The Netherlands, GroningenAugust 30, 2024, by Romy Schouten

A nice itinerary for a weekend in Groningen

The Netherlands, Groningen, August 30, 2024, by Romy Schouten

A nice itinerary for a weekend in Groningen

Groningen, also known as the student city of the north. We think that is a bit of an oversimplification, because Groningen is so much more than that. It is mega cozy so plenty of hustle and bustle, but no overcrowded terraces, so yes, that spot in the sun is for you. In addition, Groningen is also beautiful because of the historical buildings such as the Martinikerk, the station (yes yes), and other neat churches. Perfect for a weekend away without having to travel the country.

We have a short itinerary compiled for you, very convenient. Do you have more time or do you want to add or adjust something? Then download our park for free Groningen mini guide for more hotspots. Voilà !

Sleeping at The Market Hotel

The Market Hotel is located on the Grote Markt, or in the middle of the city center. What more could you want? On the square you will find cozy restaurants (we will come back to that), the hotel is located next to the Martinikerk, parking is around the corner, and we could go on and on.

The hotel is top-notch, because everything has been thought of. The rooms are modern, with comfortable workspaces and convenient charging points, so also ideal for a business trip or remote work. The beds are lovely, the bathrooms are slick, and the breakfast is also great. Fresh products, mostly from Dutch soil. We spotted peanut butter from the Pindakaaswinkel — we like!

Lunch at the Grote Markt

Once you've checked in and are hungry (we are, at least), you're in the right place at the Grote Markt; it's full of cozy restaurants. But at The Market Hotel you'll find everything you need. At Café Willem Albert you can have lunch, dinner and drinks until the early hours, whether you are sitting on the terrace overlooking the square or inside the beautiful hotel.

Tip: the high tea is highly recommended, perfect for day two if you could use some rest for your legs after exploring Groningen.

After a good lunch you can go out. The Grote Markt has a number of attractions, such as the Martini Church, a beautiful church that you can visit for two euros — definitely worth it. For a small extra contribution you can even go all the way to the top. A small warning: it is quite a climb, because you have to do everything by stairs.

Don't feel like climbing? We understand! You can also go to Groningen Forum, a cultural center with a library, workspaces and small catering places. Here you can go all the way up with the elevator, and they also have a rooftop with the same view as from the tower. Actually a bit of cheating or not? Anyways, the Forum is easy to spot by the modern architecture, and is therefore behind the Market Hotel. Also the place to be able to park centrally. Very nice, everything is so nice and close!

Terrace hopping + sightseeing

Groningen is the perfect city for drinks, with a nice café or bar on every corner. But of course you don't just come to drink pilsner (although you can); there is also a lot to see. Why not combine both? We think it's a great combination.

After you have seen the Grote Markt, we continue: for the wine lover, cappuccino a must. A wine and coffee bar with a roof terrace. Or go to The Witz, an always good café with the red facade and a large beer menu. If you are in Groningen, drink a regional beer like Maallust or Martinus.

Fish Market + The Pump House

From both locations you can walk straight to the Vismarkt, a square where you can find the market several days a week (and not just fish!). You can also Mister Portugal find — we always like a Pastel de Nata. There are also a handful of nice shops, such as the shop of SummumAt the end of the Vismarkt you will find the Akerk. Not as impressive as the Martinikerk, but always nice to take a look inside.

Continue to the A-bridge and turn left. Time for the next terrace: Museum café Het Pomphuis. A relaxed place to while away the hours drinking by the water and watching boats. For a museum café the food here is really good, so definitely worth ordering something from the menu.

Groninger-Museum

You either hate it or love it: the Groninger Museum. At least, from the outside. But it is certainly unique. The building stands out because of its bright colours and different geometric shapes. Both old and modern works of art are exhibited inside. If the building is not to your taste, look to the right: there you will find the Groningen station. Quite a beautiful pearl from a distance. Fun fact: Groningen Station is older than Amsterdam Central Station, which dates from 1866.

Don't feel like walking or do you want to explore places outside the city center? No problem! At The Market Hotel you can rent a bicycle for €15,00 per day.

Folkingestraat + Crooked Elbow

Walk on to Folkingestraat. The street itself is not special, but here you will find two top places for a drink: Bistro Boys, with good wines and bites to share, Bar Barrie, with a similar vibe but with a different look and feel. But whatever you fancy: cool and classic at Bistro Boys or colourful and playful at Bar Barrie. And don't forget The Souk: a Moroccan inspired shop with fresh fruit and vegetables, dips, herbs and more.

Cross the Vismarkt to the Oude Kijk in 't Jatstraat and the Kromme Elleboog. In this area you can stroll around and (window)shopping: vintage, clothing, books, and the deli Bob Cooks. Nice for a souvenir to take home. And of course you can Dill & Chamomile not to be missed—always a all time favorite.

If you walk back towards the Martinikerk, you will also pass Laif & Nuver, a beautiful interior shop with beautiful ceramics, colored candles and more. Good luck buying nothing! Wink.

Diner

In this area you have two top restaurants: CICCIS for Italian cuisine and Brussels Praise, which is mainly known for its fish dishes and vegetables, but also has various types of cheese fondue on the regular menu. If you don't feel like a fancy schmancy restaurant (and that's actually not too bad), then The Clockworker a good choice. This place has an urban vibe, a big terrace, and serves pizzas and burgers.

Or join us Café Willem Albert, then you can roll into bed! The kitchen closes at 22:00, but you can stay until midnight for drinks. Speaking of dinner: they have a Josper in the kitchen. Say what? This is a combination of a grill and a charcoal oven, which produces delicious BBQ-style dishes.

Of course there are many more delicious (dinner) places in Groningen, and we have a list for that. Astu! Still in the mood for a closer? Then go to Vin Nature Wine Bar for a good glass of natural wine, or to mr. mofongo for a damn good cocktail.

The next day: Courtyards of Groningen & more

Rise and shine! Now that you've explored the city center, it's time for the last gem (in the center): the courtyards of Groningen. These tranquil courtyards are located just behind The Market Hotel, just a few minutes' walk away. First, grab a coffee to-go and a croissant of Bakery Westers (is in The Market Hotel) and walk to the courtyards. It is wonderfully quiet, with benches where you can relax and start your day and make a plan for the rest of your weekend in Groningen.

You've seen the old city centre, but there's more. There are a number of hospitality gems that you really don't want to miss, such as:

dokjard + walk through the Noorderplantsoen
Brewery Martinus (that local beer we talked about earlier)
Restaurant Grain Silo

Or get out of town and take a walk on the Wadden Sea, or through the Drentsche Aa National Park in the south. Always good, just a breath of fresh air!

The Groningen mini guide

Download than ours park for free Groningen mini guide for even more tips!

A nice itinerary for a weekend in Groningen