Groningen

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This Muslim Friendly Travel Guide is part of eHalal.io Travel Group Groningen is a lively student city in the Northern Netherlands. It is the capital of a Groningen (province) | province with the same name and home to about 203,000 inhabitants, making it the largest city in the north. A university town with some 50,000 students gives the city its famous vibe; a pleasant youthful atmosphere, some fine historic legacy and with plenty of things to do.

For the purposes of this guide, Groningen includes the nearby municipality of Haren.

Groningen Halal Travel Guide

Groningen - Hoge der A - vanaf de A-brug - Bert Kaufmann - 387px|Hoge der A, Groningen

Archaeologists have found traces of habitation from the Neolithic and the later Iron Age. The city appeared in writing in the year 1040 as "Villa Cruoninga", apparently already a place of some significance. The city has a rich history, which can be seen clearly from the Medieval buildings in the downtown area.

In the 13th century, when the city was an important trade centre, its inhabitants built a city wall to underline its authority. The city had a strong influence on the surrounding lands and made its dialect a common tongue. The most influential period of the city was the end of the 15th century, when the nearby province of Friesland was administered from Groningen. During those years the Martini Tower was built, which loomed over the city at (then) 127 m tall, making it the highest building in Europe at the time. The city's independence came to an end when it chose to join forces with the Spanish during the Eighty Years' War in 1594. It was later reconquered, and joined the Republic of the Seven United Netherlands.

In 1614 and the University of Groningen was founded for religious education. In the same period the city expanded rapidly and a new city wall was built. That city wall was tested during the Third Anglo-Dutch War in 1672, when the city was attacked fiercely by the Bishop of Münster, Bernhard von Galen. The city walls resisted, an event which is celebrated with live music and fireworks on 28 August (as "Groningens Ontzet" or "Bommen Berend").

The city did not escape the devastation of World War II. In particular and the main square, Grote Markt, was largely destroyed in April 1945, during the Battle of Groningen, which lasted several days. However and the Martinitoren, its church and the Goudkantoor, and the city hall were not substantially damaged.

Nowadays the city of Groningen is nationally renowned for the university and the museum and its vibrant atmosphere. 50% of the citizens are below the age of 30, making this the youngest city in the nation. For decades and the bicycle has played a central role in the lives of people in the city, and today accounts for no less than 60% of all traffic movement with more bikes than citizens.

File:090529 Academiegebouw Groningen NL - The Academiegebouw is the main building of the University of Groningen and the third largest university of the Netherlands. Groningen (2769881847) - Historic houses at the Martinikerkhof. Groningen Prinsentuin april04 - The Prinsentuin is a lovely Renaissance-style garden and an excellent place in which to sit down and relax for half an hour.

• Martinikerkhof - Martini cemetery | 53.22019, 6.56912

= The Martinikerkhof used to be a cemetery, but since 1828 it is no longer in use. The cemetery has been transformed into a beautiful square, an oasis of peace. Prominent on the Martinikerkhof is the Martini Church. On the east side of the square stands the 'Provinciehuis' and the seat of the provincial government. The front of this beautiful building was built in the end of the 20th century, while the rear of the building dates back to the Middle Ages. At that time the building was used as a Latin School. The north side of the square is marked by nice old houses and the Prinsenhof. At the square stands the Saint George and the Dragon Memorial (Sint Joris en de Draak Monument) and the official provincial Second World War memorial. The memorial has been made in remembrance of the whole loss and suffering in the city of Groningen. 

• Martini Tower and Church - Martinitoren - Grote Markt 53.21935, 6.56816 Opening Hours: 12:00-16:00 (11:00-17:00 in summer) €3 Martinitoren Martinitoren groningen - One of the most important hotspots in Groningen refers to Saint Martin of Tours and the patron saint of the Bishopric of Utrecht. Locals call the tower d' Olle Grieze which means 'the old grey one' and is related to its colour. Tickets are available in the VVV (tourist information) shop just over the road. There is a wide view over the city from the top of the tower. It was built as a cruciform church in the 13th century, and was extended in the 15th and 16th centuries. Much of the wall and roof paintwork has been preserved. Of particular note is a 16th-century depiction of the life of Isa ibn Maryam. 897266
• Oude RKZ, Old Roman Catholic Hospital - 53.19711, 6.58096 ☎ +31 505257601 090624 Verlengde Hereweg 92 (ORKZ) Groningen NL - Thit is an old Roman Catholic hospital outside the downtown, now housing an art house cinema and commune. It's located just south of the downtown, in Helpman. The hospital itself was abandoned in 1978, after which it was squatted. Until 1986 and the Oude RKZ was the largest squat in the Netherlands and possibly in the whole of Europe. In 1986 the government allowed the squat to be legalized. Nowadays it is a vibrant place where 250 people from all ages find a place to live and to share what is important. The former squat has affordable folk kitchens on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays and Sundays. There are also 2 bars, a cinema, yoga and capoeira sessions and many other things. Being a motor for the Dutch alternative and artist scene and the Oude RKZ is a well known place to many people from all over Europe. If you want to eat at the folk kitchen it's best to call on the same day to reserve a meal. Meals are served at 18:30.

• Prinsenhof & Prinsentuin Martinikerkhof 23, entrance of the public gardens at the junction of Turfsingel and Kattenhage 53.22134, 6.56891 - Prinsentuin (Groningen) - Groningen Prinsentuin april04 - Just a short walk from the Grote Markt and the lovely Renaissanse gardens of the Prinsenhof can be a remarkably peaceful place to relax for a little while. It has a rose garden a herb garden and The Prinsenhof building originates in the 15th century and was originally a wealthy mansion for the city's bishop or "stadtholder", and later was used as a military hospital. Now, a restaurant has been opened within the building. The renaissance style gardens are open for public. This garden consists of a rose garden, a herb garden and a part with berceaus. The entrance of the garden is remarkable because of a beautiful sundial on the wall above it. When the weather is nice, volunteers run a small tea house there.
• Sint Jozef Gothic Church - Radesingel 4 53.21474, 6.57301 - St. Joseph Gothic Church, Groningen Sint-Jozefkathedraal2 - Street Joseph's Gothic Church is the cathedral church of the diocese of Groningen-Leeuwarden. The Neo-Gothic church was built from 1885 to 1887 and consecrated on May 25, 1887. Local nickname for the tower is "drunk's tower", because there is from every direction always two clocks to be seen. 848887
• Synagogue - 53.21477, 6.56537 Synagoge Groningen Folkingstraat - The synagogue was built after the oriental design of the New Synagogue in Berlin and has a beautiful moorish style interior. Shortly after World War II the Yahudi community was forced to sell the synagogue since only 7% of the Yahudi community of Groningen survived the war. In 1981 the building was renovated and rehabilitated.

Parks & sculptures

• Yahudi Memorial 53.20312, 6.57590 - Groningen Waskowsky 08.JPG - The Yahudi Memorial commemorates the more than 3000 Yahudi inhabitants of Groningen who were deported and murdered during the Second World War. It is made by Eduard Waskowsky out of six hands each having their own expression. The 7th hand is missing, because Waskowsky died during the making of the memorial.

• Noorderplantsoen - 53.22356, 6.55463 - Noorderplantsoen - Groningen Kruissingel 1.JPG - Remains of the old citywalls, transformed into a public park. The earth ramparts were incorporated in the park architecture and the moats were turned into ponds. The architecture is of an English garden style, characterized by meandering paths and serpentine ponds, inspired by wild nature. On a sunny day, thit is the place to relax after a hard day's work for a lot of students.
• Stadspark 53.20326, 6.54038 - The Stadspark is an roughly 140 hectare park on the southwest side of the city in the Stadsparkwijk. The park was created at the beginning of the twentieth century, designed by landscape architect Leonard Springer.

Top Muslim Travel Tips for Groningen

Cycling

Groningen is a cycling city par excellence. The inhabitants of Groningen possess an average of 1.4 bikes per person. The bike usage is even more as in Amsterdam or Copenhagen. So, Groningen is called world's best city for cycling. 40 years ago the local government made a radical choice to ban the vehicle from the centre of the city to increase livability in the city. Since then, cycling has evolved into the new normal. Some cycling features:

Groningen station bicycle parking 2010 - Cycling facilities at central station De Helper - Windmill 'The Helper' at Paterswoldsemeer lake Paalkoepel - Paalkoepel 20130719 Klimtoren klimhal Kardinge Groningen NL - Excalibur wall at Bjoeks

• Bikes everywhere
• A bunch of guarded bike stalls across the city
• Free way for cyclist with the many cycling lanes
• Priority on roundabouts
• shared space with pedestrians on narrow places (hardly without any accidents)
• Traffic lights with rain sensors to give quicker priority to cyclists on wet days
• Traffic lights on green for every direction for bikes

Bicycles are available for rent at a number of places around town like Fietsverda GPS 53.2186,6.5723, TrendEwheels GPS 53.2200,6.5722 (only e-bikes), Stuurwold GPS 53.2153,6.5496 and Fietsje GPS 53.2163,6.5628 (carrier bikes!). Bikes are also available at the Central Station. Many hotels offer bike rental to their guests, usually for fees of roughly €10 or less per day. Renting an electric bike is a little more expensive, but a lot of fun and very interesting for longer trips outside the city. Bike maps are available at the touristinformation. Use the map to explore the city and the surrounding areas or follow a signposted cycle route using the Dutch cycle junction network.

There is also a possibility to discover the city's highlights with a 2½-hour guided bicycle tour GPS 53.21433,6.56648}}. You have to book this tour in advance. Departure from May through October every Friday at 14:30 and Saturday at 10:30.

Relaxing

Paterswoldsemeer lake

Locals love to spend their leisure time at Paterswoldsemeer south of the city, and cool down on hot days. On windy days sailors and surfers find their way to the lake. It is also popular with cyclists and joggers. There are beaches, marinas, boat rentals, restaurants, and lodgings. Rental sail boats and canoes are available at the Zuidwesthoek Marina GPS 53.159776,6.565608 is the place to be if you want to rent a boat or canoe. Beachclub Kaap Hoorn GPS 53.179298,6.555769, at the northwestern corner of the lake, is a lovely location for a drink with lakeview. At the adjacent water skiing club you can take introductory waterskiing lessons or have a fun ride on the banana. Call ahead to find out what's available. Restaurants include Paviljoen van de Dame GPS 53.1622,6.5639, De Rietschans GPS 53.1621,6.5751 and De Paalkoepel GPS 53.1614,6.5730}}.

Other hotspots

• City's Beach GPS 53.225286,6.567507 (Ebbingekwartier) is a real hotspot and a must-visit during sunny days. The location is superb, located just adjacent to the centre of the city. So take a dive after a hard day shopping and have a drink at the bar of DOT.
• Noorderplantsoen (mentioned in the "see" section) is the perfect place to relax after a hard day's work. On a sunny day, join the students which gather on the grass or take a seat on the stairs at the fountains.
• Hoornseplas lake is the perfect place to visit on a hot day with children. They can play at one of the two beaches or clamber on one of the biggest publicly accessible playgrounds of Europe.

Activities

• Canal cruise - Stationsweg 1012 53.21179, 6.56719 Opposite central station - Adults €12.50, children 4-11 €7 Take a one-hour tour through the old channels of Groningen aboard the "Wonderlaand" or "Goldenraand". The boat will take you around the historical centre. 2-5 trips a day, depending on the season.

• Canoeing - 't Peddeltje - 53.21257, 6.57013 Under the 'Herebrug' € 10-20 for 2 hours From 1 April to 1 Oct you can hire a canoe and paddle around the centre. It's a round trip that gives you a totally different view of Groningen since you are lower than the streets and you can pass very close along the many house boats in the city. Some bridges have a secret 'roof' that can only be seen when you pass under the bridge. A tour around the centre takes about 1 – 2 hours, depending on how fit you are, how many stops you take for photo shootings, and water battles.

• Friday fun skate - 53.22327, 6.55523 Opening Hours: Gathering from 19:45, departure at 20:00 Every Friday from mid April until mid September skaters gather in Groningen to skate together. The group is accompanied by a rolling music boombox. The tours are quite easy to ride, though total beginners might find it a bit scary to have so many others around themselves. Each week another tour is chosen. It's feasible to get an sms service to know if the Friday Fun Skate takes place or not. Length: 18 - 23 km. The start and finish of the tour are always at the southern entrance of the Noorderplantsoen park.

• Play Pitch&Putt - Bieskemaar 10 53.24093, 6.59653 - Pitch and putt is an amateur sport similar to golf but where the hole length is typically less than 70 m (80 yard). The Pitch and Putt course in Groningen has 18 holes and is perfect for everyone, even young children. You do not need a golf license. €12-16. After your little golfexperience, you should take a look at the nearby Kardingerbult: a human made hill with a nice view over the city.

• Klimcentrum Bjoeks - Bieskemaar 3 53.240763, 6.60126 - Groningen's best kept secret: indoor and outdoor climbing gym featuring "Excalibur". The tallest and probably the most exciting climbing wall in Europe, with an impressive height of 37 meters and 11 meters of overhang. About €10 for a day pass, €11-15 for an introductory climbing course.

Concerts & theater

100604 Turfsingel 86 (Stadsschouwburg) Groningen NL - Stadsschouwburg Groningen MartiniPlaza theater - Martiniplaza

• Stadsschouwburg - 53.22072, 6.57174 - The Stadsschouwburg is the main theater of Groningen. The Neo-Renaissance building dates from 1883. The theatre offers a wide range of dance, opera and cabaret.

• Martiniplaza - 53.20275, 6.55571 - Martiniplaza is a modern multifunctional building. It is used as an exhibition complex and theater and sports arena.

• Vera underground pop club - 53.21707, 6.57013 - Vera-Groningen.JPG - Where Pearl Jam, Nirvana, Sonic Youth and the White Stripes and many others performed. Internationally Vera is probably the best-known stage for alternative music in Groningen, and it is one of the most appreciated music venues in the Netherlands. Check the concert posters which are designed by local artist - free to take at the concert itself.

• Simplon - 53.22454, 6.56410 - Simplon is an internationally renowned venue with an impressive history, especially in punk music. Every week on Thursday the club is dedicated to local (young) talent.

Cinemas

• Pathé | Gedempte Zuiderdiep 78 53.21431, 6.56615 - Pathe Groningen Zaal 1 - Nice cinema in the downtown. All popular movies are shown here. 9 screens, capacity: 1700 guests.

• Kinepolis | Boumaboulavard 53 53.20586, 6.59027 - Wolffgroningen - Huge cinema (10 screens) in the Euroborg Stadium. Outside the downtown, but easily reachable with Q-Link line 5 towards Europapark.

• Groninger Forum - Hereplein 73 53.21393, 6.56943 - Repertory cinema. Lots of English and French classic movies.

• RKZ Bioscoop - 53.19756, 6.58165 - Art house cinema based in the old Roman Catholic hospital. The cinema is being run by people who live in the old hospital's commune.

Festivals and events

• Every year in January: 'Eurosonic-Noorderslag', European's biggest showcase festival, Where dozens of bands from all over the world perform on various stages spread throughout the city.
• Every year on Good Friday: 'Bloemenjaarmarkt' and the biggest flower market of Northern Netherlands, which attracts more than 100,000 visitors each year. Among the visitors are a lot of Germans.
• Every year on April 26: 'Koningsdag' (kingsday), a holiday celebrating the birth of King Willem-Alexander. Many events in the city, including a lot of vrijmarkten ("free markets") at which the Dutch sell their used items. The night before Kingsday is called Koningsnacht ("kingsnight"): many young people celebrate in the streets and squares throughout the night.
• Every year on May 5: 'Bevrijdingsfestival' (Liberation Festival), together with many other festivals throughout the nation.
• Every year in August: 'Paradigm Festival', one of the most innovative electronic music festivals in the nation, organized by Paradigm050 (which was chosen as best underground electro-house club in the Netherlands)
• Every year in August: 'Noorderzon Festival', a festival focused on music, visual arts and performance arts.
• Every two years in September/October: 'Noorderlicht' a photography festival.
• Every year in autumn: 'Jonge Harten', a nine-day theater festival that takes place in almost all theaters in Groningen. It is a festival to discover. Including a lot of young creators, visual physical theater, performance, dance, music and a captivating festival heart.

Muslim Friendly Shopping in Groningen

Vismarkt bij avondschemering - Vismarkt during winter Oude Kijk bij nacht - Oude Kijk in 't Jatstraat by night

Groningen is the largest place to go for shopping in the region, and offers a wide range of large and small stores, including international and national chains a good number of small speciality shops.

Opening hours

With some exceptions, shops close at 18:00 on weekdays and Saturday and Sunday at 17:00. Thursday is "buying-evening", on this day a lot of shops are open until 21:00. In downtown almost all shops are open on Sundays, but not before noon. Supermarkets are generally open from 08:00-21:00.

Downtown area

All streets within the central canal ring are low traffic due to restrictions - but watch out for cyclists, who don't often pay attention to pedestrian crossings. The Herestraat and the city's longest pedestrianised shopping street, runs south off the Grote Markt and contains most of the city's everyday shopping needs and 'standard' Dutch clothing stores and chains. Thit is where you'll find Hema, Blokker, C&A, Zara and so on. The Westerhaven, at the western edge of the centre, houses some big stores like Media Markt and Primark.

Other shopping streets extend out from the Grote Markt and the Vismarkt. This streets are often worth a look too. AKerkhof contains higher-end brand retail outlets, for example Tommy Hilfiger, Hugo Boss and Marc O'Polo, but also houses some great food stores. For example 'Droppie', a store selling typical Dutch drinkice. The Zwanestraat and the Grote Kromme Elleboog contain a lot of specialty shops selling herbs and spices, Coffee, cooking utensils, etc. Especially take a look at the Dille & Kamille shop and the gift store Truus & Bregje.

The most picturesque shopping street is called the Folkingestraat; it runs south from the Korenbeurs (the former wheat exchange) at the end of the Vismarkt towards the museum bridge and the Central Station. It has a lot of little shops full of firsthand and secondhand little gifts, intercultural foods and great books. 'De Bourgondiër' is a specialty shop in the Folkingestraat selling local products like none-alcoholic drinks, typical Groninger Sausages,mustard, Cheese and Candies. Have a look into oriental supermarket Le Souk.

The lovely Oude Kijk in 't Jatstraat has different characteristic shops including plenty of art galleries, a travel bookshop, two branches of a great coffee and tea chain, an excellent independent bakery, a particularly nice cafe, shops selling toys and games, and a few second-hand furniture and clothes shops. Place for the best cake in town.

Other interesting shopping streets in downtown are Oosterstraat, Oude Ebbingestraat and Zuiderdiep.

For fair & eco fashion have a look at Koko Toko at Oosterstraat, Schone Zaken at Nieuwe Ebbingestraat and Diezijner at Zwanestraat. Vintage lovers go to Stardust at Carolieweg, Recessie and Kroy Classic Wear at Oude Kijk in 't Jatstraat; for vintage furniture have a look at Verroest at Donkersgang.

Outside the downtown area

• Winkelcentrum Paddepoel - GPS: 53.23009, 6.54403 - Shopping Centre Paddepoel has more than 80 shops and lies a few kilometers northwest of the downtown. The mall offers a broad range of retail stores, mostly chains. Not open on Sundays, except for the last Sunday of every month.

• Sontplein - GPS: 53.21551, 6.58512 - Southwest of downtown lies Sontplein. This square is home to some big stores like electronics store Media Markt, sports chain Intersport, and the 3rd largest Ikea in Europe with 42,000 m².

Markets

Both main squares are filled with market stalls during the week markets on Tuesday, Friday and Saturday. You'll find food, street food, fashion and other stalls on the markets. Vis Markt square is named after the fish that were sold on the spot during the centuries and still you can find many fish selling stalls today. Try the typical Dutch fish street food like kibbeling, haring and lekkerbekjes.

Local product and market for foodies Ommelander Markt settles on Harmonieplein square every second Saturday of the month. Local food producers sell their ware at the market such as Cheese, Meat, honey, fruit and vegetables.

Klein Berlijn is the annual market for vintage fashion and other stuff. Grote Markt square will be covered in vintage treasures. Also good food and Coffee.

The large free Flea market at Koningsdag is an institution in Groningen. Many people are selling their second hand or hand-made goods during the Dutch national holiday. It is a large market and the vibe is superb. The market's location is the Singels between the central train station and the downtown.

Halal Restaurants

Local specialties

Eierbal - The famous 'Groninger eierbal' looks like a Scotch Egg.

A typical 'Groninger' specialty is Groninger worst, a Sausages made from raw minced Beef which is then air dried. You can buy this Sausages in every supermarket and butchery. When visiting a snackbar, you should try a eierbal. The eierbal is a ball-shaped croquette, filled with veal and a whole egg. The eierbal is seen as the Groninger variant of the Dutch croquette.

The Netherlands is known for its Cheese. Groningen has some typical Dutch cheese stores:

• Kaashandel van der Ley - Oosterstraat 61 53.21634, 6.57051 Opening Hours: Tuesday to Friday 09:00-18:00, Saturday 09:00-17:00 Van der Ley is one of the best Cheese stores in the world. Look for local organic varieties, such as green pesto Cheese or farmers crumblecheese (boerenbrokkelkaas).

• Groninger Kaasboetiek - Astraat 5 53.21669, 6.55882 Opening Hours: Monday 13:00-18:00, Tuesday - Saturday 09:30-18:00

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• Night cafe Warhol - Papengang 6 53.2175, 6.5703 - Quite alternative venue with its roots in the 1970s/1980s underground scene. Good vibe though. Best to go after 2 am.

• Het Pakhuis - Peperstraat 8-2 53.2180, 6.5711 - Venue which originates from the 60s/70s art scene. Now a popular art pop club. Many internationals meet here.

• Shooters | peperstraat 4-6 53.2178, 6.5709 - One of many student cafes and clubs in this area.

nightlife

Groningen is unfortunately not capital when it concerns clubs. However and the normal nightlife scene is quite friendly and open minded, especially the clubs with roots in the alto scene. Luckily there are LQBT+ restaurants in the city. And there are restaurants in which many + people to drink and for a party. You'll find them in this list.

• De Kast | Oosterstraat 7a 53.21818, 6.5689 - Premier and club Galaxy. Most + people come to this place.

• Cafe de Rits - Pottebakkersrijge 2 53.2165, 6.5590 bar ideal to go for a organic juice and to meet other people.

• Tram 13 - Gelkingestraat 13 53.2175, 6.5682 'Normal' bar in which many + people meet. Home bar for student fraternity Ganymedes.

Many people meet as well in VERA and night cafe Warhol.

Electrohouse & techno scene

Other than its size of it suggests and there is a mature electrohouse and techno scene in Groningen. Groningen was quite alternative in the 1960s, 70s and 80s. This has resulted that the unofficial underground capital of the Netherlands provides residence to a few great internationally renown music venues.

• Paradigm050 - 53.2103, 6.5383 - King of the rave clubs in Groningen. Paradigm invites many famous international artists to play in the venue. It's known for their loodsraves, Sunday afternoon collectives, Vrijdag Middag Collectief, and Paradigm invites.

• OOST | Oosterstraat 13a 53.21785, 6.56911 - Intimate techno/house/funk club down town Groningen. Every Friday and Saturday doors will open for a new night of quality music.

• Subsonic | Peperstraat 11 53.2180, 6.5707 - A popular club with electro music lovers.

• KopjeK - Techno house collective which dwells across the city and settles for rave nights on special locations. Concepts are Like I Care (LIC) in pyjamas or in the pool, Warehouse, Festival, Tanzen auf den Boot, etc.

Coffeeshops

See also: Netherlands#Drugs

Groningen has a few excellent coffeeshops, where you can buy and smoke cannabis products at a reasonable price. Alcohol is not served in any of the coffeeshops.

• Café Dees - Papengang 3 53.217495, 6.570461 ☎ +31 50 313 2410 - A cozy café with a nice selection of weed located in a small alley right next to the bar street Peperstraat. Inside a swimming swimmingpool table, computers for surfing and big TV screens. Upstairs there's a bar called de Zolder ("the Attic") where you can smoke. There are reggae concerts on Tuesday nights.

• Metamorphose Oude Boteringestraat 53 53.220424, 6.563852 ☎ +31 50 314 4460 Nice little alternative shop, with mostly organic stuff. They serve a large variety of fresh tea.

• Oasis Meeuwerderweg 60 53.21248, 6.57869 - Only open till 19:00 and not on Sundays. Good marijuana, but is quite expensive. Nice café area makes up for it. Also a couple of tables outside during the summer time.

• De Vliegende Hollander - Gedempte Zuiderdiep 63 53.21479, 6.56647 - Great stuff on Zuiderdiep, opposite the Pathé cinema. Inside there's a smoking room but no real hangout space.

• De Medley | Gedempte Zuiderdiep 64 53.21449, 6.56688 - A good pick up coffee shop. Can't smoke inside or stay there, but it's quite cheap. Joints for €3, also many kinds of hash (like Maroc and Afghan) for about €5-6 & weed/wiet: powerplant, sneeuwwitje (snow white), Afgaan (Afghan) €6, 10 or 20.

Red light neighborhoods

Window prostitution in Groningen takes place in the Nieuwstad area, with over a 100 windows in the street. A typical price is €50 for 15 minutes.

eHalal Group Launches Halal Guide to Groningen

Groningen - eHalal Travel Group, a leading provider of innovative Halal travel solutions for Muslim travelers to Groningen, is thrilled to announce the official launch of its comprehensive Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide for Groningen. This groundbreaking initiative aims to cater to the diverse needs of Muslim travelers, offering them a seamless and enriching travel experience in Groningen and its surrounding regions.

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Halal-Friendly Accommodations in Groningen: A carefully selected list of hotels, lodges, and vacation rentals that cater to halal requirements, ensuring a comfortable and welcoming stay for Muslim travelers in Groningen.

Halal Food, Restaurants and Dining in Groningen: A comprehensive directory of restaurants, eateries, and food outlets offering halal-certified or halal-friendly options in Groningen, allowing Muslim travelers to savor local cuisines without compromising their dietary preferences in Groningen.

Prayer Facilities: Information on masjids, prayer rooms, and suitable locations for daily prayers in Groningen, ensuring ease and convenience for Muslim visitors in fulfilling their religious obligations.

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About eHalal Travel Group:

eHalal Travel Group Groningen is a prominent name in the global Muslim travel industry, dedicated to providing innovative and all-inclusive travel solutions tailored to the needs of Muslim travelers worldwide. With a commitment to excellence and inclusivity, eHalal Travel Group aims to foster a seamless travel experience for its clients while respecting their religious and cultural values.

For Halal business inquiries in Groningen, please contact:

eHalal Travel Group Groningen Media: info@ehalal.io

Buy Muslim Friendly condos, Houses and Villas in Groningen

eHalal Group Groningen is a prominent real estate company specializing in providing Muslim-friendly properties in Groningen. Our mission is to cater to the specific needs and preferences of the Muslim community by offering a wide range of halal-certified residential and commercial properties, including houses, condos, and factories. With our commitment to excellence, client satisfaction, and adherence to Islamic principles, eHalal Group has established itself as a trusted name in the real estate industry in Groningen.

At eHalal Group, we understand the importance of meeting the unique requirements of Muslim individuals and families seeking properties that align with their cultural and religious trainings. Our extensive portfolio of Muslim-friendly properties in Groningen ensures that clients have access to a diverse selection of options tailored to their needs. Whether it's a luxurious villa, a modern condominium, or a fully equipped factory, our team is dedicated to assisting clients in finding their ideal property.

For those seeking a comfortable and modern living space, our condos are an excellent choice. Starting at US$ 350,000 and these condominium units offer contemporary designs, state-of-the-art facilities, and convenient locations within Groningen. Each condo is thoughtfully designed to incorporate halal-friendly features and amenities, ensuring a seamless integration of Islamic values into everyday living.

If you are looking for a more spacious option, our houses are perfect for you. Starting at US$ 650,000, our houses provide ample living space, privacy, and a range of customizable features to meet your specific requirements. These houses are located in well-established neighborhoods in Groningen, offering a harmonious balance between modern living and Islamic values.

For those seeking luxury and exclusivity, our luxury villas in Groningen are the epitome of sophistication and elegance. Starting at US$ 1.5 million and these villas offer a lavish lifestyle with private amenities, breathtaking views, and meticulous attention to detail. Each luxury villa is meticulously designed to provide a serene and halal environment, allowing you to enjoy the finest living experience while adhering to your Islamic principles. For further details please email us at info@ehalal.io

Muslim Friendly Hotels

Under €50|€50 to €100|Over €100}} As it is a fairly popular city trip destination among the Dutch, Groningen has plenty of choices for places to stay. There are no real top-end hotels however, so if you're out for luxury, you'll have to resort to some of the better mid-range places. Still and there are several very nice, historic hotels as well as a range of semi-modern and modern mid-range options. Travellers minding their budgets will find that lodging here is relatively cheap.

• Camping Stadspark - Campinglaan 6, 9727 KH Groningen 53.203719, 6.534246 2 miles Southwest if downtown ☎ +31 50 5251624 €18 for a spot, 2 people and showers Open from March to October, this camping ground is in the Stadspark, a large, wooded park just outside the ring road. If you're carrying a tent, this can be a nice budget alternative. Reception closes for lunch. Bring your own toilet paper. Free Wi-Fi around reception area only. On-site restaurant/cafe.

• Simplon Youth Hotel - Simplon Jongerenhotel - Boterdiep 73 53.224818, 6.563686 ☎ +31 50 3135221 SimplonGroningen.png This youth hostel has been around for a long time and remains a popular budget pick. Bunk-beds starting at €18.50. Rooms for up to 6 people are available, too.

• RebelRebel Hostel | Energieweg 10 53.2113, 6.5373 ☎ +31 683695965 €17 The only container hostel in the nation. Environmentally responsible, offering breakfast and bike rentals.

• Scandinavisch Dorp Scandinavian Village Cabins - Oude Badweg 1 Eelderwolde 53.169453, 6.555362 ☎ +31 50 5256867 €49 for two persons The 'Scandinavian Village' by the Paterswoldsemeer lake offers nice cabins in Scandinavian style. The cabins will provide you with a terrace, kitchen with a refrigerator, kitchenware and bathroom.

Hampshire Hotel Façade (5312556618) - Hampshire Plaza Hotel Façade La Liberté Groningen - Apollo Hotel Overzicht op poort, gezien vanaf Martinikerkhof - Groningen - 20531282 - RCE - Monumental Prinsenhof Hotel

• Apollo Hotel - Laan van de Vrijheid 91 53.20037, 6.55470 ☎ +31 50 7630070 From €80 for a double In the La Liberté high-rise building, nice views.

• Bud Gett Hostel - Rademarkt 3-3a 53.215818, 6.571307 ☎ +31 50 5886558 Dorm beds from €25, private doubles from €55 This modern hostel is situated half way between the train station and the downtown. Its decoration is inspired by a Dutch painter Piet Mondrian and beds are made when you arrive.

• Hampshire City Hotel - Gedempte Kattendiep 25 53.217121, 6.57271 ☎ +31 50 3175510 From €60 for a double This large hotel has simple but modern rooms and a nice rooftop terrace. Located in the downtown it can be a little bit noisy at times, but overall this place gives good value for money. Rooms come in different types, with the more expensive ones being quite a bit more spacious. The staff is helpful and there are facilities like a sauna and Turkish steam bath. The hotel rents out bikes for €5.

• Hotel Corps De Garde - Oude Boteringestraat 74 53.221054, 6.562849 ☎ +31 50 3175510 From €99 for a double This charming, historic hotel is housed in a monumental 1634 building. Although equipped with all the modern day facilities you'd expect, it manages to retain its historic atmosphere, making it one of the finest places to stay in town. The only downside is that there's no space for an elevator, but the staff is very helpful and the breakfast very good and the lounge quite inviting. It has bikes for rent. Car parking in the direct surroundings can be expensive.

• Hotel de Doelen - Grote Markt 53.21830, 6.56842 ☎ +31 50 3127041 GroteMarkt36.JPG - This hotel is an all time favorite due to its nice location right at the foot of the Martini tower, facing the Grote Markt. This place has been receiving visitors for some 200 years the decorations clearly intend to maintain the characteristic feel, but all modern facilities are in place. The lounge is pleasant and the staff friendly. The only downsides are the steep stairs to the entrance and - as with many places in the downtown - you'll have to park your vehicle in one of the public garages.

• Martini Hotel - Gedempte Zuiderdiep 8 53.215725, 6.570932 ☎ +31 50 3175510 130420 Gedempte Zuiderdiep 8-10 (vm Hotel WEEVA - Martini Hotel) Groningen NL - From €64.50 for a double Thit is an old hotel, and guests have been accommodated in this building since 1871. It's a bit dated and the rooms are small and simple, but the location is good (in the downtown) and there's a nice bar downstairs and the prices are quite reasonable too. It has triple rooms, if you're a party of three. Private parking is available but costs €12.50 and should be reserved in advance, as it is sometimes full.

• NH Hotel De Ville - @otels.com Oude Boteringestraat 43 53.22009, 6.56390 ☎ +31 50 3181222 Groningen Oude Boteringestraat 43 - From €87 for a double This four-star hotel in the downtown is stylishly decorated with a historic touch and offers more facilities than most hotels in town. Some of the rooms are a bit outdated but the staff is friendly and will park your bike in the nearby public garage, although the parking fees are fairly high.

• Stee in Stad - Boterdiep 111 53.23338, 6.56454 ☎ +31 50 3175510 Singles/doubles from €50/69 Thit is a fairly special hotel; three houses have been transformed into a hotel. In each house there are three rooms. Every room has a different theme. Its staffed by people who otherwise have few chances on the labour market and often have been on income support for a long time. At the hotel the can (re)experience what it's like to have a job and acquire the job skills. However, this place is more than a social business initiative. It's also a pleasant hotel at 5 minutes walk from the old centre. Several rooms have shared bathrooms.

• University Hotel - Kleine Kromme Elleboog 7-b 53.218642, 6.561927 ☎ +31 50 3113424 Singles/doubles from €62.50/€79.50 This nice little hotel is situated at a cosy square with bars all around, close to the university and right in the centre. It is in fact part of the university and offers short but also long stay lodging. Rooms are nicely decorated in a modern fashion and the staff is friendly and there's free tea and coffee in the lounge. Breakfast is a bit limited and there aren't too many facilities beyond what you'd expect from any hotel, but in terms of price and quality - thit is a really good deal.

• Prinsenhof - Martinikerkhof 23 53.22087, 6.56892 ☎ +31 50 3176550 Overzicht op poort, gezien vanaf Martinikerkhof - Groningen - 20531283 - RCE - From €149 for a double, Royal Suite €399 Prinsenhof Groningen is located right in the middle of Groningen downtown, only meters from the Martini Tower. As soon as the monumental gate is passed and the city’s bustle is left behind. Offering a grand café, a hotel and an à-la-carte restaurant.

Muslim Friendly Hospitals

Oostvleugel Martiniziekenhuis Groningen - The east wing of the Martini Hospital 20151214 Poortweg UMCG Groningen NL - The "Poortstreet" within the UMCG Hospital

In case of medical emergency, Groningen is well-served by a wide variety of hospitals and other medical facilities. The University Medical Center Groningen (UMCG) is the main hospital. It is one of the largest hospitals in the World, offering supraregional tertiary care to the northern part of the Netherlands. The Martini Hospital is the second hospital, located in the south of the city.

Consulates in Groningen

{{flag|Austria Austria | Stedumermaar 10 ☎ +31 50 5445399 {{flag|Belgium Belgium | Schaphalsterzijl 1 Winsum ☎ +31 50 5257401 {{flag|Czech Republic Czech Republic | Radesingel 50 - ☎ +31 50 3162525 {{flag|Denmark Denmark | Pottebakkersrijge 16 ☎ +31 50 3138632 {{flag|France} France | Oude Kijk In 'T Jatstraat 26 ☎ +31 50 3636106

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link=]] News & References Groningen Travel Next The small town of Appingedam with her medieval town centre is well worth exploring, and it is famous for the "hanging kitchens". The star fort of Bourtange is another good choice and is less than an hour away by car. Explore the historical region Middag-Humsterland by vehicle or bicycle. The region is one of the oldest cultural landscapes of Western Europe and known for the villages built on wierdes (artificial hills) to shelter themselves and their stock from the high tide. Visit the seal rescue centre in Pieterburen. Catch a bus to Lauwersoog, only to hop on a ferry to the island Schiermonnikoog. This small island is a popular day- or weekendtrip destination. Take the train to Uithuizen and visit the Menkemaborg, a particular kind of castle and one of the oldest and best kept examples of its kind in the region. Visit the Aa en Hunze|Drentsche Aa National Park and take a walk in the valley of the small river the Drentsche Aa, trough the wide heathlands or the diverse forests. The famous dolmen sites are also here. Copyright 2015 - 2024. All Rights reserved by eHalal Group Co., Ltd. To Advertise or sponsor this Travel Guide, please visit our Media Kit and Advertising Rates.