Groningen boat terrace: 1.5-hour cruise with bar

Cruise Groningen's canals from a floating terrace, roof open to the sky

A 1.5-hour boat tour of Groningen departing from Oosterhaven with a cabriolet roof you can open or close, an onboard bar serving drinks and snacks, and views of the Groninger Museum and Central Station. The guide speaks English and Dutch. WiFi and a restroom are included.

Step-by-step itinerary

Boat trip with drinks and views

• Board the floating terrace boat
• Enjoy views with cabriolet roof open
• Relax with drinks and snacks at bar
• Use onboard toilet if needed
• Experience heating if winter
• Disembark after 1.5 hours

The experience

The boat leaves from Oosterhaven, the charming harbor on the edge of Groningen's city center where historical and modern ships are moored. You board a vessel with a cabriolet roof: open it on clear days for an unobstructed view of the sky, or close it if rain arrives. In winter, heating keeps the cabin warm. The 90-minute route passes the Groninger Museum, a striking contemporary building with a golden tower and colorful pavilions designed by Alessandro Mendini and Philippe Starck, and Groningen Central Station, the 1896 neo-Gothic landmark with ornate turrets and stained glass inside. You'll also see the Peerd van Ome Loeks, a bronze statue near the station depicting a horse from local folklore.

An onboard bar stocks drinks starting at €3 and hot snacks from €8.50, including vegetarian and vegan options. The staff can accommodate dietary restrictions if you let them know when you board. WiFi is available throughout the cruise, and a clean, accessible restroom is on board. A live guide in English or Dutch narrates the route. Infants sit on an adult's lap. Service animals are welcome.

What’s included

• Onboard bar with drinks and snacks.
• WiFi.
• restroom access.
• live guide in English or Dutch.
• cabriolet roof you can open or close.
• heating in winter.

Before you book

Days and timesSaturdayDepartures at 15:00 and 18:30

Book up toStart time

AgesAdult (4 and older) · Infant (under 4): free

GroupUp to 60

Live guideEnglish and Dutch

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated today

Good to know

Easy physical levelPets welcomePublic transport nearbyInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Bootje Speciaal B.V.

Is this one for you?The boat's fixed 1.5-hour schedule fits easily into a morning or afternoon in Groningen without dominating your day, and the open-roof design means you choose whether to stay sheltered or catch the sun as the city passes.

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Top questions

What languages is the guide in?

Live guide in English and Dutch.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Infant (under 4): free.

What is the Groninger Museum and why does it stand out along the water?

The Groninger Museum is a contemporary art building opened in 1994, designed by multiple renowned architects including Philippe Starck. Its exterior is a bold mix of shapes, colors, and materials (including a golden tower and brightly colored pavilions) making it visually distinctive as the boat passes along the Verbindingskanaal.

Can I open the roof if the weather is nice?

Yes. The boat has a cabriolet roof you can open on sunny days for an unobstructed view. If unexpected rain arrives, it closes quickly to keep you dry and comfortable.

What drinks and food are available on the boat?

An onboard bar serves summer beers, refreshing wines, and warm snacks. Drinks start at €3, and hot snacks from €8.50. Vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options are available. Tell the staff about dietary needs when you board.

Is there WiFi and a restroom on the boat?

Yes, WiFi is included throughout the cruise, and a clean, accessible restroom is on board.