Discover Eindhoven | A Visitor's Introduction to Eindhoven

Why is Eindhoven Worth a Visit?

Eindhoven is worth visiting for its unique mix of industrial history, design-forward thinking, and youthful energy. It’s home to the Dutch Design Week, one of Europe’s most important design festivals, and has a buzzing creative scene anchored in redeveloped industrial districts. The city also has a thriving nightlife, great shopping, and easy access to nearby nature and cultural attractions.

While Eindhoven lacks the canals and medieval façades of other Dutch cities, it makes up for it with bold architecture, innovative museums, and a dynamic, international atmosphere.

Eindhoven Highlights: Things to See and Do in Eindhoven

Philips Museum

Learn the story of Philips, the electronics giant that shaped Eindhoven’s growth. The museum combines history with interactive exhibits, showing how the company’s innovations changed the world.

Van Abbemuseum

A leading modern and contemporary art museum with works by Picasso, Kandinsky, and Chagall, alongside thought-provoking temporary exhibitions.

Strijp-S

Once a Philips industrial complex, Strijp-S is now a creative hotspot filled with design studios, concept stores, cafés, and galleries. Street art, food markets, and festivals give it a lively atmosphere year-round.

Evoluon

A UFO-shaped building originally opened by Philips as a science museum in the 1960s, now used for exhibitions, conferences, and events. Even if closed, it’s worth seeing for its iconic design.

St. Catherine’s Church (Catharinakerk)

A striking twin-spired neo-Gothic church in the city centre, with beautiful stained glass and occasional concerts.

Genneper Parken

A large park area with walking and cycling trails, an open-air museum, an ice rink, and a swimming pool.

DAF Museum

Dedicated to the Dutch truck and car manufacturer DAF, this museum displays vintage vehicles, prototypes, and the brand’s automotive history.

PSV Eindhoven & Philips Stadion

Football fans can tour the stadium of PSV Eindhoven, one of the Netherlands’ top clubs, and visit its museum.

Dutch Design Week (October)

The city’s biggest annual event, attracting designers and visitors from around the world with exhibitions, installations, and talks across multiple venues.

Practical Advice for Visitors

Getting There

Eindhoven Airport offers flights to many European destinations and is just 15 minutes by bus from the city centre. From Amsterdam, trains to Eindhoven take around 1.5 hours.

Parking

There are multiple paid parking garages in the city centre and Park-and-Ride options for cheaper rates. Strijp-S also has dedicated parking areas.

Dining

Eindhoven’s food scene is diverse, with everything from street food halls to fine dining. Try worstenbroodjes (Brabant sausage rolls) and explore the city’s many international restaurants. The Down Town Gourmet Market is a popular indoor food court with global flavours.

Shopping

The city centre offers major brands, while Strijp-S is best for design shops and unique gifts. The Woensel West district has a growing number of independent boutiques.

When to Visit

October is a highlight thanks to Dutch Design Week. Summer brings outdoor events and terrace dining, while winter features Christmas markets and cosy cafés.

Local Events

• Dutch Design Week (October) – Europe’s largest design festival.

• Glow Eindhoven (November) – A spectacular light art festival.

• King’s Day (27 April) – City-wide street parties and music.

Exploring Beyond Eindhoven

Eindhoven is well-placed for trips to ’s-Hertogenbosch, Tilburg, or Breda. The nearby Loonse en Drunense Duinen National Park offers hiking and cycling in a unique sand dune landscape.