Groningen, in the northern Netherlands, is a city that’s well worth exploring. Its lively streets, historic buildings, and bustling canals make it a perfect place for a variety of city tours. Whether you want to relax on a boat, pedal through neighborhoods, or enjoy a guided walk, Groningen offers options that cater to different interests and travel styles. We particularly like the canal cruises, which provide a relaxed, scenic view of the city, and the bike tours, which are ideal for those wanting a more active experience.
One of the standout experiences is the Groningen: City Canal Cruise. It’s an affordable way to see iconic sights like the Martinitoren and Tasmantoren from the water while enjoying a drink aboard. For those who prefer a lively and social experience, the Open Boat City Canal Cruise with unlimited drinks offers both insight and refreshment. If you’re after something quieter, the electric-powered Pronkjewail offers a silent, comfortable cruise with a cold drink in hand. Bike enthusiasts will appreciate the City Highlights Bike Tour, which takes you through the city’s most notable sites with a knowledgeable guide, giving you a more in-depth look at Groningen’s history and culture.
Below is a quick overview of the top ways to explore Groningen, followed by detailed reviews of each tour to help you decide what fits your trip best.
1. Groningen: City Canal Cruise
Explore the historic city of Groningen in just one hour on a canal cruise. This relaxed experience offers a perfect overview of the city’s waterways, maritime past, and landmarks like the Martinitoren steeple and Tasmantoren. The boat features onboard snacks, beer, and wine, making it easy to unwind while learning about the city’s history. The audio commentary and text guide enrich the trip, providing fascinating facts about Groningen’s medieval architecture and waterside bridges.
Rated 4.4/5 with over 560 reviews, this tour is praised for its value, scenic views, and friendly service. Reviewers love the “great scenery” and describe it as a “pleasant hour admiring the city from the boat.” Some mention that the recorded commentary can be hard to hear over chatter, but overall, most find it an enjoyable, budget-friendly way to see Groningen from a different perspective.
Bottom Line: This tour is ideal if you want a short, inexpensive introduction to Groningen’s waterways with panoramic views and a relaxed vibe.
2. Groningen: Open Boat City Canal Cruise
For a slightly more lively experience, check out the Open Boat City Canal Cruise. This one-hour ride along Groningen’s canals includes unlimited drinks and an engaging commentary about the city’s highlights. Departing from Schuitendiep 82, the boat glides past landmarks like the Old Museum and Noorderhaven, offering an intimate view of the city from the water.
Rated 4.7/5 based on 223 reviews, this tour gets high marks for the fun atmosphere and knowledgeable captain, Captain Paulina. Visitors mention how much they enjoyed the informative explanations and the opportunity to socialize while sipping drinks. It’s perfect for groups or couples wanting a lively, social experience with a focus on fun and education.
Bottom Line: This cruise is best suited for those wanting a convivial atmosphere with unlimited drinks, making it a great choice for friends or celebrations.
3. Groningen: Open Boat City Cruise
Another open boat option is the Pronkjewail, an electrically powered vessel that sails silently through Groningen’s canals. This tour combines comfort and eco-friendliness, offering a quiet ride with a cold drink in hand. The boat’s spacious design makes it ideal for relaxing while soaking up the city’s history.
Rated 4.7/5 from 66 reviews, travelers love the peaceful and smooth ride and the informative audio guide. It’s perfect for those who prefer a quieter, more contemplative experience, especially on warm days when the gentle hum of the electric motor becomes a bonus. This tour suits travelers seeking a comfortable, eco-conscious way to explore.
Bottom Line: If a serene, environmentally friendly cruise appeals to you, this is a superb choice for a relaxed, in-depth water-based tour.
4. Groningen: City Highlights Bike Tour
If cycling is your preferred way to see a city, then the City Highlights Bike Tour is a standout. Over 2.5 hours, you’ll explore Groningen’s most famous sites with an experienced local guide. Starting from two convenient locations—Pims Fietsen or Pims Cycling—the tour covers the Groninger Museum, Oosterparkwijk, Martinitoren, Grote Markt, University of Groningen, and more.
Rated 4.8/5 from 38 reviews, participants rave about the enthusiastic guides and the well-paced route. This tour is ideal for active travelers who want an immersive experience, learning about the city’s historical highlights and local stories while cycling at a relaxed speed.
Bottom Line: Perfect for those who enjoy biking and want a comprehensive, lively overview of Groningen’s top attractions in one trip.
5. Groningen: City canal cruise (with unlimited drinks)
This cosy canal cruise offers a relaxed 1 to 1.5-hour trip aboard Borrelvloot, a boat designed for socializing. As you drift past Groningen’s key landmarks, enjoy unlimited drinks and learn captivating stories from the skippers about the city’s past and present.
Rated 4.8/5 from 13 reviews, this tour is praised for its friendly atmosphere and informative narration. It’s a popular choice for groups celebrating special occasions or anyone wanting a laid-back, fun way to experience Groningen from the water.
Bottom Line: If you want a convivial, drink-inclusive cruise with a focus on storytelling, this is an excellent and affordable option.
6. Groningen: Informative city canal cruise + drinks & cookies
Rounding out our list is a personalized canal cruise that combines storytelling with treats. In just one hour, the skipper shares fun facts and stories about Groningen, while you enjoy unlimited drinks including coffee, tea, soda, beer, wine, and Dutch snacks.
Rated highly for its relaxed, engaging style, this tour suits travelers wanting a cozy, informative experience. The inclusion of drinks and cookies makes it feel like a casual get-together on water, perfect for small groups or families.
Bottom Line: This tour works well if you prefer a shorter, more intimate cruise with a focus on local stories and a variety of drinks.
$26 per person
How to Choose the Perfect Groningen Tour
Picking the right tour depends on your interests and how you like to explore. If you want a quick, budget-friendly overview, the Groningen: City Canal Cruise offers great value. For a lively social experience with drinks, the Open Boat City Cruise with unlimited drinks is ideal. If you’re eco-conscious or prefer peace and quiet, the Pronkjewail silent electric boat provides a relaxed, environmentally friendly trip.
For active travelers, the Bike Tour offers a deep dive into the city’s highlights at a comfortable pace. Meanwhile, those seeking a cozy, storytelling cruise with snacks should consider the informative canal cruise with drinks and cookies.
Booking early is wise, especially during peak seasons in spring and summer, when Groningen’s waterways and streets buzz with visitors.
Final Thoughts
Groningen offers something for every type of traveler. Whether you prefer drifting along its canals with a drink in hand, pedaling through lively neighborhoods, or simply relaxing while listening to stories, you’ll find an experience that fits your style. For a quick overview, the canal cruises are unbeatable for their scenic views and ease, while the bike tour is perfect for those wanting active sightseeing.
If you’re planning a trip, consider your budget, activity level, and what kind of atmosphere you enjoy most. Booking in advance ensures you won’t miss out, especially during the busy months. With this range of options, you’re set to enjoy Groningen in a way that’s memorable and uniquely yours.