My 10 favourite places in Groningen

During these 10 months of exchanges in the Netherlands I had time to appreciate the city of Groningen at its true value.

I really fell in love with this city (except the weather of course). A place full of students from all over the world, a city with a musical identity, hundreds of unusual, affordable, friendly, crazy places within 10 m of each other.

So that you can enjoy these bars, restaurants, places, clubs, organizations just like me, here is my list of my 10 favorite places in Groningen:

o USVA : The Artisitic place

I have devoted two of my articles to some activities that I was able to do within the USVA organization. It is therefore without any hesitation that it appears today in my 10 favorite places.

This place, in addition to the Jam Sessions, will allow you to participate in activities or take courses in many fields of art such as photography, dance, drawing and of course music and theater.

Finally the place itself is also very nice, the establishment has a bar at very affordable prices.

o New Orleans Jazz Cafe: an atypical club

It had as well the privilege of being quoted in one of my articles and in order to finish with the places related to music, the New Orleans Jazz Cafe has its rightful place in this list.

Without doubt the most atypical Jazz bar I was able to visit during my stay. This place will delight the ears of music lovers and the impulses of jazz musicians. It is also the place to meet a lot of professionals

Restaurant : Yes in addition to music I like to eat well what do you want?

o The Ke Kou Wok: "Kip filet met kep jap sauce"

This place is probably the best place to order Wok from all over Groningen. This one offers all week long, rice wokes or noodles with garnishes such as chicken, shrimps, beef for a price of 6€ for the large size.

If you don't know what to take the first time just say Kip filet met kep jap sauce", believe me you wouldn't be disappointed

o Happy Italy: best balance between size and price

You've never seen a pizza so large for such a low price, believe me! Happy Italy offers the largest pizzas in the city for an average of €4.95. However, any concept as beautiful as this one has its flaw.

If you eat at the restaurant, don't order any drink, you may pay more for the bottle of water than your pizza itself. Yes, that's how the business model works. Moreover don't get into too complicated pizzas. With a price like that, it's better to stay in the Margherita style.

The pubs

o De Drie Gezusters: the largest pub in Europe

How can I not put the Drie Gezusters at the top of the pub list? Known as the largest pub in Europe, this place is made up of 3 bars (Drie Gezusters) on several floors, with different atmospheres, all interconnected. Outside, a large terrace overlooks part of the area.

It is therefore one of Groningen's most popular places. You will be able to order food and drinks, watch football matches (the atmosphere for Netherlands/France was incredible), enjoy concerts (I had the chance to play there), all in a good mood and a friendly environment.

o Bar blokes: a cozy and romantic bar

I had the chance to discover this bar as soon as I arrived. So I was able to enjoy the large bench on the terrace with a little sunshine.

In addition to this very nice terrace, the bar offers a pint of Jupiler at 4€ and homemade cocktails at 5€ every Wednesday evening.

So it's a very good place in Groningen with a rather romantic atmosphere (don't thank me I know).

o Poolcafé Streetlife

I don't know if you're a pool fan, but if you're not, it's time to get started.

This very friendly place is full of pool tables. The game is played for only 1€ and it is possible to order drinks for a very low price. However, be careful, if you come between 9pm and 11pm it will be very difficult for you to find a free table.

Clubs :

o Kiwi Club: guilty pleasure

Indeed, after having given you an image of myself, a musician in search of atypical places, I am a little ashamed to mention this place (all the people I met would probably laugh if they saw that). But hey, let's be honest, I had a really good time at this club and I would put it in the category: guilty pleasure.

This club, with its Latin music, has two floors. It is often the meeting place of many Erasmus, especially Spanish. If you like Latin sounds you will be angry with yourself but you will love this club.

o Vera

I'm not a big fan of Techno music, yet this place knows how to showcase this kind of music. Indeed I spent several of my evenings in this club with 2 rooms.

Finally, this place sometimes welcomes live bands in its more underground rooms for rock nights.

Natural Place

o The Hoornsemeer Lake

I couldn't have finished this article without telling you about the Hoornsemeer Lac that accompanied my Erasmus beginnings.

Indeed, this very natural place, 20 minutes by bike south of the city center, has a huge lake, windmills and many pontoons where you can seat and spend a good time with your feet in the water (only the first few weeks for feet in the water).

It is a very quiet place that allows you to breathe away from all the energy of the city.

To conclude, do not forget that this list is mine and is only a starting point for your adventure. Once you arrive in Groningen, it is up to you to write your own story...