Groningen Adventure: 5 Days on a Budget

Discover Groningen's charm without breaking the bank.

21 June 2023

A trip to Groningen, Netherlands on a limited budget is definitely possible, so don’t let money constraints hold you back! Stay in a budget hostel or Airbnb, explore the city on foot or rent a bike, and take advantage of the many free activities including exploring the historic city center, visiting local parks and museums, and enjoying the vibrant nightlife with affordable drink specials.

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Travel plan

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Day 1

Exploring the Old Groningen

  • Check in to your hotel at Simplon Jongerenhotel, a budget-friendly accommodation located in the heart of Groningen.
  • Start your day by exploring the historic city center on foot. Head to the Grote Markt and admire the impressive Martini Tower.
  • Pop in to the Groninger Museum to see impressive contemporary art installations.
  • Visit the Noorderplantsoen park and enjoy a picnic in the sunshine.
  • Savour a Dutch meal at De Smederij, a charming restaurant with a traditional atmosphere. Try the stamppot, a hearty dish typically consisting of mashed potatoes, vegetables, and sausage.
Day 2

A Bicycle Tour of Groningen

  • Rent a bike from Bike Basics and explore the city as a true local.
  • Cruise along the Hoornse Meer lake and take a dip.
  • Visit the Dutch Comics Museum located in a charming 17th-century building.
  • Head to the Stadsschouwburg Groningen and attend a performance.
  • End your day with a drink at Het Pakhuis, a cozy bar offering a great selection of local beers.
Day 3

Discover the Countryside

  • Take a bus to the Reitdiep Valley and explore the scenic countryside.
  • Visit the Zuidwolde windmill and discover how it works.
  • Stop at the Blauwe Stad and enjoy a refreshing swim in the crystal-clear waters.
  • Check out the impressive Menkemaborg, a 17th-century castle located in Uithuizen.
  • Head back to Groningen and have a street food experience at De Drie Gezusters.
Day 4

A Day of Relaxation

  • Visit the Thermen de Binnenmaas, a thermal bath located just outside the city.
  • Take a stroll around the beautiful Prinsentuin, a tranquil garden in the heart of Groningen.
  • Enjoy a glass of wine at the Pernikkel, a cozy wine bar with a relaxed atmosphere.
  • Head for a bite to eat at De Kleine Moghul, where you can sample a delicious Indian buffet.
  • Catch a movie at the Forum Groningen, a sleek and modern cinema complex.
Day 5

Quirky Groningen

  • Check out the Tank of Tegenstellingen, a colorful mural painted on a historic water tower.
  • Visit the Infoversum, a unique dome-shaped cinema showing fantastic 3D films.
  • Take a coffee break at the Kapitein Hoofdmann, a quirky café with a vintage vibe.
  • Discover the Miniature Museum, a tiny museum showcasing miniature artworks.
  • Wrap up your stay with a visit to the famous Groninger Bierbrouwerij, and try some of the city's best brews.

Length of stay

1 day 2 days 3 days 4 days 5 days

Type of trip

Standard trip Budget Family Friendly Romantic Stag do

How to get there

Plane

The best way to get to Groningen by plane is to fly into Groningen Airport Eelde. There are direct flights available from various cities in Europe including London, Copenhagen, Munich, and Gdansk.

Car

Driving to Groningen is an option for those who prefer the freedom and flexibility of their own vehicle. The A7 motorway connects Groningen to Amsterdam, while the A28 links it to Utrecht and Zwolle.

Train

You can take a train to Groningen from most major cities in the Netherlands. The Groningen train station is located in the city center and is connected to the rest of the city by local buses and taxis.

Boat

Sailing to Groningen is possible via the Groningen Seaports, which has two harbors - Eemshaven and Delfzijl. From there, you can take a bus or train to reach the city center.

Bus

Taking a bus to Groningen is a cost-effective option that is available from various locations in the Netherlands and neighboring countries. The central bus station in Groningen is easily accessible by public transport and is located near the city center.

Destination

Groningen

Welcome to the land of cheese, canal cruising, and forever bike-riding: where Groningen stands tall as a city with more bikes than people and more cheese than you can fit in your pockets. Get ready to explore this quirky destination!

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Number of days

1 2 3 4 5

Type of trip

Standard trip Budget Family Friendly Romantic Stag do

More travel plans

Romantic Long Weekend in Groningen, Netherlands

: Explore the charming city of Groningen, Netherlands, perfect for a romantic getaway. Take a stroll through the picturesque streets and admire the unique architecture, or rent a boat and float down the canals. Enjoy a candlelit dinner at one of Groningen's many cozy restaurants, featuring delicious Dutch cuisine, and finish off the evening with drinks at a local bar.

A Romantic Long Weekend in Groningen, Netherlands

A romantic getaway to Groningen, Netherlands promises culture, history and charming cityscapes. Enjoy wandering the colorful streets of the city center, visiting St. Martin's Cathedral and the Groninger Museum. Be sure to take a romantic stroll down the stunning canals and enjoy the local cuisine in one of the many delightful restaurants.

Discovering Groningen: A Fun-Filled Family Adventure

Groningen, located in the northern part of the Netherlands, is a perfect destination for a family-friendly trip. With its charming canals, beautiful historic buildings, and numerous parks and playgrounds, there is something to entertain everyone. Explore the Groninger Museum, take a boat tour on the canals, or rent bicycles to enjoy the city's excellent bike infrastructure, making it easy and safe to explore with children.

Budget-friendly fun: Groningen in 3 days

Groningen, a charming city in the Netherlands, offers plenty of exciting activities even for those on a tight budget. The city has numerous free attractions and activities like the Groninger Museum and the charming Martinitoren church. Visitors can also save money by opting for affordable food options at local supermarkets or street markets.