Groningen is, of course, much more than just a place to study or work. It is also a place where you can enjoy living and exploring, with a quirky cultural sector and a diverse range of restaurants and bars. These hotspots are not to be missed.
Forum
In the heart of the city center you can find the Forum; a meeting place for everyone who is curious about the world of today and the possibilities of tomorrow. The Forum aims to surprise and inspire with its Storyworld, a huge exhibition space with changing exhibits, 5 movie theaters, the Smartlab, restaurants, the city library and the highest roof terrace in Groningen with phenomenal views and a rooftop cinema.
Lunch spots
Fancy an extensive lunch? Or just something else than your favorite sandwich, Groningen is the place to be. And whether you're in the mood for an authentic Italian lunch, Asian street food or a luxury four-course lunch, Groningen has plenty of places where you can dine long into the afternoon. 'Visit Groningen' listed a number of great lunch spots for you that are definitely worth a visit.
Groninger Museum
Creative energy splashes from the walls. Beautiful or ugly? The Groninger Museum has been there since 1994, but it is still the subject of discussion on modern architecture. Let that be reason enough for a visit. The diverse collections and innovative, occasionally quite stimulating, exhibitions complete the experience.
Cafes
Groningers love coffee and this is well reflected in the city's streetscape. You can find a cafe on almost every street corner. Yet no two cafes are the same.
Gardens, parks and beaches
If you’re seeking a tranquil escape from the bustling city life or you're a nature enthusiast looking for serene spots to relax and unwind, you’ve come to the right place. GroningenLife will take you on a journey through the lush greenery, vibrant gardens, charming parks, and refreshing beaches that Groningen has to offer.
Hofjes
Groningen's ‘hofjes’ used to offer free shelter to the poor, widows and sick. Nowadays, anyone can live in these oases of tranquility in the city center. At a handful you can drop in for a moment of silence. Some of the trees in the flower-filled gardens are ancient. They carry the memories of the past with them.
Concept stores
Concept stores, not to be confused with pop-up stores, are stores where it is not just about selling products. The store's décor and assortment play an important role in the experience and are tailored to a theme or lifestyle. So, it's actually more about getting inspired.
Groningen for kids
A muddy path under your bare feet, a zoo that allows more than just observing, or an exploratory expedition in a monastery where you can see what life used to be like. In short, Groningen is one giant adventure for children.
Groningen on a budget
Budgeting your student life is not always easy. Especially when you live on your own, you have to be considerate of what you’re spending. In addition to your rent, you also have to spend a lot on groceries, hygiene products, your home, activities and so on. Fortunately, there are many ways to save money. A few of the best can be found in this article.
More tips?
In addition to the above tips, there is of course much more to discover in Groningen. On the website visitgroningen.nl you will find many more hotspots in Groningen that you should not miss.
