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: Koffie op de Markt
The beating heart of Groningen is the market. And the heart of the market is Koffie op de Markt. From behind their converted coffee bike, Eddy van der Lei and Wang-Ji Chiu have created an oasis in the middle of the market’s frantic bustle.
I’m a regular customer. That means that once I’ve reached the front of the line, there’s no need to waste time placing my order – it’s not changed in the past seven years. Instead, I can take a few moments to chat with the owners, something they do with all their regulars. The weather is a regular topic for the outdoor establishment, but so are exams, vacations, the city, the market, family and anything else which might come to mind.
It’s one of those spaces where anyone and everyone from the city feels comfortable
I’m definitely not unique in my experience as a regular. There is a real sense of community around the coffee bike. Students, elderly people, families, locals, expats and tourists are all fixtures on market days. It’s one of those spaces where anyone and everyone from the city feels comfortable, which feels increasingly unique and valuable.
Given its central spot on the city’s busiest days, the coffee bike is a paradise for people-watchers (it’s not bad for dog-watchers either). But it doesn’t matter if you prefer talking, reading or just enjoying great coffee. Koffie op de Markt has the space to enjoy it all.
Ultimately, it’s the unique sense of community that involves the whole city, locals and internationals alike, that will keep me coming back!
Koffie op de Markt is on the Vismarkt on Tuesdays and Fridays, and the Akerkhof on Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Where you’ll find me the coming weeks
Broodje van Eigen Deeg
When: open daily from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m.
This French bakery at Brugstraat 11 makes the perfect accompaniment for my market coffees. Croissants are €1.70.
Forum | International Documentary Film Festival Amsterdam
When: 21-24 November
Price: Tickets are €10.50 for students and €13 for others
I love documentaries and the annual IDFA always have a great selection. I’m particularly excited to see ‘No Other Land’ and ‘Dahomey’.
Vera | Push It
When: 16 November, from 11 p.m.
Price: €5
Pushin Wood Soundsystem’s DJs have been playing funky house at Vera parties for years now. This time, they’ll be joining up with some guest DJs for an unforgettable night.
Noorderlicht Photography Museum | Pixel Perceptions: Into the Eye of AI
When: Exhibition open until 19 January 2025
Price: Tickets are €4.50 for students and €6 for others
This critical look at the impact of AI on our visual culture and our conceptions of truth seems particularly relevant right now. Plus, Noorderlicht is a great, small, independent museum that’s always worth checking out.
SPOT/De Oosterpoort | Seun Kuti & Egypt 80: Heavier Yet Tour
When: 24 November, 8.30 p.m.
Price: €28.10
The youngest son of Nigerian musical legend Fela Kuti, Seun, has built an impressive career of his own with melding jazz, afrobeats and funk into a unique and exciting sound, which he’s bringing to Groningen.