Hengelo City Guide

Local foods like Krentenwegge and stamppot are common. There are Italian, Asian, Turkish, and Surinamese restaurants. Vegetarian and vegan options exist. Most places close by 22-23:00, with some snack bars open later.

Nightlife is modest with bars and pubs focusing on casual drinks, mainly near the city center.

Decent coffee scene with comfortable cafés but less specialized than big cities.

Tipping not required; rounding up or 5-10% for good service is common in restaurants and taxis.

SIMs can be bought at KPN, Vodafone, T-Mobile stores, or MediaMarkt. ID is needed for prepaid. Major providers offer eSIMs.

Streets are generally clean, and recycling systems work well.

Few 24/7 open stores. Some supermarkets have extended hours. Night clinics available for urgent care.

Supermarkets like Albert Heijn, Jumbo, Lidl, and Aldi stock international items and local weekly markets offer fresh produce. Stores usually open 8/9 to 20/21 on weekdays and Saturdays, with shorter Sunday hours.

Card payments are widely accepted and preferred over cash in most places.

ATMs from ABN AMRO, ING, and Rabobank are easy to find. Some may charge small fees for foreign cards.

Dutch primary and secondary schools are in Hengelo. International schooling is available nearby at International School Twente in Enschede. Contact schools for admissions info.

Hengelo has a small digital nomad scene. Most activity is in larger Dutch cities.

Good green spaces, including Het Weusthagpark and Prins Bernhardplantsoen, with pleasant walking and running routes.

Good running paths along canals and parks, safe and with good air quality.

Several gyms and sports clubs are available for fitness and sports.

Several tennis clubs with outdoor courts; padel courts are growing in number.

Padel courts are becoming more common in the area.

Yoga studios offer various styles; classes mainly in Dutch but some English speakers available.

Several dojos offer Judo, Karate, Taekwondo, Kickboxing, and some boxing or Muay Thai classes. English instruction not guaranteed.

No natural ski facilities; nearest resorts are in Germany, hours away.

Kayaking and paddleboarding available on local canals and lakes.

No surfing available as Hengelo is inland.

Limited freshwater diving nearby, no notable marine sites.

ZGT Hospital has English-speaking staff. Dutch healthcare is high quality. Pharmacies and drugstores offer OTC meds. Emergency number is 112.

Tap water is safe to drink and of excellent quality.

Public playgrounds and kid-friendly cafés are common. Baby supplies are widely available. Family attractions include Oyfo Techniekmuseum and local parks.

The city is safe and inclusive with strong legal protections, though dedicated venues are limited.

Pet-friendly city with many dog-walking areas and vet services. Pet stores and EU import rules apply.