7 Things You’ll Notice in Groningen

Groningen is the kind of city that reveals itself through the little things.

Spend a day here and you’ll quickly notice that it has a character all of its own -energetic yet relaxed, historic yet contemporary, and deeply connected to its cycling culture and surrounding nature. Some things may surprise you, while others simply make you understand why locals love calling Groningen home.

1. Bikes Are Everywhere

The first thing you’ll probably notice is the bicycles. Lots of them.

In Groningen, cycling isn’t simply a way to get around - it’s part of everyday life. Students, professionals, families and visitors all move through the city on two wheels. The city is compact and designed to make cycling easy, so don’t be surprised if a bicycle seems to have priority over almost everything else.

2. The City Feels Surprisingly Young

Groningen has a noticeably youthful energy. Around 60,000 students live and study in the city, making them a major part of its atmosphere.

You’ll see it around the cafés, terraces, university buildings and streets of the historic centre. But you don't have to be a student to enjoy it - the energy simply makes the city feel lively, relaxed and welcoming.

3. Historic & Modern Live Side by Side

Look around Groningen and you’ll notice an unusual mix of old and new.

Historic churches, courtyards and traditional buildings sit alongside bold contemporary architecture. The Groninger Museum is perhaps the most striking example - a colourful modern landmark right at the entrance to the historic centre.

It’s one of the things that gives Groningen its distinctive personality: centuries of history without feeling stuck in the past.

4. Water Is Part of the City

Groningen’s canals are easy to overlook when you're busy exploring the streets, but once you notice them, they’re everywhere.

The city looks completely different from the water. Historic warehouses appear larger, bridges reveal new perspectives and buildings that are almost invisible from the street suddenly come into view.

Our tip: Take a canal cruise in the late afternoon or early evening and see the city from a completely different angle.

5. Locals Have Their Own Language

Spend enough time in Groningen and you may hear something that sounds slightly different from standard Dutch.

The province has its own regional language, Gronings, while locals often use “Grunn” as an informal name for the city. You may also come across the famous local saying “Er gaat niets boven Groningen” - roughly, “Nothing tops Groningen.”

It’s a small detail, but it says a lot about the city's strong local identity.

6. The City Is Full of Hidden Courtyards

Behind some of Groningen’s busiest streets are peaceful hofjes - historic inner courtyards surrounded by small houses and gardens.

They were traditionally created as sheltered homes for particular communities and are now some of the city's quietest corners. Step through an entrance and the atmosphere can change completely within a few metres.

Our tip: Keep an eye out for open gates and small entrances while exploring the historic centre. Some of the city's nicest discoveries are easy to miss.

7. Nature Is Surprisingly Close

One of the nicest things about Groningen is how quickly you can leave the urban atmosphere behind.

Within a short distance of the city centre, you can find parks, lakes, cycling routes and open landscapes. A few kilometres can make a surprisingly big difference - one moment you are surrounded by cafés and historic buildings, and the next you are cycling through fields or walking beside the water.

That balance is perhaps what makes Groningen so easy to enjoy: a lively city, with plenty of room to breathe.