11 Unique Indoor Activities in Groningen: Local Experiences Beyond the Tourist Trail

Diverse museum with wide-ranging exhibits from Chinese art to fashion. Features interactive displays and children's programs. Beautiful, clean, and tidy with unique exhibitions. Café doubles as a mini-museum. Contrasts old artworks with modern interiors for stunning effect. Offers variety and changes displays regularly. Museum pass provides good value.

Full price admission may not be worth it for some visitors. Large portion of space dedicated to children's art, which can be too niche. Contemporary art exhibits may not appeal to all tastes. Some visitors might find the variety overwhelming or unfocused. Limited negative feedback overall, suggesting generally positive experiences.

Visitors praise the museum's innovative architecture and diverse exhibitions. Many appreciate the mix of contemporary art and local history. The interactive elements and child-friendly areas receive positive mentions. Reviewers often highlight the museum's ability to surprise and challenge perceptions, making it enjoyable for both art enthusiasts and casual visitors.

Some visitors find the ticket prices high, especially for the size of the museum. Others mention that certain exhibitions can be confusing or too abstract. A few reviewers note that the layout can be disorienting. Some international visitors wish for more English translations of artwork descriptions.

Diverse science collection in historic building. Exhibits change periodically. Stunning bird displays with vibrant, color-changing feathers. Information available in Dutch and English. Interesting exhibitions. One hour typically enough to see everything. Free entry on monument day.

Exhibition not fully in English. Guidebook doesn't match item order. Bathroom signs confusing due to graffiti. At €7, considered overpriced compared to free national museums elsewhere. Small collection. Changing themes may impact visitor experience based on timing.

Visitors praise the museum's engaging exhibits and well-curated collection. Many appreciate the balance between historical artifacts and modern interactive displays. The knowledgeable staff and informative audio guides receive high marks. Travelers often mention the unique anatomical specimens and the captivating astronomy section as highlights.

Some visitors find the museum small compared to others they've visited. A few mention that not all information is available in English, which can be frustrating for international tourists. Occasionally, people note that certain exhibits might be too academic or complex for younger children or those without a scientific background.

Vera is a beloved music venue in Groningen, known for diverse shows and cultural significance. Visitors praise the amazing atmosphere, fair drink prices, and friendly staff. The venue hosts quality acts like Sarah Shook and Daniel Romano. It's considered an essential Groningen experience, with a rich history including past performances by Nirvana.

Some concertgoers report poor acoustics, making it difficult to understand lyrics during performances. The bar service receives criticism for slow, inefficient bartenders who struggle with draft beers. This leads to long wait times for drinks, with some patrons suggesting better pay for bar staff to improve service quality.

Concertgoers rave about VERA's intimate atmosphere, excellent sound quality, and diverse lineup of artists. Many appreciate the venue's commitment to showcasing both local talent and international acts. The friendly staff and reasonable drink prices are frequently mentioned as positives. Fans love the authentic, no-frills vibe that allows the music to take center stage.

Some visitors find the venue too small or crowded during popular shows. A few reviewers mention long queues at the bar during busy nights. Occasional complaints arise about the lack of seating options, as VERA is primarily a standing venue. Some international tourists note that the crowd can be predominantly local, which might feel less welcoming to outsiders.

This unique male art gallery offers a diverse collection and frequent new exhibitions. Visitors appreciate the helpful owners who engage in art discussions. The gallery showcases local upcoming artists and provides opportunities to purchase artwork. The Hollands Nieuwe exhibition made a strong impression on one visitor. Overall, it's described as a must-see destination that offers a novel experience for all.

Some visitors felt the gallery could feature more engaging artists and photographers. There were issues with inconsistent opening hours, as one visitor found the gallery closed despite the website indicating it was open. This discrepancy caused disappointment for those who had traveled to the area specifically to visit the gallery.

Visitors praise the gallery's unique concept and curated selection of high-quality art. Many appreciate the friendly, knowledgeable staff who provide insightful commentary on the exhibits. The intimate atmosphere and frequently changing displays are often highlighted as positive aspects, encouraging repeat visits.

Some visitors find the gallery's focus too narrow, preferring a more diverse range of artists and themes. A few mention that the small space can feel crowded during popular exhibitions or events. Occasional complaints about limited opening hours have been noted.

Diverse book selection in multiple languages, including English. Knowledgeable staff offer excellent service. Cozy atmosphere with coffee available. Wide range of genres, including nature and history sections. Competitive prices. Free gift with purchase. Quiet environment ideal for browsing. Reminds visitors of the joys of physical bookstores.

No significant negative aspects mentioned in the provided reviews. The only potential drawback noted was the store's small size, described as 'tiny' by one reviewer. However, this was not explicitly stated as a negative feature and seemed to contribute to the store's charm and coziness.

Visitors praise the store's extensive collection, including rare and hard-to-find books. Many appreciate the helpful and passionate staff who offer personalized recommendations. The store's ambiance receives high marks, with reviewers describing it as a 'book lover's paradise'. Customers also commend the frequent literary events and the shop's support of local authors.

Some visitors mention that prices can be higher than chain bookstores or online retailers. A few reviewers note that the store can feel cramped during busy times, making browsing challenging. Non-Dutch speakers occasionally report difficulty finding English language books, though this is not a common complaint.

Forum Groningen is a vibrant hub with diverse activities and events. The rooftop offers stunning city views. It's a perfect spot for studying, relaxing with friends, or enjoying a movie. The building houses a library, video games, cinema, and cafes. It's modern, lively, and central to city life. Visitors praise its atmosphere and variety of experiences.

Reviews mention few negatives. One notes the rooftop deck closes at 7pm, earlier than some would prefer for sunset viewing. Another describes the building as 'odd concrete' in the old town, which might not appeal to all architectural tastes. However, these points are minor compared to the overwhelmingly positive feedback.

Visitors praise the Forum's modern architecture, comfortable seating, and diverse film selection. Many appreciate the rooftop terrace's stunning views and the building's central location. The friendly staff and clean facilities also receive frequent compliments. Film enthusiasts particularly enjoy the mix of mainstream and arthouse offerings.

Some visitors find the ticket prices slightly high compared to other cinemas. A few mention that the building's layout can be confusing to navigate initially. During peak times, the elevators can get crowded, leading to short waits. Some patrons note that popular films sell out quickly, recommending advance booking.

Warm welcome and friendly staff create inviting atmosphere. Delicious, extensive Persian and Syrian cooking workshops cater to groups. Clear instructions and ample food. Beautiful setting with music, drinks, and activities like darts and billiards. Great for team bonding and family celebrations. Unique location with good pre-event communication. Surprising recipes and enough time to cook and eat.

No significant negative aspects mentioned in the reviews. All feedback was overwhelmingly positive, with guests expressing satisfaction with the experience, food, staff, and overall atmosphere. No complaints or areas for improvement were highlighted in the provided reviews.

Attendees praise the friendly, knowledgeable instructors and the relaxed, fun atmosphere. Many appreciate the well-organized classes, high-quality ingredients, and the opportunity to learn new techniques. Guests often highlight the enjoyable social aspect of cooking and dining together, as well as the value for money compared to restaurant dining.

Some participants mention that classes can feel rushed, especially for more complex dishes. A few note that the kitchen can get crowded during popular sessions. Occasional complaints arise about difficulty in booking preferred dates due to high demand, and some find the prices a bit steep for a single cooking session.

Martinikerk is a breathtaking church in Groningen's city center. Its interior surpasses expectations with preserved historical elements and a striking blue ceiling. Visitors praise the spiritual atmosphere, architectural beauty, and large paintings by Edgar Modderman. The church hosts concerts, including an Einaudi by Candlelight performance. An organist sometimes plays, adding to the peaceful ambiance.

Opening hours are restricted and not well communicated, which can be inconvenient for visitors. Some people initially thought the €2 entrance fee was high, though they later felt it was worth it. The church only accepts card payments for entry, which might be an issue for cash-only visitors.

Visitors praise the breathtaking 360-degree views of Groningen and surrounding areas. Many appreciate the historical information provided during the climb. The friendly and knowledgeable staff receive frequent commendations. Reviewers often mention the climb as a highlight of their Groningen visit, noting it's worth the effort for the spectacular views.

Some visitors find the steep, narrow stairs challenging and potentially dangerous. A few mention feeling claustrophobic in the tight spaces. Others note that the climb can be physically demanding, especially for those with mobility issues or fear of heights. Some reviewers feel the entry fee is a bit high for the experience.

The church, now a versatile venue, hosts exhibitions, concerts, and events. It features modern art and organ music, creating a unique atmosphere. An exhibition on WWII offers insights into local history, with English translations available. The building's architecture impresses visitors, and it's part of a network of repurposed churches. Free entry for kids and during special events enhances its appeal.

Limited time to fully explore the city was mentioned as a drawback. Some visitors might prefer traditional church services over the current cultural and event-focused use of the space. The transition from a place of worship to a multipurpose venue could disappoint those seeking a more conventional religious experience.

Visitors praise the church's stunning architecture, particularly the tower's design and the intricate interior details. Many appreciate the peaceful atmosphere and the opportunity to climb the tower for panoramic views. Reviewers often mention the church's central location, making it easy to include in a day of sightseeing. The historical significance and well-preserved state of the building are frequently highlighted.

Some visitors find the entrance fee for tower access a bit steep. A few mention limited opening hours, which can be inconvenient for those with tight schedules. Occasionally, reviewers note that the interior can feel somewhat bare compared to more ornate churches. Some tourists report that information in English is limited, making it challenging to fully appreciate the church's history without a guide.

Visitors praise ScienceLinX for its engaging, interactive exhibits that make science fun and accessible. Many appreciate the hands-on approach, allowing them to conduct experiments themselves. The knowledgeable staff and up-to-date content on current scientific research are frequently mentioned as highlights.

Some visitors find the museum relatively small compared to other science centers. A few mention that certain exhibits might be too advanced for younger children. Occasional complaints about limited English translations for some displays have been noted.

The museum offers an interesting look at old printing equipment. Staff are friendly and helpful. Visitors can participate in a fun fabric printing activity. The entry price is reasonable for what's on offer. Some find the vintage printing machines lovely to look at.

The museum's location is difficult to find, with outdated information online. The exhibition range is limited, mostly displaying old equipment without much context. Some find the entry fee expensive for the content provided. Opening times are not clearly communicated. The museum itself isn't very impressive, with little to see beyond the old presses.

Attendees praise the knowledgeable instructors and well-equipped studios. Many highlight the interactive nature of workshops and the opportunity to create unique pieces. Participants appreciate the balance between theory and practice, and the chance to explore different design techniques. The friendly atmosphere and small group sizes are often mentioned as positives.

Some reviewers note that certain workshops can be challenging for complete beginners. A few mention that the cost of materials isn't always included in the workshop fee. Occasionally, participants find the sessions too short to fully explore complex techniques. Some wish for more advanced workshops for experienced designers.