Groningen: The Netherlands’ Student City

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                        (Discover Groningen, n.d.)

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The academic heart of the north, this city hosts the Netherlands' leading higher education institutes like the nation's second-oldest school, the University of Groningen, and Hanze University of Applied Sciences (where I study and would strongly recommend the experience!). It also serves as the province's capital and stands as the largest municipality in the northern Netherlands. By early 2025, the population had reached 244,807, officially ranking it as the sixth-biggest city in the country (Wikipedia, 2026). 

If you are thinking about studying in the Netherlands, this city is worth your attention. In this post, I will highlight the top things you can do in this vibrant city.

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(Google, n.d.)

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Things to do in Groningen

1. Shopping in Groningen's City Centre

The city centre offers a wide range of shops that are open every day of the week. You can spend time browsing vintage stores, explore unique concept shops, and visit some of the oldest stores in the city, along with many other options (Visit Groningen, n.d.).

2. Food and Drinks in Groningen

Groningen has a diverse food scene, with cafés and restaurants serving cuisine from many parts of the world. To experience the local lifestyle, spend time on the terraces and enjoy a variety of drinks and dishes.

3. Discover Groningen by Bike

Cycling plays a major role in daily life in the Netherlands, and the city is built to support it with extensive bike lanes. You can easily get around by bike and also ride beyond the city to explore the province and its natural surroundings (Visit Groningen, n.d.)

4. Experience Groningen's Cultural Scene

Groningen has a strong creative identity, which you can explore at places like the Groninger Museum and the Forum Groningen, a hub for culture and innovation. Beyond these highlights, the city also offers many smaller museums and galleries worth visiting.

The city also has many theatres that host performances every day, ranging from plays to live shows. In addition, the city centre supports a lively music scene, with venues, pubs, and bars hosting performances throughout the year. Groningen also hosts annual music festivals that attract both local and international artists (Visit Groningen, n.d.). 

For more details about live music, press here.

5. Nightlife in Groningen

Groningen offers a strong nightlife scene that attracts many students. The city centre is filled with clubs, pubs, and bars, and many stay open late into the night, so you can continue until sunrise. 

You can choose from different types of venues based on your preference. For a more interactive night, you can visit karaoke bars along Gelkingestraat and sing with friends. If you want more control over your music experience, the RGB Silent Disco offers a setup where you can switch between channels and adjust your own volume. For a classic club environment, PALACE provides a large dance floor, strong lighting, and a crowd focused on music and socializing (Visit Groningen, n.d.).

The variety of venues allows you to try different experiences across the week. Whether you prefer a relaxed drink, live music, or a full night of dancing, you will find options that match your style.

6. Other Things to Do in Groningen

If you want to explore even more places, you can watch the video below for additional ideas. It shows different spots around the city and gives you a clearer view of what you can expect when visiting Groningen. This can help you plan your time better and find activities that match your interests.

 (Martijn Around The World - Travel, 2025)

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References

Discover Groningen. (n.d.). Forum Groningen. https://discovergroningen.com/en/location/forum-groningen/

Google. (n.d.). Groningen [Map]. Google Maps. https://maps.app.goo.gl/4qPLw4ML8syLQFj58

Martijn Around The World - Travel. (2025, August 7). Groningen city tour [Video]. YouTube. https://youtu.be/qtN3sM08eyo?si=lw3Fix0zbRTXAKvs

Visit Groningen. (n.d.). Cycling. https://www.visitgroningen.nl/en/things-to-do/cycling

Visit Groningen. (n.d.). Live music in Groningen. https://www.visitgroningen.nl/en/blogs/live-music-in-groningen

Visit Groningen. (n.d.). Nightlife. https://www.visitgroningen.nl/en/things-to-do/culture/nightlife

Wikipedia. (2026, March 29). Groningen. Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Groningen#Culture