The Vismarkt is a historic fish market in the city of Groningen, Netherlands. It is located on the eastern side of the Aa canal, opposite the Grote Markt. The Vismarkt dates back to the 15th century, when it was established as a place for fishermen to sell their catch. The market is still active today, offering a variety of fresh and smoked fish, seafood, cheese, nuts, fruits and vegetables.
You can walk around the Vismarkt stalls and enjoy the sights, smells and sounds of the lively trade. You can also buy some fish or other products to take home or eat on the spot. The market is open from Tuesday to Saturday, from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm.
To get to the Vismarkt, you can take a bus, a bike or a car. The nearest bus stop is Grote Markt, which is served by several lines. You can also rent a bike from one of the many bike shops in the city and cycle along the canal. If you drive a car, you can park in one of the nearby parking garages, such as Ossenmarkt or Damsterdiep.
Some tips for visiting the Vismarkt are:
- Bring some cash, as not all vendors accept cards.
- Try some of the local specialties, such as herring, eel or kibbeling (fried fish nuggets).
- Bargain with the sellers if you want to get a good deal.
- Watch out for seagulls and pigeons that may try to steal your food.
If you want to learn more about the history and culture of the Vismarkt, you can join one of the guided tours that are offered by various organizations. For example, you can book a tour with Groningen City Guides, who will show you around the market and tell you interesting stories and facts. You can also join a food tour with Hungry Birds, who will take you to different stalls and let you taste some of the delicious products.
Some of the things to see at the Vismarkt are:
- The Korenbeurs, a neoclassical building that was once used as a grain exchange and now houses a supermarket.
- The Waagstraat complex, a modern architectural ensemble that includes a public library, a court house and a synagogue.
- The Aa church, a Gothic church that dates back to the 13th century and hosts concerts and exhibitions.
- The fish sculpture, a bronze statue of a fish that symbolizes the market’s identity.
Some of the prohibitions at the Vismarkt are:
- Do not litter or leave your waste behind.
- Do not feed or disturb the animals.
- Do not smoke or drink alcohol in public.
- Do not block or interfere with the vendors or customers.
