A day out in Groningen city

Your day always starts well in Groningen. And a tasty breakfast is, of course, part of that. The city gets up early, so you can go to many places for the first meal of the day. Want something a little different? Choose, for instance, a delicious pancake from Blue Bananas, located at the foot of the futuristic Forum. The choice is vast: from sweet to savoury. From chocolate to salmon. And the colourful interior makes for a cheerful start to your adventure.

Or walk in at Pernikkel. Sustainable, tasty and healthy food. The weekly changing menu ensures that you will be surprised every time. Or feast on classics such as French toast, eggs benedict or the Groningen 10 o'clock. The chef tries to make as much as possible himself and only works with unprocessed products. Preferably ingredients from local farmers and as many fresh seasonal vegetables as possible.

With a full stomach and a good feeling, you'll continue your journey through the city. And what better place to start than the Martinitoren? The 97-metre 'Olle Grieze', aka Old Grey, is the gem of the city centre. Located on the Grote Markt and something you must have seen. The good thing is: you don't just have to admire it from a distance. In fact, you can climb it yourself. The almost 300 steps await you, and your efforts will be rewarded. Every few steps you come face to face with the vaults of the Martini Church, centuries-old ornaments, loud bells or giant flagpoles. And once you have reached the highest point, you will enjoy a breathtaking view of the city and the surrounding area.

After the climb, you'll have worked up an appetite. From the Grote Markt , you walk past the monumental buildings to the Vismarkt. The name says it all: this is the place for fresh fish. On Tuesdays, Fridays and Saturdays, several fish stalls are set up here with fresh delicacies from the sea. Choose kibbeling or go for a typically Dutch herring. Not so keen on fish today? No problem. Scattered around this market are many different kinds of stalls. From fresh vegetables to good cheese and the best herbs. All markets are at home.

Time for the Groninger Museum. You might have noticed the extrovert and multicoloured structure in the water before. Creative energy splashes from the walls. Both outside and inside. Enjoy contemporary art, classical painting and other special exhibitions. With each exhibition, the museum challenges itself and thus its visitors to look at visual art with different eyes. After your visit, walk back into the bustling city centre. Just grab a good cup of coffee. At Koffiestation, for instance, in the Oude Kijk in 't Jatstraat. A street where you can sit down at many a coffee shop. At Koffiestation they get the beans from far away, but the roasting is done just outside the centre of Groningen. Local goodness, in other words.

Further down the street you'll find Vin Natuur, where you get the tastiest natural wines. Just a bit different from the regular wine shop. With varieties you won't easily find anywhere else. Like we often do things just a little differently in Groningen. With a bottle of wine in your bag you continue your journey. Not far from here is the green Noorderplantsoen. Loved by residents and visitors alike. With winding paths and sloping lawns. A place for a walk or a picnic. Or take a seat at the surrounding terraces, there are plenty of them.

After your well-earned rest in the grass, you feel like going out for a good meal. And good dining is certainly possible in Groningen. There is something for every gourmet. But while you're here: taste the flavours of the province. At Brussels Lof for instance. Here they work with local and organic products. Fresh, pure. So you can enjoy fish and shellfish from the Wadden Sea or a piece of meat from a local cow. Tasty food guaranteed.