Location: Groningen
Top Things to do in Groningen
Top 10 Things to do in Groningen, The Netherlands
Groningen (Dutch pronunciation: [ˈɣroːnɪŋə(n)] ( listen); Gronings: Grunnen) is the main municipality as well as the capital city of the eponymous province in the Netherlands. With a population of 202,567 as of 2017, it is the largest city in the north of the Netherlands. An old city, Groningen was the regional power of the northern Netherlands, a semi-independent city-state and member of the German Hanseatic League. Groningen is a university city: it houses the University of Groningen (with about 30,000 students) and the Hanze University of Applied Sciences (with about 25,000 students).
Restaurants in Groningen
1. Groninger Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1 reviews
Reviewed By bas k - Amsterdam, The Netherlands
I enjoyed both the interesting permanent art collection of Groninger Museum and the temporary expo(until 6may 2018),a large exhibition on the Romantic School of painting(1800-1850).
The exhibition"De Romantiek in het Noorden" features works by famous 19th century artists like J.M.W Turner,John Constable,Caspar David Friedrich and Christian Dahl.
I also enjoyed the paintings by lesser known artists like Jens Juel,Andreas Achenbach,Barend Cornelis Koekoek andThomas Fearnly.
The Romantic period in fine arts was between 1800-1850 and was a reaction to the rationalistic period of the enlightment in the 18th century.
The masterpieces of the permanent collection include works by Van Gogh,Paul Gaugain,Mesdag,Rembrandt and painter of "De Ploeg"school of painting.
Finally there is an extensive collection of Oriental ceramics from the 17th and 18th century.
2. Prinsenhof Gardens
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 381 reviews
Reviewed By Hemipristis - Wijchen, The Netherlands
Formal garden, which you appreciate even better if you check it out on Google maps once you're there. Initials of our then-still-prince, WA, very nice hedges and rose garden, herbal garden, and quite corners with shaded benches. A bit hidden but worth a visit.
3. Vismarkt
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 81 reviews
Reviewed By Simone194 - Groningen, The Netherlands
Groningen is a very ancient town, nearly 1000 years old. wooden houses burned in fires, but the stone houses are still one to a few centuries old. at groundlevel the shops have demolished a lot of old architecture, but look up towards the upperlevels and the roofs. then you will see many different and very interesting features, worthwhile to take pictures of.
the Grain Trade building, now a supermarket for the yuppies of our town, was in use till I was a kid. just take a free walk and again, look up! here farmers came on Tuesdays with their grain, the buying people, like graintraders, but also millers and bakers,inspected it, also tasted, then they negotiated about the price. Groningen had even many more canals in those days, so barges for freight could come right into town. the grainstoragehouses were built along the canals. so Delivery and storage of grains was easier this way. then when needed by customers for use, transporting it onto wagons and later into trucks to deliver it was also a jiffy.
now most grainstoragebuildings, after a few decades of delapidation, have been remodeled inot fancy departments for the yuppies of this town!
on the Fish Market square itself there are fresh produce markets- the best are on Tuesday and Saturday, but Wednesday and Friday also have a nice turnout of different stalls.
the other purpose we use it for are events! Concerts, demonstrations, celebrations, like when in 2015 in April we celebrated in a BIG way the liberation of Groningen by the Canadian allied troops after the German occupation of Groningen, and the Netherlands, in World War II. there was a lot of heavy fighting in town around April 14-17, due to the shoot outs big fires at the east side and north side of Great Marketplace destroyed all the old original buildings. but somehow the Fish Market was spared this ill fate.
it also is recommandable to book a walking excursion with Paulien Excursions! I have lived in this town for nearly 40 years now, but I immensely enjoy the guided tours. in normal life, while shopping and running around for errands, I do not often take time to stop for the old pretty buildings. also I find it useful and enlightening to dive into the ancient history of this pretty and charming town.
4. Brouwerij Martinus
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 67 reviews
Reviewed By Eva-Quirinius - Paradise
We did the tour with tasting on a Saturday afternoon.
Tour was given by the owner (who used to operate a printing facility in the location upto a few years ago), who was well into the brewing process. Quite a career change from printer to brewer.
He was very down to earth about it, and gave the impression is was a piece of cake (must be the Groningen descent).
They managed to revamp the building into a brewery/restaurant/rooftop bar in months, not to mention starting a completely new beer brand.
Less than a year after getting the brewing equipment in, the place is in full swing.
The 3 beers we got with the tour (blonde, pale and saison) were all 3 tasty yet different.
Overall a very accessible, nice and clear explanation of the brewing and packing process.
5. Martinitoren
Overall Ratings
4 based on 562 reviews
6. Noordelijk Scheepvaartmuseum
Overall Ratings
4 based on 116 reviews
The northern Maritime Museum is situated in two beautiful medieval buildings in Groningen. The museum shows the history of the ship transport in the north of the Netherlands and the history of Groningen. Additionally, you can visit changing art and history Exhibitions throughout the year in our museum. To know how Groningen looked like in the Middle Ages, you can view the special virtual reconstruction of medieval Groningen.
Reviewed By E8887TZmartinp - Brighton
No sure what to expect entering this type of museum in the middle of a city but it was brilliant. Covers city development related to canals, boats, art and people. Includes workshops relating to sails, masts, rope etc plus a display of early marine Diesel engines. Introduction guide on English, route guide to rooms which is also clearly marked in building. Only disappointment was each room summary was only in Dutch.
7. Hoofdstation Groningen
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 51 reviews
Reviewed By bas k - Amsterdam, The Netherlands
Groningen Railway Station was designed in 1896 by architect Isaac Gosschalk and was recently renovated.The interesting interiors of the late 19th century waiting rooms are converted to a AH supermarket,Coffee cafe and gift shop but the cielings,wall,ceramic tiles and decorations are left intact.The main hall is large and impressive.
8. Universiteitsmuseum Groningen
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 67 reviews
Reviewed By kmarq55 - Redlands, California
We were in Groningen for a meeting, and it happened that we had a get-together in a part of this museum, the Medical History Museum. We were allowed to experience the museum while there, and found it very interesting!
There was a new exhibit on the top floor that was all about medicine, and we were fascinated.
A must see when visiting Groningen!
9. Het Nederlands Stripmuseum
Overall Ratings
3.5 based on 118 reviews
Reviewed By dgoedh - Amsterdam, The Netherlands
The Strip Museum is located in the same building as a Mc Donalds. As the name reveals, this museum focusses on the (hi)story of Dutch comic books. A few famous series and authors are highlighted, like Martin Toonder. You are encouraged to read a few comic strips at the spot, but in fact the display is quite extensive, so i limitted myself to a quick browse, to prevent over load. Basically it had been a trip down memory lane, since I do not read comics any more. In the shop i bought a bundle of comics, one of my very first that i lost and i was glad it was still available in print. Enjoy Btw. entrance is free with museum card.
10. Battlefield Tours
Overall Ratings
5 based on 20 reviews
Battlefield Tours providing reasonable priced, quality and professionally staffed tours to the Battlefields of the Netherlands.Battlefield Tours aims to provide top quality battlefield tours that offer the personal touch that many of the larger package tour operators are unable to achieve. We are confident that we can design a battlefield tour to meet your needs and are certain that it will achieve if not exceed all of your requirements.All of our battlefield tours are guided by Subject Matter Experts who have a wealth of experience delivering a package that is fantastic value and an experience that you will cherish forever.Battlefield Tours - Keeping Memories Alive!
Reviewed By LeeS_48 - Brisbane, Australia
I recently did a wonderful tour of Fromelles and WW1 battle fields out of Lille. Greg was a great guide. He had knowledge & passion. He brought the tragedy of this part of history to life . Highly recommended.Fascinating story of the lost diggers & their rediscovery in 2008 ( see book- Fromelles-Final Chapters: Lycett & Platt) and the epic story of honouring them , New cemetery & memorial at Fromelles. Great job by Greg Celerse
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