Written by our co-founder, Ronna

Groningen quietly stole my heart. It’s the kind of place that feels authentically Dutch without the crowds—where bikes outnumber cars, locals linger over coffee, and the pace invites you to slow down and explore. From modern art museums to windswept coastal trails, it offers a blend of creativity, history, and natural beauty that feels both grounded and inspiring. It’s a destination that reminds me that magic often lies in the places no one’s talking about—yet. 


Things to do in Groningen


1. Explore Groningen’s art scene: MOCO & the Groninger Museum

Art lovers, rejoice—Groningen punches above its weight when it comes to creativity. The MOCO Museum showcases bold, contemporary pieces from icons like Banksy and Warhol, while the Groninger Museum (just across the canal) is a design-forward masterpiece in itself, featuring modern art, fashion, and photography. Together, they make for an inspiring, culture-filled afternoon.


2. Cruise the city’s canals by boat

Groningen’s canals are less crowded than Amsterdam’s, which makes them even better for exploring. Rent a small electric boat or join a guided cruise to glide past charming houses, ivy-covered bridges, and locals enjoying the sunshine—peaceful, personal, and completely relaxing.


3. Day trip to Lauwersmeer National Park by bus

Hop on Bus 163 from Groningen Central Station and head north for about an hour to reach Lauwersmeer National Park—a haven of wild landscapes, birdwatching trails, and open sky. The Dutch public transport system makes it super easy, and once you're there, you'll feel a world away from city life.


4. Rent a car and drift through Giethoorn

This postcard-perfect village is just 90 minutes south of Groningen and feels straight out of a storybook. Rent a boat and drift past charming cottages and arched footbridges, then grab lunch at one of the cozy canal-side cafés. It’s touristy in spots, but early mornings or shoulder seasons feel like you’ve discovered something truly magical and you'll be the only tourists in sight.


5. Dine in style at Groningen’s best restaurants

Groningen is full of culinary surprises, with everything from cozy local bistros to Michelin-recognized gems. One standout: Restaurant Nassau, a fine dining experience housed in a 15th-century monastery with artful plating and seasonal tasting menus that celebrate Dutch ingredients with flair.


6. Soak up the vibes at a local café

Sometimes the best thing to do in Groningen is… nothing at all. Grab a seat on a sun-drenched terrace, order a cappuccino or a local beer, and watch the world roll by. Locals linger here—over books, conversations, or just the moment—and it’s easy to see why.


Places to eat & drink in Groningen


Restaurant Nassau

Elevated, elegant, and unforgettable, Restaurant Nassau offers fine dining inside a converted monastery with modern, minimalist interiors and a tasting menu that’s as artistic as it is flavorful. Expect seasonal Dutch ingredients, paired wines, and a sense of occasion in every bite.


Mr. Mofongo

This place is pure fun. Spread across multiple floors, Mr. Mofongo is part restaurant, part cocktail bar, part wine robot experience (yes, really). Go for globally inspired small plates, stay for the rooftop greenhouse bar and automated wine wall. It’s quirky, creative, and great for a night out.


Gustatio

A cozy Italian spot that locals love—and with good reason. Gustatio serves up authentic Roman-style pasta (try the carbonara), perfectly al dente and full of flavor. It's the kind of place where you can linger over a glass of wine and feel right at home.


Florentin Groningen

Bright, buzzy, and stylish, Florentin brings Tel Aviv energy to the north of the Netherlands. Think bold Mediterranean flavors, sharable plates, and killer cocktails, all in a laid-back setting that’s perfect for brunch, dinner, or late-night bites.


Bellami’s Bar à Manger

Charming and intimate, Bellami’s is a warm blend of French bistro and modern Dutch eatery. Their seasonal menus and excellent wine list make it a perfect date night pick—or just a place to treat yourself to something delicious and unpretentious.


Need to know

  • The people are genuinely kind. Groningen has the friendliness of a small town with the vibrancy of a university city. Don’t be surprised if a local stops to help you with directions or strikes up a casual chat at a café—they’re proud of their city and happy to share it.

  • Getting there is easy. You can reach Groningen by direct train from Amsterdam in just over two hours, making it a seamless addition to a Netherlands itinerary. The trains are clean, comfortable, and reliable—no car needed unless you're planning day trips outside the city.

  • Bikes rule the road. Like much of the Netherlands, Groningen is extremely bike-friendly. Rent a bike to explore like a local—you’ll find safe, well-marked bike lanes everywhere, and the city is flat and easy to navigate.

  • English is widely spoken. While Dutch is the official language, nearly everyone speaks excellent English, especially in restaurants, museums, and shops.

  • It’s a year-round destination. Spring and summer bring long days and canal-side lounging, but Groningen is just as cozy in the fall and winter, with art exhibitions, warm cafés, and fewer crowds.

  • Groningen might not be the first place people think of when planning a trip to the Netherlands—but that’s exactly what makes it so special.