Things to do in Groningen City
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Puur! Natural Food
Puur! is health-food heaven; its bagels, sandwiches, salads and sweets are not only made from organic ingredients, they also taste divine. It's hard to pass over the coffee, tea and freshly squeezed juices on offer too, and everything is either eat-in or takeaway.
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Synagogues
There are a few working synagogues left in the country. It began life a century ago as a mosque (the light arches and minarets are dead giveaways) but now houses a school and temporary exhibition space; its beautifully restored wooden ceiling is one of the interior’s highlights.
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Noordelijk Scheepvaartmuseum
The Noordelijk Scheepvaartmuseum is well funded and well organised. The museum is laid out over several floors of buildings that once comprised a 16th-century distillery. Just getting through the labyrinth of 18 rooms is an adventure in itself and guarantees an excellent workout.
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De 7e Hemel
Details matter at De 7e Hemel: it even goes so far as to import Scottish mineral water direct from the Glens because of its purity. The menu, which combines vegan, fish and meat dishes, changes seasonally. Cherubs, chandeliers and calming yellow shades all help to create a cosy, romantic air.
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Brussels Lof
This upmarket spot concentrates on seafood and vegetarian creations, and leaves the fancy décor to other establishments. Its mussels receive special mention, but basically anything you try here will be of the highest standard, and the service is professional with a capital 'P'.
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Martinikerk
The 16th-century Martinikerk is at the northern corner of the Grote Markt. Its tower, the Martinitoren, is 96m tall and is considered to have one of the most finely balanced profiles in the country. A climb to the top yields stellar views.
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Het Goudkantoor
The architecture of this restored historical cafe is amazing. Dating from 1635, the ‘Gold Office’ features a gold-tinted exterior and graceful interior, complete with striking paintings. The menu is, not surprisingly, traditional (e.g steak with mustard).
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Muller
You can enjoy the show here for free by watching the artistry in the kitchen from the windows on the street. But really why settle for half? Menus change regularly and include delights such as lobster, scallops, lamb and much more. One of the region’s best.
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O'Ceallaigh
Respected newspaper Volkskrant called O'Ceallaigh 'the best Irish pub in the Netherlands', and they were right; there's regular live music, even more regulars, Guinness and Murphy's on tap, and the atmosphere is thick with smoky and boisterous chatter.
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Ariola
The head-turning smells wafting from its doorway, and crowds milling inside, speak of only one thing: Ariola is an outstanding little Italian deli. Its broodjes (filled bread rolls) are made to order and only topped by the home-made pastas and lasagne.
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De Pintelier
Step back to the 1920s at this cosy bar where the selection of beer and jenever (Dutch gin) reads like an encyclopaedia. Its long wooden bar and thicket of candle-lit tables are timeless. Take in the breeze in the shot-glass-sized courtyard.
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‘t Feithhuis
This stylish grand cafe has a wide terrace outside and a stark, woodsy interior. The walls are lined with posters, and floral arrangements abound. Food ranges from bagels to complex sandwiches and Mediterranean-flavoured mains.
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Four Rose's
With the most authentic Mexican food in the province, and an atmosphere that amazingly suits both families and romantic couples, Four Rose's is an excellent bet for an evening meal. Its cocktails are highly rated too.
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Roezemoes
You can tell this gem of a brown cafe has been around a while; the bullet holes from the 1672 invasion attempt are a dead giveaway. Come evening, expect to find late-night drinking and the occasional blues band.
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Vera
The club to see the next big rock act at; U2 played to 30-odd people in the early 1980s here, and Nirvana later gave a performance to a crowd of about 60 people before going supernova. Maybe less is more?
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Ni Hao
About eight cuts above your average Chinese buffet, the locally renowned Ni Hao serves up a vast range of dishes plus stir-fries and grills to your order. It’s like an Asian culinary playground.
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Groninger Museum
Occupying three islands in the middle of the canal in front of the station, the museum is, at the very least, a striking structure that will draw an opinion from any observer. Opinions vary wildly.
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De Oosterpoort
De Oosterpoort is the place in Groningen to catch many of the large musical acts passing through town. Jazz and classical concerts are the mainstay of its monthly program.
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Canal Tours
Tours of the city's largest canals take approximately 60 minutes and leave from in front of the train station anywhere between one and six times daily, depending on the season.
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Café de Sleutal
In a 17th-century brewery (note the keg hanging outside) in an old brewing district, this vintage cafe has a local following for its €10 meals and cosy canal-side vibe.
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Boomker & Savenije
Boomker & Savenije is an academic store with titles that you don’t want to a) drop on your toe, and b) read while operating heavy equipment.
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Café Mulder
Artists, writers and musicians highlight a slightly older crowd that debates the events of the day at this classy pub. The interior is both rich and intimate.
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Metamorfose
Lots of chairs in a large space that’s more suburban rumpus room than cool hang-out for smokin’ and chillin’. Need we say it: mellow.
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FEBO
For those needing a late-night taste of Amsterdam, the bright lights and silvery slots of a FEBO beckon near the bars of Poelestraat.
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News Café
Almost stylish to a fault, News Café redeems itself with a cheery staff and a long menu of tasty big and small bites. The soundtrack is smooth.
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