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23 Available Tour Excursions in Groningen
Explore the enchanting world of fragrance in this engaging 2-3hour workshop designed for perfume enthusiasts and curious minds alike. Begin with a brief history of perfume and discover the tools and materials used by professional perfumers. Engage your senses as you smell a variety of perfumery ingredients and learn how to construct simple accords. Debunk common perfume myths and analyze real fragrance formulas to grasp their structure. Finally, channel your creativity into crafting a unique 5ml perfume composition, which will be expertly blended for you to take home. This workshop promises a memorable sensory experience and a deeper appreciation for the art of perfumery.
Price: $88.58
Duration: 2 hours
Groningen can sometimes feel inaccessible to foreign visitors. Take the mystery out of your visit by exploring with a local on a private, customized walking tour. Your guide contacts you beforehand to understand your interests, ensuring you only visit the places that matter to you. This is a personalized walking tour where you will discover the exteriors of monuments, including museums; however, if you’d like to include a museum visit, your guide can adjust the itinerary—just let us know in advance. As you explore the city, your guide shares insights into local life, forming a clearer picture of Groningen culture and history. Perfect for families, solo travelers, or couples, this tour uncovers hidden gems and iconic landmarks with the expertise of a local.
Price: $63.78
Duration: 2-6 hours
Discover Groningen's hidden past from the water on a scenic canal cruise that brings the city's rich history to life. Glide past the Martinitoren and the Groninger Museum while enjoying a drink on board. Dive deeper into the city's maritime heritage with an optional multilingual audio guide, written by a professional historian. The audio tour covers 30+ points of interest around the theme of Groningen as a Sea Harbour — a story of trade, power, and water. Navigate charming bridges and hidden green stretches while uncovering centuries of history at your own pace. Whether you're a history enthusiast or simply looking for a relaxing way to explore the city with friends or family, this cruise offers something truly special. - Audio guide available in multiple languages - Enjoy a drink on board, ️- 30+ historical points of interest
Price: $23.03
Duration: 1 hours
Discover Groningen from a different perspective on sightseeing and scavenger hunt of the city. Solve riddles and clues that lead to the next location, showing all the city highlights. Solve interesting puzzles, have fun, and learn new things about the city. Explore the city and find hidden gems at your own pace. Try a new type of experience with your smartphone, the perfect mix between a walking tour, sightseeing, and a scavenger hunt. Enjoy the tour in English.
Price: $6.50
Duration: 2 hours
Set sail on the beautiful Lake Paterswoldsemeer and enjoy a view that is constantly changing on a 2-hour private cruise. You'll be welcomed aboard a boat that resembles a floating terrace, with BBQ specialties, paired with a selection of delightful drinks. Enjoy the peaceful waters of the lake a special route tailor made by your captain. It's an ideal option for company outings, birthdays, bachelor parties, team-building events, or brainstorming sessions. The terrace offers space for 6-18 people. Who will you bring? Book your tickets and choose a time slot today
Price: $536.94
Duration: 2 hours
Discover the best kept secrets in the city’s historic centre with the Secrets of City Game, an exciting GPS-based exploration game! Whether you want to play alone for personal excitement or with a group of people this is the game for you! Playing with more groups will turn into a competitive experience, perfect as a teambuilding activity. This game is a fun activity you can do while visiting a city. Solve the fun puzzles and questions, complete photo tasks and more in order to score as many points as possible and gain extra clues to help you with the final puzzle. You can even earn a spot on the leaderboard! Our City Game offers the maximum independence, you can play pause & continue whenever you want. HOW TO PLAY: Book the City Game, check the email we send you with the simple instructions, download the Loquiz App, access the City Game and you are ready to begin your gaming experience!
Price: $30.65
Duration: 2 hours
Set sail on the ultimate party boat in Groningen, cruising through picturesque canals for 2 hours filled with music and fun. Ideal for friends, birthdays, or casual outings, this cruise includes unlimited beer, wine, and soft drinks, ensuring a lively atmosphere. Enjoy unique views of Groningen from the water, complete with party lighting and a fully stocked bar. With a group size of up to 75 people, this experience promises summer energy and unforgettable memories. - 2-hour party boat cruise through Groningen’s scenic canals - Unlimited drinks included: beer, wine, and soft drinks - Enjoy great music and vibrant party lighting on board - Suitable for ages 18+, with toilet facilities available
Price: $44.88
Duration: 2 hours
Enjoy an hour-long cruise through the canals of Groningen, interesting information and unlimited free drinks. We sail past the Old Museum (Westerhaven), warehouses Hoge and Lage der A, AA Church, corner of Ameland, Noorderhaven, De Prinsenhof, Martinitoren and the Stadsschouwburg. The skipper on duty tells an animated story about Groningen and its sights.
Price: $24.74
Duration: 1 hours
Join us on a cruise along the enchanting canals of Groningen, where history and charm meet contemporary. Immerse yourself in the beauty of the picturesque Groningen canals, while enjoying a selection of different cheeses and a glass of wine. During this cruise you will see all the highlights that Groningen has to offer, such as our personal favorites: Central Station, Hoge and Lage der Aa and Noorderhaven. While sailing through the serene canals of Groningen at your leisure, the landscape beauty lets your senses enchant. Our tour provides insight into the history, architecture and hidden gems of the city, creating a harmonious mix of relaxation and exploration. With a maximum of 15 participants, our small group setting ensures a comfortable atmosphere. No alcohol allowed below the age of 18
Price: $34.25
Duration: 1 hours
Skip the standard sightseeing tour and discover Groningen through the eyes of a local. With Lokafy, every tour is private, unscripted, and personalized to you. Your Lokafyer is a passionate local who shares stories, hidden gems, and authentic tips you won’t find in a guidebook. They aren’t professional guides with memorized scripts, they're locals who love their city and want you to experience it like a friend would. Whether you’re interested in food, art, history, or simply exploring the neighborhoods beyond the tourist spots, your Lokafyer will adapt the walk to your interests. By the end, you’ll feel at home in the city, with insights to keep exploring on your own.
Price: $97.44
Duration: 2-6 hours
Experience a new way to discover a city with this 'gamified' tour! Explore Groningen during this self-guided walking tour that lets you see the city in a different light. You'll even learn about hidden spots most locals don't know about! Immerse yourself in a uniquely crafted story as you solve engaging puzzles that highlight the history and noteworthy sights of the city. Someone replaced one of the paintings in the Groninger Museum with a cartoon drawing. Is this a joke? Or could there be more to it? Rally your friends and put your problem-solving and exploration skills to the test! - Start your adventure at any moment you choose - All you need is a smartphone with a mobile data plan - Suitable for a team of up to 5-6 players aged 15 and older (supervision recommended for younger players) - This city tour takes around 2 hours to complete and is approximately 2,5 kilometers long
Price: $29.53
Duration: 1-2 hours
There's been a murder in the city. The police can't figure it out and time is ticking. Are you up for the challenge? With photos and a city map, you go into the city, looking for the right locations. At each location you take a group selfie and receive a new clue. Step by step you are getting closer to the truth. Can you solve the murder within 3 hours? In the meantime, you will discover surprising places you would normally pass by. This is no ordinary city walk, but an interactive experience that you experience together.
Price: $85.04
Duration: 3 hours
Discover the first floating terrace in Groningen and enjoy a unique combination of the relaxation of a terrace and the magic of a boat trip. Experience the ultimate destination for anyone who wants to experience Groningen from the water. Board the boat and enjoy the flexibility of the cabriolet roof, which can be opened on sunny days for an unobstructed view of the sky, and closed quickly to ensure comfort and dryness in the event of an unexpected rain shower. Enjoy a wide selection of drinks and snacks at the bar, from summer beers and refreshing wines to warm (vegetarian) snacks. Everything is available for a perfect time on board. There is a clean and accessible toilet on board.
Price: $17.72
Duration: 1 hours
Discover the first floating terrace in Groningen and enjoy a unique combination of the relaxation of a terrace and the magic of a boat trip. Experience the ultimate destination for anyone who wants to experience Groningen from the water. Board the boat and enjoy the flexibility of the cabriolet roof, which can be opened on sunny days for an unobstructed view of the sky, and closed quickly to ensure comfort and dryness in the event of an unexpected rain shower. During winter there is heating on board. Enjoy a wide selection of drinks and snacks at the bar, from summer beers and refreshing wines to warm (vegetarian) snacks. Everything is available for a perfect time on board. There is a clean and accessible toilet on board.
Price: $22.38
Duration: 1 hours
Price per group of 2-6 people. Within 2 hours, the Qula Groningen City Trail leads you along the best spots in Groningen, while you play fun riddles and assignments on your smartphone. Try to set a high score with family or friends and explore the city. There are no fixed start times or reservations, you choose your own day and time. The Trail is available 24/7 and there is no time limit - you can start, pause and stop whenever it suits you! It is offered in multiple languages (Eng, Ger, Fr, Ned, Sp, It and more). The Qula City Trail is great fun and the most affordable outing for families and groups of friends. How does it work? When you book, you will receive an email with instructions on how to play the Trail on your smartphone. Android or iPhone compatible. Once at the starting point, start your quest through the city, it's that easy!
Price: $36.62
Duration: 3 hours
Step into the world of Sherlock Holmes and solve a mysterious case during the Sherlock Holmes City Game - a self-guided adventure full of puzzles, plot twists, and hidden clues. This City Game is all about story-driven gameplay and immersive mystery solving, it pulls you into a captivating story that you solve together, making it a unique way to connect, play, and create memories with your group. Perfect for friends, families, colleagues or solo players who enjoy a challenge and love detective games. Whether you play solo or in teams, it's a flexible and fun experience that turns the city into your crime-solving playground. After booking, check your email for clear instructions, download the Loquiz app, and dive straight into your detective mission.
Price: $30.65
Duration: 2 hours
Cruise through the historic canals of Groningen on Bootje Speciaal, a cozy open boat perfect for enjoying the summer vibes with friends. Over 1.5 hours, savor unlimited beer, wine, and soft drinks while soaking in the city’s stunning views and listening to a curated playlist. This experience is ideal for celebrations, casual meet-ups, or simply relaxing in the sun with your favorite people. - Enjoy a 1.5-hour private boat cruise through Groningen’s canals - Indulge in unlimited beer, wine, and soft drinks throughout the journey - Relax with music on board, courtesy of a Bluetooth speaker - Perfect for small groups celebrating special occasions or casual outings
Price: $41.34
Duration: 1 hours
Explore Groningen in this self-guided detective scavenger hunt. In City Detective, you and your team solve a fictional case while exploring the city: a respected scientist was found murdered in her office at the University, and it’s up to you to crack the case. This fun and flexible Groningen city game lets you follow clues, eliminate suspects, and solve puzzles using your own smartphone. Along the way, you'll uncover quirky facts, hidden gems, and iconic landmarks, making it a unique thing to do in Groningen. Highlights: • Self-guided scavenger hunt through Groningen city centre. • Play at your own pace: start and pause whenever you like. • Follow clues, solve puzzles, and eliminate suspects. • Great for couples, families, friends or team outings. • Use your own phone = no tour guide needed. Whether you're with friends, family, or colleagues, this Groningen detective game is a fun, flexible and interactive way to explore the city and challenge your inner sleuth.
Price: $28.35
Duration: 2 hours
Key Info for Visitors
- Currency: EUR
- Languages: Dutch, English, German
- Climate: Oceanic
- Timezone: Europe/Amsterdam
- Population: Approximately 230,000 residents
- Best Time to Visit: due to variable weather.
- Visa Requirements Visitors from EU countries, the US, UK, Canada, Australia, and many other countries can enter the Netherlands visa-free for short stays up to 90 days. Some nationalities may require a Schengen visa. E-visa options are not applicable as the Netherlands is part of the Schengen Area. Visitors typically need a valid passport, proof of accommodation, and sufficient funds.
About Groningen
Groningen is a vibrant university city in the northern Netherlands known for its youthful energy, rich history, and cultural diversity. The city blends historic architecture with modern innovation, making it a unique destination for travelers. Its compact city center is easy to explore on foot or by bike, offering charming canals, lively squares, and a variety of shops and cafes. Groningen is renowned for its dynamic arts scene, including theaters, galleries, and music festivals. Visitors are drawn to its welcoming atmosphere, historic landmarks, and the opportunity to experience Dutch culture in a less tourist-heavy environment compared to larger cities. The city also serves as a gateway to the scenic countryside and coastal areas of the province, perfect for day trips. Groningen’s blend of tradition and modernity, combined with its friendly locals and vibrant student population, makes it a compelling destination for cultural exploration, relaxation, and adventure.
Groningen Tours & Experiences
- Top Attractions: Highlights of North Holland
- Duration Range: 2-8 hours
- Group Size: Private or shared tours
- Difficulty Level: Beginner to Advanced
- Recommended For: Visit between May and September for the best weather. Pack layers and a raincoat due to variable weather. Respect local customs such as greeting with a handshake and punctuality. Groningen is safe, but standard precautions apply. Use contactless payments widely accepted, though carrying some cash is advisable. Learn a few Dutch phrases to enhance interactions.
Average Tour Price: $80
Lowest Price Tour: $50
Highest Price Tour: $250
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2. Check Details
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3. Book Online
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4. Enjoy Your Experience
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Important Tour Information
- Bring comfortable walking shoes and appropriate clothing
- Check tour cancellation and refund policies
- Arrive at the meeting point at least 15 minutes early
- Carry valid identification and tour booking confirmation
Top Attractions
1. Martinitoren (Martini Tower) – The iconic 97-meter tall church tower offering panoramic views of the city. 2. Groninger Museum – A striking modern art museum with diverse exhibitions ranging from contemporary art to regional history. 3. Prinsentuin – A beautifully maintained Renaissance-style garden perfect for peaceful walks and seasonal events. 4. Grote Markt – The central square bustling with markets, cafes, and historic buildings, ideal for soaking in local life. 5. Noorderplantsoen – A large urban park popular for picnics, jogging, and outdoor concerts.
Popular Activities
Explore Groningen by bike to experience the city like a local. Visit museums and galleries to dive into art and history. Attend live music performances or festivals to enjoy the vibrant cultural scene. Take boat tours along the canals or relax in the city’s parks. For outdoor enthusiasts, nearby nature reserves and cycling routes offer scenic adventures.
Frequently Asked Questions
Local Food & Cuisine
Groningen’s cuisine features traditional Dutch dishes with a northern twist. Signature foods include "Groninger koek" (a spiced cake), fresh seafood, and hearty stews. The city offers a range of dining options from cozy cafes to fine dining. Noteworthy restaurants include De Uurwerker, known for its local ingredients, and Bistro 't Gerecht, offering classic Dutch and international dishes. Dining customs are casual, with an emphasis on fresh, seasonal produce.
Getting Around
Groningen is accessible by train from major Dutch cities and nearby airports. The city’s public transport includes buses and extensive bike rental services. Walking and cycling are the most popular and efficient ways to get around. Taxi services are available but less common. Costs are moderate, with bike rentals being affordable and public transport reasonably priced.
Travel Tips
Visit between May and September for the best weather. Pack layers and a raincoat due to variable weather. Respect local customs such as greeting with a handshake and punctuality. Groningen is safe, but standard precautions apply. Use contactless payments widely accepted, though carrying some cash is advisable. Learn a few Dutch phrases to enhance interactions.
Culture & Customs
Groningen’s culture is shaped by its student population and historic roots. Social customs emphasize direct communication and modesty. Important festivals include Noorderzon Performing Arts Festival and Eurosonic Noorderslag music festival. Locals value sustainability and cycling culture. Etiquette includes polite greetings, respecting personal space, and tipping around 5-10% in restaurants.
About The Author
Calvin has loved travel and adventure since first visiting Los Angeles with a suitcase in 1992 at the age of 20. He ditched the suitcase and got a backpack pretty fast.
He hates leaving after any trip and has to console himself by writing and sharing articles on it. You can find and connect with him on linked in here.
Likes
Travel, Gaming, Scuba Diving, Skiing and anything to do with water.
Dislikes
Exact luggage sizing police and being tired in an airport and many more..