From a crucial center of trade that rose to prominence in the early 13th Century, to an urbane metropolis with a burgeoning youth population, Groningen brims with Medieval charm and big city ambitions. Slicing through this city’s tree-lined historic depths are a tapestry of canals that instill a sense of tranquil in the otherwise bustle of the city. Its rich Medieval past is represented in monumental examples of architecture that dominate its scenic skyline, from the iconic church tower Martinitoren, to the church of Martinikerk. At the heart of this canal-lined city is a beautiful, sun-splashed square, the Grote Markt, a significant cultural hub that tourists and locals throng to after sundown. The University of Groningen hosts a diverse student population, contributing to an ever-growing appetite for arts and culture that is depicted in its famous museums, its theater and concert venues, and an ebullient nightlife that continues till wee hours of the morning.