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Tuesday 19 May 2026 • 4 minutes reading time
Groningen is full of places you might easily walk right past. Surprising little shops, quiet courtyards, and restaurants and cafés, each with its own story to tell. And that’s a shame, because it’s precisely those places that make the city so worth visiting. That’s why we explored the city and compiled a list of the most beautiful hidden gems for you. Here are a few of our favorites.
We’ll start with À la Lies, a charming little boutique in the center of Groningen on Oude Kijk in ’t Jatstraat. Lisanne, the owner, carefully selects the most beautiful jewelry here, ranging from the latest trends to handmade pieces. You’ll also find stylish bags and other accessories to complete your outfit. Under the same roof, you’ll also find Precieslies, featuring the most colorful women’s clothing, so you’re essentially visiting two shops in one. A place where you’re guaranteed to go home with something nice.
Looking for some peace and quiet? Near the Martini Tower, you’ll find the Prinsentuin, a hidden green oasis—perhaps the quietest spot in downtown Groningen. Within its high walls, you’ll stroll past roses, herbs, and beautiful tree-lined paths. In the summer, enjoy a cup of tea at the tea house, then sit down on a bench and completely lose track of time. Stadtholder Willem Frederik had this garden laid out in the 17 th century and in the 20th century it was given its current form. A place where you can completely forget the hustle and bustle of the city for a while.
Photo: Marketing Groningen
Le Souk is a unique shop in the city center that’s easy to miss. It’s a shop featuring North African spices, treats from the Maghreb countries, Mediterranean delicacies, and Middle Eastern snacks. As soon as you walk in, you’ll taste and experience the atmosphere of an Arab market. It’s a place where you’ll discover new things and be transported to the Middle East for a moment.
Photo: Stella Dekker Fotografie (Marketing Groningen)
Pernikkel is the place to be in Groningen for junk-free, homemade, and local food and drinks. You can come here five days a week for breakfast, lunch, and drinks. They cook junk-free: no packets, sachets, powders, or E numbers, and everything is homemade or made in collaboration with local partners. The unique combination of a warm, homely atmosphere and the focus on delicious, pure dishes means that you will be surprised time and time again.
Photo: Marinde Sikkema (Pernikkel)
Be surprised by Studio Boter, a creative concept store on Oude Boteringestraat. It’s a place with a real ‘living room vibe’, where you’ll find locally made products and art. Who knows, you might find a nice, unique piece for your own living room. You can also get creative yourself while enjoying a cup of tea or coffee. Take a workshop from a local maker, bring your own project, or use the materials that Studio Boter has ready for you and let your creativity run wild.
Photo: Studio Boter
In Folkingestraat, you will find Fris!, a cozy and somewhat hidden shop full of trendy jewelry, beads, gift items, and everything you need to make your own beautiful jewelry. Everywhere you look, you will see beads and charms in jars and drawers, and of course, trendy jewelry. The collection is updated every week, and thanks to the reasonable prices, you can always find something nice for yourself or someone else here.
Photo: Fris sieraden
At The Stockroom, you will find a place like no other; a hidden cocktail bar inspired by the speakeasies of the 1920s. Concealed behind a former storage room, this bar offers a mysterious atmosphere where they serve the best drinks. Classic drinks like those of the Roaring Twenties, with a seasonal twist, made by bartenders who know how to offer guests a unique experience. This hidden gem offers you an evening full of flavor, atmosphere, and surprise.
Foto: The Stockroom
Groningen is full of surprises—you just have to know where to look. Hopefully, this list of unique spots has given you new inspiration to (re)discover Groningen, and you won’t just walk right past them from now on. Curious about more locations in Groningen? Then check out this page.
Linde is student Commerciële Economie in Groningen en altijd op zoek naar de leukste plekjes in de stad. Haar ontdekkingen, tips en ervaringen deelt ze hier met veel plezier.
