‘It’s as if time has stood still here’ is perhaps the most common remark from those who have left Groningen but return. Understandable, but alongside the students, nostalgic pubs and other familiar features that ensure the city retains its trusted charm, plenty of new places and initiatives have also emerged in recent years. Here you’ll see what’s so wonderfully unchanged, complemented by the new additions you might not yet know about. Handy information, then, for your journey of rediscovery through your old, familiar (student) city. Will you be popping by again soon?
Grass from the Noorderplantsoen
Yes, the song is still played in student bars and sung along loudly. Preferably entwined in each other's arms, all together in a big circle. If that's allowed again. By the way, the Noorderplantsoen is still the favourite hangout among many city dwellers and students. With as a summer highlight the always cosy Noorderzon Performing Arts Festival.
Besides the grass of Noorderplantsoen, which lends itself well to a picnic or barbecue, there are plenty of places to eat in and around the park. For example, have you already heard of park pavilion Sunday, vegan coffee spot Mahalo and De Markies 2.0?
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See and be seen
The city’s streetscape is still dominated by over 60,000 students. These days, the fashion among Groningen students goes beyond the classic tracksuit bottoms. After all, it’s nice to look good too.
The retail offer responds well to this, with hip clothing shops for everyone who is far from losing the student in themselves. Drop into Klup de Dag, KOKOTOKO, Cleding Raad or De Overkant by Cleding Raad for a new outfit, totally up-to-date.
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Groninger Museum
Do you remember? After a weekend ‘back home’, this was practically the first thing you saw when you stepped off the train. Crossing the Museumbrug felt like coming home. Would that still be the case today?
This impressive building hosts a variety of exhibitions – and not just any old ones. So make sure that this time you don’t just admire the museum from the outside, but explore it from the inside too. And whilst you’re at it, why not pay a visit to the other museums in the city as well?
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Hoornsemeer / Paterswoldsemeer
For years, residents of the city have been heading towards the Hoornsemeer for some refreshment during the hot summer days. There you will find the pavilion Kaap Hoorn, where it is great to relax on the terrace. On the other side of the lake you will find, among other things, De Rietschans with beautiful views over the water and the woods.
Party until the sun rises (or even later)
Anyone who has hit the Groningen nightlife more than once knows that the pubs have no closing time. It’s not just the pubs and clubs; the snack bars are also open all night long, as kebab rolls, baskets of chips and egg balls are in huge demand amongst hungry night owls. Incidentally, this last snack is always a good reason to visit Groningen, because you simply won’t find such a delicious eierbal anywhere else but in Grunn.
The Martini Martinitoren
Anyone who has ever lived in Groningen knows that the city is watched over by ‘the old grey one’, which has dominated Groningen’s skyline for 500 years. You can also climb this 97-metre-high tower. Climbing the tower is something that should be on every Groningen resident’s bucket list, as from the top you’ll enjoy the most stunning view of the city. Never done it? Then, on your next visit to Groningen, hurry to the tourist information office on the Grote Markt to buy a ticket. You won’t regret it.
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Province of Groningen
The province of Groningen boasts beautiful nature reserves where you can enjoy a breath of fresh air. The Wadden Sea, for example, was recently voted the most beautiful nature reserve in the Netherlands. How about getting some fresh air on the dyke, mudflat walking, spotting seals or tucking into all the delicacies the mudflats have to offer? The charming little village of Bourtange on the border with Germany is also well worth a visit. The present-day village is a reconstruction of the original fortress, based on drawings from 1742, and provides a complete picture of what the fortified town must have looked like back then.
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Food and drink
The range of trendy hotspots in Groningen changes almost weekly, as restaurants, cafés and bars are springing up like mushrooms. Hippe Nana is opening on Broerstraat, a colourful spot where students can enjoy coffee, fresh sandwiches and cute accessories, such as bracelets and earrings. On Guldenstraat you’ll find Caffello, a trendy coffee shop serving light, fluffy waffles and finely ground coffee. Panzo, on Gedempte Zuiderdiep, brings a taste of Italy to Groningen with delicious schiacciata sandwiches. For a sweet treat, head to De Ijscobar, where you can choose from a wide variety of artisan ice-cream flavours.
Shopping
As old names disappear, new ones keep popping up. For example, the city now boasts lovely concept stores such as Bien (Oosterstraat). The range of shops has also expanded considerably in terms of interior design and style. For vintage and industrial designs, pop into Laif & Nuver (Rode Weeshuisstraat) or Verroest (Donkersgang). Another shopping tip: pick up some crusty, artisan, organic bread at Bakkerij Blanche or Broodje van Eigen Deeg (both on Brugstraat).
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Old with a new look
The Grote Markt in Groningen is undergoing exciting changes. The terrace at De Drie Gezusters has been extended, allowing you to enjoy a drink in comfort, even in the colder months thanks to heated cushions. A brand-new Starbucks has opened on Herestraat, ideal for a nice cup of coffee whilst you’re out shopping. DOT has also been revamped with a new rooftop terrace where you can watch films under the stars. In addition, Bar Barrie has opened – run by the same owners as Bistro Boys – offering a cosy atmosphere with delicious drinks and snacks. Were you unaware of one or more of these changes? Then it’s high time you paid a visit to Groningen again.
