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How to get the best out of Groningen city centre?
Groningen is a renowned Dutch city in the northernmost province of the country and is home to some 200,000 inhabitants. In the city, there are plenty of things to do, tasty restaurants, and intriguing historical buildings to explore. But how do you get the absolute best out of Groningen? This article is here to answer your questions and guide you on your way to a fantastic visit of the city centre!
Getting to Groningen
Groningen is very well-connected to the rest of the Netherlands and Europe by both public and private transportation.
By Train
The most convenient way to reach Groningen from within the Netherlands is to take a train. The journey from Amsterdam to Groningen will take approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes. Tickets can be booked in advance through NS – Nederlandse Spoorkaart and collected at an Automated Ticket Machine at any of the NS stations.
By Plane
International visitors may find it more convenient to travel by plane. Groningen has its own airport located at Eelde, which offers flights to and from London-City, Edinburgh, Belfast-City, Alicante, and Palma De Mallorca. The journey from the airport to the city centre will take approximately 20-30 minutes by taxi.
By Bus
The intercity bus remains a popular form of transport for shorter journeys within the Netherlands. OV Busses connects Groningen with all Dutch cities. To check timetables and book tickets, visit OV9292.
Accommodation in Groningen
Groningen offers many forms of accommodation for visitors, ranging from inexpensive youth hostels and budget hotels to luxury resorts and long-term apartments.
Youth Hostels
For travellers on a tight budget, there are plenty of youth hostels throughout Groningen. Most are located close to the city centre and provide low-priced dormitory rooms for groups or private rooms for independent travellers.
Budget Hotels
Budget hotels in Groningen offer competitive rates while providing a decent level of amenities and comfort. View this page on Booking.com for a selection of affordable accommodation in Groningen city centre.
Luxury Resorts
For visitors looking for something more luxurious, there are plenty of luxury resorts scattered around the city centre. These luxury resorts compete with each other for elegance, style, and service quality. The price tags tend to be quite hefty but it can be worth it for travellers looking for a truly luxurious experience!
Things to do in Groningen City Centre
From historical monuments to cultural attractions and outdoor activities, there is plenty to do in Groningen City Centre!
- Museums: Groningen has plenty of interesting museums to explore, ranging from art galleries showcasing world-famous masterpieces to history and science museums focussing on local heritage.
- Historical Monuments: The historic city centre is a delight for history buffs! Among some of the highlights are Martinikerk (St. Martin’s Church), Stadhuis (City Hall), and Vismarkt (Fish market), all of which have been preserved since the Middle Ages.
- Outdoor Activities: There are several outdoor activities in Groningen to choose from, such as kayaking on the canals, biking around the city, or taking a stroll around Hoge der Aa Park.
- Shopping and Dining: Groningen’s city centre is filled with many different shops, restaurants, bars, and cafes that offer local products and food specialities.
Travelling around Groningen city centre can be done on the city’s public transport network – GVB buses, trams, metro lines – or on foot if you’re feeling up to exploring all its nooks and crannies!
Overall, visiting Groningen’s city centre is an experience unlike any other – world-class culture combined with natural beauty makes it a unique destination for everyone who wishes to explore the Netherlands’ northernmost province! Whether you’re visiting on a budget or looking for something more luxurious, you can make your visit to Groningen more enjoyable with a few tips and tricks!
An Insider’s Guide to Exploring Groningen City Centre
Groningen is a captivating city located in the northern part of the Netherlands, which is known for its youthful vibe, vibrant nightlife, and striking medieval architecture. The mind-boggling number of bikes and a city centre that is easily walkable makes it one of the most pleasant cities to explore in the Netherlands. However, for tourists looking to explore beyond the beaten path, here are some hidden gems, local cuisine, cultural experiences, local history, and off-the-beaten-path suggestions that will make your visit unforgettable.
Local Attractions
Most tourists visit the famous Martinitoren, the Grote Markt, and the Groninger Museum. But did you know Groningen has other unique places worth visiting? Take, for instance, the Crypt of the Martinikerk located underneath the church, where you can find ancient tombs and artefacts. Another intriguing spot is the Bartender Museum, which showcases the history of bartending and offers various tastings with some of the local spirits making it the perfect stopover for those looking to enjoy an evening out.
For nature lovers, the Stadspark and Noorderplantsoen are excellent local parks to explore. The Noorderplatsoen usually houses exotic animals and is a perfect picnic spot, while Stadspark is a little larger and perfect for long walks or jogging enthusiasts.
Dining Spots
Groningen is famous for its ‘Eierbal’, a deep-fried ball filled with minced meat and a boiled egg, considered the ultimate local snack. Try it at Pas op de Walrus or De Koning. For hearty Dutch cuisine, you should head for De Bospub, which is located in a forest a few kilometres north of the city centre, and prides itself on its homemade dishes. If you’re looking for a romantic dining setting, De Pijp Wine and Dine is perfect for experiencing authentic Dutch food with a French twist.
Cultural Experiences
Groningen is a city rich in cultural experiences that range from traditional to modern. The Noorderzon Performing Arts Festival is the city’s largest cultural festival, featuring over ten days of performances by various artists in numerous genres. The Groninger Forum is an excellent place to explore local art, photography, and film, while the UB City Centre Library is the most beautiful library in the Netherlands. Finally, for music lovers, Vera’s Club is the city’s best live music venue, known for its unique atmosphere and being the first Dutch venue to host bands like Nirvana, U2, and Oasis.
Local History
The most intriguing story of the city’s local history is known as the ‘Groninger Rundell.’ In the 17th century, Groningen was surrounded by ramparts that helped keep its enemies at bay. This included the Groninger Rundell, which stretched over 18 kilometres around the city. However, during the early 20th century, a considerable portion of the ramparts was destroyed to make way for modern developments like housing estates.
Off-the-Beaten-Path Suggestions
For those keen on exploring beyond Groningen, the island of Schiermonnikoog is a must-visit. It’s one of the five Dutch Wadden Islands and a few hours away from the city centre. With no cars on the island, you can enjoy a relaxed day walking around, observing wildlife, and exploring the world’s largest sand dune area. Another suggestion is the Groningen countryside, where you can find unique farms, forests, and waterways. You can bike to town (a favourite Dutch pastime) or take a boat ride and enjoy a lazy afternoon picnic while taking in the beautiful countryside.
To sum it up, Groningen is a city that has more to offer than what meets the eye. Exploring beyond the obvious tourist spots provides a more immersive experience that connects you to the city’s heart and soul. So, put on walking shoes, rent a bike and, with this insider’s guide, explore Groningen in all its beauty and wonder.
