Groningen (map) is a lively student city in the *Northern Netherlands. A university town with some 50,000 students gives the city its famous vibe; a pleasant youthful atmosphere, some fine historic heritage and with plenty of things to do.

Downtown Groningen is pleasant and interesting. The city centre providing plenty cultural heritage and a laid-back atmosphere. Together with the excellent Groninger Museum (map), it forms the main attraction for visitors.

Like most cities in the Netherlands, Groningen’s historic city center (map) is surrounded by a canal, the diepenring. Most of the sights are within this area, and the Central Station (map) is 50 m outside it.

⇒ Also сheck оut мore info: HERITAGE • TOP 10 PLACES • HIKING

The heart of the city is formed around the two adjoining market squares, The Grote Markt (map) and the Vismarkt (or Fish Market, map). Standing tall on the edge of the Grote Markt is the Martini Tower (map), a true landmark for Groningen and one of its main attractions. Probably the most characteristic streets of the city are the Hoge and Lage der A streets.

Groningen is known as the “World Cycling City”; around 57% of its residents use a bicycle for regular commute within the city. The city has segregated cycle-paths, public transport, and a large pedestrianised zone in the city centre.

Reitdiep colourful houses / Boardwalk-en Pierwoningen (map). You may know these Scandinavian looking colourful terraced houses from Pinterest or Instagram. Built at the waterside they create a wonderful composition.

Der Aa-Kerk (map). This beautiful medieval church with its remarkable yellow-painted tower stands tall above the neighbouring Korenbeurs. Established between 1425 and 1492, the church’s tower was repeatedly destroyed and replaced, with the current one originating in 1711. The building is no longer used for religious services but is open for visitors and regularly houses expositions.

The most picturesque shopping street is called the Folkingestraat (map). It has a lot of little shops full of firsthand and secondhand little gifts, intercultural foods and great books.

OV Reisplanner – All public transport companies.

All public transport in the Netherlands (buses, trams, metros and trains) use contactless smart cards called ⇒ OV-chipkaart

⇒ Also сheck оut мore info: TRANSPORT TO GRONINGEN (visitgroningen.nl) • Public transport in the Netherlands (holland.com)

BUS: Flixbus • Connexxion • Arriva • Qbuzz

TRAIN: Information about trains can be found at the Nederlandse Spoorwegen (NS, Dutch Railways) + NS — International App, which includes a trip planner which uses the latest information about train delays and detours.

AIRPORT: Schiphol Airport is one of the busiest airports in the world. It is 15 km (9.3 mi) southwest of Amsterdam. It’s a point of interest in itself, being 4 metres below mean sea level.

FERRY: Amsterdam Central Station (map). Waterbus Rotterdam & Dordrecht >> waterbus.nl. + AFerry.co.uk.

CYCLING: routiq.com – Route planner. The best online routeplanner for cyclists can be found at a wikiplanner made by volunteers of the Dutch cyclist union “Fietsersbond”.

Grootse avonturen, je beleeft ze in Groningen. In een stoere, eeuwenoude kerk of in een weelderige borg. Ergens in een zijstraat van een zijstraat, dwalend door de stad. Wandel langs meanderende beken. Fiets tot aan de dijk, of nog verder. Loop over de bodem van de zee. Stap binnen in de ruimte van Groningen. Hier kom je tot rust en tot leven.

⇒ video source: Er gaat niets boven Groningen / youtube.com /

If you are coming to the Netherlands you should always check if you need a visa and, if so, what type of visa. Applying for a visa.

A popular journey planner for public transport in the Netherlands. It provides real-time information on train, tram, bus, and metro schedules.

While primarily targeting expats living in the Netherlands, also provides articles and resources about Dutch culture, customs, traditions.