City guide
Things to Do in Groningen: A Local Cafe's Guide (2026)
The best things to do in Groningen are climbing the Martinitoren, wandering the compact old centre and its markets, visiting the Groninger Museum and the Forum rooftop, relaxing in the Prinsenhoftuin and Noorderplantsoen, and ending the day in one of the city's many bars. Add a canal boat tour, a festival such as Noorderzon or Eurosonic Noorderslag, and a day trip to the Wadden coast or the star fort of Bourtange, and you have a full weekend or a very good first month in the city.
We are Cafe Salud, a brown cafe at Carolieweg 31, a short walk from the Grote Markt. Every week we meet international students, expats, digital nomads and weekend visitors who ask us the same question at the bar: what should I actually do here? This guide is our answer. It covers the must-see sights, places to visit when it rains, the best bars in Groningen, what Groningen nightlife is really like, festivals through the year, day trips, and a simple plan for a Groningen weekend. Where we mention other venues, we keep to well-established facts and leave opening times and prices to them, so always check their own websites before you go.
Things to do in Groningen at a glance
Groningen is small enough to cross on foot in about half an hour, which makes it ideal for a short break. Most of the places to visit in Groningen city sit inside or just outside the ring of canals around the old centre. This table gives you a quick overview of the highlights, so you can decide what fits your time and mood.
| Place or activity | What it is | Best for | Time to allow |
|---|---|---|---|
| Martinitoren | The city's landmark church tower, about 97 metres tall | Views over the whole city | About an hour |
| Groninger Museum | Postmodern museum building on an island opposite the station | Art, design and architecture | Two to three hours |
| Forum Groningen | Cultural building with library, cinema and rooftop terrace | Rainy days, views, a coffee | One to two hours |
| Prinsenhoftuin | Walled Renaissance garden from 1626 | A quiet break in the centre | 30 to 60 minutes |
| Noorderplantsoen | Popular city park just north of the centre | Picnics, running, summer evenings | As long as you like |
| Vismarkt and Grote Markt | The two main squares, with markets several days a week | Local food and people-watching | An hour |
| Canal boat tour | Round trip on the water around the old centre | First-time visitors | About an hour |
| Bars and brown cafes | Hundreds of cafes in a very compact centre | Evenings, meeting people | One evening, or many |
Start at the Grote Markt and climb the Martinitoren
If you only have time for one of the things to see in Groningen, make it the Martinitoren. The tower rises about 97 metres above the Grote Markt and has been the symbol of the city for centuries. Locals call it d'Olle Grieze, which means "the old grey one" in the Groningen dialect. There is no lift: you climb roughly 260 steps up a brick spiral staircase, with a first gallery at 39 metres where you can step outside. On a clear day you look out over the red roofs, the canals and the flat countryside of the province.
The Grote Markt itself is the natural starting point for any walk. It is the big central square of the city, with the town hall on one side and the tower on the other, and in the evening it becomes one of the busiest parts of Groningen nightlife. From here everything is close. Cafe Salud is a short walk away on the Carolieweg, the Vismarkt is just around the corner, and the shopping streets run off in every direction.
A good tip: climb the tower early in your visit. Seeing the city from above helps you understand how compact it is, and you will spot places you want to explore later, such as the green strip of the Noorderplantsoen or the colourful Groninger Museum near the station.
Museums: the Groninger Museum and beyond
The Groninger Museum is one of the most recognisable buildings in the Netherlands. Its current home opened in 1994 on an island in the canal opposite Groningen Central Station, between the station and the old centre. The building was designed by Alessandro Mendini, working with guest architects Philippe Starck, Michele de Lucchi and Coop Himmelb(l)au, who each took on a pavilion. The golden tower in the middle is impossible to miss. Even if you are not a museum person, the building alone is worth a look, and walking from the station into town takes you right past it.
Inside you will find a mix of art, design and changing exhibitions, which makes it a reliable choice when the weather turns. Because the museum sits right next to the station, it also works well as the first or last stop of a day trip to Groningen.
Maritime history fans may have heard of the Noordelijk Scheepvaartmuseum on the Brugstraat. It has become Museum aan de A, which is shifting its focus from the maritime history of the northern Netherlands to the story of the city and the province as a whole. The museum is housed in historic buildings along the A canal and has been closed for a major renovation, so check its current status before you plan a visit around it.
Forum Groningen and the rooftop terrace
The Forum opened in late 2019 and quickly became one of the most popular places to visit in Groningen. It is a large, angular cultural building in the heart of the city that combines the public library, an arthouse cinema with several screens, exhibitions and plenty of spots to sit with a laptop or a coffee. Students and remote workers love it on grey days.
The highlight for most visitors is the rooftop terrace, at about 45 metres high. From there you get one of the best views of the city, including a fine angle on the Martinitoren. In summer the roof is also used for open-air film screenings. If you have already climbed the tower, the Forum roof is a good second viewpoint with much less effort, because you can take the escalators up through the building.
Green escapes: Prinsenhoftuin and Noorderplantsoen
The Prinsenhoftuin, also called the Prinsentuin or Prince's Garden, is a hidden gem behind the Prinsenhof. It was laid out in 1626 for the stadholders of the House of Nassau and is often described as one of the finest examples of a Renaissance garden in the Netherlands. The garden is completely walled in, which makes it remarkably quiet given that it sits in the middle of the city. Look out for the rose garden, the herb garden, the leafy tunnels and the sundial above the gate on the Turfsingel side. There is also a small tea room, which makes it a lovely place for a slow afternoon.
The Noorderplantsoen is a different kind of green space: a long, winding city park just north of the old centre, popular with students, families and runners. On sunny days it fills up with people having picnics and drinks on the grass. In late summer it is also home to the Noorderzon festival, which we cover in the events section below. If you are new to Groningen, walking or cycling through the Noorderplantsoen is one of the easiest ways to feel like a local.
Churches, markets and the old centre
A short walk from the Grote Markt brings you to the Vismarkt and the Der Aa-kerk, the second great church of the city centre. Its name refers to the nearby river A, and its original title was Onze Lieve Vrouwe ter Aa, Our Lady at the Aa. Music lovers come for the organ by the famous builder Arp Schnitger. It was built in 1702 for another Groningen church, the Academiekerk, and moved to the Der Aa-kerk in 1815, after the church had lost its own organ when the tower collapsed in 1710.
Right next to the church, the Vismarkt and the A-Kerkhof turn into a large fresh market on the main market days, traditionally Tuesday, Friday and Saturday. Expect fruit and vegetables, fish, cheese, flowers and plenty of stalls selling snacks. The Grote Markt also has market stalls on several days. Market days can change, so check the city's current schedule before you go. For visitors, the market is a great place to try local food and to see everyday Groningen life up close.
From here it is worth just wandering. The historic canals of the Hoge der A and Lage der A, with their old warehouses and boats, are some of the most photogenic streets in the city, and they are only minutes from both squares.
See the city from the water
Groningen's old centre is surrounded by a ring of canals, so a canal boat tour is an easy and relaxing way to see the city on your first day. Several companies run tours. One of the best known is Rondvaartbedrijf Kool, whose city cruises leave from the water opposite Groningen Central Station, close to the Groninger Museum. Their standard city tour takes around an hour and comes with an audio guide about the city's history. Groups can also hire boats for drinks on the water.
A canal tour is especially good if you are visiting with parents or friends who are less keen on long walks. Combine it with the Groninger Museum, which sits at the same spot, and you have an easy first afternoon.
Bars in Groningen: where to go for a drink
Groningen has a reputation as one of the liveliest drinking cities in the Netherlands, thanks to its huge student population and a very compact centre where you can walk from one cafe to the next in minutes. There are bars in Groningen for every taste: classic brown cafes, specialty beer bars, brewery taprooms, cocktail spots and clubs. Here are some well-known names to start with, grouped by what they are known for.
| Bar | Type | Known for |
|---|---|---|
| Cafe Salud (Carolieweg 31) | Brown cafe | Alfa on tap, beer and wine tastings, a mixed local and international crowd |
| Brouwerij Martinus | City brewery | Own beers brewed near the Grote Markt, roof terrace with a view of the Martinitoren |
| Bax Bier | Brewery with tasting room | Experimental beers, on the Friesestraatweg |
| Café de Koffer | Beer cafe | A list of more than 400 beers |
| De Pintelier | Belgian cafe | A long-standing address for Belgian beer |
| Proeflokaal Mout | Tasting room | A focus on beers from the Netherlands |
| Café de Toeter | Beer cafe | Good beer and pub quizzes |
| Café Der Witz | Small cafe | Often called the narrowest cafe in town |
What makes our place different? Cafe Salud is the only cafe in the north of the Netherlands with Alfa on tap. We pour Alfa Edelpils and Alfa Krachtig Dort, alongside Tripel LeFort and a changing selection of specialty beers. It is a classic brown cafe with room for 49 guests, and it has become a meeting place for locals and internationals alike. You will hear Dutch, English and plenty of other languages at the bar on a typical evening. If you want to know more about the beers you will find here and elsewhere, read our Dutch beer guide.
Want to try several beers in one go? With one or two people you can simply walk in for a tasting board. For groups of six or more we organise a guided beer tasting in Groningen, and there is a wine tasting for those who prefer a glass of wine.
Groningen nightlife: what to expect
Groningen nightlife is driven by students, and that gives the city an energy you rarely find in a place of its size. The busiest areas at night are the Grote Markt, the Vismarkt, the Poelestraat and the Peperstraat, all within a few minutes' walk of each other. Thursday is the traditional student night out, so expect queues outside the popular clubs and very full streets. Fridays and Saturdays draw a broader mix of locals and visitors.
Another thing visitors notice: Groningen is known for not really doing closing time. Many bars stay open late, and on busy nights some keep going until the early morning. That said, every venue sets its own hours, so check before you head out.
A few well-known names to put on your list:
- Vera on the Oosterstraat, a legendary music venue with roots as a student society founded in 1899. Over the years it has hosted bands such as Joy Division, Simple Minds and U2, who played there to a small crowd in 1980.
- Simplon on the Boterdiep, a pop venue with concerts, club nights and comedy.
- Warhol and Café de Zolder on the Papengang, for alternative rock, live music and jam sessions.
- Wolter Wolthers on the Poelestraat, a disco club in a former mayor's house.
- Café Het Feest on the Peperstraat, a student favourite on Thursdays.
Our own advice: start the evening somewhere you can actually talk. A drink in a brown cafe before heading to the Poelestraat is a very Groningen way to begin a night out, and the Carolieweg is perfectly placed for it.
Festivals and events through the year
Timing your visit around an event is one of the best things to do in Groningen, because the whole city joins in. These are the big recurring ones, plus a few seasonal highlights. Dates change every year, so check the official websites.
| When | Event or highlight | What it is |
|---|---|---|
| January | Eurosonic Noorderslag (ESNS) | Four-day showcase festival and music conference across dozens of city venues |
| Spring | Lentebok season | Lighter spring bock beers appear on Dutch beer lists |
| June to August | Summer in the parks | Long light evenings, terraces and picnics in the Noorderplantsoen |
| Late August | Noorderzon | Around eleven days of international theatre, dance, music and art in the Noorderplantsoen |
| Autumn | Bokbier season | Dark, malty bock beers in cafes across the country |
| Autumn to early spring | Skating at Kardinge | Indoor 400 metre ice track at the Kardinge sports centre |
Eurosonic Noorderslag takes place every January. The first three days, Eurosonic, feature emerging artists from across Europe, and the final day, Noorderslag, is dedicated to Dutch acts. The 2026 edition was the 40th, with over 250 artists in more than 40 venues around the city centre. Alongside the concerts there is a large music industry conference, and there is free fringe programming in the city as well.
Noorderzon is the highlight of late summer. For around eleven days the Noorderplantsoen turns into a festival village with tents, food and free stages, while theatre, dance and music performances take place in the park and in venues across the city. Many of the shows are by international companies, and a good part of the programme is performed in English or has English subtitles, which makes it very accessible for internationals.
Outdoors and active: Kardinge, Paterswoldsemeer and Hortus Haren
Need some fresh air beyond the city parks? Groningen has several easy options within cycling distance.
Kardinge, on the north-eastern side of the city, is a large sports centre and recreation area. In the colder months its 400 metre ice track is open for recreational skating, which is a very Dutch thing to try. The sports centre also has swimming pools, and the surrounding recreation area is good for walking, running and cycling.
The Paterswoldsemeer is a lake on the southern edge of the city and a summer favourite. There is an official swimming spot, De Lijte, with a small sandy beach and a lawn, and the lake is popular for sailing. Cycling around it is a classic Sunday activity. In a cold winter, when the ice is safe, it becomes a natural skating lake.
Hortus Haren, the botanical garden in Haren just south of Groningen, has a long history: it was founded in 1626 in the city centre and moved to Haren in 1967. Today it covers roughly 20 hectares, and its best-known feature is a Chinese garden modelled on the Ming dynasty, alongside a Celtic garden, a rock garden and greenhouses. It is a fine half-day trip by bike.
Day trips from Groningen
Once you have seen the city, the province and the Wadden coast are well worth exploring. Here are three classic day trips that locals recommend to visitors.
| Destination | Why go | Good to know |
|---|---|---|
| Bourtange | A restored star-shaped fortress village near the German border | Works as an open-air museum, best by car or on an organised trip |
| Pieterburen | Starting point for mudflat hiking (wadlopen) on the Wadden Sea | Only allowed with a licensed guide, and you will get muddy |
| Schiermonnikoog | A car-free Wadden island and the oldest national park in the Netherlands | Ferry from Lauwersoog, buses run from Groningen to the harbour |
Bourtange is a star fort completed in 1593, during the Eighty Years' War, to control the road between Germany and the city of Groningen. It was later turned into a village, and between 1967 and 1992 it was restored to its mid-18th-century appearance. Walking along the ramparts and over the drawbridges feels like stepping into a history book.
Mudflat hiking from Pieterburen is one of the most unusual things to do in the north. At low tide, guides lead groups across the seabed of the Wadden Sea, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Routes range from short walks near the dyke to long crossings to the islands. Never try it without a licensed guide: the tides are dangerous, and in Dutch waters it is only allowed with a guide or the right licence.
Schiermonnikoog is a Wadden island and a wonderful escape from the city. Visitors cannot bring cars, so you explore by bike or on foot. The whole island is a national park, and it became the first national park in the Netherlands in 1989. The regular ferry from Lauwersoog takes about 45 minutes.
A perfect Groningen weekend
Planning a Groningen weekend? This simple plan covers the highlights without rushing. It works for visitors on a city break as well as for new students showing friends or family around.
- Friday evening: arrive, drop your bags and head for the centre. Have a first drink in a brown cafe such as Cafe Salud, which is open until midnight on Fridays, then wander past the Grote Markt and the Poelestraat to soak up the atmosphere.
- Saturday morning: climb the Martinitoren, then browse the market on the Vismarkt and walk along the canals of the Hoge and Lage der A.
- Saturday afternoon: visit the Groninger Museum and take a canal boat tour from the same spot, or rent a bike and ride to the Noorderplantsoen.
- Saturday evening: dinner in the centre, followed by a beer tasting or a night out. On Saturdays we open at 14:00, so you can also fit in a tasting board earlier in the afternoon.
- Sunday: a slow morning in the Prinsenhoftuin, the Forum rooftop for the view, and a final drink before your train. On Sundays Cafe Salud is open from 15:00 to 19:00, which suits a last glass before heading home.
Staying longer? Add a day trip to Schiermonnikoog or Bourtange, or spend an afternoon at Hortus Haren.
Things to do in Groningen when it rains
It rains often enough in the north of the Netherlands that every visitor should have a backup plan. The good news is that many of the best places to visit in Groningen are indoors.
- The Groninger Museum for art, design and the building itself.
- The Forum for the library, a film in the arthouse cinema, exhibitions or simply a coffee with a view.
- Indoor skating at Kardinge during the ice season, or a swim in its pools.
- A concert at Vera or Simplon in the evening.
- A long afternoon in a brown cafe. This is a Dutch tradition for a reason. A tasting board with a few local beers, or a guided tasting with friends, turns a grey day into a good one.
Things to do in Groningen with a group
Organising something for a group of friends, a study association, a team or visiting colleagues? Groningen is a great city for groups because everything is within walking distance. At Cafe Salud we host groups of up to 49 guests, and we offer several formats that work well for internationals:
- A guided beer tasting for groups from six people: 4 to 6 beers in 10 to 15 cl tasting portions, about two hours, with a Groningen sharing board. Tastings can be guided in English.
- A wine tasting for groups who prefer wine, or a mix of both.
- Company drinks for teams, international offices and visiting colleagues.
- A party or celebration, such as a birthday or a farewell drink.
Tastings and drinks packages start from €15 per person. Send us a message through our contact page with your date and group size, and we will put together something that fits.
Living or working remotely in Groningen?
Many of the internationals who visit us are not just passing through. They study here, work for a local company or work remotely from Groningen for a few months. If that is you, the city scores well on the things that matter. According to The Nomad HQ, Groningen has a Nomad Score of 8.0 out of 10, with WiFi rated 9/10, safety 9/10 and English 9/10. They estimate a budget of roughly $2,400 per month, note that about 61% of all trips in the city are made by bike, and name June to August as the best months to be here.
For working, The Nomad HQ lists coworking options such as Launch Cafe, Werkplek050, The Haus and Spaces/Regus. For a full living guide for remote workers, with neighbourhoods, costs and practical tips, see The Nomad HQ's Groningen guide.
Once the laptop is closed, come and find us. Cafe Salud is a meeting place for locals and internationals, and an easy spot to meet new people after work without needing a reservation.
Practical tips for visiting Groningen
- Get a bike. Cycling is the way to get around. The centre is compact and much of it is car-free, so a bike or your own feet are almost always faster than a car.
- Arriving by train: the Groninger Museum and the canal boats are right opposite the station, and the Grote Markt is an easy walk away.
- Driving: park in one of the city-centre garages or at a park and ride on the edge of the city, and walk or take the bus in.
- Check days and times: museums, markets and venues set their own schedules, so check before you go. Cafe Salud is open Tuesday to Thursday 15:00 to 23:00, Friday 15:00 to midnight, Saturday 14:00 to midnight and Sunday 15:00 to 19:00, and closed on Mondays.
- English is widely spoken, but a friendly "dank je wel" (thank you) always goes down well.
- Book ahead for big weekends such as Eurosonic Noorderslag in January and Noorderzon in August, when the city fills up.
Frequently asked questions
What are the must-see things in Groningen?
The must-see sights are the Martinitoren and the Grote Markt, the Groninger Museum opposite the station, the Forum and its rooftop terrace, the Prinsenhoftuin, the Noorderplantsoen park, the Der Aa-kerk and the markets on the Vismarkt. A canal boat tour and an evening in a brown cafe complete the picture.
Is Groningen worth visiting for a weekend?
Yes. Groningen is compact, lively and easy to explore on foot or by bike, so a weekend is enough to see the main sights, visit a museum, enjoy the nightlife and relax in a park or garden. With an extra day you can add a trip to Schiermonnikoog, Bourtange or mudflat hiking from Pieterburen.
What is the nightlife like in Groningen?
Groningen nightlife is busy and student-driven. The main areas are the Grote Markt, the Vismarkt, the Poelestraat and the Peperstraat. Thursday is the big student night, and many bars stay open late. Venues set their own hours, so check before you go.
Where can I drink good beer in Groningen?
Groningen has many good beer bars, including brown cafes, beer cafes such as Café de Koffer and De Pintelier, and local breweries such as Brouwerij Martinus and Bax Bier. Cafe Salud at Carolieweg 31 is the only cafe in the north of the Netherlands with Alfa on tap, alongside Tripel LeFort and changing specialty beers.
What can I do in Groningen when it rains?
Visit the Groninger Museum, spend time in the Forum with its library, cinema and rooftop views, go skating at Kardinge during the ice season, catch a concert at Vera or Simplon, or settle into a brown cafe for a tasting board or a guided beer tasting.
Is Groningen a good city for international students and digital nomads?
Yes. English is widely spoken and the city is safe, green and built around cycling. The Nomad HQ gives Groningen a Nomad Score of 8.0 out of 10, with WiFi, safety and English each rated 9 out of 10, and lists coworking options such as Launch Cafe, Werkplek050, The Haus and Spaces/Regus.
Can we do a beer tasting in English in Groningen?
Yes. Cafe Salud organises guided beer tastings for groups from six people, and they can be guided in English. You taste 4 to 6 beers in 10 to 15 cl portions over about two hours, with a Groningen sharing board, from €15 per person. With one or two people you can walk in for a tasting board.