Car Rental Groningen

The city’s picturesque network of canals, boutique shops, and the Martini Tower are all within easy reach in your car. If you’ve arrived at the airport, simply connect on the A28 highway, and you’ll arrive in the center in less than 15 minutes. This northern city also sits at the junction of the E22 (in between Amsterdam and Bremen), and the A28 (from Zwolle and Utrecht).

It’s also worth noting that the historic center of the city is severely restricted to traffic in a bid to combat congestion and ensure the preservation of the highlights you’ll find in this area. As a result, it’s better to use one of the many parking lots near the center when you’re visiting, most of which allow you to park for 60 minutes. If you want to park for longer, use one of the twelve underground parking lots. You can find them by following the blue ‘P’ signs.

When driving in the Netherlands, you should remember that bicycles and mopeds have the right of way. At roundabouts, look out for diamond-shaped signs with yellow diamond centers - this means you have the right of way. If you see, a white inverted triangle sign with a red line, then you must give way to other drivers.

Driving in the Netherlands is on the right-hand side, as in the U.S. Speed limits on the roads range from 130 km/h (80mph) on freeways to 50 km/h (30mph) in built-up areas. The speed limit outside built-up areas is 80 km/h (50mph) and on expressways (autowegen), it’s 100 km/h (81mph). Seatbelts must be worn and cell or mobile phone use while driving is illegal.

Groningen blend of eighteenth-century architecture, art museums, and restaurants make it a fantastic place to explore on vacation. From its stunning Gothic tower to immaculately designed parks, the city is bursting with life throughout the year.

The art of the city

The Martini Tower – or Martinitoren – an enormous Gothic church steeple that towers over the city, offers panoramic views and is a historical counterpoint to the modernist façade of the Groninger Museum. It’s a 15th century construction, standing on the sight of two previous towers, both destroyed by lightning. See if you can spot the bullet hole in one of the bells – here since the town was liberated in World War II.

The museum is considered one of the best in The Netherlands. Opened in 1994, the city center building was designed by architects Philippe Starck, Alessandro Mendini, and Coop Himmelblau. You’ll find it on the Zuiderhaven River, and its surreal exterior design is as fascinating as its interior collections. Inside you’ll find a soaring collection of paintings from the Dutch Golden Age, sculptures, art displays, and contemporary art exhibitions.

Alternative attractions in Groningen include the Northern Maritime Museum, which is one of the most visited in Groningen. The museum was founded in 1930 and tells the story of the city’s maritime industry and hosts exhibits on shipbuilding, marine engines, tidal navigation, and the Dutch shipping trade.

Relax in the sunshine

The Noorderplantsoen is a short drive north of the town center and is one of the most elegant green spaces in Groningen. Expertly designed along English country garden lines, the park is a lovely place to have a picnic alongside one of its many ponds and sculpted hedges. During the summer months, it's abuzz with families, students and visitors.

Day trips from Groningen

Exploring the city and neighboring districts is a joy when you rent a car in Groningen. From the center, you have easy access to quintessential Dutch windmills in the north of the city in Hoogeland.

Alternatively, you can drive west towards the historic town of Leeuwarden via the A7 and N31 freeways. Once you arrive in the city, you can explore its ceramics shops and buy beautiful Dutch souvenirs. The famous spy Mata Hari was from Leeuwarden, but it’s an unassuming place, with wonderful artisan shops and boutiques to explore.

With its excellent connections and plethora of sights, Groningen is a relaxing base from which to discover the Netherlands. So, pick up your keys and start exploring this beautiful corner of Europe at your own pace.