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: Mahalo
For me, part of self-care is actively stepping out of the rush of student life and unwinding close to nature. One of my favourite places to do that while treating my taste buds is Mahalo, a small but cozy café right by the Noorderplantsoen with an earthy, wholesome vibe.
I love the combination of artsy table decoration, mismatched cushions, plants, and scattered artwork around the cafe: it’s serene. I find it to be the perfect solo date spot – I personally come here to journal, read or just peacefully watch life happen over a slice of delicious vegan cake. It’s especially nice when it’s sunny and you can sit outside and enjoy the idyllic view of the park. A little highlight: they have a garden swing to sit on.
I come here to journal, read or just watch life happen over a slice of delicious vegan cake
The inside almost feels like a living room – both the downstairs and upstairs are cosy and flooded with light. To get to the second floor you have to walk through the kitchen, passing the staff making your pancakes. It may seem a bit strange, but it really just means they have nothing to hide.
I love their menu because you can tell it’s been carefully and lovingly put together: they offer a variety of breakfast and lunch items as well as sweet treats that are all homemade and from organic and local ingredients. If you’re vegan or gluten free Mahalo doesn’t let you down; in fact, the whole menu is plant-based!
My personal favourite is the lavender cake. It sounds strange, I know, but it’s so surprisingly tasty that I even asked for the recipe once (sadly they keep their recipes secret). But I can also highly recommend the avocado toast and the stack of pancakes, which get doused in either a creamy chocolate sauce or a refreshing berry puree.
Mahalo
Verlengde Grachtstraat 1
Open daily 9 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Where you’ll find me the coming weeks:
Vismarkt | Jewelry stand
When: Tuesday, Friday and Saturday from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Price: €10 – €30 for a ring
This one is a must for everyone who loves jewelry as much as me! There’s an insane offering of silver rings that you can browse through among other bits and pieces, such as earrings, necklaces and bracelets. The owners are a lovely elderly couple who will gladly help you try things on. I’ve noticed that they often sell the exact same pieces as jewelry shops around the city, just that they’re always cheaper here!
Walter’s bookshop
When: Tuesday to Saturday 10 a.m. – 6 p.m., Mondays 1 p.m. – 6 p.m.
Price: varies
I love bookshops but I can find massive ones with thousands of books overwhelming. That’s why I like this one a lot; it’s small but you can still spend a lot of time here. What I appreciate the most is that they offer a carefully curated selection of intersectional literature, a lot of which is in English! Besides that, you can find handwritten sticky notes with personal recommendations all over the shelves, which to me feels really intentional and thoughtful. Occasionally they organise fun events at the shop like a Silent Book Club.
Stardust
When: 11 a.m. – 6 p.m., Mondays 1 p.m. – 6 p.m.
Price: varies
Vintage shopping can be so fun or so frustrating depending on where you go. I usually find that the lower the price, the longer I browse unsuccessfully. This place is kind of perfectly in the middle – affordable and a good find is guaranteed. They get new clothes in stock quite regularly, meaning that if you pay them a visit every couple of weeks, you’ll always have something new to explore.
Hemingway’s Cuba
When: daily 5 p.m. – 10 p.m.
Price: €7.50 – €14 per tapa , €7.50 – €10.50 per cocktail
If you’re indecisive with food, like me, the solution is called tapas. Small portions, a large variety, and the opportunity to try many different things. Hemingway’s Cuba is all about tapas and cocktails and who doesn’t love that combo? They have a large tapas menu with vegetarian, fish, and meat options so they’re a good dinner destination – although more on the pricey side – but also a lovely spot for just a drink and a round of board games.
Oost | Finals 1/10
When: 3 May, midnight to 6 a.m.
Price: regular ticket €10
Oost is one of my favourite places to party and a given on any night out. That’s why I was gutted to read that they’ll be closing their doors for good in July. However, to go out with a bang, they’ve planned ten final events as an ode to the past nine years, with regular artists returning or special surprise guests. All headliners are going to remain a secret, which I think is a genius move to get people intrigued and focused on the spirit of the events.