Top 10 Things To Do In Groningen, Netherlands

1. Gaze at the impressive Martinikerk and Martinitoren

Located at the Grote Markt square in the center of Groningen stands Martinikerk, a beautiful church that boasts the highest church steeple and bell tower in the city, known as Martinitoren. The church and its bell tower are located in the northeastern corner of the square. Climbing the tower is for the fit, however, as there are 260 steps on a brick, spiral staircase, taking you to the top. However, the climb is worth it to see the fascinating carillon, which contains 62 bells.

Martinikerk and Martini Tower

Address: Martinikerkhof 1, Groningen

Website: Martinikerk and Martini Tower

Opening hours: Mon: 12pm - 6pm; Tue - Fri: 10am - 6pm; Sat: 10am - 5pm; Sun: 12pm - 4pm

Price: From 3 EUR (3.33 USD)

2. Explore beautiful art at Groninger Museum

Groninger Museum originally opened in 1874, and today it houses exhibits relating to contemporary and modern art by a number of local, national, and international artists in a striking modern building. Among the exhibits are several drawings said to have been created by Rembrandt and donated to the museum in 1930. The kind donor was a collector and Rembrandt expert, Cornelis Hofstede de Groot, and there is some discussion as to whether they were created by the artist himself or by one of his students. However, some have been confirmed as indeed being created by Rembrandt.

Groninger Museum

Address: Groninger Museum, Museumeiland 1, Groningen

Website: Groninger Museum

Opening hours:Tue - Sun: 10am - 5pm (closed on Mon)

Price: From 10 EUR (11 USD)

3. Stroll along the canal on Hoge der A and Lage der A

Hoge der A and Lage der A are two walking areas next to the canal in Groningen and are among the most frequently photographed attractions in the city. Beautiful historic buildings run along on either side of the canal. Among the buildings are warehouses that can tell visitors the story of former days when ships would arrive here and horses and carriages would be heard throughout the day, collecting wares from the ships. Along the quays in the area, visitors can see more than 28 listed buildings, as well as 11 municipal monuments, which might make you believe you have stepped into a beautiful painting.

Hoge der A and Lage der A

Address: Hoge der A and Lage der A, Groningen

Website: Hoge der A and Lage der A

4. Learn about graphics at Grafisch Museum Groningen

Grafisch Museum Groningen, or GRID, is a short stroll from Grote Markt and Martini Tower in Groningen city. The museum offers exhibits relating to graphics and the printing and bookbinding industry in the Netherlands. The place also offers a range of workshops and activities for all ages, including an adults’ workshop on Saturdays and the “Busy Hassle” workshop for children and adults on Sundays.

Grafisch Museum Groningen

Address: Sint Jansstraat 2, Groningen

Website: Grafisch Museum Groningen

Opening hours: Tue - Sun: 10am - 5pm (closed on Mon)

Price: From 7.75 EUR (8.60 USD)

5. Stroll among beauty in Haren Hortus Botanicus

This beautiful botanical garden is located in Haren, Groningen, and was first created by a pharmacist, Henricus Munting, in 1626. Hortus Haren is the largest of its kind in the Netherlands. The gardens are a short drive south from Groningen and offer several themed gardens, including a beautiful Chinese garden, a rock garden, and a Celtic garden. A giant sequoia tree stands tall in Laarmantuin. Furthermore, children can enjoy scavenger hunts, while adults can have a restful stroll on the walking trails through the gardens. A cafe is available on-site with refreshments as well.

Haren Hortus Botanicus

Address: Kerklaan 34, Haren

Website: Haren Hortus Botanicus

Opening hours: 11am - 5pm (daily)

Price: From 5 EUR (5.55 USD)

6. Catch a train in style at Hoofdstation Concourse

Hoofdstation Concourse is a grand hall where many travelers pass through, but the main station of Groningen is among the most magnificent passenger buildings in the country. The ceiling and tile tableaux were created by artist F. H. Bach from Groningen. The station hall has been dubbed the “cathedral of the winged wheel,“ but the balance of the building is also worth a look, as the station has been standing here since 1866. The facade bears Late Gothic ornamentation, Renaissance gable ends, and rose windows.

Hoofdstation Concourse

Address: Hoofdstation Concourse, Groningen

Website: Hoofdstation Concourse

7. Relax with the fresh air in Noorderplantsoen

Noorderplantsoen is located to the north of the Groningen city center, and its name translates as Northern Public Garden. This urban public park is popular with residents and visitors alike for its pond, fountains, and leafy walking and jogging trails. However, the park was the scene of wars in the area in the past. The remains of the city’s defensive walls can be seen here, along with the canals dug as a defensive measure. A typically English-style park has been created on the former ramparts of the town, while the canals were made into ponds. During August, the park is used to host the Noorderzon festival with dance, theater, and musical performances.

Noorderplantsoen

Address: 9712 XG Groningen

Website: Noorderplantsoen

8. Gaze in awe at the beautiful Prinsenhof Gardens

Prinsenhoftuin, or Prinsenhof Gardens, are laid out in Renaissance style behind Prinsenhof in Groningen. The quaint gardens include a herb garden, a rose garden, and various arbors and parterres. The layout was designed in 1635. At the entrance, visitors can see a beautiful sundial, and there is a cafe on-site for refreshments. The building on the property used to be a monastery and then a courthouse.

Prinsenhof Gardens

Address: Prinsentuin, 9711 VV Groningen

Website: Prinsenhof Gardens

Opening hours: 10am - 4:30pm (daily)

9. Admire the architecture in Grote Markt

Martinitoren (mentioned under number one above) and Groningen’s city hall are the most prominent buildings in Grote Marke, the main town square. The lively and busy square is also lined with attractive buildings where a number of shops, restaurants, bars, and cafes can be found. A popular food market is held here every Tuesday, Friday, and Saturday, with a variety of cheeses, meats, fruits, and vegetables on sale.

Grote Markt

Address: Grote Markt, Groningen

Website: Grote Markt

10. Visit Groningen Synagogue

Jews started living in the Groningen area toward the end of the 16th century, but they were initially denied permission to live in the city itself. This continued through the 17th century, and although eventually they were allowed to engage in commerce in the city, they were still forbidden to worship there. In 1710, a limit was placed on the number of Jews coming from German East Friesland, but by 1711 things started to change. At first, a house was rented for them to worship, and by the 1740s, a formal Jewish community came into being. In 1756, Groningen Synagogue was built for the Jews to have a place for worship.

Groningen Synagogue

Address: Folkingestraat 60, Groningen

Website: Groningen Synagogue

Experience the history and beauty of Groningen in the Netherlands

Whether spending time exploring the fascinating museums, art galleries, and historical buildings in the city or sharing a restful moment strolling or relaxing with the fresh air in the city’s beautiful gardens and parks, you can do all these while in Groningen. Indeed an enjoyable time can be had by visitors with these top things to do in Groningen, Netherlands.