There is so much to do in Groningen that you actually need a guide to tell you where you absolutely need to go. The student editors of UKrant open their cultural agenda for you. What is their favorite hangout and what should you definitely not miss?
Hangout: Favolosa
My roommate once told me this was the place for a first date, but I fell more in love with the café than with my date.
There are of course countless cafes, bars and pubs in Groningen, but you won’t find it as picturesque and cozy as Favolosa anywhere else. When you walk in, you’ve already seen almost the entire place: no more than five tables, a small bar in the corner and windows on all sides to look outside.
The real hidden secret is the first floor: the café extends like a kind of bridge over a path between the Vismarkt and Herestraat. There you can enjoy a cappuccino and look out over all the people passing by.
As well as the great coffee and a lovely peaceful atmosphere, they also have excellent WiFi, so if you bring your laptop it transforms into a great place to work in the middle of the city. And if you want to enjoy it even more, order a muffin: they are really delicious.
Herestraat 7
Open Mon-Sat 9am-6pm, Sun 10.30am-6pm
Where you can find me in the coming weeks:
- Groningen Museum | Behind the Scenes
When: until June 1
Price: free with student card
I love the Groningen museum. Whenever I want to relax during a busy or stressful period, I go there to unwind. Now that the museum has existed for 150 years, it is opening its doors. There are a lot of works from the collection on display, but you also get a look behind the scenes of an exhibition: for example, how is art selected and transported? It is extra special that for the first time the Spring garden by Vincent van Gogh is being exhibited again, after it was stolen from Singer Museum Laren in 2020. Your student card gives you free entry, so there is no excuse not to go.
- Stukafest
When: May 2 from 8:30 PM
Price: from €7.29 per round
Performances by emerging musicians, poets, theater makers and comedians, but in a student room: that is what Stukafest stands for. There are three rounds, and each round takes place in a different room, so you cycle through the entire city. I’m especially looking forward to Spaces, a ‘fusion of mixed media poetry’, because I’m very curious about what exactly that entails! Afterwards there is an afterparty in Vera, where you can go crazy to music by three unique artists.
Last year the Liberation Festival was partially canceled, but this year it is back again with three stages! The prospect of twelve hours of music, fun and celebrating freedom already makes me excited. I will definitely go to Froukje, who ends the day on the main stage, but the Hit The North Stage with local talent also seems like a great experience.
- May fair
When: May 9 to 21
Maximum fare €4
When I was a lot younger, I went to the fair every year in the village where I come from, so I’m looking forward to making some good memories again. Groningen goes big: the annual fair extends over the Vismarkt, Grote Markt and Ossenmarkt with dozens of attractions. You will mainly find me at the Ossenmarkt, where you can visit old-fashioned attractions at the ‘nostalgic fair’ – and they cost a maximum of €1.50 per ride!
- Record fair Vismarkt
When: May 2, 10am-5pm
Price: free
Since a friend of mine recently showed off his extensive record collection, I have been planning to buy records myself. The record fair that takes place on the Vismarkt every first Thursday of the month seems like a good start to me. There are a lot of stands where I can hopefully find a unique item.
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