Groningen hotspots city guide

Anne

 

May 8, 2020
21 Januari 2026

Groningen City Guide: 28 tips from hotspots to restaurants, hotels and fun things to do

Are you going away for a weekend soon? Groningen? Good choice! There's plenty to do in Groningen. We've listed 28 fun things to do for you in this Groningen City Guide.

THE ULTIMATE Groningen City GUIDE FOR A STAYCATION

This city is a great place for shopping, for example. Two of its streets have even been named the best shopping streets in the Netherlands! After shopping, you can visit one of the many restaurants. From trendy restaurants in the city center to an authentic restaurant within driving distance. Groningen has it all. After a delicious meal, you can stay in one of our favorite hotels. This way, it's guaranteed to be a successful weekend! Have fun in Groningen!

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Come with me to get breakfast in Taipei 🥢 Straight from the airport to this little spot to taste soup dumplings and so much more! That's what I call a soft landing 😉
Just back from Catalonia and I thought: I'll share some tips right away. During our road trip, we stayed two nights in the Ebro Delta. An incredibly fun stop for families and foodies alike, where there is plenty to do. · A boat trip to the Musclarium is a must! Here you eat oysters and mussels straight from the farm, in the middle of the sea. · Admire the flamingos and black ibises that can be found here all year round. · Rice is grown in the Ebro Delta all year round. For paella, but Kensho also makes sake and miso from it! You can visit them during a tasting. · Cycling along the rice fields, canoeing on the Ebro River, and visiting various beaches. It was still a bit too cold now, but there is plenty to do. · The towns are very low-key and not that exciting, but you can find fantastic local food there. From the Michelin-awarded Les Moles* to local eateries like Vermuteria Bonmarisc and Lo Tinglado. We ate a lot of fish, but also anemone fritters (a first!). Now back to work, and I’m going to create an extensive travel guide of this road trip through Catalonia, but you’ll want to save these tips for a future adventure. ✖️✖️✖️ 🖊️ @anne_de_buck { In this post, I share tips for the Ebro Delta in Spain (Delta de l'Ebre). More tips for Catalonia can be found at www.yourlittleblackbook.me }
PUUR JONNIE, an ode to Jonnie Boer. Today I had the honor of being at @delibrijezwolle for the book launch of @jonnie_en_therese. I spent the entire evening reading and browsing. WHAT A BOOK. What stories. WHAT AN ODE. Love, Nature, Pioneer, Fatherhood, Music, Jonnie's Foundation, Friendship, Suppliers, Local products, Relaxation, Entrepreneurship, Humor & The pure human being. Everything is covered, beautifully written by @joel.broekaert. With contributions from, among others, @nelsontanate, @rekkebus, @ronblaauwtje, @jorisbijdendijk, @sidney_schutte & @hvw043. Thanks for the wonderful afternoon @jonnie_en_therese 💚 PUUR JONNIE, Available from April 14 at your local bookstore (and online) 🖊️ @anne_de_buck
This is your ticket to Japan without taking a plane 🥢 @tewatashi.ams in De Pijp serves an authentic Edo-Mae Sushi Experience and is super consistent in their quality. It's the place we keep going back to when we have something to celebrate <3. In this video I'm sharing the 2 hour experience in 60 seconds. Still dreaming about the buttery ika nigiri. 🤤 ✖️✖️✖️ 🖊️ @anne_de_buck { one of the best authentic Japanese restaurants in Amsterdam serving premium sushi omakase in De Pijp }
𝗔 𝗯𝗿𝗼𝘄𝗻 𝗰𝗮𝗳𝗲́ 𝗯𝘂𝘁 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗴𝗿𝗲𝗮𝘁 𝗳𝗼𝗼𝗱 𝗶𝗻 𝗔𝗺𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗱𝗮𝗺 𝗖𝗶𝘁𝘆? @eetcafe_de_reiger is the spot to remember. Cozy, casual, and a seasonal menu. This one was on my list to share for a year and finally it's (almost) asparagus season again! 🤤 Another plus? Prices are very reasonable here! 📍 Eetcafé de Reiger Jordaan, Amsterdam City Center Save this spot for when you're craving warm Dutch traditional dishes in the heart of Amsterdam. And did you hear the same team took over Eetcafé van Beeren? I can't wait to go there too! ✖️✖️✖️ 🖊️ @anne_de_buck

hotels // groningen city guide

The Student Hotel: On the north side of the city lies the trendy The Student Hotel. The lobby is a vibrant mix of design and color, and The Pool restaurant is a great place to enjoy a delicious meal all day long. From the hotel, you can walk to the city center in ten minutes, and you'll find several great hotspots along the way.
BOTERDIEP 9, GRONINGEN, THESTUDENTHOTEL.COM

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© Student Hotel, Gronignen - best hotels in Gronignen

© Student Hotel, Groningen

Piloersemaborg: Okay, okay, this B&B with its excellent restaurant isn't officially located in Groningen, but in Den Ham. But because Piloersemaborg is such a unique place to stay, just over a fifteen-minute drive from the city center, I wanted to mention it anyway. Visit Groningen during the day and dine extensively in the evening, enjoying the Groningen harvest with Chef Dick Soek. Tip: book one of the special culinary packages for a fully catered weekend getaway.
SIETSE VELDSTRAWEG 25, DEN HAM, PILOERSEMA.NL

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Prinsenhof: Without a doubt, Prinsenhof Groningen is the city's most beautiful hotel. A stunning historic building with a rich history and 34 luxuriously furnished rooms. With authentic details. Several rooms offer a view of the Martini Tower, and in good weather, you can relax on the courtyard terrace.
MARTINIKERKHOF 23, GRONINGEN, PRINSENHOF-GRONINGEN.NL

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RESTAURANTS // GRONINGEN CITY GUIDE

The Old Gas Factory This restaurant, housed in a former gasworks around the corner from the Student Hotel, is a must-visit for anyone who enjoys dining in an industrial atmosphere. For lunch, the various shakshukas are highly recommended. In the evening, this is the perfect spot for a leisurely meal with a three- to five-course surprise menu from the chef, which can also be served entirely vegan upon request.
LANGESTRAAT 66, GRONINGEN, THEOUDEGASFABRIEK.NL

DOTGroningen Noord is on the rise, and gastrobar DOT is a fun cultural hotspot for dining, watching a movie, or relaxing on the city beach in the summer. The building, which was once an infoversum, has a striking round dome. The menu offers a journey through the world of dishes perfect for sharing, and the restaurant is open from lunch until late. Tip: check the schedule before you go, because this former infoversum also has cinemas.
VRYDEMALAAN 2, GRONINGEN, DOTGRONINGEN.NL

fun things to do in Groningen

© DOT, Groningen

Bakery Blanche: At one of Groningen's best bakeries, you can also enjoy a delicious lunch or coffee. The shop entrance is on Brugstraat and the café is on Kleine der A. The interior is warm and industrial, with plenty of wood, concrete, and hanging plants.
SMALL OF THE A 1, GRONINGEN, BAKERYBLANCHE.NL

Mr. Mofongo: This grand café is almost always busy. Downstairs, the mishmash of styles gives it a slightly studenty feel, but the street food kitchen and wine bar upstairs are a reason to come here anyway. For a good glass of wine, a delicious cocktail, and a cheese board, charcuterie, or street food dishes from around the world.
OLD BOTERINGESTRAAT 26, GRONINGEN, MOFONGO.NL

Anath: After a stroll in the beautiful Noorderplantsoen park, you'll want to head straight to healthy hotspot Anat, where the menu features only plant-based food. Even if you're not vegan, this is a must-visit for breakfast, lunch, or a super healthy juice. And oh my, the cakes! The lavender cake is so delicious, you'll want to try it!
EXTENDED CANAL STREET 1, GRONINGEN, ANAT.NU

Cappuccino: From the first floor, it's wonderful to people-watch at the Vismarkt. Cappuvino is a coffee bar during the day and a cozy wine bar in the evening, perfect for drinks after a day of shopping.
FISH MARKET 1, GRONINGEN, CAPPUVINO.COM

The Clockworker: This all-day hotspot feels a bit like Groningen's living room. During the day, freelancers work there, later in the afternoon, groups of friends meet up, and the restaurant area is always bustling. But perhaps the terrace on this hidden square in the summer is the best reason to go there!
CLOCKWORKERS' SQUARE 1, GRONINGEN, UURWERKER.NL

Konbu Streetfood: For authentic Asian ramen, pho, or buns, Konbu Streetfood is the place to be in Groningen. Start with some bites, like gyoza and dim sum, to share. Then order one of the pho or ramen dishes. The classic Shio ramen bowl is a must! Open from lunch through early dinner (they close at 21 PM), and reservations are required.
OOSTERSTRAAT 10, GRONINGEN, KONBUSTRAATFOOD.NL

fun things to do in Groningen Groningen city guide

The Pijp Wine & Dine: If you're spending a weekend in Groningen, it can sometimes be a bit of a challenge to find a more culinary-focused restaurant among all the cozy student cafes. De Pijp Wine & Dine is a great place to dine in the heart of the city, offering a three- to six-course menu featuring seasonal ingredients and paired wines. The menu changes monthly, so you'll always be surprised by what Chef Mark is serving.
HIGH OF THE A 3, GRONINGEN, DEPIJPWINEDINE.NL

The Rooster: This restaurant isn't just any old place to grab a bite to eat. The waiting list is over four months, but for good reason. There's no waitstaff at Restaurant de Haan, and chef Dennis de Haan isn't just behind the stove; he's also the host and does the dishes. The food is delicious and Michelin-starred!
AVEEG 4, GRONINGEN, RESTAURANTDEHAAN.NL

The Ladies of Lunsing:  You'll have to drive a bit further to reach this restaurant. In the small Drenthe village of Westervelde, you'll find De Jufferen van Lunsingh, a beautiful country house where you can enjoy top-notch culinary delights in a shabby-chic interior with an English feel. You can also stay overnight.
MAIN ROAD 13, WESTERVELDE, DEJUFFERENLUNSINGH.NL

Bistro Vive la Vie: The food isn't overwhelming, but that's perfectly fine. The dishes stimulate your senses in every way, so you're guaranteed to be full by the end. The wine glasses could be poured a bit fuller, but perhaps that's the magic of this restaurant. It leaves you wanting more of everything, especially dessert. Because the tasting is truly delicious.
OOSTERSTRAAT 39, GRONINGEN, VIVELAVIEGRONINGEN.NL

HanasotoShabu-shabu is a traditional Japanese dish of thinly sliced, cooked beef strips and vegetables with dipping sauces. Hanasato is the only Japanese restaurant in the northern provinces that serves the original shabu-shabu. Everything here is washoku (authentic Japanese); they use real mirin and make their own ponzu sauce. All of this in a relaxing Japanese atmosphere.
DEEP-FILLED ZUIDERDIEP 55, GRONINGEN, HANASATO.NL

Block & Barrels: In the summer, this hotspot boasts a hidden courtyard terrace where you can relax. But Block & Barrels is truly a must-see for artisanal food and drinks in any season. The menu features only the finest Groningen meat, which you'll see hanging in the aging cabinet as soon as you walk in. During the day, enjoy a cozy lunch at the bar, and in the evening, head upstairs for a delightful atmosphere beneath the historic building's old wooden beamed ceilings.
HOOGSTRAATJE 3-5, GRONINGEN, BLOCKANDBARRELS.NL

fun things to do in Groningen

SHOPPING // GRONINGEN CITY GUIDE

Holtbar: By far my favorite concept store in Groningen. And that's not just because they sell my book Wanderlust! At Holtbar, you can also enjoy coffee or tea with treats, and if you snag a spot by the window under the hanging plants, you'll have a perfect view of the shoppers on this charming street. The selection at this diverse store is truly enticing. From beautiful stationery to home accessories, beauty products, jewelry, and bags.
OLD VIEW AT JATSTRAAT 20, GRONINGEN, HOLTBAR.NL

fun things to do in Groningen // Groningen city guide

Lovely Little Things: Officially, Lovely Little Things is a children's shop with several locations in Groningen. But you'll still want to pop in even if you don't have kids. This is the place to try one of the unique (or should we say bizarre) milkshakes and cupcakes with themes like unicorns and mermaids that change constantly.
ASTRAAT 16, GRONINGEN, ALITTLELOVELYCOMPANY.NL

Tim Tom: Are you, like me, a fan of vintage (designer) furniture? At Tim Tom, you'll find the most beautiful pieces. From retro dressers and wall units to chairs and desks. Items with a story looking for a new home! Not planning a trip to Groningen, but still looking for vintage for your home? They also have an online store.
NEW EBBINGETRAAT 19, GRONINGEN, TIM-TOM.NL

Kokotoko: While I can't say my entire lifestyle is now entirely sustainable, I do try to make more conscious choices as often as possible. Concept stores like Kokotoko are perfect for this. Everything sold there is carefully selected, and almost the entire range is fair trade and organic.
OOSTERSTRAAT 26, GRONINGEN, KOKOTOKO.NL

Stardust: Stardust is a unique concept store where you can find unique vintage finds complemented by new pieces from emerging designers. The collection includes vintage fashion with items that are completely up-to-date, jewelry by Mr. Snorr, and vintage (Polaroid) cameras.
CAROLIEWEG 13, GRONINGEN, STARDUST-STORE.NL

fun things to do in Groningen // Groningen city guide

© Stardust, Groningen

BUCKETLIST // GRONINGEN CITY GUIDE

Eating at Pernikkel: Whether you're here for the most delicious pancakes or French toast for breakfast, a snack platter, lunch, or dinner, the decor alone will make you happy.
AVEEG 2, GRONINGEN, PERNIKKEL.NL

Visit Noorderzon: This 11-day international arts festival and summer festival is held annually in the Noorderplantsoen park. Music, theater, food and drinks, and above all, a whole lot of fun.
NOORDERZON.NL

fun things to do in Groningen // Groningen city guide

© Noorderzon, Groningen

Brakke brunch at Het Concerthuis: Infamous and famous among locals and students in Groningen, this is the place to unwind on Sundays with a generous breakfast buffet and excellent coffee.
POELESTRAAT 30, GRONINGEN, HETCONCERTHUIS.NL

Shopping in the Four Streets and Folkingestraat: In Zwanestraat, Oude Kijk in 't Jatstraat, Kromme Elleboog, Stoeldraaierstraat, and Folkingestraat, you'll find the best shops, boutiques, and concept stores. Two streets have even been named the "Best Shopping Street in the Netherlands," so shop till you drop!

Schimmelpenninck Huys:  This super cool hotel is a must-see. Staying in one of the fantastic rooms or the unique rococo suite is definitely on your bucket list. The hotel boasts a beautiful courtyard, where you can enjoy a leisurely lunch in the summer. Highly recommended!
Oosterstraat 53, Groningen, charmehotels.eu/nl/groningen

Go sailing: Rent a boat, bring some snacks, and explore Groningen from the canal. You'll see Groningen from a different perspective, and a fun detail: check out the artwork under the bridges!
Tip: You can rent boats at Cafe De Toeter, among other places.
CAFEDETOETER.NL

fun things to do in Groningen // Groningen city guide

Have fun in Groningen!

Do you have a great tip for a good restaurant, a nice shop, or an activity to add to your bucket list in the always charming city of Groningen? Let us know via the button below and TIP THE EDITORS!

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You can find more tips like those in this blog in my book STAYCATION. A book with the best addresses and travel tips for a holiday close to home. STAYCATION Find 22 city guides to surprising (and well-known) cities in the Netherlands and Belgium. With tips for great places to stay, nice restaurants, shops, and things to do. Read more about the content here >>  Want to order your own copy? Click the button below!

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ANNE

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