City, Netherlands
Groningen
Northern Netherlands' compact student city: bikes everywhere, canals, concerts and cafés, with Wadden Sea day trips. Safe, social and walkable; housing is very tight, and winters are dark and windy.
At a glance
- Safety5/5Very safeDetails
- Monthly budget$2,250–3,260Comfortable, one person · €2,000–2,900Details
- Value for money41/100Better value than 40% of places we coverDetails
- Best time to goMay–SepWarmest: Jul, 22°CDetails
- Air quality7 µg/m³PM2.5 annual average (2020) · Fairly cleanDetails
- Internet226 MbpsFixed broadband, Netherlands medianDetails
- Tap waterYes, drinkableTap water is excellent.Details
- LGBTQ+5/5Very welcomingDetails
- Solo travel4/5English: spoken almost everywhereDetails
- Doctor's visit$45–101Private clinic, without insuranceDetails
- Getting aroundUberVery walkableDetails
- Cash or cardPractically cashlessDebit and contactless cards are used almost everywhere; some places refuse cash.Details
Where to stay in Groningen
Areas visitors base themselves in.
| Area | Good for |
|---|---|
| Binnenstad (city centre) | Walkable core with bars, museums and the Martinitoren |
| Oosterparkwijk | Cafés, concert halls and young residents near the centre |
| Helpman | Quieter family streets and green spaces south of the centre |
| Schildersbuurt | Cheaper flats near the station and mixed local shops |
Apps that work in Groningen
Ride-hailing
Food delivery
| App | Notes |
|---|---|
| Thuisbezorgd.nl | Widest restaurant choice in the city |
| Uber Eats | Operates in Groningen; smaller restaurant choice |
- Maps: Google Maps
- Messaging: WhatsApp
- NS: Train times, tickets and disruptions
- 9292: Door-to-door public transport planner
- Taxis: Uber and Bolt operate but most people cycle or take the bus. Local taxis are pricey; order by phone at night.
Cash, cards and tipping
What to carry and how to pay. Money in Netherlands.
- Practically cashless Debit and contactless cards are used almost everywhere; some places refuse cash. Foreign Visa and Mastercard usually work, with a few exceptions.
- Currency: Euro (EUR). US$1 ≈ €0.89 on 03 Oct 2026.
- ATMs: Geldmaat machines are the standard bank ATMs; avoid Euronet's fees and always decline currency conversion.
- Tipping: Service is included; rounding up or 5–10% for good service is appreciated, not expected.
- Paying by phone: Apple Pay and Google Pay work almost everywhere; Tikkie and iDEAL need a Dutch bank account.
Before you go
Visa and entry
- Schengen rules: 90 days in any 180 across the whole area; days spent in other Schengen countries count.
- The EU Entry/Exit System is live: non-EU visitors register fingerprints and a face photo at first entry, so expect longer queues.
- ETIAS (a €20 online pre-travel authorisation) is not required yet; its start has been delayed, so check before travel.
Emergency numbers
Police 112 · Ambulance 112 · Fire 112 · All emergencies 112
Plugs
Type C, F · 230 V, 50 Hz. Do I need an adapter?
SIM and eSIM
Prepaid SIMs from carrier shops, supermarkets and kiosks, including Lebara and Lycamobile. EU SIMs roam at home rates. eSIMs work for visitors.
More places in Netherlands
Going to Groningen solo?
SoloSquare is where travelers, nomads and locals in Groningen meet up for small plans: coffee, dinners, walks and day trips. Join one, or start your own in a minute.
Sources
Prices are SoloSquare estimates; climate, air, safety and visa figures come from the sources listed. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.