What Central Park is to New York and Hyde Park to London, the Noorderplantsoen is to Groningen. Sooner or later during your stay in Groningen you’ll bump into this well-laid out park. This so-called 'northern public garden' once functioned as the city’s original defensive system, but today its a peaceful oasis. At the end of the 19th century the fortifications became obsolete and were transformed into the current English -style park. It’s hard to imagine that only two decades ago the heart of this park was traversed by a busy road. All vehicles are now banned so you can enjoy this central green zone and its Art Nouveau bandstand. On sunny days the earthen walls next to the ponds become public sunbathing areas and the Noorderplantsoen is also a popular venue for outdoor events.