After (probably) a long journey to the most Northern city of the Netherlands, you might feel a bit lost and clueless about this new place and hometown. You might also wonder how you’re going to settle here for the next few years. As a real ‘Groninger’ you can trust me with these tips on how to spend your first week in Groningen to feel more at ease and ready for a new, big adventure! After all, as our traditional slogan says: “er gaat niets boven Groningen!” (“nothing beats Groningen!”) 

Buy a bike 

Before you start planning your first days in Groningen after reading this blog, buying a bike is indispensable. Dutch people use their bikes every moment, everyday. Groningen is the perfect city to cycle from one place to another, since you never have to travel long distances in the city centre and the roads are accessible. Do you want to buy a secondhand bike and make sure it isn’t a stolen one? Check out this website and visit the depot for your next new bike! 

Outside activities 

Hopefully, you can enjoy the last summer days in the city and do some outside activities. The best way to do this in the city centre is probably with the so-called ‘diepen activities’. ‘Diepen’ is the Dutch word for a canal belt, in Groningen these canals run all the way around the city centre. Think about SUPping or kayaking, or taking a canal tour to learn about some of Groningen’s history if you don’t want to risk getting wet. Want to go for a swim? I wouldn’t recommend doing this in the canals of the city centre, with all the old bikes and dirty water floating around. Hop on your new bike for a 15 minute ride to the Paterswoldsemeer or Hoornsemeer and enjoy a swim and picnic there! 

Stroll through the city centre 

Every city has its tourist attractions and must-sees - and so does Groningen! When you google Groningen, you’ll probably see pictures of the Martinitoren, Forum and Lage der Aa. When you stroll through the city of Groningen, don’t forget to include these places in your route! The Forum has a large roof terrace on which you can look out over the entire city, the Martinitoren and beyond (by beyond I mean all the meadows). 

Cultural activities 

If you are more into cultural activities and visiting museums, Groningen is also the right place for you! The most famous museum is, of course, the Groninger Museum. When you arrive at the central station, the building of the Groninger museum can be seen from far. Its striking colours and shapes immediately seek your attention and make you want to go inside and look at its beautiful artworks. Check out their website for current exhibitions!

Remember the Forum? Did you know that there’s also a museum inside this big building? The museum of comics, animation and games is located on the sixth floor and is definitely worth a visit, release your inner child in storyworld! 

Also worth a visit is the University Museum, located in the academic heart of our university city. The University Museum has an extensive collection in which nature, culture and science go together and cover four centuries of scientific history. 

Energise

Craving for some good food after kayaking, SUPping or visiting a museum? Groningen has plenty of nice restaurants and cafes! Walk through the Oude Kijk in ‘t Jatstraat for the best coffee and lunch places, my personal favourites are Koffiestation and Paais! The best dinner places are spread out through the city centre. I would definitely recommend Florentin, Gustatio and for a budget meal FLFL or Ra!  

Going out 

Groningen is also famous for its nightlife. After enjoying some drinks at, perhaps, Concerthuis, take a look in Groningen’s nightclubs located in the Poelestraat, Peperstraat and Gelkingestraat. Don’t forget to end your evening well with a famous eierbal.

I think this blog will give you an idea of how vibrant the city of Groningen actually is. With so many fun activities, nice cafes and restaurants and things to do, you’ll quickly feel at home in this young, student city! For more ideas of how to spend your time well in Groningen, check out more of our blogs. Enjoy exploring!