Top things to do in
Eindhoven
Philips brought light to Eindhoven
nationalities
Michelin Star Restaurants
rd
Largest football stadium in the Netherlands
m
from airport to city centre
Best Things To Do In Eindhoven
Prepare to be inspired by creativity, innovation and design
There’s an intense passion for innovation and design that is deeply woven into society in Eindhoven. As a result, you can taste it in the vast and exciting food scene, and feel it in the thought-provoking art exhibitions that channel emotion through creativity. There’s a tangible representation of it in the galleries, shops and showrooms around the city. In summary, there’s an all encompassing creative energy in Eindhoven that draws you in and keeps you searching for more.
History Of Eindhoven
A short history of the City of Light
Eindhoven has a rich history that relates closely to the development and success of the international technology company, Philips. Founded in Eindhoven in 1891, Philips & Co quickly became the driving force for innovative technology. The company’s production of advanced technology began with lightbulbs, bringing light to the world and shining a spotlight on the city. As the company grew and expanded overseas, Eindhoven long remained the headquarters for the Philips company, and has since retained the aptly awarded name ‘City of Light’. Philips & Co were responsible for developing many of the socio-economical successes of Eindhoven, having provided thousands of jobs, extensive housing arrangements, and many employee rights that paved the way in the working industry and lead to a city of healthy and happy workers.
A lasting impression
It appears that Philips laid the foundations for Eindhoven’s evolution into a city of advanced innovation and design. Creativity flows through the veins of the city as though there is something in the water that urges people to try new things and prove that there are no boundaries to imagination. Public displays of art and design are openly accepted in Eindhoven, encouraging people to channel their expressiveness in a way that allows everyone to take inspiration from it. Because of this, you see innovation everywhere you look and can feel the creativity igniting in your soul.
Left Brain, Right Brain
There’s one thing that really stands out about Eindhoven, and that is the emphasis on collaboration. Many of the world’s greatest inventions have come about as a result of people sharing and combining ideas to create something more spectacular than any one person could do alone. Above all, Eindhoven prides itself on showcasing the best of ‘the left brain and the right brain’. Interestingly, Eindhoven boasts talent in both the arts and technology, with people from all over the world coming here to think, share ideas, and create. As a result, creative ideas are combined with technological advances to bring about remarkable products and concepts. Inevitably, the approach of sharing insight from different perspectives can result in wonderful things.
Best Things to do in Eindhoven
There’s so much to see and do in Eindhoven. We’ve put together a selection of the best to get you started on your journey of discovery. Start planning your trip with this list of the 12 best things to do in Eindhoven.
1. Visit the Philips museum
Get an insight into the city’s history through this fun and interactive experience. Furthermore, you’ll leave with a new appreciation for the social projects that started hundreds of years ago and still positively impact lives today.
2. Discover Eindhoven’s epic street art
This can be found all over the city. Look out for work by Studio Giftig who have become increasingly well known for their incredible talent. To illustrate, see some of their best pieces in the Most Instagrammable Places In Eindhoven.
3. Go to a PSV football match
A trip to Eindhoven wouldn’t be complete without going to watch the local team play. PSV is a historic club founded by Philips & Co back in 1913. The club was started for Philips employees and grew to one of the best teams in The Netherlands.
4. Eat all of the food!
Eindhoven is a foodie haven. With 12 Michelin star restaurants and countless more fine dining or casual eating options, you’ll be spoiled for choice. Check out our Best places to eat in Eindhoven for a selection of our favourites.
5. Take a day trip to Nuenen
Home to the world famous painter Vincent van Goghn, Nuenen is a picturesque village just outside Eindhoven. Visit the Van Gogh museum then get a feel for the village with a walking tour, where you can visit the buildings that were subjects in some of Van Gogh’s most well-known paintings.
6. Explore Stijp-S
A former Philips industrial area, Strijp-S is now a hip centre for independent businesses and designers. Wander through the area and find renovated factories, innovative concepts, local artisans and thrift stores.
Visit the Philips Museum
Find Studio Giftig street art
Go to a PSV football match
Eat your way around the city
Take a trip to Nuenen
Explore Stijp-S
7. Relax in the city parks
We can’t be the only ones who love a bit of urban planning that brings ample green space to a city. Eindhoven has some great parks spread out across the city, ideal for resting your legs in the middle of a jam-packed day of exploring.
8. Take a trip to Piet Hein Eek
Bordering the old Philips estate, this former Philips factory has been transformed into a spectacular design hub, warehouse, and showroom. Now, local designers use this space to create and showcase their work, inspired by Dutch designer Piet Hein Eek who’s passion lies in creating something new from something old.
9. Light up your life at the new Motion Imagination Experience
A new addition to Eindhoven’s city centre attractions. Grab your camera and a few friends and head to Motion Imagination Experience to be swept away by the photographic moving light shows.
10. Get a bird’s eye view at Happy Hour
Sunset is the ideal time to visit the Skybar and look down on Eindhoven from above. Put your feet up and enjoy a delicious, travel-inspired cocktail as you reflect on the day and plan your next steps. It’s a beautiful way to appreciate how green Eindhoven is, and to see some of the city’s interesting structures from above.
11. Step inside Cafe Thomas
Prepare to be blown away by the impressive art work that encompasses Thomas Hall. An inspiring piece by Studio Giftig, this is not to be missed. The best part? This is now a trendy bar, so you can take it all in as you sip a cold beer.
12. Visit the Van Abbemuseum for contemporary art
With permanent installations and guest exhibitions exploring topics that are currently prominent in society, the Van Abbemuseum is a thought provoking experience you will not want to miss.
Relax in the city parks
Visit Piet Hein Eek
Motion Imagination Experience
Take in the sunset at Skybar
Enjoy a drink in Thomas
Visit Van Abbemuseum
Eindhoven Events Calendar
Spring & Summer
Lakedance
Head to Aquabest for the best summer festival around. Dance in the sand with a cocktail in hand, as the music plays on and on. Be free, have fun, and soak up the summer vibes.
Van Moll Fest
A weekend full of fantastic beer. Delivering beers from the best Dutch, European, and US breweries, Van Moll Fest is a great opportunity to get together with your mates and appreciate international craft beer.
Foodstock
Based on the laid back weekend vibes of Woodstock, this summer food festival has free admission and loads of food, drinks and music on offer. An ideal place to chill out and eat a wide range of foods from around the world.
Autumn & Winter
Dutch Design Week
The largest design event in Northern Europe, DDW is not to be missed. As the design capital of the Netherlands, Eindhoven is the perfect place to host an event showcasing creative and innovative designs. Held in October each year.
Lichtjesroute
This celebration of light began as a commemoration to Eindhoven’s liberation after the Second World War. Each year, a 22km route around the city is lit up with light bulbs and lamps for everyone to enjoy. A beautiful event for the city of light.
Glow Festival
The yearly Glow festival is a firm Eindhoven favourite. Spectacular light installations pop up all over the city, creating a glowing art exhibition with moving and interactive lights.
Upcoming Events
New events are continuously being added to the calendar in Eindhoven. Get up-to-date information about activities and events from This Is Eindhoven, the city’s official tourism board.
Editor’s Travel Tips
Where to Eat
Eindhoven is a bit of an underdog when it comes to the food scene. There’s so much choice and variety, from Michelin Star restaurants to grab and go treats and everything in between.
Best Photo Opportunities
Despite residents often playing down the aesthetics of Eindhoven, we found it to be a surprisingly beautiful city. There’s so much architectural variety and brightly coloured street art, plus innovative design concepts that are nothing less than intriguing and pleasing to the eye.
Featured Host
Kazerne
If you want to melt into the beauty of all things art and design, Kazerne is the place to stay. Former military police barracks and an industrial warehouse have been transformed into an exciting platform that brings light to the extraordinary ways in which design can shape our lives. The elegant blend of original features and carefully selected art and design create an entirely unique experience. Home to 8 luxury guest suites and lofts, 2 restaurants, and multiple exhibition spaces, the art and design within the suites and around the property change regularly as new exhibitions are showcased.
Featured Host
The Match
For the city explorer and nightlife lover. Hotel The Match is everything you need a city centre hotel to be. Nothing more, nothing less. Located right in the heart of the action, The Match carries the motto ‘Check in, stay out’ and encourages guests to get outside and explore, returning to the hotel simply to shower, change, or take a nap. There’s no breakfast or onsite restaurant, but an endless selection of places to eat and drink right outside the front door. With a cool street-style design and wall art, this hip hotel is the ideal base from which to discover the very best of Eindhoven.
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