When you think of going on a city break to the Netherlands, the first place everyone thinks of is Amsterdam. It's not surprise, with it’s pretty canals, cobbled streets and crazy party side, but I want to tell you about another city, that is Holland’s best kept secret…

Groningen is probably not a place most people would have heard of, let alone planned to visit - but with cheap flights direct from my hometown at London Southend Airport with FlyBe, how could I say no? With no queues and a dash through security in under ten minutes, you can be settled in at Bourgee’s new airport bar sipping pre-flight cocktails without the stress and hassle of most other airports! The perfect start to any trip, am I right?

One of my best friends (hey babe!) moved to Groningen a few years ago and probably like you, I had never heard of the place but now, I am totally in love… literally I would go back this weekend. If I had to describe Groningen in one sentence, I would say the city is like Amsterdam’s classier cousin – extra prettiness and less sleaziness. And no, it doesn’t mean the city is totally boring, in fact, Groningen is home to largest pub is Europe and full of amazing, quirky bars across the whole city.

After a quick flight of just over an hour, the city is about 20 minutes drive away. I stayed in my friends BEAUTIFUL and insanely quirky house but there is an equally beautiful hotel right next door that I would recommend called Miss Blanche. Miss Blanche is a really cool and quirky hotel that offers a range of individually designed suites and apartments right on the canal - take a look at their website to get an idea!

Here are my MUST do things that will persuade you to visit this hidden gem!

1.     Take a Boat for a Ride on the Lake @ De Rietschans

Perfect for gorgeous weather this summer, head down to the lake! It is about 20 minutes drive from the town centre and well worth it. De Rietschans is a lake-side bar and a-la-carte restaurant that also allows you to hire a boat for the morning/afternoon!

The boat hire was absolutely amazing and comes with a gorgeous picnic for lunch complete with nuts, sandwiches, snacks and drinks. We also took a couple of bottles of champagne with us…. Because what is boating without a little fizz?! Just don’t try and fit under bridges that you are definitely not going to be able to do!!

Two hours on the boat is €70 and four hours is €100 and can fit up to 8 people. Plus, afterwards you can head to the bar and have a refreshing Aperol Spritz in the sun!

2. Eat at Paviljoen Van De Dame

I literally felt like I was in Ibiza visiting this place! Sat right on the lake, the décor is modern and fresh, along with a huge outside area and a rooftop terrace. The food is absolutely delicious – I cannot recommend the sharing bread enough! It comes out fresh from the oven which is just heaven when paired with their pesto dip.

Watching the sunset over the lake, glass of pink fizz in hand, it really was a perfect evening - whether you are with your friends or partner. The only thing to be aware of before you go is the menus are in Dutch because it isn’t a popular tourist destination, but everyone speaks amazing English and they are more than happy to talk you through the menu if you get stuck!

The food choice was huge, ranging from Asian inspired pork satays, to sushi and fine cuts of beef. There is something for everyone and the atmosphere and venue just make for a great evening on the lake.

3. Drink at The Three Sisters pub

Don’t get me wrong, there is loads of cute pubs and bars in Groningen city but you HAVE to go for a drink at The Three Sisters, even if its just to marvel at the sheer size of the place! This pub is the largest in Europe and has over 20 bars inside – it is absolutely mad.

There is a huge outdoor area as-well but I really love sitting inside just to take in how big it actually is…. TWENTY BARS. Can you actually imagine how much alcohol is stocked in that place with TWENTY DIFFERENT BARS!!!

4. There is places to go for a girls weekend OR a couples trip!

I think one of the great things about this place is that there is something for everyone. Groningen is actually a ‘student’ city but to be honest, you wouldn’t really know it. I suppose it is the same as going to any city in the UK that also has a university!

If you are going for a girls weekend and after a few drinks fancy going somewhere a bit on the different side, then head to Chupito’s shot bar. Forgot Vodka Revolution or any other shot bar you have ever been too because this place is INSANE. From shots named after my favourite film, Harry Potter to shots you have to climb on the bar to have, they have the biggest selection of weirdest, amazing and cool shots. You can imagine how fun it is to stand at bar watching everyone’s orders take place!

If that sounds a little bit crazy for you and you are heading away for a couples weekend, there is a really pretty place on the canal called Café De Sigaar. This is just one of the cute places along the canal – perfect for watching the boats go past and sipping on a glass of wine.  

5. Visit the ‘Venice of Holland’

This is about an hour drive away from Groningen but if you are going, it is totally worth the drive. Nicknamed the Venice of Holland, this little Dutch town is a village without roads and everyone gets around by boat.

If you visit, you will have to leave your car outside the village and get a boat in. You can then hire a canal boat and explore the water ways! You can park up your boat and jump out for a spot of lunch and enjoy the amazing surroundings.

Honestly, I think Groningen is a great city! Plus, the fact I have the perfect tour guide in someone who lives there, I know these tips are spot on and will serve you well if you decide to visit.

So, for just a £70 return flight from London Southend Airport, have I convinced you to go and visit Holland’s best kept secret?!