Highlights of Groningen
Feel City under your feet. Climb the Martinitoren and look out over a sea of rooftops, wander through centuries-old streets and discover how tranquillity and liveliness come together effortlessly here. From quiet courtyards to bustling student spots and lively market squares. These are City's highlights.
Highlights
Martinitoren
In the past 500 years, Martinitoren burned down, lightning struck and it almost collapsed. Wars were won and lost on its doorstep. The tower stood its ground and, at 97 metres, is still the city's tallest building. Climb up for a piece of tangible history and a fantastic view.
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The Groninger Museum
Creative energy splashes from the walls. Beautiful or ugly? The Groninger Museum has been there since 1994, but is still the subject of discussion on modern architecture. Let that surely be reason enough for a visit. The diverse collection and innovative, occasionally quite stimulating exhibitions complete the experience.
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Courtyards
The Groningen courtyards used to offer free shelter to the poor, widows and sick. Nowadays, all kinds of private individuals live in these oases of calm in the city centre. At a handful you can drop in for a moment of silence. Some of the trees in the flower-filled gardens are so old that they have lived with the residents of yesteryear.
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Forum Groningen
At the heart of Groningen's city centre stands the Forum; a meeting place for everyone curious about today's world and tomorrow's possibilities. The Forum aims to surprise and inspire with Storyworld, 5 movie theatres, the Smartlab, restaurants, the city library and Groningen's highest roof terrace with phenomenal views and a rooftop cinema.
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Broerstraat
Groningen is young. But where do you really experience that energy? Find a spot among the bikes on the Academieplein and look around. This square on Broerstraat between Oude Boteringestraat and Oude Kijk in 't Jatstraat is the epicentre of student city Groningen.
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Vismarkt
Market people shout their sales slogans, while cyclists make their way among the pedestrians. People buy their lunch at the Korenbeurs or poke a fork in their chips or kibbeling. In the historic buildings around the market, restaurants and shops welcome you. The Vismarkt is city activity at its best.
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Station hall
From a crowded train, you trot onto the platform. Or you step briskly on from the city centre to catch your train. And then suddenly it is silent. Apart from the echo of a laughing child, for a moment you hear nothing at all. The stately station hall makes Hoofdstation Groningen one of the most beautiful station buildings in the Netherlands.
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Noorderplantsoen
In fine weather, the banks of the Noorderplantsoen ponds are packed with people. Would they know that there used to be spirited warfare here? That hills were created in the landscape here by propelling land ice? Oh well, why bother about history when you can chill out in the greenery?
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Prinsentuin
Near the Martinitoren stands a high wall with perhaps the quietest spot in Groningen city centre behind it. Within the walls of the green, flowery Prinsentuin you can imagine yourself in another world. Stroll along the plants, read a book on a bench or enjoy a cup of tea at the tearoom.
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Hoge der A en Lage der A
The old warehouses along the deep reveal the bustle of yesteryear. Ships came and went here, and you could hear the rattling wheels and the trampling of horses' hooves all day long. Strolling along the quays, you pass no fewer than 28 national and 11 municipal monuments. Like stepping into a painting.
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