Groningen might be best known for its lively university scene and historic streets, but this Dutch city also offers some truly unique ways to see it from the water. Boat tours and cruises in Groningen give you a fresh perspective on the city’s maritime charm—whether it’s gliding along the Oosterhaven or enjoying a drink on a floating terrace. We’re particularly fond of the Terrace Boat Experience, which combines the fun of a boat ride with the comfort of a bar—perfect for a relaxed afternoon. Plus, the flexible cabriolet roof means you stay dry or soak up the sun as you please, making it a top pick for good weather days.
If you prefer a shorter trip or a more casual vibe, the 1-hour Terrace Boat Experience delivers a quick, enjoyable glimpse of the city’s waters. Both tours highlight Groningen’s maritime history, with stops at the Oosterhaven and the iconic Groningen Central Station. These experiences showcase the city’s mix of old and new, providing a memorable way to explore.
Below, you’ll find a detailed comparison of the two top-rated boat tours in Groningen. Each offers a different flavor of water-based sightseeing—one with ambiance, the other with convenience—so you can pick the one that matches your style and schedule.
1. Groningen: Terrace Boat Experience with a Cozy Bar: 1.5 Hours
This 1.5-hour floating terrace combines the fun of a boat trip with the comfort of a cozy bar, making it a standout experience in Groningen. With a 5.0/5 rating from 29 reviews and a reasonable price of around $22.51 per person, it offers excellent value. The boat features a cabriolet roof that you can open on sunny days for unobstructed views of the sky or close quickly if the weather turns, ensuring comfort no matter the forecast.
This tour emphasizes relaxation and scenic views. You’ll pass by the Oosterhaven, a harbor teeming with historic and modern ships, and see the Groningen Central Station, an architectural gem built in 1896 with neo-Gothic and Renaissance Revival details. The stop at the station offers a chance to appreciate its ornate façade and stained glass windows. During the cruise, the floating terrace offers a unique perspective on Groningen’s lively waterfront.
What makes this experience special is its balance of scenic sightseeing and comfort. You can enjoy drinks from the onboard bar, which features a variety of beverages, including options for vegetarians, vegans, and those with gluten-free needs. The reviews highlight how the friendly crew, cozy atmosphere, and flexibility with the weather make it a top choice. One reviewer even called it “the perfect Groningen on water experience.”
Bottom Line: If you want a relaxed, scenic cruise with the option to enjoy drinks and take in the city sights from a floating terrace, this tour hits the sweet spot.
2. Groningen: Terrace Boat Experience with a Cozy Bar: 1 hour
At just an hour long and costing about $17.20 per person, this shorter cruise offers a condensed version of the more extensive experience. It’s ideal for travelers who want a quick but engaging water tour, especially if time is tight. Like the longer version, this boat features a folding roof that can be opened or closed in moments, letting you enjoy the scenery and refreshments regardless of weather.
This tour still covers the key sights—the Oosterhaven and Groningen Central Station—giving you a taste of the city’s maritime charm without a major time commitment. It emphasizes sightseeing with refreshments, including bar snacks and drinks, making it perfect for those looking to relax on the water without dedicating too much time.
The reviews emphasize the value for money and the friendly atmosphere, with one reviewer praising how “the cozy ship and atmosphere make for a perfect water experience.” Its shorter duration is perfect for families, quick layovers, or travelers who prefer a more casual approach to sightseeing.
Bottom Line: For those seeking a short, enjoyable cruise with drinks and easy access to major sights, this tour offers a good balance of relaxation and efficient sightseeing.
How to Choose
When deciding between these two Groningen boat tours, consider your available time, budget, and what kind of experience you’re after. The 1.5-hour experience is better suited for those who want a relaxed, immersive experience with more time to enjoy the scenery and onboard bar. Meanwhile, the 1-hour cruise offers a quick, enjoyable look at key sights and is perfect if you’re on a tighter schedule.
Both tours highlight Groningen’s maritime character and feature stops at major landmarks like the Oosterhaven and Groningen Central Station. If you’re interested in a more comprehensive ride that feels like a mini cruise, the longer option is ideal. If you prefer something more casual and time-efficient, the shorter cruise still delivers an authentic experience.
Booking early is recommended during the busy summer months or holiday seasons, especially since reviews note how popular these experiences are. Check the weather forecast—both tours have roofs you can open or close, making them flexible for different conditions.
In summary, Groningen’s boat tours offer a fantastic way to see the city from water—whether you prefer the longer, more relaxed floating terrace experience, or the quick, lively bar cruise. For a leisurely afternoon, the 1.5-hour trip is hard to beat, while the 1-hour cruise is perfect for a brief, refreshing outing. Either way, these experiences add a memorable dimension to your Groningen visit—so don’t forget to book early and enjoy your time on the water.
