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: Café De Minnaar
I have never counted the number of bars and cafés in Groningen. There must be hundreds. Some are well-known to everyone, like De Drie Gezusters, which proudly markets itself as ‘the largest bar in Europe’. The marketers at De Drie seemingly believe this is a selling point, but this slogan has the opposite effect on me—I avoid it.
My favourite café is, in fact, the antithesis of such grandiosity. It’s called De Minnaar and is not located in the bustling city centre but slightly outside it, right next to the Noorderplantsoen.
‘You feel like you’re in a Parisian neighbourhood’, someone wrote on Google Reviews. I couldn’t have put it better myself. De Minnaar – Dutch for ‘The Lover’ – is tucked away in the prettiest street in Groningen: the Kleine Rozenstraat. Small old houses, mature trees proudly flaunting their summer leaves, friendly cats, and nestled among them, the café.
The café’s total disorder perfectly mirrors my inner world
Step inside De Minnaar, and you feel like you’ve entered a fever dream—thankfully, a very pleasant one. The décor defies description: a completely random collection of items. The walls are adorned with odd paintings, gold-painted animal heads, and a street sign from Urk. On top of the bar sit six glowing globes, two of which don’t light up. Why? I have no idea.
I think this chaotic charm is why I love De Minnaar so much. The café’s total disorder perfectly mirrors my inner world. But it’s not a distressing chaos—it’s calming.
The crowd is incredibly diverse: locals and internationals of all ages. The menu is simple, which is a relief. They serve IJwit beer on tap: not too basic, but not overly special either. Café De Minnaar is simply the perfect counterbalance.
Café De Minnaar
Kleine Rozenstraat 64
Open daily from 3 p.m. to 1 a.m.
Where you’ll find me the coming weeks:
RGB Silent Disco Bar
When: Tuesday-Saturday from 10.30 p.m.
Price: free
For a long time, I skipped the Silent Disco on nights out. Fiddling around with those headphones seemed annoying, and I found the concept awkward. But once I gave it a try, it instantly became my favourite club. You can choose from three channels, so there’s always something that suits your taste. And the vibe is always fantastic.
Drafbaan | F_AKE EVENTS
When: varies (usually every few weeks on Saturday)
Price: €26
If you’re into quality techno, this is the place to be. These people know how to throw a proper party. Put on a great outfit and let your body merge with the music. You really have to commit to it—if you don’t, you’ll stand out.
Kardinge Skating Rink
When: October to March
Price: entrance fee €9.55, skate rental €6
A study friend recently suggested going to Thialf for skating. I was shocked. ‘You can do that right here in Groningen!’ I told him. Gather a group of friends (preferably a few who can’t skate, because that’s hilarious) and glide your way into the new year.
Yammy Korean BBQ
When: daily from 4 p.m.
Price: €36.50
If you’ve never tried Korean BBQ, you’re really missing out. At the centre of the table is a grill where you can cook a variety of meats, seafood, and vegetables. Nearly everything comes coated in a delicious marinade—though I have no idea what the ingredients are!
Stadspark | Parkrun
When: every Saturday at 9 a.m.
Price: free
Put your New Year’s resolutions into action and start running! This weekly run is the perfect opportunity to make it a habit. After braving the course, you’ll be greeted with a free cup of coffee or tea at the finish line. Fun, right?