Groningen, The Netherlands

The most exciting city in the north Netherlands, GRONINGEN comes as something of a surprise in the midst of the province's quiet, rural surroundings. Hip, streetwise fashions, a cosmopolitan feel and thriving student life imbue the city with vigour. Competitively priced restaurants dish up exotic curries and fresh falafel alongside the standard Dutch staples, and the arts scene is vibrant, particularly during the academic year. Virtually destroyed during the Allied liberation in 1945, Groningen is now a jumble of arts and architectures: from traditional canal-side townhouses to colourful Art Deco tile work parading along the upper facades of the shopping streets. Groningen's canal forms a moat encircling the compact city centre, making all the main sights in easy walking distance from each other.