7x what to do in Groningen

1. The Groninger Museum

From the station hall in Groningen - one of the most beautiful in the Netherlands if you ask me - you walk straight to the Groninger Museum. A work of art in itself, designed by Italian architect Mendini. Inside the museum, you will find diverse collections of modern art; fashion, photography, design and paintings. New (interactive) exhibitions can be experienced here regularly.

Hidden art in the city

When walking further into the city, keep your eyes peeled for the works of art hidden in the facades and under your feet. For instance, the undersides of a number of bridges are decorated to make the wait pleasant. Furthermore, you will find art throughout the city. My favourite hidden gem is the alley next to poppodium Simplon. Artist Michel Velt decided to honour Groningen hip-hop formation Dope D.O.D with a work of art here. You can get a free route booklet at the VVV office.

Creative DOT

Just outside the city centre, this round building is a special sight in the city. At the multifunctional, creative (meeting) place DOT, you can go for worldly dishes and then gorge yourself during a special cinema experience. This is because DOT is the only fulldome 3D dome theatre in the Netherlands, where shows are projected onto a huge dome screen. All around you, you see images of the film. In summer, you can also walk straight from the adjacent city beach into DOT for a tasty cocktail.

1. Feel Good Breakfasts

Score breakfast or lunch at restaurant Feel Good. It's all in the name. At this colourful restaurant you are served at least as colourful food. All freshly prepared with pure, unprocessed produce from the region. Bring on those banana pancakes or vegan chicken kebab wrap.

2. Martinus Brewery

At Brouwerij Martinus you drink traditionally brewed beer in a historic building while listening to the sounds of jazz and the gristmill. On the first floor is the restaurant, on the second floor the brew pub. Here, beers are tapped from pouring tanks. In the middle of the building, bags of malt are hoisted up to be roasted in the scrap mill on the top floor. They also offer tours of the brewery!

Rebel Hostel

Rebel Rebel Hostel is a place where you feel at home from the very first moment. The spot that used to be a sugar factory has now been transformed into a development area where this hostel, among others, is located. An unusual place to stay just outside the centre of Groningen. You stay overnight in containers equipped with all conveniences and atmosphere.

Unfortunately, this hidden gem has now closed. Another great place to stay in Groningen is at Bamboo Lodge.

Besides being a city of art, Groningen is also a true shopping city. At DAD Design Stories, the two come together in a shop and exhibition space full of Dutch designs.