Travel

Polya Pencheva: The best clubs for partying in Groningen

Partying is part of every student’s life. Regardless of whether you’re a student or not, clubbing is a way to relax, have a little bit of fun with friends and forget about the routine of being a fully functioning adult during the week. As one of the Netherlands’ most famous university towns, Groningen offers clubs – some incredibly famous – packed with international students … and this is their charm and biggest draw.

The chances of meeting amazing people and having unforgettable experiences will bring out the party animal in you. Let’s visit some of the best clubs in Groningen where you can hang out during the weekend and have some great time.

Copas

Copas is my personal favourite place in Groningen to go out with friends and the No. 1 club because of the music and the vibe it gives off. The décor gives a pleasant vibe, and the bartenders are just as happy as the customers.

Another special thing about Copas is the international team that works there and the community of international people that is visiting.

The music most of the time is reggaeton, which brings all Spanish music lovers there. Also, every now and then they organise salsa nights for those who know their steps.

This is the best place to go CRAZY dancing during the weekend, and I almost forgot to mention that during the week there is a student night which gathers people from all Groningen University study groups together.

Sunny Beach

While Sunny Beach is close to Copas and they often give similar vibes, rather than Latin music, Sunny Beach focuses on pop. However, on the occassional Monday, they also organize Bulgarian parties with Bulgarian music targeting a specific group of people in town.

Nachtcafe Warhol

Inspired by Andy Warhol, Warhol is the ultimate place to go to if you’re partying with a big group of people and can’t really make a decision on the type of music to listen to. It has two floors and it is spacious enough for dancing, gathering of big groups and having fun even if the music is not your thing. The drinks are impeccable.

Fun is guaranteed!

Dua Lipa at Vera (Wikipedia)

Vera

Vera is the club to go to if you’re a fan of bands and concerts. Quite regularly they have people performing, attracting huge crowds enjoying the live music. In fact, since 1980, some of the most famous bands and performers in the world have been on the stag here including U2, Joy Division, Simple Minds, Nick Cave, Henry Rollins, Sonic Youth, Soundgarden, Slayer, Nirvana, Pearl Jam, Weezer, The White Stripes, Franz Ferdinand and Dua Lipa.

Vera is one of the international clubs and quite often you can meet new people with whom you can enjoy the music. While more of a concert venue, Vera has a movie night and four concerts every week.

So, this is the perfect place for anyone who’s up for some live music and watching a movie somewhere besides your couch.

Café Donovan’s

Donovan’s was actually the first club I went to in Groningen back in the autumn of 2016.

I barely have memories of it, but I remember it was a crazy night full of dancing with people I didn’t know at all.

Nowadays, you can book the club for private parties to celebrate for instance receiving a diploma or getting older. In addition, there is a VIP lounge where you’ll have your own waiter. In brief, Donovan’s is the best place to go to if you want to enjoy some nice music, move your hips or want to organize an event for yourself or a friend.

Palace

Previously known as Kokomo, Palace is a spacious club with two floors, which allows for optimal dancing space and room for special events. To be honest, this is one of the most spacious clubs I have ever visited here. The music is mostly pop but, depending on the DJ, you may hear something different.

Frankly, if you’re planning to go out with a big group of friends, I believe Palace is your place to go because of the space and the music which is most likely to be to everyone’s liking.

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Read more from Polya about Groningen here in Dispatches’ archives.

Polya Pencheva
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Polya Plamenova Pencheva is a young Bulgarian journalist based in Groningen, Netherlands. Polya holds a Master's degree in journalism from Rijksuniversiteit Groningen and loves writing and telling the untold stories of interesting people. You can find her dining at cute café, shopping at markets, scouting second-hand shops or just chillin' at home with something great to read.

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