Moving to a new city comes with plenty of excitement, and quite a few practical questions. When arriving in Groningen, it’s important to know where to find your daily necessities. From groceries and medicine to bikes and study supplies, here’s a guide to help you get settled and feel at home very quickly.

Grocery shopping

Groningen has a wide range of supermarkets to suit every budget and preference. Well-known names like Albert Heijn, Jumbo, Lidl, Aldi and Plus are spread across the city. All neighborhoods have at least one supermarket nearby, and most are open from early morning to late evening.

For those who enjoy fresh produce and local products, the weekly market on the Vismarkt and Grote Markt is worth a visit. Held every Tuesday, Friday and Saturday, the market offers fruits, vegetables, bread, cheese, fish and more, and often at affordable prices.

Pharmacies and drugstores

When it comes to medical needs, pharmacies are the place to go for prescription medication from your (family) doctor. 

For everyday items like shampoo, toothpaste, vitamins and over-the-counter medicines, drugstores such as Kruidvat, Trekpleister, Etos and Normal are widely available. These stores also often sell make-up, cleaning products and snacks.

Home essentials

Furnishing your room or apartment? Shops like IKEA, Kwantum, Leen Bakker and JYSK offer affordable furniture and home decor. For those looking for secondhand options, Mamamini is a well-known thrift store with multiple locations around the city.

For smaller items, like mugs, stationery, kitchen tools or cozy decorations, HEMA, Blokker, Søstrene Grene and Dille & Kamille offer a mix of practical and stylish products. These stores are great for both study essentials and small home supplies.

Postal services

If you need to send a letter or pick up a parcel, you’ll likely end up at a branch of PostNL or DHL. Locations are often found inside convenience stores like Primera and Bruna. Keep an eye out for package lockers and pickup points throughout the city, especially near supermarkets and train stations.

Electronics

Whether you need a new phone charger, microwave, fridge or even a laptop, stores like MediaMarkt and Coolblue are reliable options for electronics and appliances. Both offer online shopping with delivery, but also have physical locations in or near the city center.

If you're looking for a more budget-friendly or sustainable option, Marktplaats (a Dutch secondhand platform similar to Craigslist or eBay) is widely used in the Netherlands. 

Getting around: bikes

No guide to Groningen would be complete without mentioning bikes. The city is built for cyclists, and a good bike will quickly become your main mode of transportation. Local bike shops can help with repairs and used bikes, while services like Swapfiets offer monthly subscriptions where maintenance is included.

Money and ATMs

Most payments in the Netherlands are made by card, but sometimes cash is still useful, especially at the market. In Groningen, you’ll find Geldmaat ATMs (the standard cash machines used across the country) at various locations. There’s even a dedicated Geldmaat store in the city, but you can also find ATM points inside or near supermarkets, convenience stores and shopping areas. Just look for the bright yellow machines.

Groningen is a student-friendly city where most basic needs are just a short walk or bike ride away. Once you get to know the local spots, running errands will quickly become part of your routine. Whether you're here for a semester or a full degree, having your essentials in place makes it easier to focus on what really matters: enjoying your time in this vibrant and welcoming city!