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: Leekstermeer
Spring is coming, and so is the good weather. And what’s better than spending a beautiful day on a boat? It’s the perfect group activity for sunny days. Bring some snacks, a speaker, and let the water set the vibe.
We went to Leekstermeer, located just outside Groningen. By bike, it takes about 50 minutes from the city centre, and by car, it’s around half an hour. At Cnossen Leekstermeer, we found the perfect place to rent a boat—and the prices are fair too.
The lake is huge, giving you plenty of space to be far from other people and boats
Renting a boat is as easy as lacing up your shoes. Just visit their website and choose the boat you want. We booked a boat for eight people, which cost us €57 for two hours.
After a short briefing, we were let out on the water. The lake is huge, giving you plenty of space to be far from other people and boats. If you’ve seen enough of the lake, you can explore the canals it connects to. One thing is certain: you won’t get bored!
The best part? You don’t need a boating license. Just hop on and give it a try. In the middle of this little piece of rugged, undiscovered nature—it feels like that, anyway—you can fancy yourself the captain of your very own vessel.
Boat rental Cnossen Leekstermeer
When: daily 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Price: varies
Where you’ll find me the coming weeks:
Vismarkt | Bert de Bakker
When: every Tuesday 9.00 a.m. to 5.00 p.m.
Price: €1.00 for four cinnamon buns, €2.50 for apple pie
Bert de Bakker has become my go-to spot for snacks. The prices at the bakery stand are super cheap, and you can find amazing deals to stock up on food or try something new. Despite having many customers and working quickly, the staff always welcome me with a smile. I fell in love with their delicious homemade kaneelbroodjes (cinnamon buns).
Copas
When: Wednesday to Saturday from 10 p.m
Price: free entry
During my gap year in South America I fell in love with reggaeton, so Latin club Copas was of course one of the first places that I wanted to check out when I arrived in Groningen. I enjoyed the atmosphere and Copas became my favourite club in the city. On a night out, I always end up here at some point.
Da Carlo
When: daily from 4.30 p.m.
Price: €20-40 per person
Warm lighting and super nice bartenders make you feel welcome at this Italian restaurant from the minute you enter. The portions are generous and the food delicious. I am a big fan of the carbonara at Da Carlo.
Tuinland
When: 9.30 a.m. to 6.00 p.m., Sundays 12 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Price: varies
If you want to add a touch of green to your space or are looking for a fun date spot, garden centre Tuinland is the place to be. From flowers and plants to home decorations, you’re sure to find something you want. With so much to explore and get inspired by, you can easily spend a good amount of time here.
Forum | The World of Music Video
When: until 19 April, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Price: student ticket €7.50, regular ticket €15
The Forum is the heart of Groningen, but I still haven’t been to an exhibition there. I want to change that and I think that ‘The World of Music Video’, about the history of pop music videos, is the perfect opportunity.