You either love it or hate it: Valentine’s Day! Yes, it’s already that time of the year again. Whether you are single or have a date, here are 10 unique (self-)date activities you (+ your significant other) can do in and around Groningen tomorrow. Enjoy!

For people in relationships (or who are getting to know someone better):

Play pétanque (jeu de boules) at BOEL

If you and your date love games and sports, then playing pétanque - a type of jeu de boules - at BOEL is something for you! Get competitive while enjoying some drinks and delicious food. They have lots of beers and cocktails to choose from so watch out that you don’t get tipsy! Although a game of tipsy pétanque might also be fun ;).

Do an escape room 

Want to test your communication and collaboration skills? Book an escape room! Work together to escape and steal some kisses along the way. You could also invite another couple and go on a nerve-racking double date! 

Follow the art route through Groningen

Follow the art route Off the beaten Art! You start and finish at the Nieuwe Markt (near Forum Groningen) and see lovely art works along the way such as the renewed Papengang and ‘Wervel’, a 20-metre-long LED-sculpture. It’s the perfect date for art lovers and for lovers who want to get to know each other better. Grab a coffee and walk through Groningen!

Go to the botanical garden in Haren

Want to get out of the city to go on a romantic stroll in nature? Go to the botanical garden in Haren, which is just a short trip away! While there might not be a lot of flowers blooming this time of year, there are still lovely sights to see. For example, there’s a Chinese garden (which is stunning), a rock garden, a wild plants garden, and much more. You can also stop for a drink and a snack at the restaurant that overlooks the water, or buy a plant for your date at the shop.

Sail the canals of Groningen

To see the city from another perspective and to have an unforgettable day, renting a boat to sail the canals of Groningen is a good idea! Bring some snacks, drinks, and blankets, and cosy up while enjoying some beautiful views.

For the singles who are ready to mingle (or not):

Go to a cat café to cuddle with some cats

If you’re a cat lover, there is no better way than to spend Valentine’s Day in a cosy café while cuddling cute cats. You can go alone or with some friends, but book early because spots fill up quickly!

Self-love date

You can also use this day as an excuse for a self-love day! Get your favourite food, snacks, drinks and watch your favourite movie. You could also take a long hot shower or bath and pamper yourself with a face mask. Or treat yourself to that thing you desperately want but don’t have a good reason for buying. Now is the time! ;)

Watch Her (2013) at the USVA Movie Night

Are you single and ready to mingle? Then the USVA Movie Night is something for you! Her (2013) is about a man who falls in love with a highly advanced operating system designed to meet his every need. Before you go, you can fill out a survey to get matched platonically, romantically or as acquaintances via a highly operative technological system. You might meet your new best friend or the love of your life!

Go to a game café with your friends

Want to spend Valentine’s Day with your friends? One lovely way to do that is to go to a game café, such as Concerthuis or Chaplin’s Pub, to fill your evening with games, drinks, and lots of laughter!

Visit Filmflirts

Last but not least, you can also go to Filmflirts at Forum Groningen. There, you can see the coming-of-age film Falcon Lake - about a Canadian teen who experiences his first time falling in love - while enjoying a free cocktail. You can also meet other film lovers, take part in a film quiz and win cool prizes. It will be an evening full of love!

Hopefully, you will have a lovely Valentine’s Day whether or not you have a date! :) Let us know in the comments below how you are going to spend your day and if you have any last-minute tips for lovers or singles.