There’s so much to do in Groningen that you really need a guide to help you uncover the city’s hidden gems. UKrant’s student editors share their cultural agenda with you. What’s their favourite venue and which events are absolutely not to be missed?
Hangout: Favolosa
My roommate once told me that this was the perfect spot for a first date, but I fell more in love with the café than with my date.
There are, of course, countless cafés, bars, and pubs in Groningen, but you won’t find one as picturesque and cozy as Favolosa anywhere else. When you walk in, you’ve almost seen the whole place: no more than five tables, a small bar in the corner, and windows on all sides to look outside.
The real hidden gem is the first floor: the café extends like a bridge over a pathway between the Vismarkt and Herestraat. There, you can enjoy a cappuccino while looking at all the people passing by.
In addition to the great coffee and a wonderfully peaceful atmosphere, they also have excellent Wi-Fi, so if you bring your laptop, it transforms into a great workspace right in the middle of the city. And if you want to indulge even more, try ordering a muffin: they are truly delicious.
Herestraat 7
Open Mon-Sat 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., Sunday 10.30 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Where you’ll find me in the coming weeks:
- Groninger Museum | Behind the Scenes
When: until June 1
Prijs: free with student card
I love the Groninger Museum. Whenever I need to relax during a busy or stressful period, I stop by to unwind. Now that the museum is celebrating its 150th anniversary, it’s throwing open its doors. There are plenty of works from the collection to see, but you also get a behind-the-scenes look at an exhibition: how is art selected and transported, for example? What makes it extra special is that for the first time, Vincent van Gogh’s Lentetuin is being exhibited again, after it was stolen from the Singer Museum Laren in 2020. With your student ID, you have free access, so there’s no excuse not to go.
- Stukafest
When: May 2, starting at 8.30 p.m.
Price: from €7,29 a round
Performances by emerging musicians, poets, theater makers, and comedians, all in a student room: that’s what Stukafest is all about. There are three rounds, and each round takes place in a different room, so you’ll be cycling all over the city. I’m particularly looking forward to Spaces, a ‘fusion of mixed media poetry’, because I’m really curious about what that entails! Afterwards, there’s an afterparty at Vera, where you can dance to the music of three unique artists.
- Bevrijdingsfestival
When: May 5 from 12 noon
Price: free
Last year, the Bevrijdingsfestival (celebrating Dutch Liberation Day) wasn’t a great success, but this year it’s back with three stages! The prospect of twelve hours of music, fun, and celebrating freedom already has me excited. I’m definitely going to see Froukje, who closes the day on the main stage, but I’m also keen on checking out the Hit The North Stage with local talent. It promises to be a great experience.
- May fair
When: May 9 to 21
Maximum price per rides €4
When I was much younger, I used to go to the annual fair in the village where I come from every year, so I’m looking forward to reliving some good memories. Groningen is going big: the yearly fair stretches across the Vismarkt, Grote Markt, and Ossenmarkt with dozens of attractions. You’ll mostly find me at the Ossenmarkt, where you can visit old-fashioned rides at the ‘nostalgic fair’ – and they cost a maximum of €1.50 per ride!
Since a friend of mine recently showed me his extensive vinyl collection, I’m planning to start buying records myself. The monthly record fair at the Vismarkt seems like a good start. There are a lot of stalls where I hope to find a unique piece.