Groningen is a city that packs a punch when it comes to exploring on tours. Its lively waterways, striking architecture, and friendly local vibe make it an ideal place for a variety of guided experiences. Whether you want a relaxing cruise, an active scavenger hunt, or a personalized walk through its hidden corners, Groningen offers something for every traveler. We especially love the Historical Canal Tour, for its lively storytelling and access to the city’s most iconic sights—plus, unlimited free drinks make it all the more enjoyable.
The city’s compact size makes it perfect for walking and boat adventures, and its rich mix of historic sites and modern art means you can tailor your tour to your interests. So, if you’re wondering which tour fits your style, keep reading. We’ll walk you through the top options, highlighting what makes each one special and helping you decide how to best experience Groningen.
1. Historical Canal Tour
Enjoy an hour-long cruise through Groningen’s canals, with engaging stories about the city’s landmarks. This tour stands out for its lively guide who shares animated tales about the Old Museum, warehouses Hoge and Lage der A, AA Church, and the Martinitoren. As you sail past historic neighborhoods like Noorderhaven and De Prinsenhof, you’ll get a true sense of Groningen’s past and present. The boat ride also includes unlimited free drinks—whether you prefer Dutch beer, wine, or soft drinks—and is suitable for all ages.
The itinerary covers key sights such as the Central Station, awarded for its beauty, and the Groninger Museum, which is as much an artwork as the exhibits inside. The tour’s relaxed pace and engaging narration earned it a perfect 5-star rating from 54 reviews. Travelers particularly appreciate the combination of scenic views and local stories, making it a great introduction to Groningen.
Bottom Line: This one-hour cruise offers a rich taste of Groningen’s waterways and history, with the bonus of free drinks and a charismatic skipper. It’s perfect if you enjoy storytelling and want a comfortable, informative experience.
2. Groningen: Terrace Boat Experience with a Cozy Bar: 1.5 Hours
For those who want to combine sightseeing with a relaxed social atmosphere, this Terrace Boat Experience is ideal. Over roughly 90 minutes, you’ll enjoy a floating terrace with a bar, offering a unique way to see Groningen’s waterways. The boat’s convertible roof means you can enjoy the sunshine or stay dry in case of rain, and during winter, heating makes it cozy even on colder days.
This tour takes you from Oosterhaven to Groningen Central Station, with views of moored ships, historic harbor areas, and the impressive architecture of the station itself. Guests rave about the friendly staff, the relaxed vibe, and the tasty drinks, including vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options. Rated 5.0/5 by 29 reviewers, it’s clear this experience hits the spot for a laid-back, fun outing.
Bottom Line: With its flexible roof and onboard bar, this tour offers a casual, enjoyable way to explore Groningen from the water—especially suited for groups wanting a good mix of sightseeing and socializing.
3. Groningen: Terrace Boat Experience with a Cozy Bar: 1 hour
If you prefer a shorter experience but still want a taste of Groningen’s waterways, this 1-hour boat tour is a solid choice. The boat is equipped with a bar and a fold-away roof, so whether the weather is sunny or rainy, you’re covered. This tour passes notable sites like the Oosterhaven and Groningen Central Station, giving you a quick but scenic overview of the city’s water-bound highlights.
Rated 4.5/5 based on 35 reviews, travelers enjoy the friendly atmosphere and the opportunity to sip drinks while sightseeing. It’s especially popular with locals and travelers alike who want a relaxed, social experience without a lengthy commitment.
Bottom Line: Perfect for a quick, fun outing with refreshments, suitable for those who want a brief but memorable water-based tour of Groningen.
4. e-Scavenger Hunt Groningen: Explore the City at Your Own Pace
Looking for an interactive way to explore Groningen? The e-Scavenger Hunt turns sightseeing into a fun puzzle-solving adventure. Using your smartphone, you solve riddles and challenges while discovering the city’s top sights, including the Groninger Museum and historic streets like Folkingestraat. It’s perfect for groups of up to six, and you can start whenever it suits you—no fixed schedule required.
This self-guided experience lasts around three hours, making it a great way to combine sightseeing with some exercise and fun. It’s highly rated for its engaging gameplay, with one reviewer calling it “really fun and a great way to learn about the city.” Plus, with instructions in multiple languages, it’s accessible for international travelers.
Bottom Line: Ideal for groups wanting a flexible, interactive experience, especially those who enjoy puzzles and discovering hidden corners on their own time.
5. Discover Groningen in this Outside Escape city game tour!
This Outside Escape offers a fresh, gamified way to see Groningen on foot. It’s a self-guided walking tour with puzzles that reveal stories behind landmarks like Folkingestraat and the Groninger Museum. As you work through engaging riddles, you’ll uncover secrets of the city most visitors overlook, like a mysterious altered painting in the museum.
Designed for groups of up to six, this tour takes between one to two hours. It’s perfect for travelers who want to combine sightseeing with storytelling, all at their own pace. Reviews mention how fun and different it is, noting that it “made exploring the city a lot more interesting.”
Bottom Line: Well-suited for puzzle lovers and history enthusiasts who want a personalized, story-driven adventure through Groningen’s streets.
6. Groningen Private Custom Walking Tour With A Guide
For a tailored experience, this Private Custom Walking Tour is hard to beat. Led by a local guide, you’ll explore the city’s architecture, hidden corners, and historical sites like the Martinikerk and Forum Groningen. The guide can customize your route based on your interests, whether it’s art, history, or local stories.
With durations spanning from 2 to 6 hours, this tour offers flexibility and a personal touch. The guide’s knowledge and passion shine through, giving you insights you won’t find in guidebooks. While only two reviews are available, they both praise the tour for its personalized approach and the guide’s enthusiasm.
Bottom Line: Best for travelers seeking a customized, in-depth exploration of Groningen, especially if they appreciate local insights and off-the-beaten-track sights.
7. Exciting Murder Mystery – Interactive city walk in Groningen
Add some mystery to your visit with this Murder Mystery Interactive Walk. Over three hours, your group of up to six will follow clues and solve puzzles across the city, uncovering secret stories and hidden spots. Rated 4.5/5, travelers love how it makes exploring fun and engaging, especially since you decide when to start and how fast to go.
It’s a budget-friendly option at just under $80 per group, making it accessible for families or friends. The experience combines sightseeing with problem-solving, turning Groningen into a real-life game.
Bottom Line: Perfect for groups looking for a playful, immersive way to discover Groningen’s corners and stories while enjoying some friendly competition.
8. Private BBQ Cruise Tour at Lake Paterswoldsemeer With Drinks
For something special, consider the Private BBQ Cruise. This 2-hour private outing on Lake Paterswoldsemeer includes a barbecue, drinks, and a custom route. It’s perfect for celebrating a birthday, hosting a team event, or just relaxing with friends. The boat resembles a floating terrace, offering panoramic views as you enjoy freshly grilled specialties.
Rated 5.0/5 by one reviewer, this experience is praised for punctuality, organization, and the quality of food. The setting on the lake allows for a peaceful escape from the city, with scenic stops at De Helper mill and the Hoornsemeer.
Bottom Line: Best suited for groups wanting a private, laid-back celebration with good food and scenic water views.
$526.70 per group (up to 8)
9. Groningen Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour
Rounding out our list is this Self-Guided Scavenger Hunt. For just over six dollars per person, you explore Groningen’s major sights while solving riddles and clues. It’s a quick, two-hour activity that combines fun, learning, and sightseeing—ideal for those who want to see the highlights without a formal tour guide.
One reviewer emphasizes how it made exploring the city “more fun and interactive,” mentioning the puzzles and the discovery of interesting facts along the way. It’s a great option for budget-conscious travelers or families with kids.
Bottom Line: An affordable, playful way to explore Groningen, especially if you enjoy games and self-paced adventures.
$6.23 per person
How to Choose the Best Tour for You
Choosing between these options depends on your interests, budget, and schedule. If you want a relaxed, scenic overview of the city, the Historical Canal Tour or the Terrace Boat Experience are excellent choices. For a personalized touch, the Private Guided Walking Tour offers tailored insights. If you prefer active exploration with a game element, the Groningen Outside Escape or the Murder Mystery Walk are fantastic.
Budget travelers might opt for the Self-Guided Scavenger Hunt, while groups celebrating special occasions may prefer the BBQ Cruise.
Booking early is advisable during peak seasons in spring and summer, especially for private or popular experiences. Be sure to check the weather forecast—most water tours are more enjoyable on sunny days, and self-guided tours work well anytime.
Groningen offers a wide range of tours that will suit practically every taste and interest. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing boat cruise, an interactive game, or a personalized walking tour, it’s worth choosing a reputable experience. Consider what kind of adventure you want—whether it’s a scenic water journey or a puzzle-filled walk—and plan to book ahead to secure your spot. With so many options, you’re sure to find a memorable way to see this lively Dutch city.