City Guide: Groningen

Take a seat on the Grote Markt and watch as students mix with generations of residents in the northern city “Grunn”. Residents of the surrounding areas simply call it ‘city’. Groningen is a robust and willful city, with classic ‘hofjes’ and modern hidden art. Dunk yourself in the familiarity and good vibes of this University town. In this city guide you will find some facts about the city, advice on where to go and what to see, as well as some practical information.

ABOUT THE CITY

Groningers (also known as ‘Stadjers’) have been drawing their own plans for centuries. They’ve built an impregnable fortress in the middle of a marsh and sternly put down roots in this fertile corner of the country. They built canals but called them ‘Diep’ instead. During WWII’s liberation in 1945 a large part of the inner city went up in flames, but a lot of the old architecture and landmarks (like the iconic Martini Tower and church) miraculously survived. Ever stubborn, like it’s residents.

That stubbornness paid off, because Groningen developed from a municipality with 23.000 residents to a city with over200.000 residents over the last 300 years. Nowadays, Groningen is a thriving student city, with over 60.000 students, 35.000 of which actually live in the city. Big multinational corporations like Google and IBM have offices in Groningen.

As a student city, Groningen knows an exciting and vibrant night life (no formal closing hours, say what?!), but there’s no shortage of culture. Need some tips on what to see and where to go?

POPULAR HIGHLIGHTS

Groningen

GOOD TO KNOW

  • (Public) Transportation, how to navigate (to) Groningen by car, bus, train and bike.
  • An overview of public holidays (not everything will be closed on these holidays but be aware that a lot of establishments will take these days off).
  • For any emergency call 112. The operator will ask you whether you need the police, fire department, or an ambulance.

ISIC RECOMMENDS

 

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WANT TO SEE MORE?

See all discounts in Groningen in the ISIC app.

ISIC app ISIC app Discount at theater Groningen ENTERTAINMENT: 50% discount on selected shows at Stadsschouwburg Discount on museum in Groningen CULTURE: €3 discount at Groninger Museum
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