learn more about their mission and to get a closer look at the North’s cutest inhabitants, you can visit the center for guided tours, seeing seals be released into the wild, and feeding them.

8. Winsum Village

If you want to visit a beautiful and typically Dutch village, you’ll have to visit Winsum. In 2020, it was voted the most beautiful village of the Netherlands. It’s an old village, it’s said that the area has been inhabited already since 600 BC. It’s a pitoresque village with only about 7000 inhabitants, but it is credited for having a complete village life with good bars and plenty of stores. The village features buildings from many eras of Dutch architecture, making it a great place to visit to get the true Dutch village experience.

Of course, these are only a few of the magical places the city and province of Groningen have to offer. With this as your base, we hope you venture out to discover the area and make amazing memories.

If you want to discover more of what Groningen has to offer, keep an eye out on our Instagram where we share current and upcoming events in the North.