Groningen travel guide

Photo of Groningen, Netherlands by mel_88

Introduction to Groningen

Welcome to Groningen! This capital city of the province of Groningen, the Netherlands is a bucket list destination, home to many famous attractions, including Groninger Museum, Martinitoren, and Stadspark. In this ultimate travel guide to Groningen, you will learn everything you need to know before booking your ticket to the Netherlands. Discover the day-to-day life of the over 202.9 thousand people who call Groningen home and explore the city’s fascinating history, rich culture, and distinct architecture.

Easily accessible from Groningen Eelde airport, Groningen is the perfect base for a memorable and unique vacation in the Netherlands any time of the year.

You'll learn more fascinating facts about Groningen as you explore this spectacular city.

Traveling to Groningen is especially rewarding for anyone eager to connect with locals and learn more about their unique culture and traditions.

Get ready to explore and learn more about the city of Groningen below!

History of Groningen

Groningen, a city steeped in history, dates back to the 3rd century AD, originally established as a Roman settlement. It gained city rights in 1040 and quickly grew into a significant trade center due to its port location.

The city experienced significant growth and prosperity during the Middle Ages, renowned for its contribution to arts, education, and culture. Groningen's iconic Martini Tower, a testament to its medieval prosperity, was completed in 1482.

The city faced several sieges and battles in the 16th and 17th centuries, notably during the Eighty Years' War and the Franco-Dutch War. However, Groningen managed to rebuild and recover, maintaining its status as a vital economic hub.

The 20th and 21st centuries saw Groningen evolve into a vibrant student city, home to the University of Groningen, one of the oldest and most prestigious universities in the Netherlands. Today, Groningen preserves its rich historical legacy while embracing progressive growth, offering a unique blend of the past and the present.

Top services in Groningen

Here on this page, you'll find all the top travel services in Groningen, the Netherlands. Check out the cheapest and most popular flights offered by 96 airlines that fly to the Netherlands. Browse the 9 top-rated tours available to you in Groningen. We make it easy for you to find and book the top services in Groningen.

Enjoy the convenience of planning and booking every detail of your trip to Groningen, including flights, accommodations, activities, and more, in one place. Book with Guide to Europe to get an expertly-curated and fully-customizable itinerary and experience the best of Groningen on your vacation in the Netherlands.

Get answers to questions about the routes and services offered in Groningen from our free 24/7 customer support. Continue reading to learn how you can enjoy a stress-free and memorable vacation in the city of Groningen!

Best time to visit Groningen

The best time to explore Groningen, the Netherlands, is between April and October, when the weather is most favorable. Spring, from April to June, is particularly delightful with blooming flowers, notably tulips, enhancing the city's beauty. Autumn, specifically October, is also a charming time to visit, as the city turns into a palette of warm colors. Summer, from July to September, offers sunny and mild weather, ideal for outdoor activities and exploring the city's historic sites. However, it's also the busiest tourist season, so if you prefer less crowded conditions, spring and autumn are more suitable. Additionally, Groningen hosts the 'Noorderzon Performing Arts Festival' in August, a unique event that combines music, theatre, and visual arts, which could offer an enriching experience. Remember to pack a raincoat and umbrella, as rain showers can occur throughout the year. With these considerations in mind, you can plan a visit that aligns with your preferences and the best time to explore Groningen.

Local tip for visiting Groningen

Groningen might be known for its youthful vibrancy and historic charm, but there is an insider tip that could significantly enhance your experience in this Dutch city. Locals often recommend visiting the Noorderplantsoen park, a delightful green space that comes alive with locals during sunny days. However, the real secret is to visit during the early morning hours when the park is less crowded. You'll get to witness a unique, tranquil side of Groningen that most tourists miss out on. Enjoy a peaceful stroll or a gentle bike ride around the park's beautiful paths, and don't forget to bring some local cheese and bread for a serene breakfast picnic. This insider tip will let you experience the city like a true 'Groninger', immersing yourself in the local lifestyle and creating unforgettable memories.

Learn more about the Netherlands

There are many reasons to visit the city of Groningen, but a trip to the Netherlands needs no explanation.

Exploring the Netherlands, which spans 42,201 square kilometers, is an adventure of a lifetime. The Netherlands offers an abundance of truly magical places to discover, including cultural, historic, and scenic sites of significant value to both locals and travelers.

As the home country of many world-famous attractions like the spectacular Groninger Museum, Martinitoren, and the Stadspark, you’re all set for a unique and memorable travel experience in the Netherlands.

Click or tap the link below to discover more about the Netherlands.

What to see in Groningen

Photo of Groningen, Netherlands by mel_88

Groningen has something for everyone. Regardless of age and interest, travelers have the best time exploring every corner of the city.

Read on to discover the best places to visit and find out what to expect from the city of Groningen.

Top attractions in Groningen

Home to plenty of top attractions, Groningen is more than just a wonderful city in the Netherlands. Groningen is a travel hotspot and a great place to experience a mix of the traditional and modern culture of the Netherlands.

One fascinating sight in Groningen is the unforgettable Groninger Museum. Considered one of the most well-known attractions in the city, a visit to this spectacular travel destination is something you shouldn’t miss on your trip to Groningen. This remarkable attraction is located at Museumeiland 1, 9711 ME Groningen, Netherlands and is open for visitors Monday - Sunday, between 10:00-17:00.

For more information about what you can expect during a vacation in the Netherlands, check out our list of top attractions in Groningen below. Discover the best places to visit in Groningen, including the fascinating Groninger Museum, Martinitoren, Stadspark, Martinikerk, and Sint Jozefkathedraal.

Map of attractions

Use this map to find the location of all top attractions in Groningen.

Things to do in Groningen

Photo of Groningen, Netherlands by Aline Dassel

Enrich your travel experience in Groningen by joining tours and activities. Groningen offers an exciting selection of top-rated tours and it's easy for every traveler to find something to their liking. Take the opportunity to catch the top attractions on a tour, stay active with an adventurous excursion, or learn something new about the local history or culture of the city.

Discover the most popular experiences in Groningen below.

Most popular experiences in Groningen

Traveling is all about gaining new experiences. You can have that and more in the city of Groningen.

Groningen offers numerous tours and activities for travelers to choose from. Walking Tours, City Tours, and Historical Tours are only a few of the many experiences you can book for your holiday in the Netherlands.

Explore the most popular experiences you can join in Groningen by clicking on one of the top-rated tour categories below.

Top tours & tickets starting in Groningen

Travelers in Groningen can choose from 6 categories of top-rated tours and tickets.

By joining this highly recommended tour, travelers get to learn more about what makes Groningen one of the best travel destinations in the Netherlands.

Groningen also offers plenty of budget-friendly tours and activities that promise travelers a unique experience in the city. The affordable Self-Guided Pub Trail in Groningen with Online App is the cheapest tour in the city, and is a popular Audio Guide. This experience costs around 14 EUR and allows travelers a great time in Groningen. This Audio Guide is available in 6 languages: German, English, Italian, French, and Dutch. Around 2 travelers have given this activity an average rating of 4 stars out of 5.

Secure an unforgettable experience for your upcoming trip to Groningen and book a top-rated tour in the city. Discover the best tours, activities, and tickets in Groningen below.

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Search for things to do in Groningen

Discover the best things to do in Groningen. Choose from 9 fantastic tours and activities available in the city.

Select your dates and number of travelers in the search bar below to receive the best recommendations for your vacation in Groningen. Click the green button to view your options.

What to eat in Groningen

Groningen offers an exciting culinary scene that mirrors its vibrant cultural diversity. One of the best places to eat in Groningen is the city center, teeming with a variety of dining options ranging from street food stalls to high-end restaurants. Here, you can enjoy traditional Groningen dishes such as 'Eierbal', a deep-fried ball filled with ragout and a boiled egg, and 'Groninger Koek', a spiced cake that pairs perfectly with a cup of coffee. For an authentic taste of local cuisine, visit the Folkertsma Farm in the Pieterpad region, renowned for its traditional Groninger mustard soup. For seafood lovers, the nearby fishing village of Lauwersoog offers fresh local fish, particularly the Dutch New Herring. Street food enthusiasts should not miss the city's bustling Vismarkt, where food trucks serve everything from traditional Dutch snacks to international cuisine. For a finer dining experience, consider a visit to 't Feithhuis, a high-end restaurant located near the iconic Martini Tower, that serves innovative dishes with locally sourced ingredients. Whether you're a foodie in search of local delicacies or a traveler looking to experience the city's gastronomic offerings, Groningen's culinary scene is sure to impress.

Best shopping in Groningen

In Groningen, the shopping experience is as vibrant and diverse as the city itself. The Herestraat is the city's main shopping street, boasting a variety of local and international brands. It's the best place to go shopping in Groningen for fashion lovers. For an avant-garde fashion experience, visit the Folkingestraat. Here, you'll find unique boutiques featuring the work of local artisans, offering a range of handcrafted jewellery and clothing. The Vismarkt is another must-visit, especially for those interested in food and local produce. This bustling market is a cornucopia of fresh fish, flowers, and regional specialties.

For a more upscale shopping experience, head to the Hoogstraatje and Zwanestraat, known for their high-end boutiques and designer stores. Don't forget to pick up a Groninger Koek, a local delicacy, as a tasty souvenir. Finally, remember that most shops open at 9:30 am and close around 6 pm, but are open late on Thursdays until 9 pm. With a wealth of shopping districts and markets, Groningen truly caters to every taste and budget.

Best free things to do in Groningen

Experience the charm of Groningen without breaking the bank. The city is brimming with free attractions, making it a haven for budget travelers. One of the best free things to do in Groningen is to visit the Grote Markt, the city's central square. Here, you can marvel at the majestic Martinitoren tower and the charming old guild houses. Wander through the Prinsentuin, a Renaissance-style garden that offers a tranquil reprieve from the bustling city. For culture enthusiasts, the University of Groningen Museum showcases a vast collection of artifacts and works of art, all for free. Don't miss the chance to explore the city's numerous art galleries, such as the Groninger Kunstkring De Ploeg, where you can admire works by local artists. Finally, for a touch of nature, lose yourself in the scenic beauty of the Noorderplantsoen, a picturesque park that often hosts free concerts and festivals. With such a diverse range of free activities, a trip to Groningen guarantees a rich and fulfilling experience.

Vacation packages in Groningen

Photo of Groningen, Netherlands by Zachtleven fotografie

The best and easiest way to visit Groningen is by booking a vacation package. A vacation package includes everything you need for a worry-free and perfectly planned holiday in the Netherlands.

Booking a vacation package to Groningen means spending less time planning and more time enjoying your vacation. A vacation package includes everything from flight tickets, accomodation, and a rental car, to 24/7 personal travel support and a carefully planned travel itinerary. You can also take your vacation in Groningen to the next level by adding tours, tickets, and activities to each day of your trip.

Apart from providing you with everything you need to travel comfortably, your vacation package to Groningen is also fully customizable. In other words, you can add or remove services at your own convenience, to create the perfect vacation for you and your travel companions.

On our website, you will find unique vacation packages to Groningen, including flight tickets, hotel reservations, and recommendations for the best sightseeing spots, restaurants, bars, and activities.

Continue to the next section to learn more about what types of vacations you can book in the city of Groningen.

Find vacation packages in Groningen

Discover and compare vacation packages that take you to the wonderful city of Groningen.

The best flights, hotels, and activities in Groningen get fully booked quickly. Use the search tool below to find the best vacation packages in the Netherlands. Your customized holiday package to Groningen is only a few clicks away!

How to get to Groningen

To get to the city of Groningen the fastest way possible, travelers from outside the Netherlands can travel by plane. International travelers can fly to Groningen by booking flights with any of the 2 airlines that offer direct flights to Groningen Eelde airport. Some airlines that operate flights to Groningen Eelde airport are Ethiopian Airlines, Pegasus, Royal Air Maroc, Turkish Airlines, and British Airways. Go to this page to compare all flights to Groningen.

To reach the city of Groningen, travelers can choose from various airport transfer options available at Groningen Eelde airport.

If you're looking for the best flight ticket deals to Groningen, knowing the cheapest travel time and which airlines offer the most affordable flights is helpful. Luckily, we have this information for you. Discover more about the cheapest and most popular flights to Groningen Eelde airport and Groningen below.

Find cheap flights to Groningen

Photo of Groningen, Netherlands by Rudy and Peter Skitterians

Over the years, more airlines have started offering flexible and direct flights to Groningen, making it one of the most accessible travel destinations in the Netherlands. However, it is usually cheaper to fly to Groningen, the Netherlands, in October.

The cheapest one-way flight to Groningen costs around 100 EUR and is offered by the airline TUI fly Netherlands.

The cheapest round-trip flights to Groningen cost approximately 337 EUR in total. The departure flight leaves on October 28 and the return flight is scheduled on October 31. The flight time is around 4 hours per way.

The return flight is operated by Rotterdam The Hague.

Use the search tool below to find the cheapest flights to the Netherlands and the city of Groningen from your city of departure.

Popular flights to Groningen

Travelers visiting Groningen in the Netherlands can fly to Groningen Eelde airport directly from 161 destinations worldwide.

The airline that operates most flights to the Netherlands is Qatar Airways. Qatar Airways offers 4 scheduled flight routes to the Netherlands.

Discover the most popular flights to Groningen below. Click to view flights to Groningen, the Netherlands from destinations all across the globe.

Where to stay in Groningen

Photo of Groningen, Netherlands by Ildigo

An essential factor to consider when traveling to a new place or country is accommodation. While visiting a city as fantastic as Groningen is always exciting, any avid traveler knows that accommodations often make or break the vacation experience.

The best place to stay in Groningen usually depends on travelers' needs and preferences. However, booking accommodation in downtown Groningen offers a ton of benefits.

Staying at the heart of the city allows you to easily walk to many of the top sights and dining areas in Groningen and cut down on your travel expenses. Centrally-located accommodations are also an excellent choice for travelers in Groningen planning to go on a quick tour or drive to the neighboring regions.

For example, honeymooners or travelers on a romantic getaway in the Netherlands can experience the ultimate relaxation at one of the 5-star or 4-star hotels in Groningen. Travelers whose purpose is sightseeing can also find plenty of mid-range hotels to budget-friendly accommodations in the city, allowing access to many of the top attractions in Groningen.

Learn more about the most popular places to stay and the top-rated hotels in Groningen in the next sections.

Popular types of accommodation in Groningen

While each type offers varying amenities and rates, there is no denying that Groningen provides a great selection of lodging options ready to cater to every kind of guest.

Budget accommodations are also incredibly popular among travelers in Groningen. Cheaper alternatives allow travelers to save on accommodation costs and have more to spend on other experiences.

Select the type you prefer to compare options under each category and find the best accommodation.

Top hotels in Groningen

Hotels are travelers' go-to accommodations in Groningen for the unique experience they provide.

Besides offering basic amenities, many hotels in Groningen provide meals and extras, such as shuttle services, spa facilities, tour desks, and other services. But because not all hotels in Groningen are created equal, finding the best in the city often requires careful research. For your convenience, we've done all the research to make it easier for you to check out all the top hotels in Groningen.

Below is our hand-picked list of the best hotels in the Groningen. Travelers are encouraged to book early as these hotels quickly reach capacity.

Click the arrows or swipe the list to see each hotel's ratings, reviews, locations, rates, and more. You can read detailed descriptions of each hotel by clicking the cards.

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Search for accommodation in Groningen

Use the Accommodation Search tool below to find available stays in the city of Groningen on specific dates. This handy feature also allows you to compare prices and amenities.

Enter the preferred check-in and check-out dates. Then, select the number of guests and rooms. Click the Search button to find all the available hotels and places to stay in the city of Groningen that match the information provided.

Car rental in Groningen

Photo of Groningen Netherlands, by Rudy and Peter Skitterians-groningen

Experience the freedom and convenience of a self-drive vacation by renting a car for your adventures in Groningen.

Learn more about the different types of cars you can rent in Groningen, the Netherlands, below.

Popular types of car rental in Groningen

Discover and choose from our broad range of popular car rental options in the city of Groningen to find the best car for your travel plans. All car rentals come with CDW insurance for added protection throughout your trip.

Renting a car is a popular choice among travelers who want to explore the Netherlands at their own pace.

This car is particularly popular among couples and solo travelers touring the city of Groningen.

Check out all options available in Groningen and book the car rental for your upcoming adventures in the Netherlands below.

Search for car rental in Groningen

Get ready to hit the road and explore the beautiful city of Groningen. Find the best deals on a variety of popular car rentals in Groningen, the Netherlands, or any other destination in Europe by using the search tool below.

Enter your pick-up and drop-off location, driver's age, and dates. Click the green button to view your options.

Transportation in Groningen

Groningen, a vibrant city in the Netherlands, boasts a well-integrated transportation network that ensures easy navigation for locals and visitors alike.

The primary mode of transportation is cycling, with a vast network of cycle paths spanning the city, providing an eco-friendly and efficient way to explore. Bicycles can be rented from various locations throughout the city.

For longer distances, public buses and trains run regularly and cover a wide area, including connections to other Dutch cities. The Groningen train station is a major hub, offering intercity and regional services. Additionally, taxis are readily available, with several companies operating in the city.

For those preferring to drive, car rental services are available, but keep in mind that Groningen's city center is largely pedestrianized, so parking can be a challenge.

The city also offers a unique 'water taxi' service, allowing you to traverse the canals and waterways – a charming and leisurely way to explore Groningen.

Popular destinations to visit after Groningen

Photo of Groningen Netherlands, by Zachtleven fotografie-inner city

The city of Groningen is just one of the many unique and scenic destinations you can visit in the Netherlands. So if you're itching for another cultural adventure, a relaxing road trip, an action-filled city break, or a memorable weekend getaway, know that the Netherlands has it all.

The Netherlands is calling, and the country is asking you to experience its culture and diversity to the fullest! Take the opportunity to visit other captivating places in the Netherlands that are as magical as the city of Groningen. The most popular travel destinations in the Netherlands are listed below. Click on the name of the place you want to explore next to learn more about it.

All the best destinations in the Netherlands

When unsure of where to go next, use the map below. This map shows the locations of all the best destinations in the Netherlands. Use the map to plan your trip and find the best routes.

Domestic flights from Groningen

Photo of Groningen Netherlands, by Rudy and Peter Skitterians-view

A taste of the Netherlands through a visit to Groningen can often reignite a traveler's passion for adventure. When this happens, the best way to satisfy this wanderlust is to book a domestic flight from Groningen to another remarkable destination in the Netherlands.

To begin your search for the best or cheapest flights from the city of Groningen to other spectacular locations in the Netherlands, jump to the last section of this travel guide.

Popular domestic flights from Groningen

Travelers in the Netherlands can catch flights to domestic airports in Amsterdam. Domestic flights in the Netherlands are operated by 1 airline: TUI fly Netherlands. There are around 1 scheduled flight routes operating to Groningen on a weekly basis.

From Groningen, travelers can book scheduled flights to 1 domestic destinations.

Search domestic flights from Groningen

Traveling to another city or region in the Netherlands? Use the flight search tool below to quickly find the cheapest one-way or round-trip flights from Groningen to different local destinations.

Enter all the necessary information and click or tap on the Search button to see a list of the available domestic flights in the Netherlands on the selected dates.

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