Things to do in Groningen

13 activities, venues and outings in Groningen, from theatres and live music to parks and tours.

Ranked with the travel guide's picks and well-known places first.

Do
BOEL
Go for a game of pétanque (or "Jue de boeles" as the Dutch call it) together with a drink and a bite. Surprisingly fun to do.
€ 16 for 45 minutes of play
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Canal cruise
Take a one-hour tour through the old channels of Groningen aboard the "Wonderlaand" or "Goldenraand". The boat will take you around the historical centre. 2-5 trips a day, depending on the season.
Adults €12.50, children 4-11 €7
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Canoeing
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From 1 April to 1 Oct you can hire a canoe and paddle around the centre. It's a round trip that gives you a totally different view of Groningen since you are lower than the streets and you can pass very close along the many house boats in the city. Some bridges have a secret 'roof' that can only be seen when you pass under the bridge. A tour around the centre takes about 1 – 2 hours, depending on how fit you are, how many stops you take for photo shootings, and water battles.
€10-20 for 2 hours
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Kinepolis
Huge cinema (10 screens) in the Euroborg Stadium. Outside the city center, but easily reachable with Q-Link line 5 towards Europapark.
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Klimcentrum Bjoeks
Groningen's best kept secret: indoor and outdoor climbing gym featuring "Excalibur". The tallest and probably the most exciting climbing wall in Europe, with an impressive height of 37 meters and 11 meters of overhang. About €10 for a day pass, €11-15 for an introductory climbing course.
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Martiniplaza
Martiniplaza is a modern multifunctional building. It is used as an exhibition complex, theater and sports arena.
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Pathé
Nice cinema in the city center. All popular movies are shown here. 9 screens, capacity: 1700 guests.
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Play Pitch&Putt
Pitch and putt is an amateur sport similar to golf but where the hole length is typically less than 70 m (80 yard). The Pitch and Putt course in Groningen has 18 holes and is perfect for everyone, even young children. You do not need a golf license. After your little golf experience, you should take a look at the nearby Kardingerbult: a human made hill with a nice view over the city.
€12-16
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RKZ Bioscoop
Art house cinema based in the old Roman Catholic hospital. The cinema is being run by people who live in the old hospital's commune.
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Simplon
Simplon is an internationally renowned venue with an impressive history, especially in punk music. Every week on Thursday the club is dedicated to local (young) talent.
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Stadsschouwburg
The Stadsschouwburg is the main theater of Groningen. The Neo-Renaissance building dates from 1883. The theatre offers a wide range of dance, opera and cabaret.
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Vera underground pop club
Where Pearl Jam, Nirvana, Sonic Youth, the White Stripes and many others performed. Internationally Vera is probably the best-known stage for alternative music in Groningen, and it is one of the most appreciated music venues in the Netherlands. Check the concert posters which are designed by local artists - free to take at the concert itself.
Do
Groninger Forum
Repertory cinema. Lots of English and French classic movies.

Listings from the Wikivoyage guide to Groningen (CC BY-SA 4.0).