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 Drie Uiltjes
‘Coming to the Drie?’ If someone asks you that, you probably think straight away of Groningen’s most famous spot, De Drie Gezusters. But from now on, you can also use this phrase for a very different ‘Drie’ – one that’s much more low-key and far more authentic: De Drie Uiltjes.
The old building with its green awnings doesn’t look particularly special from the outside, and since the pub is about a metre above street level, its cosy atmosphere is hidden from passers-by. But once you step inside, you find yourself in a classic Dutch ‘brown café’ where they still use your first name to keep track of your drinks and both the regulars and the décor feel like they’re from a bygone era.
A classic Dutch café where both the regulars and the interior date back to the last century
The reason I come here lies at the back of the café – behind the door marked with an ironically placed ‘no weed’ sign, you’ll find the cosiest backyard in the city centre. This half-covered courtyard is buzzing with people in the evenings. Under the canopy, you’ll find snug seating areas with a jumble of mismatched cushions, vintage hanging lamps, and colourful fairy lights.
This time, a friend and I arrive at four in the afternoon on a Thursday, and even then, that unmistakable open atmosphere is already present. The regulars are gathered around the bar, and before long, we’re chatting with a cheerful seventy-year-old local enjoying his daily joint. It’s a place ‘where young and old come together’, as the bartender puts it.
Every time I step into the courtyard, it feels like I’ve briefly left Groningen behind. As I’m surrounded by ivy and twinkling lights, the outside world fades into the background. For a little while, Groningen life hits pause, and you can fully immerse yourself in deep conversations with friends or enjoy a friendly chat with fellow guests. To me, it’s the best kind of escapism.
De Drie Uiltjes
Oude Ebbingestraat 47
Open daily from 4 p.m., Fridays and Saturdays 3 p.m.
Where you’ll find me the coming weeks:
Simplon | USVA x KEI Bandcontest
When: 23 April from 8 p.m.
Price: free
During this annual band competition, four bands battle it out for a spot to perform during the KEI Week. One of the contenders is Pocket Fish, my favourite student band! Plus, it’s free to attend – so make sure to come along.
Eetcafé Lambik
When: daily from 11 a.m.
Price: varies
Lambik is everything you need on a sunny afternoon. Located by the Noorderplantsoen, with tasty craft beers on the menu and original snacks to go with them, this is where I want to spend my sunny days in the coming months!
Study zone N-0126
When: weekdays from 8 a.m. to 6.30 p.m.
Opposite the Gadourek building and just to the left of the Nieuwenhuis building, there’s a door that leads to an old bike cellar. My housemates and I call this study space ‘The Living Room’ – and that’s exactly the vibe it gives off. If you’re tired of the rigid layout of the UB, this is the place to study among bookshelves, houseplants, and an eclectic mix of tables, chairs, and sofas.
Café De Zolder
When: daily from 5 p.m.
Price: varies
Every Wednesday and Thursday evening, you can enjoy live music or jam sessions here. As a more senior student, the city sadly doesn’t get to see my dance moves anymore – I save those for De Zolder.
De Champagnebar
When: Fridays from 5 p.m. to 1 a.m.
Price: from 22.50 euros a bottle
This new bar only opened in February and I can’t wait to check it out! It was founded by Enny with help from her two children and is said to have an extravagant style. I’m not a big fan of champagne (yet), but I am a fan of live music – which will definitely make the champagne taste better too.