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Guide
Groningen, Netherlands π³π±
#961
,
Nomad Score:
68%
Essentials
ποΈ City | Groningen is a vibrant university city in the northern Netherlands, known for its cultural diversity and historic architecture. |
π₯ Population | Approximately 230,000 |
π» Internet Speed | Average download speed of 100 Mbps |
πΈ Currency & Banking | 1 EUR β 1.07 USD; Major banks include ING, Rabobank, ABN AMRO |
π° Tap Water | Drinkable |
π Power | 230V, 50Hz, π Type C/E sockets |
πΆ SIM Card | Providers include KPN, Vodafone, and T-Mobile |
π³ Banking for Expats | Revolut, TransferWise, and local banks like ING have options for expats |
π Accommodation | Housing options range from student dorms to rentals via Funda.nl or Pararius.com |
π³ Cashless Friendly | Yes, cards accepted widely in stores and restaurants |
π Short Term Rentals | Airbnb and local services like Interhome offer short-term options |
ποΈ Budget Accommodation | Stay at the Stayokay Groningen hostel or Budget Hotel Nieuw Slotania |
ποΈ Best Area to Stay for Tourists | City Center, near the Grote Markt and Martinitoren |
ποΈ Best Area to Stay for Digital Nomads | Oosterpark and Noorderplantsoen are popular for longer stays, with lots of cafes and coworking spaces |
Working and Networking
π’ Best Coworking Space | CloudNet Groningen offers a comfortable and collaborative working environment. |
β Best Cafe for Work | Cafe de Koffer, known for its laid-back atmosphere and strong coffee. |
πΌ Networking Events | Events hosted by Groninger Forum frequently bring together entrepreneurs and freelancers. |
π₯ Social Events for Expats | Join the Expats Groningen meetup group for various social activities. |
Transportation
π Best Taxi/Ride App | Uber is available, as well as local taxi services like Taxi Groningen. |
π² Bike/Scooter Rental | Services like Felyx provide e-scooter rentals, and bike rentals are available at various shops. |
ποΈ Best Beach Nearby | Borkum Beach is about 1.5 hours away by train and ferry. |
βοΈ Top Regional Airline | Transavia is a popular regional airline connecting to various destinations. |
βοΈ Top International Airline | KLM and Lufthansa provide international flights from Groningen Airport Eelde. |
π£οΈ Highway Access | Access to A7 and A28 highways. |
π Main Train/Transit Hub | Groningen Central Station connects to major cities in the Netherlands. |
π Public Transport Passes | OV-chipkaart system is used for public transport; day passes and monthly subscriptions are available. |
βοΈ Regional Travel | Trains to nearby cities like Leeuwarden and Assen are frequent, as well as bus services. |
Health and Wellness
π₯ Best Hospital | University Medical Center Groningen (UMCG) is the primary healthcare facility. |
π§ Yoga & Wellness Centers | Yogagroningen offers classes and wellness services. |
ποΈ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Basic-Fit and Fitland provide affordable gym options. |
π§Ί Laundry Services | Laundry services available at several laundromats around the city, like Wasstraat Groningen. |
Food and Drink
π± Best Food Delivery App | Thuisbezorgd.nl delivers from a variety of local restaurants. |
π½οΈ Best Local Dish to Try | Try 'Groninger koek', a spiced cake unique to the region. |
π± Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Dasty's offers a great selection of vegetarian and vegan dishes. |
π« Best Dessert Spots | Patisserie Kipp is known for its delicious pastries. |
π Affordable Shopping Spots | Visit the weekly markets at Vismarkt for budget-friendly local produce. |
π E-commerce/Online Store | Bol.com and Coolblue for general shopping. |
π Grocery Delivery | Albert Heijn and Jumbo provide grocery delivery services. |
πΈ Bar/Nightlife Area | The 'Poelestraat' is a popular nightlife area with many bars. |
π» Local Brewery | Brouwerij Martinus offers local craft beer and tours. |
π· Wine Bars | Wijnbar Groningen is a cozy spot for wine lovers. |
π² Street Food Stalls | Visit the Groningen Street Food Festival for various offerings. |
π Popular International Cuisine | Try Eat&Go for a variety of international dishes. |
Culture and Attractions
ποΈ Must-See Landmarks | Martinitoren, the iconic landmark with stunning city views. |
ποΈ Museums & Art Venues | Groninger Museum showcases contemporary and modern art. |
π° Historical Sites | Explore the Der Aa-kerk, a beautiful medieval church. |
π Religious Sites | Synagogue Groningen is notable for its architecture. |
π Annual Events | Noorderzon Performing Arts Festival takes place every August. |
π¨ Cultural Districts | Folkingestraat is known for its artistic vibe and local businesses. |
π Theater Venues | The Stadsschouwburg Groningen hosts various performances. |
ποΈ Local Markets | Daily markets at Vismarkt for fresh produce and local goods. |
πΌ Music Scene | De Oosterpoort hosts concerts and events featuring various artists. |
π¨ Street Art | Explore the street art around the city center, particularly around the city walls. |
π§βπ³ Cooking Classes | Culinary workshops at Kookstudio Groningen. |
π©βπ¨ Art Galleries | Galerie de Vos showcases local artists. |
π°οΈ Historic Buildings | Grunter House is an example of classic local architecture. |
π΄ Local Heritage | Groningen has a rich history as a trading city, reflected in its architecture and culture. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
π Nearby Nature Escapes | Hortus Botanicus is a beautiful botanical garden in the city. |
ποΈ National Parks Nearby | Drentsche AA National Park is accessible within an hour by car. |
π² Cycling/Walking Paths | Explore the picturesque paths along the canals around the city. |
π Scenic Viewpoints | The top of the Martinitoren offers a panoramic view of the entire city. |
π¦ Birdwatching Locations | Lauwersmeer National Park is ideal for birdwatching. |
π₯ Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Blaauwpoort has designated areas for bonfires. |
Other Services and Amenities
π¦ Parcel Delivery Service | DHL and PostNL provide reliable parcel delivery in the city. |
π οΈ Tech Repair Services | iRepair and Fixit offer device repair services. |
π Table Tennis Spots | Check out the ping pong tables at the Groninger Forum. |
π§βπ« Language Classes | Dutch language courses available at the University of Groningen's Language Center. |
π Libraries & Study Spots | The Groninger Forum serves as both a library and study space. |
ποΈ Community Centers | Oude Ebbinge School offers cultural and community activities. |
πΉοΈ Gaming Lounges | GameZone is a popular spot for video gaming enthusiasts. |
π° Casino & Gaming Halls | Holland Casino Groningen located downtown offers gaming experiences. |
Business
π’ Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. β¬3,000 per mΒ² (e.g., 40 mΒ² = β¬120,000) |
π’ Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. β¬2,200 per mΒ² (e.g., 40 mΒ² = β¬88,000) |
π 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. β¬2,800 per mΒ² (e.g., 60 mΒ² = β¬168,000) |
π 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. β¬2,200 per mΒ² (e.g., 60 mΒ² = β¬132,000) |
π‘ 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. β¬2,600 per mΒ² (e.g., 80 mΒ² = β¬208,000) |
π‘ 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. β¬2,100 per mΒ² (e.g., 80 mΒ² = β¬168,000) |
πΌ Corporate Tax | 25.8% |
π΅ Dividend Withholding Tax | 15% |
π¦ Tax System | Residents are taxed on worldwide income. |
π Highest Income Tax Bracket | 49.5% |
π§Ύ VAT | 21% |
π Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, strict rules in place. |
π Property Tax | Yes, based on the property's value. |
π Property Transaction Tax | 2% standard rate for properties. |
π» Attractive Tax System for Digital Nomads | Yes, special provisions for 30% ruling available for expatriates for tax benefits. |