Explore Groningen
Restaurants
Cafes
Bars
Museums
Attractions
Parks
Coworking
Neighborhoods
Day Trips
Healthcare
Schools
Shopping
Groningen is the capital of the north and one of the great student cities in the Netherlands. Young, affordable, compact and culturally alive, it punches well above its weight for a city of its size. The energy sector and the University of Groningen make it a significant economic hub.
Population
235,000
Expat residents
20,000+
1-bed rent (central)
900-1,300/mo
Train to Amsterdam
2 hours
Train to Utrecht
1.5 hours
Students
60,000+
The city
Why Groningen
Groningen has one of the highest proportions of students to residents of any city in Europe. The University of Groningen, founded in 1614, is one of the oldest and most respected in the Netherlands. This gives the city an energy and cultural vitality that belies its size and northern location.
The city centre is compact, cyclable and genuinely beautiful. The Grote Markt, the Martinikerk and the Groninger Museum – a deliberately provocative building designed by Alessandro Mendini – are all within easy reach. The restaurant and bar scene is excellent relative to the city’s size.
Groningen is the most affordable city in this guide. For expats working in the energy sector (NAM, Shell, Gasunie) or at the university, it offers an exceptional quality of life at low cost.
Practical info
Getting around and settling in
Getting around: Groningen is one of the most cyclable cities in the world – over 60% of all trips are made by bike. Train to Amsterdam in 2 hours.
Language: English widely spoken, particularly in the university and energy sectors.
Cost of living: The most affordable city in this guide. See our cost of living guide.
Healthcare: Dutch health insurance mandatory. UMCG is a major academic medical centre. See our health insurance guide.
Just arrived
Your first two weeks in Groningen
1
Register at the Groningen gemeente and get your BSN
Essential first step. Gemeente guide and BSN guide.
2
Open a Dutch bank account
ABN AMRO, ING and bunq are the most expat-friendly. Full guide.
3
Arrange health insurance within four months
Mandatory and backdates to arrival. Full guide.
4
Set up your DigiD
Required for all Dutch government services. Full guide.
5
Buy a bike
Groningen is even more cycle-dependent than Amsterdam. This is not optional.