Groningen's reputation as university town is borne out in its nightlife, which is comprehensive, with numerous options for drinking and clubbing. There are also several places to play pool/billiards. Most bars have the standard Dutch beers, but more and more international, especially Belgian, beers are beginning to have a presence. Bars in the down town area do not have fixed closing hours. Theoretically they can stay open for 24 hours a day, which a few bars do.
Big parties (usually with electronic music) in the whole Netherlands can be found listed on Partyflock (in Dutch).
De Pintelier, traditional Belgian pub serving a plethora of kinds of beer and whisk(e)y. Located at the Kleine Kromme Elleboog 9, and open daily from 3pm, closing at 2am Sun - Thurs and at 3am Fri and Sat.
Cafe de Koffer, another "speciaalbier" pub, at Nieuwe Blekerstraat 1. Lots of bottled beers, as well as a few on tap. Most are Belgian or Dutch, but there are also a few American and British beers on the menu - a real rarity around here. Open daily from 4pm to 3am.
Der Witz, a German pub located on the Grote Markt in a very small building. Serving many kinds of beer.
De Spieghel, jazz pub in the Peperstraat with free and usually good live performances at most evenings starting around eleven o'clock. From Sunday until Wednesday performances are on the second level, which is a smaller, cosier bar and it gives you a more intimate performance. From Thursday until Saturday all performances are downstairs, which is a larger bar with a stage and the performances tend to be bigger (larger band). Relaxed atmosphere any evening. Guests who are at the bar downstairs may even choose the upcoming music from the jukebox.
Het Kasteel, a compact international student hangout on Peperstraat. Sells Jäger and other shots for 1€ and 13-beer 'zwaards' ('a sword') for 10€.
D'Ouwe Brandweer, on Zuiderdiep opposite Pathe-cinema.
Huis de Beurs, on corner of Vismarkt. Has made a come-back and is very trendy now. Live piano music in the evening. The first Dutch socialst party was founded here.
Cafe Atlantis, on O.K. i.h. Jatstraat opposite Faculty of Law. Dark, narrow place, mainly men, for playing chess and other games. Drinks very cheap.
De Prinsentuin In summertime there is a nice terrace in a rose garden.
De Drie Gezusters, (Three Sisters). On the Grote Markt, . Possibly the largest bar in the Netherlands as well as in Europe. Many bars connected in a mazelike fashion; has several facades on the Grote Markt that look like separate bars, but don't let that deceive you.
De Kosterij, in a corner of the Grote Markt, next to the Martinitoren, . Family style. Nice terrace in summertime.
Wolthoorn & Co. Turftorenstraat 6. Voted best pub in the Netherlands for several years.
Het Feithhuis, next to the Martini Tower, . "Liberal" atmosphere. A good place to have lunch.
El Rubio, in Zwanestraat. Owner "Joop" only likes male gay guests.
Newscafe, on Tussen de Markten. Nice terrace in the summer, good coffee, quite trendy.
Vera, self-proclaimed club for the international pop underground and indeed there are good concerts and parties, check out their site . Nirvana played here before they were big, still the pride of Groningen. Local high school crowd doesn't bother to turn up until 3 AM for parties at Saturday nights. Entrance ?1/month.
Simplon, a bit outside the center at the Boterdiep, this ex-squad is now a podium for sometimes alternative concerts. Also electronic music like house, dubstep and drum'n'bass. Hosts e.g. a very popular monthly event called Technootjes and international DJs. Again, check their website for what's happening.
O'Cealleighs, an irish pub on Kattendiep. Small pub, but good atmosphere; the place people go to play a bit of Irish folk of an evening.
De Zolder (The Attic), Papengang 3A. Cosy stoner hang-out up a flight of stairs with reggae music and pool table.
De Kar (The Cart), Peperstraat 15. Bar with mirrored dancefloor. Great place to have a beer and dance to cool alternative tunes. Tends to be either empty or completely crowded.
Shadrak Experience the grat atmosphere. Student night on Thursday 10 beer for 10euros and tequila shots for 2euros. One of the clubs which is open till the morning! Peperstraat 19.
Kokomo Beachclub, Gelkingestraat (Corner of the Grote Markt), . One of the biggest clubs in Groningen. On Thursday's it's packed with students (10 beers for ?10). Plays great dance music in weekends and serves fine cocktails. �
The Most Frequently Asked Travel Questions about Groningen
Where To Stay & Best Hotels in Groningen - updated May 2024
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