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Partycafe de Doos

About

If you are looking for a place where energy runs high and the music doesn't stop until morning, then Partycafe de Doos is exactly what you need. Located in the vibrant city of Groningen, this nightclub represents a classic example of a Dutch "party café" (feestcafé). It is not just a bar, but a true space for unbridled fun, popular among both local students and tourists.

Partycafe de Doos. Source: Kupi.com Binoculars

The venue is renowned for its relaxed atmosphere and friendly staff. The interior is usually designed in the style of a traditional pub but with disco elements, creating a coziness that quickly turns into a dance marathon. It is an excellent spot to experience the nightlife that the Netherlands is so proud of.

People don't come here for exquisite tastings in silence, but for emotions, loud songs, and dancing on tables. Partycafe de Doos is perfect for those who want to blow off steam after a long day of sightseeing and simply have a good time in the company of cheerful people.

Contacts

To help you plan your visit, the essential contact information for the venue is provided below. Partycafe de Doos is located in the very center of the city, making it easily accessible for tourists.

Address Gelkingestraat 11, 9711 NA Groningen, Netherlands
Type of establishment Nightclub / Bar

What to Do

The main activity at Partycafe de Doos is, without a doubt, dancing and having fun. The musical repertoire here varies from modern pop hits to traditional Dutch schlagers that the entire local crowd knows by heart. Don't hesitate to join the chorus: the atmosphere here is so friendly that you will quickly feel like one of the locals.

Visitors can enjoy a wide selection of drinks at the bar. Be sure to try the local draft beer or traditional Dutch jenever. The bartenders here often put on small shows when serving drinks, which adds a special drive to the evening. This is a great place to down a glass or two in a noisy company.

Furthermore, this establishment is an excellent venue for socializing. It is easy to make new acquaintances with locals and university students here. The openness and positive attitude of the guests encourage conversation, so many tourists come here specifically for lively interaction and immersion in Groningen's authentic party culture.

Getting There

Getting to Partycafe de Doos is quite simple, as the venue is located in the very heart of the city. If you are in the center, the best option is a walk. The club is situated on Gelkingestraat, which adjoins the main market square, Grote Markt. Just follow the lively crowds of people, especially in the evening.

For those arriving by public transport, the nearest bus stop is at Grote Markt or Zuiderdiep. From there, it is just a few minutes' walk to the entrance. Groningen is famous for its compactness, so many bus routes pass through this central hub.

If you prefer the comfort of a taxi, the driver can drop you off at the nearest street accessible to traffic, for example, on Gedempte Zuiderdiep, as Gelkingestraat itself may be partially pedestrianized or congested during peak hours. From the drop-off point, you will only have to walk literally a couple of hundred meters.

History & Facts

The street Gelkingestraat, on which the establishment is located, is one of the oldest in the city and has a rich history dating back to the Middle Ages. In the past, houses of wealthy citizens and trading shops were located here, while today it is the epicenter of nightlife. The building itself, which houses Partycafe de Doos, has likely seen the passing of many eras before becoming a modern party spot.

The concept of a "partycafe" (or "feestcafé") is a unique part of Dutch entertainment culture. These are places where the line between a bar and a club blurs, and the musical repertoire often consists of popular Dutch hits and international pop music that encourages dancing and sing-alongs. Partycafe de Doos upholds this tradition, serving as an important attraction point for the local student community.

Groningen is known as the "youngest city" in the country due to the huge number of students, and it is precisely such establishments that shape its legendary atmosphere. There is no strict curfew for closing bars here, which historically contributed to the development of a vibrant nightlife, of which this venue has become a part.

Time Needed

The time spent at Partycafe de Doos depends entirely on your mood and plans for the evening. If you stopped by just to have a glass of beer and assess the atmosphere, 40–60 minutes might be enough. This is sufficient time to feel the local flavor and move on.

However, if you plan to fully immerse yourself in the nightlife, visitors often spend from 2 to 4 hours here. The atmosphere of fun, dancing, and socializing with new people can captivate you for the whole night, especially on weekends when the fun here is in full swing.

Working Hours

Opening hours for Partycafe de Doos may vary depending on the day of the week and the season. Typically, such establishments in Groningen open their doors closer to the evening and operate until late at night or even early morning, especially on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday.

We strongly recommend checking the current schedule on the venue's official social media page or Google Maps before your visit. This will help you avoid disappointment and plan the perfect night.

Nearby

Exploring the surroundings of Partycafe de Doos will allow you to dive deeper into the city's atmosphere. Since the club is located in the historic center, significant architectural monuments and interesting places are located literally a few steps away, which are worth visiting before the party starts or the next day.

Attraction Type Distance (km)
Geertruidsgasthuis Historic site 0.2
Calmershuis Historic site 0.3
Akerk Historic site 0.4
Voormalig Koninklijke Theodorus Niemeyer B.V. Historic site 1.1
Suikerterrein, Groningen Historic site 2.1
Former Sugar Factory Historic site 2.2
Voormalig Rooms Katholiek Ziekenhuis (Groningen), 'RKZ' Historic site 2.4
Ballorig Groningen Amusement park 3.2
D. van Houten Import-Export BV Aquarium 3.9
Voormalig Strokartonfabriek "Solidus voorheen De Halm" Historic site 4.1

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