Valentine inspiration, Valentine's Day in Groningen 2026

Feb 4, 2025 • 15 minutes reading time

Valentine’s inspiration, Valentine’s Day in Groningen (2026)

Last updated: January 2026

What if you need some real inspiration to turn February 14 into a day and night to remember? Then keep reading about these romantic Valentine’s Day activities in the city of Groningen.

Valentine’s Day is the perfect opportunity to spend quality time with your loved one and create unforgettable memories. If you’re looking for a romantic getaway, Groningen has plenty to offer. From cozy breakfasts in bed to enchanting walks through hidden courtyards, this vibrant city has all the ingredients for a truly romantic experience. Discover the romantic activities Groningen has to offer and make this Valentine’s Day unforgettable.

5 x things to do with your Valentine in Groningen

Valentine’s bouquet from Bloemenwereld – it may seem obvious, but a beautiful plant or bouquet from Bloemenwereld is always a great idea. Highly recommended, so be sure to visit their website or one of their locations in Groningen: Valentine – Bloemenwereld
Romantic overnight stay in Groningen at the Wellnessboat in Groningen. Surprise your loved one with a wellness night on this stylish and unique boat. From the boat, you can walk straight into the city center, and the parking garage is just a minute away.
Celebrate Valentine’s Day at a romantic restaurant in Groningen, where you can dine cozily and intimately. Some tips: De Kleine Heerlijkheid, Brussels Lof, De Betere Tijden, Bellami's, Da Carlo, Hanasato, Bar Frans and Restaurant Vive La Vie.
Enjoy a great coffee at Black & Bloom, followed by a delicious lunch.

Enjoy a wonderful Valentine’s package at The Market Hotel, including a welcome treat, Valentine’s dinner, a comfortable overnight stay with breakfast, and even the option of late check-out. Check the Valentine’s package here.

Valentine’s Day Groningen 2026: restaurants, activities & romantic stays

Celebrating Valentine’s Day in Groningen in 2026? You’re in the right place. Whether you want to enjoy an extensive dinner together, take a romantic walk, or turn it into a full Valentine’s weekend, Groningen offers plenty of options. In this article, you’ll find concrete and local tips for a successful Valentine’s Day in Groningen.

Around Valentine’s Day, special activities and packages are organized every year. Check the current offer via Valentine’s Day events in Groningen.

Romantic dining on Valentine’s Day in Groningen

For a special evening

Café Lily (Kleine Leliestraat) – Small and intimate restaurant with changing menus and personal service. Due to the limited number of tables, reservations are recommended.

Vive La Vie (Oosterstraat) – French fine dining restaurant with tasting menus and a calm, romantic atmosphere. Budget: €70–90 per person.

Relaxed and accessible

47 Anno Domini (Rademarkt) – Cozy restaurant with an international menu and warm ambiance.

Osteria da Vinci (Turfsingel) – Authentic Italian cuisine without fuss. Homemade pastas and friendly prices.

Noor (Hoogkerk) – Just outside the city. Modern cuisine with seasonal products and plenty of tranquility. Ideal if you want to celebrate Valentine’s Day slightly outside the city center.

Fun activities for Valentine’s Day in Groningen

Romantic walks

Groningen’s city center is compact and perfect for a romantic stroll. Walk from the Vismarkt towards the Aa Church, through the Hortus district, and end in the Noorderplantsoen.

For a quieter route, the courtyard walk is highly recommended. It leads you past hidden almshouses and peaceful courtyards in the heart of the city.

Warm up with a coffee at Black & Bloom or Cappuvino.

Culture & indoor activities

Groninger Museum – Rotating exhibitions in an iconic building. Combine your visit with coffee at the museum café.

Forum Groningen – Perfect in bad weather. Watch a movie together in a luxury theater or enjoy the view from the upper floors.

University Museum – Small-scale, quiet, and free to enter.

Do something active together

Escape room – Solving puzzles together at Escape Hunt Groningen creates teamwork and fun.

Karaoke booths at Wijck – Private karaoke rooms for a light-hearted and fun Valentine’s date.

End Valentine’s Day with a drink

The Happy Traveler Rooftop – Covered and heated rooftop terrace with views over the city.

Bramble – Cocktail bar with an intimate atmosphere, perfect for a nightcap.

Stockroom – Creative cocktails and a cozy ambiance.

Romantic overnight stays during Valentine’s Day in Groningen

Hotels in the city center

The Market Hotel – Modern hotel on the Grote Markt with comfortable rooms and an extensive breakfast. Valentine’s packages are regularly available.

Hotel The Happy Traveler – Known for its heated rooftop terrace, perfect for a romantic weekend.

Hotel Schimmelpenninck Huys – Characterful hotel with a personal atmosphere, within walking distance of the city center.

Unique stays

Suite 30 – Luxury suite with plenty of privacy. View Suite 30.

Wellnessboat De Michiel De Ruyter – Stay overnight on the water with wellness facilities. View wellness boat.

Hotel Watertoren West – Unique hotel in a converted water tower. More information.

Practical tips for Valentine’s Day in Groningen

Book in advance – Restaurants and hotels fill up quickly around Valentine’s Day.
Parking – Paid parking in the city center until 11:00 PM. Parking garages: Westerhaven, Zuiderhaven, and Ossenmarkt.
Budget – Expect €80–150 for dinner and drinks for two.
Weather – February weather can be unpredictable; have an indoor alternative.
Alternative dates – The weekend before or after February 14 is often quieter.

Frequently asked questions about Valentine’s Day in Groningen

What can you do on Valentine’s Day in Groningen?

You can enjoy a romantic dinner, walk through the city center or Noorderplantsoen, visit a museum, go to the cinema together, or plan a full Valentine’s weekend with an overnight stay.

Do you need to reserve restaurants for Valentine’s Day in Groningen?

Yes, reservations are strongly recommended. Popular restaurants are often fully booked weeks in advance.

How much does a Valentine’s Day or Valentine’s weekend in Groningen cost?

Dinner with drinks costs on average €80–150 for two people. With a hotel stay included, a Valentine’s weekend usually starts around €180.

Is Groningen suitable for Valentine’s Day in bad weather?

Absolutely. With Forum Groningen, museums, cinemas, cafés, and restaurants, there are plenty of indoor activities for a successful Valentine’s Day.

Plan your Valentine’s Day in Groningen

Check out all Valentine’s Day events in Groningen, discover more great locations, and easily put together your perfect Valentine’s Day or Valentine’s weekend.

Enjoy Valentine’s Day in Groningen!

Valentine’s tips for a lovely weekend together

Enjoy a cozy breakfast in bed, order from local bakeries
Take romantic walks, especially in the picturesque Prinsentuin
Treat yourselves to a delicious and intimate high tea experience
Indulge in a romantic dinner at enchanting restaurants
Plan a cozy evening with a movie or enjoy cocktails and dancing

Cozy breakfast in bed

Start your Valentine’s Day celebration with a romantic breakfast in bed. Fresh orange juice, crispy croissants, soft-boiled eggs, or heart-shaped pancakes with delicious toppings—this is your chance to show your loved one how much you care. Don’t forget to add a sweet note to express your love and make their heart melt even more. Make it extra special by ordering breakfast from a local bakery in Groningen and a beautiful bouquet from Bloemenwereld.

Enchanting walks

Immerse yourself in the romantic atmosphere of Groningen by taking a walk through the charming city center. Puutje guides you to the most beautiful spots and highlights of the city. With route maps, you can explore this lively city—known for its down-to-earth residents and students, charming streets, cozy squares, and rich history—at your own pace. Discover information about locations along the route via QR codes, enriched with assignments, music, videos, and audio fragments with a Groningen twist.

Or explore dozens of almshouses, moments of silence, and historical forms of charity in the city with this walk that takes you past various courtyards. In the past, these courtyards provided free shelter to the poor, widows, and the sick. Today, some are still inhabited, offering a peaceful escape in the heart of Groningen. You can purchase the booklet at the Tourist Information Point in Forum Groningen.

Located in the heart of Groningen, the Prinsentuin is a true paradise for nature lovers and those seeking a serene setting to spend quality time with their loved ones. This beautifully landscaped garden is one of the purest Renaissance gardens in the Netherlands and offers a peaceful retreat.

On your way to the Prinsentuin, pick up a Valentine’s macaron from Smaakaron to enjoy during your walk. This nearby patisserie specializes in macarons and plant-based macarons with a Brazilian twist. Check out the heart-shaped macarons they make especially for Valentine’s Day.

When the weather is bad, explore Forum Groningen!

Located in the heart of Groningen’s city center, Forum Groningen is a meeting place for those curious about today’s world and tomorrow’s possibilities. Forum aims to surprise and inspire with attractions such as Storyworld, an extensive exhibition space with rotating exhibitions, five movie theaters, the Smartlab, a rooftop terrace with phenomenal views, and a rooftop cinema. For a special romantic atmosphere, we recommend booking tickets for a film in Camera 3 De Luxe, featuring spacious lounge seats perfect for relaxing and cuddling during the movie.

Enjoy a delicious and intimate high tea experience

Enjoy a Love High Tea on Valentine’s Day, for example at Feithhuis. Treat your loved one to a high tea date with a tiered stand full of treats and a wide selection of teas to enjoy together. Make it extra cozy with a Valentine’s cocktail.

Relive your first date

Take a trip down memory lane by reliving your first date together. Return to the same place or activity, reminisce, and even wear the same outfit as back then. After this nostalgic evening, you’ll likely fall in love all over again.

Enjoy a romantic dinner

Treat yourselves to a romantic dinner at enchanting restaurants in Groningen.

Choose an evening of indulgence on Valentine’s Day at Restaurant Bisque, where they turn the evening into a celebration of indulgence for both of you.

For a grand gesture, take your loved one to Restaurant Prinsenhof, where you can dine in the former bedroom of the stadtholder, overlooking the beautiful Prinsentuin (Restaurant Nassau), or make a reservation at the Brasserie. We promise you an unforgettable evening.

The tables are generously spaced for privacy (exactly what you want as a couple), and both the food and service are excellent.

You can also choose the cozy atmosphere of Groningen’s old culinary street, with lively restaurants each offering a unique cuisine, ambiance, and character. Enjoy the intimate courtyard of Via Vecchia or stroll along the promenade at Gedempte Kattendiep. Don’t miss it—it’s an Instagram-worthy location and a true hotspot.

Via Vecchia, perhaps the most romantic street in the city of Groningen.

Wow—get a preview of a fantastic evening! Head to the sky bar NOK at Forum and order a special Valentine’s menu while enjoying spectacular views of the city from the rooftop terrace.

Watch a classic romantic movie

We’ve put together a list of fun romantic films, also perfect to watch on your own if you’re being your own Valentine:

Mamma Mia
Grease
How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days
10 Things I Hate About You
Notting Hill
When Harry Met Sally
Eat, Pray, Love
The Holiday
La La Land
Love Actually
Crazy, Stupid, Love
All Bridget Jones movies
Pretty Woman

Every year around Valentine’s Day, Forum Groningen and Pathé Groningen screen great romantic films. Enjoy an evening full of love, flirts, and a fantastic movie that will warm your hearts.

Enjoy Valentine’s Day in Groningen!

Tuesday, 4 February 2025 | Written by: Overnachten in Stijl

🗓️ Valentijn

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