First off, let’s start with where you’ll be doing your beauty sleep.

All artists are sleeping in ‘De Bloemert’. We call it ‘Tune Inn’, but you can’t find that name on the map. (It’s just our little inside joke). This is where your bungalow is and where you can always touch base.

If you’d like to hang out, grab some drinks or network; there’s an artist hangout for you to drop by.

You can find it as our second pinpoint on the map (Brugstraat 24). Our Backstage Bar is open from 12:00 to 22:00. Access is only for artists and press, so if you need to schedule an interview, this is also a great spot.

You’re gonna need a bite to eat if you want to put on (or watch) that show of a lifetime. We’ve created a fine selection for you.

Broodje van Eigen Deeg

Freshly baked sandwiches, pastries and more. You’ll feel like you’ve left Groningen and transcended the space-time barrier to find yourself in a French bakery. PS, all of their dough is home-made by their chef. They’ve got cake, so what are you waiting for?

TOET

Gluten-free lunch and (amazing!) gluten-free cakes. One thing, though, you have to yell ‘TOET’ when you come in, otherwise they won’t serve you. Just kidding. Please don’t yell. But do go and eat there, they have great stuff. It’s not only the best if you’re not a big gluten-fan, it’s an all-round sweet ‘n savory treat.

Mahalo

Organic, locally produced and ethically sourced. Wait, what's that? Oh, it's the water in our mouths. Want mouthwatering food too? You can find it at Mahalo.

Boekhandel Riemer

Boekhandel Riemer is originally a bookstore, but one that has cake. What more could you want? The smell of old books, not-old coffee, hot cocoa and board games. It’s all there. If you need any work done while you’re in Groningen, this is also a great spot.

Mr. Mofongo

Tapas, anyone? Mr. Mofongo has amazing Spanish little bites for you to share. (Or not share. Joey doesn’t share food. IYKYK.)

De Olijfboom

Greek restaurant and canteen for De Olijfboom has amazing pita’s, mousaka’s, feta bites and more. If you can’t sit down, they do takeaways as well.

Mr. Dam

Vietnamese restaurant Mr. Dam shows up with amazing banh mi, rice noodles, salad rolls or fried noodles.

De Uurwerker

PIZZA! A casual vibe and your money’s worth of food can be found at De Uurwerker.

Mr. Mofongo

If you’ve had your lunch elsewhere, Mr. Mofongo is also your guy for dinner. Tapas is simply the best. No lies were told.

YammY

Fun fact; this place has a robot delivering your food. Only that is already worth the visit. It’s close to the Oosterpoort venue, so very easy access if you’re around. YammY is an all-you-can-eat Korean BBQ restaurant.

Gustatio

One of the best Italian places in town is Gustatio. It has gluten-free, vegan and vegetarian options.

Wereldburgers

Burgers! Need we say more? Yes, also gluten-free, vegan and vegetarian available at Wereldburgers.

Block & Barrels

A place where pub and restaurant meet. They serve an amazing selection of craft beer and beautiful steaks. Very local, very sustainable.

't Koetshuys

3-, 4-, 5- or even 6-course meals prepared for you on the spot at ‘t Koetshuys. But don’t let that fool you - it’s a very homey and casual vibe.

't Pannekoekschip

A staple in Groningen! A ship where you can eat traditional pancakes. Or not so traditional, if you’re into that. Mix ‘n match and go crazy at ‘t Pannekoekschip. Gluten-free, vegan and vegetarian options are available.

‘t Zwarte Schaap

Old school diner. Their card changes regularly, and they’ve got an authentic chef looking to make your evening something special. If you’re not looking for special, they’ve always got staples such as sate, spare ribs, mixed grill, fish risotto and more available to you.

Het Concerthuis

If you need something fast, go to Het Concerthuis. Its location is very central, so you’ll be close to all venues.

Pacific Buzz, beer & BBQ

G’day mate! You’ve probably figured: this is an Australian restaurant. If something exotic is your jam, go for Pacific. Last year they had snake. Yes. Snake.

Graansilo

And now for the category ‘fancy diners’. In case you want to impress a label manager, artist or just your neighbour. Graansilo is the first. They’re there to make your taste buds go: “Whaaaattttt?”

Hanasato

Another one in the category ‘fancy’. It’s the only restaurant that cooks according to the wordly known (and UNESCO acknowledged) Washoku style. A typical washoku meal incorporates five colors: red, green, yellow, white, and black. Try ‘n catch ‘em all.

Vive la Vie

Lastly, Vive la Vie does private dining or if you’re not going private - a surprise menu every day.

De Hoek / or / Friet van Piet

Well, we can’t put out an artist guide without telling you about Groningen’s world-famous snack, can we? We’re of course talking about the eierbal. We’re not going to tell you what it is, you’ll just have to experience it for yourself (if you haven’t already heard about it).

Le Souk

This is your spot if you’re looking for vegan baklava. Le Souk has all sorts of Northern-African or Mediterranean snacks.

Droppie

Our lower lands are most famous for a couple of things, among which tulips, wooden shoes, syrup waffles AND liquorice. The best liquorice are yours for the taking at Droppie. Besides liquorice, they’ve got vegan treats, amazing candy and arab gum.

Frietwinkel

Simple. The best skin-on fries in town.

If you want to cool down after a/your hot show, this is where you’ll find the best drinks and cosiest vibes.

Café Bistro Kult

Alternative café with cocktails and a day menu. There will be showcases, so pick your times to hang out wisely.

Rooftop bar at the Happy Traveler

This hotel is designed for the ones with a big travel heart. The breakfast bar features airplane seats and you’ll find little easter eggs about different countries everywhere. The best part: their rooftop bar is open to anyone.

O'Malley's

As the name states, this is your classic Irish pub. No fuss, no muss.

Kroeg van Klaas

If you’re looking for a drink close to the Oosterpoort venue, Kroeg van Klaas is your go-to.

Café de Prins

Groningen’s home for the LGBTQ+ community. The ideal place to celebrate, meet new friends, dance and have a drink.

Chaplin's Pub

On their website, you can read up on 21 useless things to discuss and make you look interesting in the pub. It’s a fun pub, celebrated for its playfulness.

Tasting Room MOUT

MOUT has a lot of expertise in-house! They pride themselves (rightfully so!) on their craft beer and know everything there is to know about the liquid gold.

Café Knarie

An unmissable café in Groningen! Just go and find the yellow bird wearing sunglasses and you’ll have the time of your life.

If you need a smoke, there’s a few coffee shops that are rated best by the experts. Yes, you’re in the land of legality.

Metamorphose

They've got a bar and everything. A place to relax and unwind.

De Vliegende Hollander

Funny, because in Dutch, this name means 'The Flying Dutchman'. We all know who'll be flying after a visit to this one. It's you.

De Driemaster

A time travel back to the 80s. Easygoing and a small (but very cosy) smoking area.

De Medley

High quality weed, hash and more and since their redesign one of the cosiest around town.

If you or your team needs a bit more quiet for working, we’ve got you covered with the perfect white noise.

Forum

This public building has a library, cinema, expo and more all in one. It’s a quiet space with tons of little nooks for you to get some work done.

Boekhandel Riemer

While Riemer is great for coffee and cake, it’s also a nice work spot to enjoy some fresh beans and books.

Up for some sightseeing while you're here? Groningen has a lot in store for you.

Remonstrants Gasthuis

If you need a quiet place, there’s tons of beautiful gardens and courtyards to visit for free. The one mentioned here, is called ‘Rozenhof’, because it features gorgeous roses blooming in spring.

The roof of Forum

One of the main sights of Groningen! Climb to the roof and watch the pretty city lights. There’s a little café (NOK) where you can sit and enjoy the view. You can also watch a movie or visit an art expo as well.

Klinkhamer

Antique store with lots of great records and vintage curiosities.

Elpee

A partner from VERA (one of the venues in Groningen) where lots of big bands have played. Their records can be found in Elpee. Besides Elpee, there’s tons of record stores: Plato, Klinkhamer, Magic Buzz and Swingmaster. If you want to go for a spur of the moment gig, Plato has some amazing artists lined up.

Martinitoren

Another climbing tower. Apparently we like climbing in Groningen. It’s one of the staples and if you ever get lost around town, just look for the Martini tower and you’ll be on your way. It’s the highest tower in town, so prepare for some amazing views.

Noorderplantsoen

GREENERY! We need the trees to stay alive, might as well pay them some attention, why don’t you. Noorderplantsoen is a great public garden that feels like a forest, in which you can get lost for a short (or long) while.

Prinsentuin

Last but not least, another (smaller) green place you can visit. It’s right in the center of town, making room for a little breather.

ESNS Art

We all know, art is not just music. (But music is art). In addition to music, there’s a wide range of art during your time in Groningen. Visual arts, performing arts, literature and more: it’s all there. Check the ESNS Art website for all locations.

If you think we’ve only got you covered for your time in Groningen, you’re wrong. Sorry. But you are. Cue Chappell Roan saying “You know I hate to say, ‘I told you so.’”. OK we’re getting a little off track here. Back to… your future! Eurosonic Noorderslag is a platform rooted in creating career opportunities for artists. We’ve set up some programs for you to help you grow after your performance at ESNS.

European Talent Exchange

Exchange is a network of 130 partner festivals (such as Coachella, Sziget, Glastonbury, Electric Castle, Lowlands, Primavera Sound, Reeperbahn Festival and The Great Escape) and 31 media partners. It’s the root of ESNS and helps artists like yourself who’ve played ESNS to be booked and promoted across and beyond Europe. Exchange enables you to gain increased visibility in the music industry, attracting attention from labels, promoters, and media. Our partners are all present during ESNS, so get crackin’ and meet some of them!

Music Moves Europe Awards

The MME Awards are a European Union Prize for emerging artists. The award ceremony is always held during ESNS and awards were previously won by Dua Lipa, Stromae, girl in red, Fontaines D.C., Christine and the Queens, Disclosure, Charlotte Adigéry, CMAT, ROSALÍA, Adele, Sigrid, Hozier, Naaz, Zaho de Sagazan, The Haunted Youth and many more. Often, the awards marked the start of their career. There’s a committee that will nominate you, based on data from Soundcharts, recommendations of music professionals and career development. So, no worries - you don’t have to apply! They’ll find you.

Analytics

What if we told you, your data can be accessible for FREE? Yes, it’s true. And this is not a sales pitch, it’s just something we’re incredibly proud of, as it helps artists tremendously. We’ve worked with partners such as Soundcharts and DME to provide you insights into your streams, socials, airplay and more. A good start for your strategy. It’s called Analytics and you’ll have free access to it when you’ve played Eurosonic. Have a look!