Groningen

The Wall House II is a building in the south of the city located on the banks of Hoornsemeer lake. The building is one of the few realised designs to which the renowned American architect John Hejduk owes his fame.

Museumeiland 1· Moderate

Opposite train/bus station. Spectacular architecture. Hosts state-of-the-art contemporary art in the world. Named one of the five most progressive modern/contemporary art collections in the world, this museum's changing exhibitions…

Brugstraat 24· Cheap

The northern museum of water transport. Shows the history and role of transport over water until the 1970s. The museum is situated in the oldest residential building remaining in the city. Not accessible with a wheelchair or rollator.

Vrydemalaan 2

Originally known as Infoversum, this remarkable structure was built as the only full-dome 3D theatre in the Netherlands, before it was turned in a modern restaurant and cultural center. Located near the city beach.

You may know these Scandinavian looking colourful terraced houses from Pinterest or Instagram. Built at the waterside they create a wonderful composition. Take Q-Link 11 to bus stop P+R Reitdiep.

Under the 'Herebrug'· Moderate

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…

Bieskemaar 10· Moderate

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.

Bieskemaar 3

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.

Opposite central station· Cheap

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.

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.

Nieuwe Ebbingestraat 163· Moderate

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.

On the corner of the Vismarkt

In case of emergency! If you've left it too late before heading out for food and the restaurants have closed their kitchens, you can get all your deep-fried nutritional needs met at the FEBO automat.

It's a masted sailing ship moored on the inner side of the Schuitendiep canal - you can't miss it· Moderate

Unashamedly touristy, the Pannekoekschip ("pancake ship") is an old sailing ship that's been turned into a pancake restaurant, serving huge and delicious Dutch pancakes.

Oosterstraat 61

Van der Ley is one of the best cheese stores in the world. Look for local organic varieties, such as green pesto cheese or farmers crumblecheese (boerenbrokkelkaas).

Akerkhof 22

Three different main courses each day (one meat, one fish, one veg.). Many customers eat here several times per week.

Poelestraat 30

Indie-styled restaurant and bar. Food-sharing is the credo here and lovely place for alternative drinks.

Oude Boteringestraat 9

For big and great lunch-salads and nice hamburgers.

2 miles SW of city centre· Moderate

Open from March to October, this camping ground is in the Stadspark, a large, wooded park just outside the ring road. If you're carrying a tent, this can be a nice budget alternative. Reception closes for lunch.

Oude Badweg 1 Eelderwolde· Expensive

The 'Scandinavian Village' by the Paterswoldsemeer lake offers nice cabins in Scandinavian style. The cabins will provide you with a terrace, kitchen with a refrigerator, kitchenware and bathroom.

Boterdiep 73

This youth hostel has been around for a long time and remains a popular budget pick. Bunk-beds starting Rooms for up to 6 people are available, too.

Energieweg 10· Moderate

The only container hostel in the country. Environmentally responsible, offering breakfast and bike rentals.

half way between the railway station and the city centre· Pricey

Its decoration is inspired by Dutch painter Piet Mondrian and beds are made when you arrive.

Laan van de Vrijheid 91· Expensive

In the La Liberté high-rise building, nice views.