Groningen: Terrace Boat Experience with a Cozy Bar

Imagine drifting along Groningen’s waterways on a comfortable boat with a friendly crew, a wide selection of drinks, and a flexible roof that opens to reveal the sky — that’s exactly what this Terrace Boat Experience offers. Whether you’re looking for a relaxed outing, a fun group activity, or a unique way to enjoy the city’s scenic waterways, this floating terrace is a charming choice.

We love how this experience combines the laid-back vibe of a terrace with the novelty of being on water, the quality of service from the crew, and its accessibility right near central station. The price point of $17 per person makes it an attractive option for those seeking affordable fun, but it’s worth considering that the trip is relatively short and primarily back-and-forth in front of key sights rather than a full city tour.

This experience is perfect for friends, families, or small groups looking to unwind and socialize in a scenic setting. If you enjoy casual drinks, a cozy atmosphere, and the novelty of floating on water, you’ll find plenty to love here. However, if you’re after a deep dive into Groningen’s history or a longer sightseeing cruise, you might want to explore other options.

Good To Know

• Unique floating terrace with flexible roof for sunny or rainy days
• Affordable price at just $17 per person, offering good value for the atmosphere
• Ideal for groups up to 75 people, perfect for celebrations or casual gatherings
• Friendly crew and cozy ambiance with atmospheric lighting after sunset
• Onboard amenities include a clean toilet and snacks/drinks available at the bar
• Limited sightseeing scope with mostly back-and-forth trips in front of key landmarks

You can check if your dates are available here:

What to Expect from the Groningen Floating Terrace Boat

This experience isn’t a traditional city tour with detailed commentary. Instead, it’s more about enjoying a relaxed, social environment on the water, with the added fun of a bar and the comfort of a modern boat. It’s a chance to unwind and see Groningen from a new perspective — floating just off the city’s main sights.

The Boat & Its Features

The boat itself holds up to 75 guests, making it spacious enough for intimate groups or larger parties. Reviewers mention the friendly, accommodating crew — Joris, in particular, gets a shoutout for making guests feel welcome and at ease. The cabriolet roof is a standout feature, allowing you to soak up the sun when the weather’s perfect, and quickly close up if rain rolls in. This flexibility is especially handy given Dutch weather’s reputation for unpredictability.

Once onboard, you’ll find comfortable seating with soft cushions and atmospheric lighting that kicks in after sunset, creating a cozy vibe. There’s also a clean, accessible toilet, which is appreciated during longer outings or for guests with mobility needs.

The Itinerary & Route

The tour departs from Terrasje Speciaal, just opposite Groningen Central Station — a highly accessible starting point. From there, the boat cruises a route mainly featuring views of the train station and the nearby museum area. It’s more of a scenic water-based social outing than a comprehensive city tour, which is why some reviews note the trip just goes back and forth rather than exploring the city’s canals extensively.

Stop 1: The floating terrace at the station, where guests board the boat, sets the relaxed tone.
Stop 2: The cruise itself offers scenic views of Groningen’s water and surroundings, with the boat often stopping in front of notable landmarks like the train station and museum.
Stop 3: The return trip concludes back at the starting point, completing a loop that lasts between 1 and 3 hours depending on your booking.

The focus is on enjoying the moment — sipping drinks, chatting with friends, and appreciating the water views. As one reviewer put it, “Very nice crew and an excellent way to spend time on a terrasje with friends or see the canals.”

Drinks, Snacks, and Atmosphere

The bar offers a wide selection of drinks, from summer beers and refreshing wines to warm vegetarian snacks. Guests appreciate the quality of the drinks and the relaxed vibe. Reviewers like Kristina noted the staff’s friendliness and excellent service, especially when accommodating late arrivals or last-minute requests.

After sunset, the boat’s atmospheric lighting and cozy seating turn the experience into a charming evening outing. You can sit back, enjoy a drink or snack, and soak in the tranquil water views — a perfect way to unwind after a day of sightseeing or work.

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Food & Extras

While snacks and drinks are pay separately at the bar, the options seem thoughtfully curated for casual enjoyment. Reviewers mentioned enjoying the wine and tapas, making it an ideal spot for relaxed celebrations or small gatherings.

Practical Details for Your Booking

The experience costs around $17 per person, a fair price considering the inclusive atmosphere, views, and onboard amenities. The duration varies from 1 to 3 hours, so checking the available times in advance is advisable. The boat departs from an easily accessible location near Groningen Central Station, with clear directions and signs for easy boarding.

It’s important to note that luggage or large bags are not allowed onboard, and food cannot be brought – snacks and drinks are available at the bar. Male groups exceeding 8 people should contact the provider beforehand to ensure smooth arrangements.

Flexibility & Cancellation

Reservations can be made with “reserve now, pay later” options, adding flexibility to your plans. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours in advance, which is convenient if your plans change unexpectedly.

Authentic Experiences & Review Insights

Reviewers consistently highlight the friendly, attentive crew. Paul commented, “Thanks Joris for having us; it was awesome,” emphasizing the personal touch that makes this trip memorable. Kristina appreciated the excellent service, mentioning how staff went out of their way to accommodate late arrivals.

Some reviewers mention that the trip mainly stays in front of the station and museum rather than exploring the entire city. This focus means the experience is more about relaxation and socializing than sightseeing. Still, the water views and cozy atmosphere make it a worthwhile outing.

One guest remarked, “Very nice crew and an excellent way to spend time with friends,” confirming that the casual, convivial setting is a standout feature. The soft cushions and atmospheric lighting add to the relaxing vibe, especially after sunset.

Who Would Love This Experience?

This floating terrace cruise is ideal for those seeking a laid-back, social experience. It suits small to medium-sized groups celebrating birthdays, meeting friends, or enjoying a casual date. It’s also a fantastic option for company outings or family gatherings.

If you’re after a quick, enjoyable water experience with drinks, snacks, and relaxed scenery, this is a perfect pick. However, those wanting a deep dive into Groningen’s history or extensive sightseeing should explore other guided city tours.

The Sum Up

The Groningen Terrace Boat Experience offers a charming, affordable way to enjoy the city’s waterways from the comfort of a cozy boat with a bar. Its key appeal lies in the flexible roof, friendly crew, and relaxed atmosphere, making it ideal for casual groups and celebrations. Although it doesn’t cover extensive sightseeing, the scenic water views combined with good service make it a memorable part of any trip to Groningen.

If you want a laid-back, friendly environment to sip drinks and enjoy water views, this experience deserves a spot on your itinerary. The excellent reviews speak to its consistent quality and welcoming vibe, so it’s worth considering for your visit.

FAQ

Is this experience suitable for groups?
Yes, the boat has space for up to 75 people, making it perfect for groups, celebrations, or company outings.

Can I change the departure time?
Check the availability for the specific day, as there are fixed times. It’s best to reserve in advance to secure your preferred slot.

Are drinks and snacks included?
No, drinks and snacks are pay separately at the bar. The selection is good, with options like summer beers, wines, and vegetarian snacks.

Where is the boat boarding point?
It’s at the main station of Groningen, to the left of the bridge toward the Groninger Museum. Look for the “Terrasje Speciaal” location on Google Maps.

What’s the weather policy?
The boat has a closed roof for rainy days and an open roof for good weather. It’s suitable for all seasons, thanks to heating in winter.

Is there a restroom on board?
Yes, there is a clean and accessible toilet onboard, adding to the comfort during your trip.

In summary, the Groningen Terrace Boat Experience offers a relaxing and social water-based outing for those who value good service, a cozy atmosphere, and scenic views. It’s especially suited for groups and casual travelers looking to add a fun, different dimension to their visit — all at an accessible price point.

You can check if your dates are available here: