Art Galleries in Groningen

Pictura (Sint Walburgstraat 1), the art society's gallery by the Grote Markt; Wikivoyage points gallery-crawlers to the Oude Kijk in 't Jatstraat.

Historic Buildings in Groningen

The Goudkantoor (Waagplein 1, built 1635, now a cafe) and the Academiegebouw (Broerstraat 5), the university's historic heart with its stained-glass aula.

Local Heritage in Groningen

Gronings Ontzet on 28 August - fireworks and music for the 1672 defeat of bishop 'Bommen Berend'; locals call the city Groot Loug (big village) and themselves Stadjers.

Music Scene in Groningen

Vera (Oosterstraat 44), the underground club where Nirvana, Pearl Jam, Sonic Youth and the White Stripes played, and Simplon (Boterdiep); Paradigm050 leads the techno scene.

Must-See Landmarks in Groningen

The Martinitoren on the Grote Markt (3 euro to climb, city-wide view) and the postmodern Groninger Museum island opposite the station (adults 15 euro, Tue-Sun 10:00-17:00).

Museums & Art Venues in Groningen

Groninger Museum (Museumeiland 1) for contemporary art; the Forum (Nieuwe Markt 1) with the Storyworld comics-and-games museum, an art-house cinema and the library inside.

Historical Sites in Groningen

Hoge der A and Lage der A, the canal streets lined with medieval warehouses, and the Prinsentuin, the Renaissance garden by the Martinikerkhof.

Religious Sites in Groningen

The Martinikerk at the Martinikerkhof by the Grote Markt, and Sint Jozefkathedraal (Radesingel 2), the neo-Gothic cathedral of the Groningen-Leeuwarden diocese.

Annual Events in Groningen

ESNS (Eurosonic Noorderslag) every January - Europe's biggest showcase festival on stages across the city - and Noorderzon, the music and performing-arts festival in the Noorderplantsoen, in August.

Cultural Districts in Groningen

The Ebbingekwartier between the station and the centre - city beach at DOT, The Social Hub and creative studios - and the Folkingestraat with its small shops from the Korenbeurs to the museum bridge.

Theater Venues in Groningen

Stadsschouwburg on the Turfsingel, the 1883 main theatre, and the Grand Theatre on the Grote Markt; Martiniplaza is the big modern hall and arena south of the centre.

Local Markets in Groningen

Grote Markt and Vismarkt week markets on Tuesday, Friday and Saturday; the Good Friday Bloemenjaarmarkt is the north's biggest flower market.

Nearby Nature Escapes in Groningen

The Noorderplantsoen, the park laid out on the old city ramparts, and the Paterswoldsemeer lake south of the city with beaches, marinas, boat rental and Beachclub Kaap Hoorn.

National Parks Nearby in Groningen

National Park Lauwersmeer, the former sea inlet beyond Lauwersoog - a bird paradise and a Dark Sky Park for ten years in 2026; the Drentsche Aa valley is the nearer walking alternative.

Cycling/Walking Paths in Groningen

One of the world's great cycling cities - around 60% of trips are by bike - with guarded bike parking, rain-sensor traffic lights and signposted junction routes out through the Reitdiep polders.

Scenic Viewpoints in Groningen

The Forum's rooftop terrace (Nieuwe Markt 1) is freely accessible, with a panorama over the city and province.

Birdwatching Locations in Groningen

National Park Lauwersmeer brands itself the bird paradise of the former sea floor (this autumn: bearded reedlings in the reeds) and doubles as a Dark Sky Park.

Bonfire-Friendly Spots in Groningen

No public bonfire spots: lighting a fire in a public place is banned, and any exception has to be written into the municipality's local ordinance.

Parcel Delivery Service in Groningen

PostNL delivers to the door, to parcel lockers and to pickup points; a PostNL account stores your delivery preferences.

Tech Repair Services in Groningen

MediaMarkt, Westerhaven 48-50, with a second store at Sontplein 3c, is the big electronics retailer for kit and its service desk.

Language Classes in Groningen

The University of Groningen Language Centre runs Dutch for non-native speakers - group and individual courses plus a free beginners MOOC; UG and Hanze students get 25% off group courses.

Libraries & Study Spots in Groningen

The Forum at Nieuwe Markt 1 is the central public library, stacked through the cultural tower with reading floors and the rooftop.

Community Centers in Groningen

EdanZ, in the De Hoogte district, is a neighbourhood garden and community space.

Gaming Lounges in Groningen

De Purperen Draak (Nieuwe Ebbingestraat 86a) is the board-game and toy shop that supplies game nights.

Casino & Gaming Halls in Groningen

Holland Casino Groningen, Roskildeweg 4 by Sontplein.

Studio Purchase Price (City Center) in Groningen

Centrum district homes averaged about 5,837 euro per m2 in November 2026 (index estimate, no bedroom-count split); a 40 m2 studio at that rate is about 233,000 euro.

Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) in Groningen

Nieuw-Oost, the city's cheapest district at about 3,779 euro per m2 in November 2026; a 40 m2 studio there is about 151,000 euro.

1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) in Groningen

At the Centrum average of about 5,837 euro per m2 (November 2026), a 60 m2 one-bedroom is about 350,000 euro.

1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) in Groningen

At Nieuw-Oost's about 3,779 euro per m2 (November 2026), a 60 m2 one-bedroom is about 227,000 euro.

2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) in Groningen

At the Centrum average of about 5,837 euro per m2 (November 2026), an 80 m2 two-bedroom is about 467,000 euro.

2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) in Groningen

At Nieuw-Oost's about 3,779 euro per m2 (November 2026), an 80 m2 two-bedroom is about 302,000 euro.

Corporate Tax in Groningen

19% on taxable profit up to 200,000 euro and 25.8% above (2026, unchanged since 2023).

Dividend Withholding Tax in Groningen

15% on distributions, with a withholding exemption for qualifying participations of 5% or more.

Tax System in Groningen

Residents are taxed on worldwide income. Box 1 (work and home, foreign income included) runs 35.75% to 38,883 euro, 37.56% to 78,426 and 49.50% above in 2026, the first bracket carrying 27.65% national-insurance premiums.

Highest Income Tax Bracket in Groningen

49.50% on Box 1 income above 78,426 euro in 2026.

21% standard; a 9% reduced rate for listed goods and services, food among them; some supplies at 0% or exempt.

Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules in Groningen

Yes. Undistributed interest, dividends and royalties from a foreign company in a designated state (no profit tax, or under 9%, or on the EU non-cooperative list) are added to Dutch profit when the Dutch company holds more than 50%.

Property Tax in Groningen

Home owners pay OZB on the WOZ value; Groningen's average total municipal charges are about 1,268 euro a year, of which OZB is about 687.

Property Transaction Tax in Groningen

2% for a main home; 0% for qualifying starters under 35 on a home worth at most 555,000 euro (2026); 8% for a home that is not your main residence; 10.4% for other property.

Attractive Tax System for Digital Nomads in Groningen

No digital-nomad visa and no nomad tax regime. The 30% ruling is employee-only: recruited from abroad, 2026 salary above 48,013 euro (36,497 under 30 with a master's), up to 30% of pay tax-free capped at 78,600 euro, for at most 5 years.

Groningen, Province of Groningen, Netherlands. The 'capital of the north': the largest city in the north of the country, home to the University of Groningen (founded 1614) and Hanze University of Applied Sciences.

Population in Groningen

244,807 residents in the municipality on 1 January 2025, about 557,000 in the metro area; students are an estimated 25% of the population, making it the country's demographically youngest big city.

Internet Speed in Groningen

5G from all Dutch carriers since July 2022, with cable and fibre across the city; the costs file benchmarks household internet at Ziggo cable, 200 Mbit/s.

Currency & Banking in Groningen

Euro (EUR). The country-prep ECB rate for this run: on 19 October 2026, 1 EUR = 1.1225 USD, about EUR 0.8909 per US dollar.

Tap Water in Groningen

Safe to drink. Waterbedrijf Groningen supplies the city and says Dutch tap water is always of the highest quality; non-potable supplies are signed.

230 V, 50 Hz, Type C and Type F plugs (Europlug and Schuko).

SIM Card in Groningen

Register a prepaid SIM with a passport or ID. Odido Prepaid Start is 10 euro with 10 euro of credit (0.10 per MB, 0.20 per minute, 0.15 per SMS, 1 GB free on first top-up); the Combi M bundle is 15 euro a month. Vodafone sells 5 and 10 euro starters including eSIM, and a KPN 3-in-1 SIM is 4.99 euro.

Banking for Expats in Groningen

bunq opens a Dutch personal account in its app (free plan, paid plans from 3.99 euro a month); a full bank account needs a BSN. Day-to-day payment is contactless, including OVpay check-in on buses.

Accommodation in Groningen

Pararius lists about 123 rentals: rooms in shared flats at 570-785 euro a month and two-room flats at 979-1,490 euro total.

Cashless Friendly in Groningen

Very. Qbuzz buses take no cash at all - check in with a bank card, credit card or phone - and most shops are contactless, some card-only.

Short Term Rentals in Groningen

The Social Hub Groningen (Boterdiep 9) combines hotel rooms with student-style longer stays and meeting space. City Hotel (Gedempte Kattendiep 25) has doubles from 60 euro and the Martini Hotel from 64.50.

Groningen Digital Nomad Guide - Tips & Local Information

Researched Updated Nov 6, 2026 Last changed Nov 14, 2026 About guide entries

Culture and Attractions

Art Galleries: Pictura (Sint Walburgstraat 1), the art society's gallery by the Grote Markt; Wikivoyage points gallery-crawlers to the Oude Kijk in 't Jatstraat. 39 2
Historic Buildings: The Goudkantoor (Waagplein 1, built 1635, now a cafe) and the Academiegebouw (Broerstraat 5), the university's historic heart with its stained-glass aula. 2
Local Heritage: Gronings Ontzet on 28 August - fireworks and music for the 1672 defeat of bishop 'Bommen Berend'; locals call the city Groot Loug (big village) and themselves Stadjers. 1 2
Music Scene: Vera (Oosterstraat 44), the underground club where Nirvana, Pearl Jam, Sonic Youth and the White Stripes played, and Simplon (Boterdiep); Paradigm050 leads the techno scene. 1 2 55
Must-See Landmarks: The Martinitoren on the Grote Markt (3 euro to climb, city-wide view) and the postmodern Groninger Museum island opposite the station (adults 15 euro, Tue-Sun 10:00-17:00). 2
Museums & Art Venues: Groninger Museum (Museumeiland 1) for contemporary art; the Forum (Nieuwe Markt 1) with the Storyworld comics-and-games museum, an art-house cinema and the library inside. 2
Historical Sites: Hoge der A and Lage der A, the canal streets lined with medieval warehouses, and the Prinsentuin, the Renaissance garden by the Martinikerkhof. 2
Religious Sites: The Martinikerk at the Martinikerkhof by the Grote Markt, and Sint Jozefkathedraal (Radesingel 2), the neo-Gothic cathedral of the Groningen-Leeuwarden diocese. 2 53 54
Annual Events: ESNS (Eurosonic Noorderslag) every January - Europe's biggest showcase festival on stages across the city - and Noorderzon, the music and performing-arts festival in the Noorderplantsoen, in August. 1 2
Cultural Districts: The Ebbingekwartier between the station and the centre - city beach at DOT, The Social Hub and creative studios - and the Folkingestraat with its small shops from the Korenbeurs to the museum bridge. 2 50 10
Theater Venues: Stadsschouwburg on the Turfsingel, the 1883 main theatre, and the Grand Theatre on the Grote Markt; Martiniplaza is the big modern hall and arena south of the centre. 1 2
Local Markets: Grote Markt and Vismarkt week markets on Tuesday, Friday and Saturday; the Good Friday Bloemenjaarmarkt is the north's biggest flower market. 2

Nature and Outdoor Activities

Nearby Nature Escapes: The Noorderplantsoen, the park laid out on the old city ramparts, and the Paterswoldsemeer lake south of the city with beaches, marinas, boat rental and Beachclub Kaap Hoorn. 2
National Parks Nearby: National Park Lauwersmeer, the former sea inlet beyond Lauwersoog - a bird paradise and a Dark Sky Park for ten years in 2026; the Drentsche Aa valley is the nearer walking alternative. 34 2
Cycling/Walking Paths: One of the world's great cycling cities - around 60% of trips are by bike - with guarded bike parking, rain-sensor traffic lights and signposted junction routes out through the Reitdiep polders. 2
Scenic Viewpoints: The Forum's rooftop terrace (Nieuwe Markt 1) is freely accessible, with a panorama over the city and province. 2
Birdwatching Locations: National Park Lauwersmeer brands itself the bird paradise of the former sea floor (this autumn: bearded reedlings in the reeds) and doubles as a Dark Sky Park. 34
Bonfire-Friendly Spots: No public bonfire spots: lighting a fire in a public place is banned, and any exception has to be written into the municipality's local ordinance. 33

Other Services and Amenities

Parcel Delivery Service: PostNL delivers to the door, to parcel lockers and to pickup points; a PostNL account stores your delivery preferences. 36
Tech Repair Services: MediaMarkt, Westerhaven 48-50, with a second store at Sontplein 3c, is the big electronics retailer for kit and its service desk. 56 57
Language Classes: The University of Groningen Language Centre runs Dutch for non-native speakers - group and individual courses plus a free beginners MOOC; UG and Hanze students get 25% off group courses. 38
Libraries & Study Spots: The Forum at Nieuwe Markt 1 is the central public library, stacked through the cultural tower with reading floors and the rooftop. 2
Community Centers: EdanZ, in the De Hoogte district, is a neighbourhood garden and community space. 37
Gaming Lounges: De Purperen Draak (Nieuwe Ebbingestraat 86a) is the board-game and toy shop that supplies game nights. 35
Casino & Gaming Halls: Holland Casino Groningen, Roskildeweg 4 by Sontplein. 40

Business

Studio Purchase Price (City Center): Centrum district homes averaged about 5,837 euro per m2 in November 2026 (index estimate, no bedroom-count split); a 40 m2 studio at that rate is about 233,000 euro. 41
Studio Purchase Price (Outside City): Nieuw-Oost, the city's cheapest district at about 3,779 euro per m2 in November 2026; a 40 m2 studio there is about 151,000 euro. 41
1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center): At the Centrum average of about 5,837 euro per m2 (November 2026), a 60 m2 one-bedroom is about 350,000 euro. 41
1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City): At Nieuw-Oost's about 3,779 euro per m2 (November 2026), a 60 m2 one-bedroom is about 227,000 euro. 41
2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center): At the Centrum average of about 5,837 euro per m2 (November 2026), an 80 m2 two-bedroom is about 467,000 euro. 41
2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City): At Nieuw-Oost's about 3,779 euro per m2 (November 2026), an 80 m2 two-bedroom is about 302,000 euro. 41
Corporate Tax: 19% on taxable profit up to 200,000 euro and 25.8% above (2026, unchanged since 2023). 43
Dividend Withholding Tax: 15% on distributions, with a withholding exemption for qualifying participations of 5% or more. 44
Tax System: Residents are taxed on worldwide income. Box 1 (work and home, foreign income included) runs 35.75% to 38,883 euro, 37.56% to 78,426 and 49.50% above in 2026, the first bracket carrying 27.65% national-insurance premiums. 42
Highest Income Tax Bracket: 49.50% on Box 1 income above 78,426 euro in 2026. 42
VAT: 21% standard; a 9% reduced rate for listed goods and services, food among them; some supplies at 0% or exempt. 45
Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules: Yes. Undistributed interest, dividends and royalties from a foreign company in a designated state (no profit tax, or under 9%, or on the EU non-cooperative list) are added to Dutch profit when the Dutch company holds more than 50%. 49
Property Tax: Home owners pay OZB on the WOZ value; Groningen's average total municipal charges are about 1,268 euro a year, of which OZB is about 687. 41
Property Transaction Tax: 2% for a main home; 0% for qualifying starters under 35 on a home worth at most 555,000 euro (2026); 8% for a home that is not your main residence; 10.4% for other property. 46 47
Attractive Tax System for Digital Nomads: No digital-nomad visa and no nomad tax regime. The 30% ruling is employee-only: recruited from abroad, 2026 salary above 48,013 euro (36,497 under 30 with a master's), up to 30% of pay tax-free capped at 78,600 euro, for at most 5 years. 48

Essentials

City: Groningen, Province of Groningen, Netherlands. The 'capital of the north': the largest city in the north of the country, home to the University of Groningen (founded 1614) and Hanze University of Applied Sciences. 1
Population: 244,807 residents in the municipality on 1 January 2025, about 557,000 in the metro area; students are an estimated 25% of the population, making it the country's demographically youngest big city. 1
Internet Speed: 5G from all Dutch carriers since July 2022, with cable and fibre across the city; the costs file benchmarks household internet at Ziggo cable, 200 Mbit/s. 2
Currency & Banking: Euro (EUR). The country-prep ECB rate for this run: on 19 October 2026, 1 EUR = 1.1225 USD, about EUR 0.8909 per US dollar. 4
Tap Water: Safe to drink. Waterbedrijf Groningen supplies the city and says Dutch tap water is always of the highest quality; non-potable supplies are signed. 6
Power: 230 V, 50 Hz, Type C and Type F plugs (Europlug and Schuko). 3
SIM Card: Register a prepaid SIM with a passport or ID. Odido Prepaid Start is 10 euro with 10 euro of credit (0.10 per MB, 0.20 per minute, 0.15 per SMS, 1 GB free on first top-up); the Combi M bundle is 15 euro a month. Vodafone sells 5 and 10 euro starters including eSIM, and a KPN 3-in-1 SIM is 4.99 euro. 5 51 52
Banking for Expats: bunq opens a Dutch personal account in its app (free plan, paid plans from 3.99 euro a month); a full bank account needs a BSN. Day-to-day payment is contactless, including OVpay check-in on buses. 7 14
Accommodation: Pararius lists about 123 rentals: rooms in shared flats at 570-785 euro a month and two-room flats at 979-1,490 euro total. 8
Cashless Friendly: Very. Qbuzz buses take no cash at all - check in with a bank card, credit card or phone - and most shops are contactless, some card-only. 14 2
Short Term Rentals: The Social Hub Groningen (Boterdiep 9) combines hotel rooms with student-style longer stays and meeting space. City Hotel (Gedempte Kattendiep 25) has doubles from 60 euro and the Martini Hotel from 64.50. 9 10 2
Budget Accommodation: Simplon Youth Hotel (Boterdiep 73) has bunks from 18.50 euro; Bud Gett Hostel (Rademarkt 3-3a) has dorm beds from 25 euro and private doubles from 55. 2
Best Area to Stay for Tourists: The Binnenstad inside the canal ring: Grote Markt, Vismarkt, the Martinitoren and the museum by the station are all a short walk apart. 2
Best Area to Stay for Digital Nomads: Anywhere inside the canal ring keeps everything walkable; the Noorderplantsoen edge is the quieter cafe belt. Pararius lists shared rooms around 570-785 euro a month. 2 8

Working and Networking

Best Coworking Space: Werkplek050, Hereplein 4, a four-minute walk from the station: flex desk 95 euro a month excluding VAT with 24/7 member access. Launch Cafe (Herestraat 106) is the coworking address inside the main shopping street. 11 12
Best Cafe for Work: Black & Bloom, on the Oude Kijk in 't Jatstraat, is the specialty-coffee bar; the Forum's library floors (Nieuwe Markt 1) are the quiet fallback. 13 2
Networking Events: Werkplek050 runs networking and afterwork sessions for its members; the Forum programmes public events year-round; ESNS turns the whole city into a music-industry conference every January. 11 2 1
Social Events for Expats: The Pacific (Oosterstraat 65) is the expat meeting pub, with O'Malley's Irish pub next door. 2

Transportation

Best Taxi/Ride App: Uber and Bolt operate in the Netherlands, but in Groningen you mostly book a local firm by phone or app; an Eelde-airport ride costs 25-30 euro. The 2026 national maximums are 4.31 euro to start, 3.17 per km and 0.52 a minute. 3 2 18
Bike/Scooter Rental: Swapfiets, Oude Ebbingestraat 36: the Original city bike is 19.90 euro a month and the 7-speed Deluxe 23.90 (repairs and theft replacement included), e-bikes from 64.90. NS rents OV-fiets bikes at the station through your OV-chipkaart. 16 17 2 15
Best Beach Nearby: The city beach by DOT on the Ebbingekwartier side of the centre; for a real coast, the bus to Lauwersoog and the ferry to Schiermonnikoog island. 2 50
Top Regional Airline: Groningen Airport Eelde (GRQ), south of the city near Eelde, is a small leisure airport: SkyAlps starts Bolzano flights (new in 2027), BBI Travel flies to Kerry and Knock in Ireland, and holiday routes serve Antalya, Burgas, Gran Canaria, Crete and Scandinavian Mountains. 19
Top International Airline: KLM and the other long-haul carriers are reached through Amsterdam Schiphol, a direct train ride of about 2 hours 10 minutes. 2 3
Highway Access: The A7 runs east-west (Friesland and Zaandam west, Winschoten and Germany east); the A28 runs south via Assen, Zwolle and Amersfoort to Utrecht. 1
Main Train/Transit Hub: Groningen Hoofdstation (Stationsplein), with the main bus station beside it; Europapark and Groningen Noord are the two smaller stations. 1 2
Public Transport Passes: Qbuzz city buses (including the Q-Link expresses) take OVpay bank-card check-in at the plain OV-chipkaart fare - there is no monthly city pass. NS Flex Dal Voordeel is 6.35 euro a month for off-peak train discounts. 14 15
Regional Travel: Direct NS trains to Amsterdam (about 2 hours), Schiphol, The Hague and Rotterdam; Arriva runs the line to Leeuwarden (about 35 minutes) plus commuter trains to Delfzijl, Winschoten and Veendam. 1 2

Health and Wellness

Best Hospital: UMCG (University Medical Center Groningen), Hanzeplein 1, one of the largest hospitals in the country; emergencies 112, general line 050 361 61 61. Martini Hospital is the second city hospital. 20 2
Yoga & Wellness Centers: Open Yoga, Zuiderkerkstraat 10 just north of the centre, is the dedicated yoga studio. 22
Gyms & Fitness Centers: Basic-Fit runs six clubs - Vismarkt 27A, Westerhaven 64 (24/7) and Antillenstraat 7 (24/7) among them - with unlimited training from 24.99 euro per 4 weeks; TrainMore is at Oude Ebbingestraat 54. 21 23
Laundry Services: AKO Wasserette, on the Westersingel at the Schildersbuurt side of the canal ring, is a self-service launderette. 24

Food and Drink

Best Food Delivery App: Thuisbezorgd.nl (Takeaway.com): about 325 restaurants and shops deliver across the Groningen postcodes. 25
Best Local Dish to Try: The eierbal, a deep-fried croquette around a whole egg - Groningen's answer to the Scotch egg, sold at snackbars (the FEBO automatiek stands on the Vismarkt corner) - and Groninger worst, air-dried pork sausage. 2
Vegan/Vegetarian Options: Herbivoor (Gedempte Zuiderdiep 59), an organic vegan salad bar that also does burgers and soups, and Blabla (Nieuwe Boteringestraat 9), the vegetarian-vegan restaurant. 2
Best Dessert Spots: Toet, Gedempte Zuiderdiep 85, is the dessert cafe; the Oude Kijk in 't Jatstraat is the street Wikivoyage names for the best cake in town. 26 2
Affordable Shopping Spots: Week markets on Grote Markt and Vismarkt (Tuesday, Friday, Saturday) for food and street food, with the Ommelander Markt of local producers on Harmonieplein every second Saturday; Lidl and Aldi are the cheap supermarket chains. 2 3
E-commerce/Online Store: Amazon.nl runs the Dutch storefront with iDEAL checkout. 27
Grocery Delivery: Picnic delivers free through its app from a 45 euro minimum order; Albert Heijn and Jumbo are the everyday supermarket chains. 28 3
Bar/Nightlife Area: Poelestraat and Peperstraat south-east of the Grote Markt, spilling onto Grote Markt and Vismarkt; downtown bars have no fixed closing hours and Thursday to Saturday are the student nights. 1 2
Local Brewery: Baxbier brewery and taproom, Friesestraatweg 201-2a west of the centre. 32
Wine Bars: Barrel (Haddingestraat 27), the Italian-style enoteca, and Wijnkelder 't Huys van Groningen (Oosterstraat 53). 2
Street Food Stalls: Fish stalls on the Vismarkt for kibbeling and haring; the FEBO automatiek at Vismarkt 1 for an eierbal at any hour. 2
Popular International Cuisine: Konbu Jiro (Oosterstraat 11a) for ramen, Imono (Gelkingestraat 18) for sushi, Kohinoor van India (Oostersingel 112) for north-Indian. 29 30 31

About these guide entries

Method: Researched
Last updated: Nov 6, 2026
Last changed: Nov 14, 2026

Checked against the sources below and compared with similar cities. Numbers in the list point to these sources.

Wikipedia: Groningen (population, transport, culture)Reference
Wikivoyage Groningen travel guideSecondary
Wikivoyage Netherlands (power, supermarkets, e-hailing)Secondary
ECB euro reference rates; country prep rate of 19 October 2026, 1 EUR = 1.1225 USDOfficial
Odido Prepaid: 10 euro starter with 10 euro credit; Combi M 15 euro a monthOfficial
Waterbedrijf Groningen: Dutch tap water is always of the highest qualityOfficial
bunq personal account opened in the appOfficial
Pararius rentals Groningen: 123 listings, rooms 570-785 euro, 2-room flats 979-1,490 euroListings
The Social Hub Groningen: hotel rooms, student stays and eventsOfficial
OSM: The Social Hub, Boterdiep 9Reference
Werkplek050, Hereplein 4: flex desk 95 euro a month excluding VATListings
OSM: Launch Cafe coworking, Herestraat 106Reference
OSM: Black & Bloom coffee bar, Oude Kijk in 't JatstraatReference
Qbuzz buses: check in with a bank card (OVpay)Official
NS 2026 fares: Flex Dal Voordeel 6.35 euro a monthOfficial
Swapfiets Original 19.90 euro a month, Deluxe 7 23.90Official
OSM: Swapfiets store, Oude Ebbingestraat 36Reference
2026 maximum taxi tariffs: 4.31 start, 3.17 per km, 0.52 per minuteOfficial
Groningen Airport Eelde destinations, including SkyAlps Bolzano from 2027Official
UMCG visiting address Hanzeplein 1; emergencies 112Official
Basic-Fit Groningen: six clubs, unlimited training from 24.99 euroOfficial
OSM: Open Yoga, Zuiderkerkstraat 10Reference
OSM: TrainMore, Oude Ebbingestraat 54Reference
OSM: AKO Wasserette launderette, WestersingelReference
Thuisbezorgd.nl Groningen, about 325 delivering partnersOfficial
OSM: Toet dessert cafe, Gedempte Zuiderdiep 85Reference
Amazon.nl Dutch storefrontOfficial
Picnic FAQ: delivery is free and starts from a 45 euro orderOfficial
OSM: Konbu Jiro, Oosterstraat 11aReference
OSM: Imono, Gelkingestraat 18Reference
OSM: Kohinoor van India, Oostersingel 112Reference
OSM: Baxbier Brouwerij, Friesestraatweg 201-2aReference
Police: fires on public land are banned unless the local ordinance allowsOfficial
National Park Lauwersmeer: bird paradise and Dark Sky ParkOfficial
OSM: De Purperen Draak toys and games shop, Nieuwe Ebbingestraat 86aReference
PostNL parcel delivery, lockers and pickup pointsOfficial
OSM: EdanZ community garden, De HoogteReference
University of Groningen Language CentreOfficial
OSM: Pictura gallery, Sint Walburgstraat 1Reference
OSM: Holland Casino, Roskildeweg 4Reference
Huiswaardemeter November 2026: Centrum 5,837 euro per m2, Nieuw-Oost 3,779, average OZB 687 a yearIndex
Belastingdienst Box 1 tariffs 2026Official
Belastingdienst corporate tax: 19 and 25.8 percentOfficial
Belastingdienst dividend tax 15 percentOfficial
Belastingdienst VAT: 21 standard, 9 reducedOfficial
Belastingdienst transfer tax 2026: 2, 0, 8 and 10.4 percentOfficial
Starters transfer-tax exemption: under 35, home value cap 555,000 euroOfficial
Belastingdienst 30 percent ruling 2026: salary test and 78,600 euro capOfficial
Belastingdienst CFC rules: designated states, more than 50 percentOfficial
OSM: DOT building, VrydemalaanReference
Vodafone prepaid: 5 and 10 euro starters including eSIMOfficial
KPN prepaid: 4.99 euro 3-in-1 SIM, no eSIMOfficial
OSM: Martinikerk, MartinikerkhofReference
OSM: Sint-Jozefkathedraal, Radesingel 2Reference
OSM: Vera club, Oosterstraat 44Reference
OSM: MediaMarkt, Westerhaven 48-50Reference
OSM: MediaMarkt, Sontplein 3cReference

Change history

Nov 14, 2026
- Grocery Delivery Picnic (app-based), Albert Heijn (ah.nl), Crisp Picnic delivers free through its app from a 45 euro minimum order; Albert Heijn and Jumbo…
- Gyms & Fitness Centers Basic-Fit (Westerhaven, approx. €25/month), TrainMore (Munnekeholm 1) Basic-Fit runs six clubs - Vismarkt 27A, Westerhaven 64 (24/7) and Antillenstraat 7 (24/7)…
- Highest Income Tax Bracket 49.5% for income over €75,518 (2024/25 rates) 49.50% on Box 1 income above 78,426 euro in 2026.
- Highway Access Connected via A7 (East-West) and A28 (South to Utrecht/Amsterdam) The A7 runs east-west (Friesland and Zaandam west, Winschoten and Germany east); the A28…
- Historic Buildings Goudkantoor (Gold Office, 1635), Academy Building (Rijksuniversiteit Groningen) The Goudkantoor (Waagplein 1, built 1635, now a cafe) and the Academiegebouw (Broerstraat…
- Historical Sites Hoge der A (most photographed canal side), Prinsentuin (Renaissance garden) Hoge der A and Lage der A, the canal streets lined with medieval warehouses, and the…
42 more changes
- Internet Speed High-speed fiber widely available, average 150-300 Mbps; public Wi-Fi 'Groningen-Fiets' in… 5G from all Dutch carriers since July 2022, with cable and fibre across the city; the…
- Language Classes University of Groningen Language Centre (Oude Kijk in 't Jatstraat 26) The University of Groningen Language Centre runs Dutch for non-native speakers - group and…
- Laundry Services The Laundry (Nieuwe Ebbingestraat 45, approx. €5 per wash) AKO Wasserette, on the Westersingel at the Schildersbuurt side of the canal ring, is a…
- Libraries & Study Spots Forum Groningen (Nieuwe Markt 1), University Library (UB) The Forum at Nieuwe Markt 1 is the central public library, stacked through the cultural…
- Local Brewery Baxbier Brewery (Spoorstraat 69, tasting room on the canal) Baxbier brewery and taproom, Friesestraatweg 201-2a west of the centre.
- Local Heritage The 'Eierbal' (Egg Ball) - UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage of Groningen Gronings Ontzet on 28 August - fireworks and music for the 1672 defeat of bishop 'Bommen…
- Local Markets Vismarkt (Fresh produce/fish), Grote Markt (General/Flowers) Grote Markt and Vismarkt week markets on Tuesday, Friday and Saturday; the Good Friday…
- Main Train/Transit Hub Groningen Hoofdstation (Stationsplein) Groningen Hoofdstation (Stationsplein), with the main bus station beside it; Europapark…
- Museums & Art Venues Groninger Museum (Museumeiland 1), Forum Groningen (cultural hub/library) Groninger Museum (Museumeiland 1) for contemporary art; the Forum (Nieuwe Markt 1) with…
- Music Scene Vera (Oosterstraat 44 - underground pop culture), Simplon Vera (Oosterstraat 44), the underground club where Nirvana, Pearl Jam, Sonic Youth and the…
- Must-See Landmarks Martinitoren (St. Martin's Tower), Groninger Museum (modern art structure) The Martinitoren on the Grote Markt (3 euro to climb, city-wide view) and the postmodern…
- National Parks Nearby Nationaal Park Lauwersmeer (35 mins drive/bus) National Park Lauwersmeer, the former sea inlet beyond Lauwersoog - a bird paradise and a…
- Nearby Nature Escapes Noorderplantsoen (city park), Paterswoldsemeer (lake for sailing/rowing) The Noorderplantsoen, the park laid out on the old city ramparts, and the Paterswoldsemeer…
- Networking Events Founders Drinks Groningen at DOT; North-Netherlands Digital Meetups Werkplek050 runs networking and afterwork sessions for its members; the Forum programmes…
- Parcel Delivery Service PostNL, DHL ServicePoints (widely available in bookstores like Primera) PostNL delivers to the door, to parcel lockers and to pickup points; a PostNL account…
- Popular International Cuisine Konbu Jiro (Ramen), Imono (Sushi), Kohinoor van India Konbu Jiro (Oosterstraat 11a) for ramen, Imono (Gelkingestraat 18) for sushi, Kohinoor van…
- Population Approx. 238,000 (roughly 25% are students) 244,807 residents in the municipality on 1 January 2025, about 557,000 in the metro area…
- Power 230V, 50Hz, 🔌 Type C/F sockets 230 V, 50 Hz, Type C and Type F plugs (Europlug and Schuko).
- Property Tax OZB (Onroerendezaakbelasting) based on WOZ value (approx. 0.1% - 0.2% annually) Home owners pay OZB on the WOZ value; Groningen's average total municipal charges are…
- Property Transaction Tax 10.4% standard; 2% for primary residence; 0% for first-time buyers under 35 (<€510k) 2% for a main home; 0% for qualifying starters under 35 on a home worth at most 555,000…
- Public Transport Passes OV-chipkaart; NS Flex for train discounts; Qbuzz regional bus passes Qbuzz city buses (including the Q-Link expresses) take OVpay bank-card check-in at the…
- Regional Travel Arriva Trains to Leeuwarden/Germany; Qbuzz interconnecting the north Direct NS trains to Amsterdam (about 2 hours), Schiphol, The Hague and Rotterdam; Arriva…
- Religious Sites Martinikerk (Grote Markt), Nieuwe Kerk The Martinikerk at the Martinikerkhof by the Grote Markt, and Sint Jozefkathedraal…
- SIM Card KPN, Vodafone, Odido; €20-€35 for monthly prepaid with 10GB+ data Register a prepaid SIM with a passport or ID. Odido Prepaid Start is 10 euro with 10 euro…
- Scenic Viewpoints Forum Groningen Rooftop (free access, panoramic city views) The Forum's rooftop terrace (Nieuwe Markt 1) is freely accessible, with a panorama over…
- Short Term Rentals Airbnb (avg. €110/night), The Social Hub (approx. €1,200/month) The Social Hub Groningen (Boterdiep 9) combines hotel rooms with student-style longer…
- Social Events for Expats International Community Groningen (ICG) weekly socials at O'Ceallaigh Irish Pub The Pacific (Oosterstraat 65) is the expat meeting pub, with O'Malley's Irish pub next…
- Street Art Groninger Graffiti walls near Suikerterrein and various utility box murals not set
- Street Food Stalls Friet van Belgen (Vismarkt) for Flemish fries; Eierbal (local scotch-egg style snack) from… Fish stalls on the Vismarkt for kibbeling and haring; the FEBO automatiek at Vismarkt 1…
- Studio Purchase Price (City Center) Approx. €5,200 per m² (e.g., 35 m² = €182,000) Centrum district homes averaged about 5,837 euro per m2 in November 2026 (index estimate…
- Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) Approx. €4,100 per m² (e.g., 35 m² = €143,500) Nieuw-Oost, the city's cheapest district at about 3,779 euro per m2 in November 2026; a 40…
- Table Tennis Spots TTV Vastberaden, outdoor tables at Noorderplantsoen not set
- Tap Water Drinkable and among the highest quality in the world Safe to drink. Waterbedrijf Groningen supplies the city and says Dutch tap water is always…
- Tax System Worldwide income basis for residents Residents are taxed on worldwide income. Box 1 (work and home, foreign income included)…
- Tech Repair Services ThePhoneLab (Herestraat), MediaMarkt (Westerhaven) MediaMarkt, Westerhaven 48-50, with a second store at Sontplein 3c, is the big electronics…
- Theater Venues Stadsschouwburg (Turfsingel 86), Grand Theatre Stadsschouwburg on the Turfsingel, the 1883 main theatre, and the Grand Theatre on the…
- Top International Airline KLM (via Amsterdam Schiphol, 2h direct train) KLM and the other long-haul carriers are reached through Amsterdam Schiphol, a direct…
- Top Regional Airline Transavia (operating from Groningen Airport Eelde - GRQ) Groningen Airport Eelde (GRQ), south of the city near Eelde, is a small leisure airport…
- VAT 21% standard, 9% for food and certain services 21% standard; a 9% reduced rate for listed goods and services, food among them; some…
- Vegan/Vegetarian Options Herbivoor (Gedempte Zuiderdiep 59), Bla Bla (Nieuwe Boteringestraat 9) Herbivoor (Gedempte Zuiderdiep 59), an organic vegan salad bar that also does burgers and…
- Wine Bars Stuyvesant (Oude Boteringestraat 53), Barrel Wijnlokaal (Haddingestraat 27) Barrel (Haddingestraat 27), the Italian-style enoteca, and Wijnkelder 't Huys van…
- Yoga & Wellness Centers Open Yoga (Sint Jansstraat 7, €15 drop-in); Yoga Under Construction Open Yoga, Zuiderkerkstraat 10 just north of the centre, is the dedicated yoga studio.
fix pass after the batch check: the other two mobile operators' starter prices added from the country prep, the cathedral's street number corrected and both churches' locations tied to OpenStreetMap, the theatre's street kept without the number no source showed, the music club's street number confirmed, both electronics stores' addresses confirmed on OpenStreetMap, and the grocery delivery minimum now cited to the supermarket's own help page (picnic.app, openstreetmap.org)

Groningen digital nomad guide