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: Argo
Some places feel like home before you even sit down. Argo is a little mythology bubble, decked out in pink and filled with glowing neon signs and cheeky statues that wear fake eyelashes, just like I do. It’s where Greek nostalgia meets pop art aesthetic.
As a Greek person living in Groningen, I wasn’t expecting to find anything that could compete with my grandma’s cooking (and honestly, I still haven’t dared say that out loud at home). But Argo comes dangerously close. The moment you walk in, you’re hit with the smell of pastry, cinnamon, and actual coffee. It feels like sunny Sunday mornings, family gossip, and your aunt asking why you’re still single.
Argo feels like sunny Sunday mornings, family gossip, and your aunt asking why you’re still single
What makes Argo more than just a pretty café is the vibe. It’s not just about the food, even though the cinnamon roll will make you want to cry a little bit. It’s a hub, a little community in the middle of the city where people come to work, chill, talk, and feel seen.
That warmth? It comes straight from the people running the place. One is Greek, the other one Dutch and together they’re the perfect team, making you feel like you’re stepping into their extended living room. They ask how you are, they remember your order, they offer you a free taste of something they’re baking ‘just to try’. It’s that rare kind of hospitality that feels effortless and genuine.
You don’t have to be Greek to fall in love with Argo, you just need to have taste buds. Good ones. Whether you come for the food, the vibe, or just a quiet moment with coffee and cake, Argo welcomes you like you’ve been coming there for years.
Argo
Herestraat 91
Open Wednesday-Saturday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Sunday noon to 6.30 p.m.
Where you’ll find me the coming weeks:
Lian Tea
When: Tuesday-Sunday noon to 6.30 p.m.
Price: €6-€8 per drink, depending on size and extras
It’s the little everyday things that make life worth living, and lately, for me, one of those things has been grabbing a grape green tea with boba or the perfect matcha at Lian Tea in the Folkingestraat and walking along the canals.
Forum Groningen | The World of Music Video
When: Until 18 May
Price: Regular ticket €15, student ticket €7.50
This exhibition is not to be missed. Five decades of music culture wrapped into one wild, visual ride. If you’re anything like me, the nostalgia will hit you so hard, you’ll go home and maybe cry a little bit over the early 2000s.
All Round Groningen
When: Mon-Wed 6 p.m. to 2 a.m., Thurs-Sat 2 p.m. to 2 a.m.
Price: Pool table rental €12.50 an hour
You smell the beer the moment you walk in this pool café, like someone opened a bottle and never closed it – classic Groningen vibes. I had no choice but to go for integration purposes, since the Dutch seem to treat pool like a national sport. Now I just try not to kill someone with the cue while pretending I know how to aim.
USVA | Queer Science Festival
When: 21 May, 8 p.m. to midnight
Price: Free (you do need to book a ticket)
I never thought I’d be excited about anything with the word ‘science’ in it, but this one just hits different. It’s smart, it’s queer, and it sounds like the perfect place to meet people who get both.
Groningen half marathon
When: 25 May
Price: €7.50-€26, depending on the race
The day promises a mix of nature and community. Get the chance to run from Zernike towards Dorkwerd, the Noorderplantsoen and into the heart of the city. You don’t need to be an athlete, just someone who is up for a challenge – and maybe a little bit of fun. The half marathon is at capacity, but you can still sign up for a 5K, 10K, or the kids’ run.