Hello everyone. As you already know, our adventure in the Netherlands continues but each time with a different place. Who is ready to find out where are we today? Let’s see it!

Let’s start by saying that Groningen, and its surrounding region, is an important agricultural area (so we only expect the best from the typical dishes, right?). The city is considered the most important place of the north of the Netherlands. Why? For its cultural life and because of its known universities. An ideal city for students (in fact, heavily populated by them). Do you know what is the other reason why Groningen is known? Well, it is one of the cities that best promote the use of bicycles. Most of the streets are closed to the cars and one of the reason is due to its shape (so expect many bike paths in the surrounding area). In addition to this, the city center is surrounded by a series of canals. Groningen is also an easily accessible via train line.

To know more (what to eat, where to eat, where to have fun, what to visit…) continue to read.

We have already mentioned the importance of the cultural life of the city and so now we just have to give a look. Let’s go!

PLACES TO VISIT (MUSEUMS/THEATERS…)

Martinikerk : is the oldest church in the city, located in the main square of Groningen (Grote Markt). It is in Gothic style and on the inside it contains a valuable monumental organ. The building is flanked by a high bell tower, the Martinitoren . This is one of the main tourist attractions of the city (and the symbol of Groningen) as it offers a spectacular view of the city and it has a fantastic lighting by night. Inside the bell tower there is a carillon that contains 62 bells and the stairs that will take you to the top. It must be said that there are many stairs, about 260 but we assure you that they are worth every effort.

: is the oldest church in the city, located in the main square of Groningen (Grote Markt). It is in Gothic style and on the inside it contains a valuable monumental organ. The building is flanked by a high bell tower, the . This is one of the main tourist attractions of the city (and the symbol of Groningen) as it offers a spectacular view of the city and it has a fantastic lighting by night. Inside the bell tower there is a carillon that contains 62 bells and the stairs that will take you to the top. It must be said that there are many stairs, about 260 but we assure you that they are worth every effort. Der Aa-kerk : is a medieval church in the center of Groningen. Also this church is flanked by a high tower.

: is a medieval church in the center of Groningen. Also this church is flanked by a high tower. Synagoge : the city’s synagogue. This is a very unique and interesting place of worship to visit and that very nice looking. Unmissable opportunity to learn something new and get in touch with a different culture from yours (if that is not already your culture!)

: the city’s synagogue. This is a very unique and interesting place of worship to visit and that very nice looking. Unmissable opportunity to learn something new and get in touch with a different culture from yours (if that is not already your culture!) Groninger Museum : is a museum of art, history and archeology and is located on the Verbindingskanaal (canal). The museum also houses a collection of Chinese and Japanese porcelain and different kinds of art, including those of the local De Ploeg group. Nothing to add to the very special and colorful architecture of the building.

: is a museum of art, history and archeology and is located on the Verbindingskanaal (canal). The museum also houses a collection of Chinese and Japanese porcelain and different kinds of art, including those of the local De Ploeg group. Nothing to add to the very special and colorful architecture of the building. Grafisch Museum Groningen : is a museum dedicated to the craft graphics and graphic arts. You will know every curiosity this world through the different periodical exhibitions.

: is a museum dedicated to the craft graphics and graphic arts. You will know every curiosity this world through the different periodical exhibitions. Noordelijk Scheepvaartmuseum : museum entirely focused on the maritime history of the city and particularly on the boats. The museum is located on Brugstraat and will be easy to recognize it, as the entrance the first thing you will see will be a model of an old boat (a sign that will make you realize that you have arrived in the right place).

: museum entirely focused on the maritime history of the city and particularly on the boats. The museum is located on Brugstraat and will be easy to recognize it, as the entrance the first thing you will see will be a model of an old boat (a sign that will make you realize that you have arrived in the right place). Het universiteitsmuseum : is a museum, in the city center, that offers a wide range of different kinds of collections (ethnographic collection, botanical and psychological collection…) and periodic exhibitions.

: is a museum, in the city center, that offers a wide range of different kinds of collections (ethnographic collection, botanical and psychological collection…) and periodic exhibitions. Strip Museum : we call here all the comic strip lovers. Exactly what you are thinking, this is a museum entirely dedicated to the amazing world of the comic strip. You will not miss out such a beautiful opportunity, right?!



Noorderlicht Photogallery : is a permanent photographic exhibition. It features the work of young local talent, but also those of the greatest masters of photography (Mathieu Keuter, Anders Petersen…).

Art Gallery Erik Zwezerijnen : art gallery with lots of paintings full of life.

: art gallery with lots of paintings full of life. Stichting Museum Canadian Allied Forces: is a museum dedicated to the time when the Dutch North countries, and in particular Groningen, got their freedom during World War II. You will find war machines, weapons and much more.

As in any city, Groningen has its theaters as well. Let’s see which ones.

Stadsschouwburg (located in Turfsingel), Martini Plaza (theater but also concert hall), Oosterpoort, Grand Theatre ( located in the main square of Grote Markt).

And in the end here are the two most famous concert halls: Vera and Simplon.

ENTERTAINMENT (PUB/DISCO/PARKS…)

There is lots of fun in Groningen… so let’s start!

De Prinsentuin: is a renaissance garden in the city center. It includes flowers (roses), hedges, sculptures, trees and there is also a map of the city of Egbert Haubois. Here you can attend the outdoor poetry reading by known and unknown authors (maybe if you have some works ready to read, why not to try?!)

is a renaissance garden in the city center. It includes flowers (roses), hedges, sculptures, trees and there is also a map of the city of Egbert Haubois. Here you can attend the outdoor poetry reading by known and unknown authors (maybe if you have some works ready to read, why not to try?!) Battlefield Tours : walking tour of the city.

: walking tour of the city. Alternative Groningen Tour : yes “alternative” beacuse it is a tour a little different from the others. It goes to the discovery of the unknown places of Groningen. An ideal tour for those who prefer to do something new and different.

: yes “alternative” beacuse it is a tour a little different from the others. It goes to the discovery of the unknown places of Groningen. An ideal tour for those who prefer to do something new and different. Groningen City Tours : another tour of the city, but this time by a bike. We remind you of the many trails and bike paths that you will find there, that will allow you to have lots of funny moments. Jus for this Groningen was called “World Cycling City”.

: another tour of the city, but this time by a bike. We remind you of the many trails and that you will find there, that will allow you to have lots of funny moments. Jus for this Groningen was called “World Cycling City”. The autonomous “tour” among the two main squares and several streets of the city: the Grote Markt , the main square (where take place several markets). Needless to say, here you will find everything, shops, bars, cafes, restaurants and so on. Vismarkt , another important square. Then there are the Herestraat, the Kromme Elleboog or Oude Kijk in ‘t Jatstraat and the Folkingestraat (the jewish area. This is the palce where there is the synagogue).

among the two main squares and several streets of the city: the , the main square (where take place several markets). Needless to say, here you will find everything, shops, bars, cafes, restaurants and so on. , another important square. Then there are the the and (the jewish area. This is the palce where there is the synagogue). Klimcentrum Bjoeks : “the great climbing” as we liked to call her us. It is an outdoor climbing wall. Unfortunately it is not suitable for everyone because the wall in question is really high. So it’s a no for those who has fear of the height because you have to be brave and you have to love the view from above. However for all those who haven’t all this courage, there’s something for you too. The building has also interior walls easier to climb. Just don’t forget to bring a sport outfit and go!

: “the great climbing” as we liked to call her us. It is an outdoor climbing wall. Unfortunately it is not suitable for everyone because the wall in question is really high. So it’s a no for those who has fear of the height because you have to be brave and you have to love the view from above. However for all those who haven’t all this courage, there’s something for you too. The building has also interior walls easier to climb. Just don’t forget to bring a sport outfit and go! Zeilcharter Willem Jacob : here there are organized fantastic boat rides to enjoy the magnificent colors of the sky from the water.

: here there are organized fantastic boat rides to enjoy the magnificent colors of the sky from the water. Rondvaart in Groningen : the evergreen (but always well welcomed) tour around the canals.

: the evergreen (but always well welcomed) tour around the canals. ‘t Peddeltje kanoverhuur: this is also a tour around the canals with the difference that you will be the real protagonist. How? Just rent a canoe and done!

this is also a tour around the canals with the difference that you will be the real protagonist. How? Just rent a canoe and done! Catcafe Op z’n Kop : yes, we have decided to including a cafè in this category, because this is a special cafè. You can have your order with the kittens at your feet. There is something more beautiful than this and that make you feel at home?!

: yes, we have decided to including a cafè in this category, because this is a special cafè. You can have your order with the kittens at your feet. There is something more beautiful than this and that make you feel at home?! Groninger Forum cinema/Pathé Groningen : two of the most famous cinemas of the city for an alternative evening.

: two of the most famous cinemas of the city for an alternative evening. Euro Kartracing & Bowling : go-kart path.

: go-kart path. Goldberg Escape/The Escape Hunt Experience Groningen: escape room.

Nightlife in Groningen is very present also beacause there ara lots of students that reside in the city (in fact the city has been chosen as “best city center” of the Netherlands). The most populated places are the two squares: Grote Markt and Vismarkt. Next we can find the Poelestraat and Peperstraat. Groningen has a red-light district in the Nieuwstad areas (not far from the city center).

The city is also home to several festivals, including the Eurosonic Noorderslag. An annual music festival with the participation of bands from all over Europe.

Now let’s see some famous locals in the city of Groningen.

Club Kokomo Groningen : night club.

: night club. Vera : local with live music.

: local with live music. Shadrak : night club.

: night club. Twister Groningen : night club.

: night club. Ocean 41 : cafè.

: cafè. &ZO Nightclub

Paradigm : night club.

: night club. De Smederij: cafè with jazz music.

TYPICAL FOODS

As mentioned in the introduction, the city is an important agricultural area and then we can only expect something really good from these dishes. We just have to find out!

Metworst : it is a dried sausage (made of pork meat). Very similar to salami but with a different flavour.

: it is a dried sausage (made of pork meat). Very similar to salami but with a different flavour. Kruidkoek (Groninger koek) : rye bread. The slice of bread is often eaten with butter.

: rye bread. The slice of bread is often eaten with butter. Zuurkool : sauerkraut with the well known rookworst (smoked sausage).

: sauerkraut with the well known rookworst (smoked sausage). Slagroomtaart : is cake made of panna and decorated with some fruits. It’s very popular in the Netherlands (but also in Belgium).

: is cake made of panna and decorated with some fruits. It’s very popular in the Netherlands (but also in Belgium). Gevulde Koeken : almonds stuffed biscuits ( medium in size). You have to be an almonds lover to fully appreciate this dessert.

: almonds stuffed biscuits ( medium in size). You have to be an almonds lover to fully appreciate this dessert. Beerenburg: this time we’re speaking of a drink. Beerenburg is a very popular drink made of various herbs. Related to Italian amaro.

WHERE TO EAT (RESTAURANTS/CAFE’…)

Are you ready? Because we are going to see which are the amazing restaurants the city offers.

Gustatio : Italian, Mediterranean and gluten free cuisine.

: Italian, Mediterranean and gluten free cuisine. Cho Fah eathai : Asian, Thai and vegetarian cuisine.

: Asian, Thai and vegetarian cuisine. Prinsenhof Groningen : French, Dutch, European and gluten free cuisine.

: French, Dutch, European and gluten free cuisine. Houdt van Eten : French, Dutch and European cuisine.

: French, Dutch and European cuisine. Voila : European, French, Dutch and gluten free cuisine.

: European, French, Dutch and gluten free cuisine. Croissanterie Pigalle : Dutch, French, vegetarian and European cuisine. Its is perfect for a good breakfast.

: Dutch, French, vegetarian and European cuisine. Its is perfect for a good breakfast. Feel Good : European, vegetarian, vegan, Dutch and gluten free cuisine.

: European, vegetarian, vegan, Dutch and gluten free cuisine. De Drie Gezusters : cafè with European, Dutch and vegetarian cuisine.

: cafè with European, Dutch and vegetarian cuisine. Belgisch Cafe De Pintelier : pub with Belgian and European cuisine.

: pub with Belgian and European cuisine. Tapasco : Mediterranean, European, Spanish cuisine.

: Mediterranean, European, Spanish cuisine. Da Vinci : Italian and Mediterranean cuisine.

: Italian and Mediterranean cuisine. De Betere Tijden : Dutch, European and vegetarian cuisine.

: Dutch, European and vegetarian cuisine. Het Bakkerscafe : Dutch and European cuisine

: Dutch and European cuisine ‘t Pannekoekschip : creperie.

: creperie. Grand Café Groningen

Our trip in Groningen is over. What will be our next destination of the Netherlands?? You’ll find out in our next update, so stay tuned!

Let us know your opinions about this place. If you liked it or not, if you’ve been there or you’re going to go there? What you liked the most or least? We’re curious to read your opinions.

A big kiss to everyone.

Below we will list the hotels that you can find in Groningen.

http://www.booking.com/searchresults.html?iata=QYT&aid=960457 – hotels next to the airport.

http://www.booking.com/searchresults.html?city=-2145032&aid=960457 – hotels in the city.

http://www.booking.com/searchresults.html?landmark=451&aid=960457 – hotels next to the station.

Booking.com

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