Book & pay later
Flexible trip amendments
Free cancellation
24/7 in-person supportHome 
Cities
Cities 
Why book with Rydeu?
Flexible trip amendmentsFree cancellation24/7 in-person supportFull of life and booming with culture, Groningen is the capital city of the eponymous province in the country. The largest city in the north of the Netherlands, most of the lively and gripping environment can be attributed to its students, which form almost 25% of its population. From the breath-taking architecture, to surprising events, great shopping districts and excellent restaurants, Groningen provides something for everyone to take back.
A historically important city, the origin of Groningen dates back to 1040, where it was founded in the Hondsrug area. It transformed into a significant trade centre in the 13th century and the Martini Tower, which is the most important piece of architecture in the city, was built at the end of the 15th century. In 1614, the University of Groningen was founded and brought with it an influx of students which would bring a whole new change. The onslaught of World War II damaged the main square and the Grotke Markt but the remaining structures escaped damage and they provide a rustic charm now.
With a good book and a warm cup of coffee from the adjoining cafes, explore the vibrant Grote Markt. The market hosts the Martini Tower and make sure to enjoy the breathtaking view of the skyline of the city from the top of the tower. Spend a moment with your family and friends on the countless terraces on the Grote Markt and take in the pleasant vibes of this bustling centre.
Enthralling music and idiosyncratic performances take place in August at the annual cultural summer festival which attracts people from all over the world. Have the best time at Eurosonic Noorderslag, a four-day music fest and rave all night. The Pieterburen Seal Sanctuary is a favourite among families. Learn about the life-cycle of seals and how the seals are welcomed, healed and then released back into the wild. A visit here is a unique experience for all.
For the peace and nature-lovers, Groningen is the perfect holiday destination. The Middag-Humsterland National Landscape is the best spot to admire the gorgeous coastline and discover the varied flora and fauna available. Bird watchers absolutely adore the Lauwersmeer National Park for the unique specimens of birds there.
This combination of nature and atmospheric attractions makes a trip to Groningen extremely exciting. A visit here is definitely an ideal proposition!
Seal Sanctuary | Image by amcgore
Pieterburen Seal Sanctuary
The Pieterburen Seal Sanctuary is a favourite among families. Learn about the life-cycle of seals and how the seals are welcomed, healed and then released back into the wild. The sanctuary has special activities for children and organizes numerous programs over the summer. A visit here is a unique experience for all.
Groninger Museum
Admire the bold design of the Groninger Museum uniquely designed by the Italian architect Mendini. One of the city’s top attractions, the museum hosts gorgeous permanent collections of porcelain and De Ploeg paintings, along with temporary exhibitions ranging from fashion, photography, design and paintings which is worth a look.
Image by Vletter from flickr
Martinitoren
The city of Groningen is built around this momentous hundred-meter-high and 500-years-old tower known as Martini Tower. Make sure to admire the breathtaking view of the skyline of the city from the top of the tower and enjoy the beautiful carillon, among the best of its kind in Europe.
Arboretum Notoarestoen
A project started by the notary public Mr. C.N. Smit in 1968, the garden now hosts a collection of over one thousand different rhododendrons.Relish the beauty of exotic conifers and broadleaf trees. A heaven for flora lovers, detailed information about the list of trees in the park is available at a small kiosk which is located at the entrance.
Image by the Starling 2011 from flickr
Menkemaborg
A 14th century castle, Menkemaborg is open to visitors from March to December. Admire the spacious rooms of the castle and explore how the nobility of the city lived in ancient times. Have pleasant strolls through castle gardens and explore the teahouse, labyrinth and kitchen garden.
Image by ctj71081 from flickr
Grote Markt
With a good book and a warm cup of coffee from the adjoining cafes, explore the vibrant Grote Markt. Spend a moment with your family and friends on the countless terraces on the Grote Markt and take in the pleasant vibes of this bustling centre. Don’t forget to visit this vivid heart of Groningen.
Leer
Leer is a gorgeous town in the northwestern part of Lower Saxony, Germany. The view of the town hall and harbor is mesmerizing. Explore and reimagine the life of chieftains at Harderwykenburg, one of the oldest extant castles of East Frisia and Haneburg, one of the few buildings reminiscing of the Renaissance in north-west Germany.
Image by Medienservice from pixabay
Bremen
With its picturesque postcard sights, Bremen is the largest river city in Germany. Admire the ancient structures including Schütting, a sixteenth-century Flemish-inspired guild hall, Rathscafé, and Haus der Stadtsparkasse and experience the history of this gorgeous city. Don’t forget to try some exclusive German wine among 600 options in the Ratskeller in Bremen,
Image by Michel_van_der_Vegt from pixabay
Giethoorn
An idyllic village with numerous thatched farms built on small peat-islands, Giethoorn is the perfect destination for a relaxing vacation. This picturesque village without streets at the top of Overijssel is picture perfect and is well worth a visit.
Photo by 3093594 / 69 images by pixabay
Rotterdam
Considered Europe’s biggest and busiest port, Rotterdam’s skyline glitters with colossal apartments. Netherlands’ second largest city boasts of many attractive sights to see, including but not limited to the architectural cube houses, Markthal, the largest indoor market, Sint-Laurenskerk, a 15th century church and Witte Huis.
Image by Artheos from pixabay
Zwolle
An atmospheric city with a medieval centre, Zwolle invites you in for a wonderful time full with attractions and cultural events. Be amazed by the works of Vincent van Gogh and Piet Mondriaan in the Museum de Fundatie and spend time in Blauwvingerdagen, one of the biggest markets in the Netherlands, with 450 stalls. A visit here is a must!
