Netherlands
Groningen
Netherlands
Groningen
Updated Jun 26, 2025
Overview
Groningen, the lively capital of the Netherlands' northernmost province, blends medieval charm with modern flair. Home to a renowned university, the city buzzes with youthful energy and innovation. Explore the car-free city center, where historic buildings house trendy cafes and boutiques. Don't miss the iconic Martini Tower or the cutting-edge Groninger Museum. For an authentic experience, join locals at the Vismarkt fish market or cycle through the surrounding countryside.
Best time to visit. Visit Groningen between April and October for mild weather and outdoor events. Summer offers vibrant festivals like Noorderzon, while spring brings beautiful blooms. Autumn is ideal for cozy cafe-hopping and enjoying the changing colors in nearby nature reserves.
City stats
Population
233,218
Land area
78 sq. mi.
Currency
Euro
Year founded
1040 CE
Official langauge
Dutch
English speaking
Widely spoken
State/Province
Groningen
Timezone
Central European (UTC+1)
Driving side
right
Website
Google Maps link
Quick links
How to get there
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Cities within 8 hours
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Bars, pubs and nightlife
Breakfast and brunch
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Laptop friendly places
Where to stay for work trips
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Average weather
Country holidays
Major annual events
Cultural tips
City details
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Nearby
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Food & restaurants
Work friendly
| Month | ||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 41°F - 33°F | 36°F - 27°F | Cloudy | 8:45 am | 4:45 pm | 13 days 2.4 in | 5 days 1.5 in | 11 mph |
| February | 43°F - 33°F | 38°F - 28°F | Partly Cloudy | 8:00 am | 5:40 pm | 10 days 1.8 in | 3 days 1.0 in | 11 mph |
| March | 50°F - 38°F | 46°F - 34°F | Partly Cloudy | 7:00 am | 6:40 pm | 11 days 2.0 in | 1 days 0.2 in | 11 mph |
| April | 57°F - 43°F | 54°F - 40°F | Partly Cloudy | 6:45 am | 8:30 pm | 9 days 1.6 in | 0 days 0.0 in | 9 mph |
| May | 64°F - 49°F | 62°F - 47°F | Partly Cloudy | 5:30 am | 9:30 pm | 9 days 2.0 in | 0 days 0.0 in | 9 mph |
| June | 68°F - 54°F | 67°F - 53°F | Partly Cloudy | 5:00 am | 10:00 pm | 9 days 2.7 in | 0 days 0.0 in | 9 mph |
| July | 72°F - 57°F | 71°F - 56°F | Partly Cloudy | 5:15 am | 9:50 pm | 10 days 3.1 in | 0 days 0.0 in | 9 mph |
| August | 72°F - 57°F | 71°F - 56°F | Partly Cloudy | 6:00 am | 9:00 pm | 10 days 3.0 in | 0 days 0.0 in | 9 mph |
| September | 66°F - 52°F | 65°F - 50°F | Partly Cloudy | 7:00 am | 7:45 pm | 11 days 3.0 in | 0 days 0.0 in | 9 mph |
| October | 58°F - 47°F | 55°F - 44°F | Cloudy | 8:00 am | 6:30 pm | 12 days 3.2 in | 0 days 0.0 in | 11 mph |
| November | 49°F - 40°F | 45°F - 36°F | Cloudy | 8:00 am | 4:45 pm | 13 days 3.0 in | 1 days 0.1 in | 11 mph |
| December | 43°F - 35°F | 38°F - 30°F | Cloudy | 8:45 am | 4:30 pm | 13 days 2.8 in | 3 days 0.8 in | 11 mph |
| Name | Date | Description | Travel rating | Closure rating | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| New Year's Day | January 1 | Celebration of the new year with fireworks, parties, and traditional foods. | Avoid travel, most places closed. | ||
| Good Friday | Friday before Easter Sunday | Christian holiday commemorating the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. | Limited services, plan accordingly. | ||
| Easter Sunday | First Sunday after first full moon of spring | Christian holiday celebrating the resurrection of Jesus Christ. | Festive atmosphere, some closures. | ||
| Easter Monday | Day after Easter Sunday | Public holiday extending Easter celebrations, often with family gatherings. | Many places closed, plan activities. | ||
| King's Day | April 27 | National holiday celebrating the Dutch monarch's birthday with street parties. | Busy, festive, plan for crowds. | ||
| Liberation Day | May 5 | Commemoration of the end of Nazi occupation in World War II. | Patriotic events, some closures. | ||
| Ascension Day | 40 days after Easter Sunday | Christian holiday marking Jesus' ascension to heaven, public holiday. | Some closures, plan accordingly. | ||
| Pentecost | 7 weeks after Easter Sunday | Christian holiday celebrating the descent of the Holy Spirit, public holiday. | Some closures, outdoor activities. | ||
| Christmas Day | December 25 | Christian holiday celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ, family gatherings. | Festive, but many closures. | ||
| Second Christmas Day | December 26 | Extended Christmas celebration, also known as Boxing Day in some countries. | Quiet day, limited openings. |
| Name | Date | Description | Travel rating | Closure rating | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Eurosonic Noorderslag | Mid-January | Europe's largest showcase festival for emerging music talent, featuring concerts and industry conferences. | Great for music lovers, busy for others. | ||
| Groningen Swim Challenge | Late August | Annual open water swimming event through the canals of Groningen, raising funds for charity. | Exciting atmosphere, minimal disruption. | ||
| Noorderzon Performing Arts Festival | Mid to late August | International arts festival featuring theater, dance, music, and visual arts in Noorderplantsoen park. | Great cultural experience, some crowding. | ||
| Groningen Night of Art & Science | Early June | City-wide event combining art exhibitions, scientific demonstrations, and performances. | Unique experience, minimal disruption. | ||
| Noorderlicht International Photo Festival | September to October | Major photography exhibition showcasing work from international and local photographers. | Enriching cultural event, no travel issues. | ||
| KEI Week | Mid-August | Introduction week for new university students with parties, events, and city tours. | Lively atmosphere, some crowding. | ||
| Groningen City Run | Early October | Annual running event through the city center with various distance options for participants. | Exciting event, minor road closures. | ||
| Winterwelvaart | Mid-December | Winter festival featuring historic ships, music performances, and Christmas markets. | Festive atmosphere, minimal disruption. |
1 | Dutch people are direct in communication. Don't be offended by blunt remarks or questions. It's not rudeness, just cultural honesty. Embrace their straightforward approach. |
2 | Bike culture is huge. Always use bike lanes and obey cycling rules. Never walk in bike paths. Rent a bike to explore like a local, but be cautious if you're not used to busy cycle traffic. |
3 | Tipping isn't expected in restaurants as service charge is included. For exceptional service, rounding up or leaving a small tip (5-10%) is appreciated but not mandatory. |
4 | Learn basic Dutch phrases like 'Dank je wel' (thank you) and 'Alstublieft' (please). While many Dutch speak English, attempting their language is appreciated and often met with smiles. |
5 | Coffee shops aren't just for coffee. They legally sell cannabis. If you're not interested, stick to 'cafes' for your caffeine fix. Be mindful of local laws if you choose to partake. |
6 | Punctuality is valued. Arrive on time for appointments and reservations. Being late is considered disrespectful. Plan ahead, especially when using public transportation. |
7 | Don't take photos of sex workers in Amsterdam's Red Light District. It's disrespectful and illegal. Enjoy the unique atmosphere, but be respectful of privacy and local norms. |
8 | Carry cash for small purchases. While cards are widely accepted, some smaller shops, markets, and public toilets may only accept cash or coins. Always have some euros on hand. |
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