Groningen Overview

Easily the most happening city in the northern Netherlands, Groningen (pop. 185,000) pulses with rejuvenated spirit. Heavily bombed in WWII, Groningen rebuilt itself completely; but unlike some other Dutch cities, Groningen managed to retain its Old World feel alongside its bland 1950s architecture. More than half of the city’s inhabitants are under 35, due in no small part to its universities. As a result, Groningen is known throughout the Netherlands as a party city. Vera, Oosterstr. 44, bills itself as the “club for the international pop underground.” This center for live music and cinema of all stripes is a not-to-be-missed party nearly every night. (☎050 313 4681; www.vera-groningen.nl. Events free-€11. Open daily 10pm-3am, sometimes later.) Jazzcafe de Spieghel, Peperstr. 11, is an intimate, candlelit cafe with two bars and a large stage for live jazz, funk, or blues nightly starting at 11pm. The M open jazz session (10:30pm) is a tradition, and big names in jazz have been known to stop by and play impromptu sets. (☎050 312 6300. Wine €2.20 per glass. Open daily 8pm-4am.) Dee’s Cafe, Papengang 3, has a neon-blue light scheme, rock music, foosball, and pool tables (both €0.50). Its weed and hash are grown and cut without chemicals or other additives. (☎050 313 2410; www.cafedees.nl. Weed sold in €5 and €12 denominations. Space cakes €2.70. Internet €1 per 30min. Open M-W 11am-midnight, Th 11am-1am, F-Sa noon-3am.) The  Groninger Museum, Museumeiland 1, presents modern art, traditional paintings, and ancient artifacts in steel-trimmed pavilions that give off a futuristic laboratory vibe. There are some Golden Age paintings detailing the early history of Groningen, but the point here is revolutionary design and contemporary art. (☎050 366 6555; www.groninger-museum.nl. Open Sept.-June Tu-Su 10am-5pm; July-Aug. M 1-5pm, Tu-Su 10am-5pm. €8, seniors €7, children €4.) Take a journey through time learning about the art form of comics at the fun and informative Strip Museum, Postbus 1528, where you will meet the famous Dutch cartoonist Eric de Noorman. (☎050 311 2046. Open Tu-Su 10am-5pm. €7.)

  Simplon Jongerenhotel , Boterdiep 73-2, pulls in fun, young residents with its clean lodgings, rock-bottom prices, and homey feel. (☎050 313 5221; www.simplon-jongerenhotel.nl. Breakfast and linens included with private rooms. Lockers free with €10 deposit. Laundry €4. Bike rental €6. Reception 24hr. Lockout noon-3pm. Large dorms €13; small dorms €18; singles €33-39; doubles €50-55; triples €70; quads €100; quints €120; 6-person rooms €132. Cash only.) Ben’z , Peperstr. 17, serves dishes from North Africa, Europe, and the Middle East. (☎050 313 7917; www.restaurantbenz.nl. Appetizers €3-4. Entrees €10-17. 5-course menu €33. Open daily 4:30pm-midnight. Kitchen closes at 10pm. Cash only.) The surprisingly authentic Cajun restaurant, Tijdloos , t’ Voormalig Klein Poortje 11, is a great treat. Exotic spices and gourmet food combinations grace the menu, while statues of musicians and jazzy music set the mood. (☎050 312 9481. Salads and pasta €9-11. Dinner entrees €19-28. Open Tu-Sa 5:30-9:30pm.)

The train to Amsterdam is one of the longer trips you can take in the Netherlands; make the transfer in Amersfoort (2hr., with an additional 30min. between trains; 2 per hr.; €27). The VVV, Grote Markt 25, has a friendly and enthusiastic staff that gives guided walking tours throughout the year; reserve in advance. (☎900 202 3050; www.toerisme.groningen.nl. Internet €0.50 per min. Open M-F 9am-6pm, Sa 10am-5pm; June and -Aug. also Su 11am-3pm.)