GRONINGEN AFTER DARK.

Groningen is the student capital of the north, and it behaves like one: a large share of residents are under 25, and the nightlife is far bigger than a city of this size has any right to expect. It sits far enough off the main routes to feel like a small country of its own. Inside the compact, walkable medieval centre you get late-night bars, a proper club scene and a modest red-light quarter.