ADDITIONAL LEARNING & CONNECTING
Welcome to the DAD experience! To help you expand both your expertise and professional network, we offer a range of complimentary* supplemental programming alongside our outstanding courses at the Developing Across Differences Learning Lab & Community Week.
Our lineup of additional activities are all carefully curated to enhance the DAD experience. They include**
- Reception & Topical Session (Tuesday)
- Canal Cruise (Wednesday)
- Drinks with Faculty (Thursday)
**All activities are subject to change.
*The supplemental programming is included for all DAD participants without any additional costs, except “buy your own” drinks and snacks during the cruise and drinks with faculty and the cruise ticket.
Kindly indicate which additional programming you plan to join.
You are warmly welcome to join all supplemental activities to enhance your stay. Your reply now allows us to make arrangements accordingly. That said, we understand that plans may change closer to the time of our event; just let us know if you need to make an adjustment.
PS – Don’t forget to check out our Groningen Insider Info for tips to explore the city and beyond during your free-time.
Whether you’re looking to consolidate insights gained in the workshops, connect with individuals who share your interests, explore new topics, or simply have fun discovering this part of The Netherlands, we have options for you.
INSIDER INFO ABOUT GRONINGEN
Mike Nike's tips and our local team will help you feel at home.
IDD INSIDER INTELL + LOCAL INFO
Mike Nike Windmüller was the 2022 DAD coordinator while she completed her Master’s degree at the University of Groningen.
Although she’s now traveling the world, having been a full-time “Groninger” during her studies, she’s shared her recommendations—for best lunch spots, parks and outdoor activities, cultural opportunities, hidden gems, and more.
Here’s what Mike Nike recommends to help you enjoy the city like a local during your free time.
ART, MUSIC & CULTURAL INSTITUTIONS
- Known both for its colorful architecture and its local and international modern and contemporary art collections, the Groninger Museum is a summertime favorite.
- I’ve lived right on the water and suggest that you take a boat tour around the Grote Canal to peek into all my houseboat friends’ living rooms.
- Take a self-guided walking or bike tour to understand Groningen’s dark past concerning the history of slavery. Explore what this means related to the city’s past, present and future.
- The Groninger Forum, a beautiful new “Library+,” is A MUST NOT A JUST! You can make a quick visit…or spend a whole day in there, work, eat, drink, read in the library, visit an exhibition or catch a film in the cinema. And don’t forget to enjoy the view of Groningen (including the famous Martini Tower) from the beautiful rooftop.
RESTAURANTS & CAFÉS
- Make sure to visit the Vismarkt on a Saturday to get THE BEST cake at the Taarterie de Dis stall in front of Claudia Sträter store- everyone who knows me, knows this is my absolute favourite and I might bump into you while you’re there.
- Folkingestraat for North African and Mediterranean yum go to the most beautiful shop Le souk.
- Or feel like at your Dutch mom’s kitchen when having cake at Toet (TOET het TOETjesparadijs)– sweet spot for people watching or a domino match upstairs?
- Dutch Sweets at Droppie (usually all families’ most appreciated (though sometimes scary when liquorice) souvenirs).
- Cheese, please! Plenty of vegan treats, too, at De Kaasboetiek Cheese Shop.
OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES & PARKS
- Hidden Theology Faculty Garden – Hidden behind an austere exterior are the beautiful inner gardens at the University – it’s a great place for a quiet lunch break.
- University Library terrace – There are lots of cafes for a coffee, tea or something stronger and you’re right next to the school where students come and go on their bikes.
- City Beach at the DoT Groningen – Yes! you can actually swim…plus grab a bite to eat, catch a film, or dance with DJs and live music.
- The canal around A-brug – This is a great place to start with a bike ride along the canal to circle the heart of the Groningen.
- Noorderplantoen Park – Located where the ancient city walls are, you can chill out here in the sun to people watch or take a jog around the pond.
EVENING & NIGHTLIFE HOTSPOTS
- The rooftop of the Groninger Forum gives you a view of the city and beyond. Enjoy a nightcap or your evening coffee + free views…or even catch a film at the Rooftop Patio Cinema.
- For drinks, get lost in the biggest but coolest bar(s) – there are actually three of them – in the famous Drie Gezusters just off the Grote Markt marketplace.
- If performing arts are your thing, you have LOTS to choose from: Rock out at Stadspark concert venue (folk rock and “anarcho-punkmetal” band The Levellers will be in town this year) or check out the Noord Nederlands Orkest orchestra for chamber music or contemporary dance at the heritage Stadsschouwburg or “Grande Dame” theatre.
- Staying on in NL after the Learning Lab? You might want to check out the Hungry Wolf (Hongerige Wolf) Festival happening immediately afterward. Set in a, yep, sheep field!, you can see emerging talent in music, dance, theatre, film, visual art and literature.
SHOPPING & LOCAL TREATS
- Grote Markt (Great Market) and Vismarkt are the centre of town and generally the spot where you get all you need to live like a local.
- Vismarkt (Fish Market) runs three times a week and offers “crazy cheap” veggies, fruits, plants, etc. and, of course, fish!
Souvenir shopping is done at Folkingestraat –don’t miss the hidden door opposite the Synagoge Groningen and ask synagogue staff to reveal its special story.
- If you like vintage and all things second-hand, go to Oosterstraat. Mamamini is the most famous “kringloop” (thriftshop) and is a general life saver for students or those new to the city. You can get everything for your home, garden, wardrobe, etc. here very affordably AND you support a good cause with your donation or purchase.
SHOPPING & LOCAL TREATS
- Grote Markt (Great Market) and Vismarkt are the centre of town and generally the spot where you get all you need to live like a local.
- Vismarkt (Fish Market) runs three times a week and offers “crazy cheap” veggies, fruits, plants, etc. and, of course, fish!
Souvenir shopping is done at Folkingestraat –don’t miss the hidden door opposite the Synagoge Groningen and ask synagogue staff to reveal its special story.
- If you like vintage and all things second-hand, go to Oosterstraat. Mamamini is the most famous “kringloop” (thriftshop) and is a general life saver for students or those new to the city. You can get everything for your home, garden, wardrobe, etc. here very affordably AND you support a good cause with your donation or purchase.