For as long as anyone can remember, locals and students have been heading to the city’s many lovely outdoor cafés whenever the weather is fine. At the slightest hint of sunshine, the cosy sounds of summer – clinking glasses, chatter and the shuffling of outdoor chairs – can be heard outside. Groningen is the perfect place to enjoy a drink on a terrace: on every street corner, you’ll find the chance – if you’re lucky – to enjoy a cold drink in the sunshine. Here you’ll find a selection of lovely terraces in the city.
Sunday – Noorderplantsoen
Kruissingel 1 – Situated in the beautiful Noorderplantsoen, which is a lovely spot anyway when it’s dry and sunny, you’ll find the Zondag pavilion. On the surrounding terrace amidst the greenery, you can not only dine in the evening, but also enjoy breakfast, lunch, coffee and drinks during the day.
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De Sigaar - Hoge Der A
Hoge der A 2 – It’s a lovely spot by the A, where water sports enthusiasts regularly pass by. Whether standing on a surfboard, in a small boat, on a ship or on a pedal boat: there’s plenty to see from the sun-drenched waterside. It’s no surprise, then, that this cosy terrace is one of Groningen’s favourites.
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Pernikkel - Aweg
Aweg 2 – Pernikkel is the place to go in Groningen for homemade, additive-free and locally sourced food. Five days a week, you can pop in here for breakfast, lunch and drinks. The small but cosy terrace is the ideal spot to enjoy all these delicious treats.
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De Kostery – Martinikerkhof
Martinikerkhof 2 - De Kostery is blessed with a terrace at the foot of d 'Olle Grieze, which is also in the sun all day. A popular terrace for young and old. Unfortunately no place left? Then cross the street and drop in at 't Feithhuis, which is equipped not at the front but at the back, on the Nieuwe Markt, with a large and atmospheric terrace overlooking the Forum. This is also where Stach, where you can enjoy a nice coffee on the terrace.
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De Drie Gezusters - Grote Markt
Grote Markt 36-39 - A classic in Groningen's terrace scene. As soon as the first rays of sunlight reach the Grote Markt, the place is jam-packed and extra staff are called in to serve all the terrace guests. Also the neighbouring terraces of Grand Café Hooghoudt,Werkman and Café Der Witzmake it a cosy affair on the south side of the Grote Markt.
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Mr. Mofongo – Oude Boteringestraat
Oude Boteringestraat 26 – Mr. Mofongo offers a unique culinary experience inspired by Maximo Mofongo’s travels around the world. In the restaurant on the ground floor, you’ll find a varied menu featuring dishes from all over the world. For lovers of street food and sharing dishes, there’s Mofongo’s Greenhouse on the first floor. The Cocktail Bar, voted the best in the Netherlands, serves its own homemade drinks.
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De Uurwerker – Uurwerkersplein
Uurwerkersplein 1 – Those unfamiliar with Groningen may have to search a little to find this ‘hidden’ gem next to the Harmonie building at the University of Groningen. This is a terrace you don’t just stumble upon, but one you reach via cosy alleyways and narrow streets. In the summer, Uurwerkersplein is a very popular terrace, particularly among students and young professionals.
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Pomphuis - Kleine der A
Kleine der A 7 – Pomphuis is a charming restaurant situated in a former pumping station by the water, where you can enjoy a unique dining experience. The waterside terrace is perfect for a relaxed lunch or dinner, where you can watch the boats go by. The industrial décor and the view create a special setting, ideal for a romantic dinner or a cosy evening over drinks.
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Het Concerthuis
Poelestraat 30 - Poelestraat and Poeleplein are known for the vibrant nightlife that takes place here. Not only during the night hours, but also during the day there is a pleasant bustle here. Almost all cafés and restaurants on Poeleplein bring their tables and chairs out in the summer, making the square one big terrace. Great fun, of course. Besides het Concerthuis, you will also find the terrace ofGrand Café Time Out.
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Goudkantoor – Waagplein
Waagplein 1 - At the Goudkantoor, built in 1635 in Dutch Renaissance style, you can go inside or outside on the spacious terrace, overlooking the Martinitoren, for a drink or a cup of coffee and some goodies. A few steps further on you will find the terrace of theNews Café, a modern café with, among other things, trendy cocktails on the menu. History and hipster on one square, right next to the Grote Markt.
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More terraces?
This is just a selection of the many nice terraces in Groningen. For example, De Minnaar, DOT, Stads- en Terrascafé Pronk, Bierlokaal De Koffer and the teashop in the Prinsenhof are also well worth a visit on a sunny day. Do you have any nice additions to this list? Be sure to let us know!
