Groningen offers an exceptional walking experience. The city's compact and pedestrian-friendly center makes it easy for travelers to navigate on foot. With a variety of shops, cafes, and attractions within close proximity, most everyday tasks can be accomplished without the need for a vehicle. The vibrant atmosphere, bolstered by a large student population, enhances its appeal and accessibility for those exploring by foot.
Groningen's public transit is efficient and well-suited for longer journeys or when the weather discourages walking or biking. The city's extensive bus network offers connections within Groningen and to surrounding areas, while multiple train stations provide convenient links to other Dutch cities. Although the city is highly walkable and bike-friendly, these transit options add versatility for travelers planning regional trips. The OV-chipkaart system simplifies travel, offering a unified payment method across different transport modes.
As one of the top cycling destinations globally, Groningen provides an unparalleled biking environment. Its extensive network of dedicated bike lanes and flat terrain make travel on two wheels safe and appealing. With a significant segment of the population relying on bicycles for everyday activities, biking is not only a pleasurable pastime but also an essential and practical means of transport for travelers looking to explore the city efficiently.
Groningen is easy going but very international. Due to it's kind of "remote" location (well, Amsterdam is only 2 hrs. away) it's an island one its own with lots to do here: culture, nightlife (véry late!) but also a lot of beautiful quiet nature in the surroundings, You take a bike and you are in the middle of nowhere in just 15 minutes: lakes, woods in the south, or at the northside of the city: beautiful endless tyoical dutch landscapes with lots of famous black and white frisian cows, mills, canals, and even a real river, Reitdiep.
Great place to live. Not sure why 'Fun' and 'Nightlife' are classified as 'Okay' - it's actually great, better than Amsterdam in my opinion. 60k students on a population of 200k. Dozens of bars and clubs in the same area, drinks are cheap, bars don't close until 4-6am. Expenses are lower than listed too.