Discover the vibrant heart of innovation and design in Eindhoven, the fifth largest city in the Netherlands. Known as the “City of Light” due to its history with Philips and light bulbs, Eindhoven offers an array of activities and attractions that seamlessly blend its rich industrial past with cutting-edge modernity. From world-class museums showcasing modern and contemporary art to the annual Dutch Design Week, this southern Netherlands gem is a must-visit destination for culture enthusiasts and tech aficionados alike.
🏡 Best Hotels in Eindhoven
- ✨ 5-Star: NH Collection Eindhoven Centre
- 🏨 4-Star: Holiday Inn Eindhoven Centre, an IHG Hotel
- 🛏️ 3-Star: Boutique Hotel Lumiere
- 💸 Cheap: De Heidestroper
- 🏢 Apartament: Little Grand
- 👨👩👧👦 For Families: Hotel Mariënhage
- 🏩 For Couples: WestCord Hotel Eindhoven
Explore the best of Eindhoven’s diverse offerings, from the iconic Van Gogh-inspired starry night bike path to the bustling Downtown Gourmet Market. Whether you’re interested in touring the PSV Eindhoven football club stadium, admiring street art in the Berenkuil, or enjoying the city’s thriving nightlife, Eindhoven has something for everyone. With its innovative spirit and welcoming atmosphere, a trip to Eindhoven promises an unforgettable experience that will leave you inspired and eager to return to this dynamic design capital.
👩🏫 Best Guided Tours
- Eindhoven E-Fatbike route in web app from € 40 (⭐ 5/5)
- Self-Guided Walking Tour in Eindhoven with Qula City Trails from € 34 (⭐ 4.5/5)
- Street art bike tour including guide from € 34 (⭐ 4.9/5)
- Outside Escape Walking Tour in Eindhoven City (2 Hours) Self-guided from € 27 (⭐ 4.6/5)
Best Things To Do in Eindhoven, Netherlands
1. 🏛️ DOMUSDELA
Cultural hub: DOMUSDELA, located in the heart of Eindhoven, is a breathtaking events location that beautifully combines history, architecture, art, and design. This redevelopment of the former Mariënhage monastery complex has become a vibrant spot that truly captures the essence of Eindhoven’s past and present.
Monastic Heritage: The Mariënhage monastery complex dates back to the 11th century, originally established as Ten Hage castle before being converted to a monastery in 1419 when Jan van Schoonvorst donated the property to five citizens. The site has undergone multiple transformations through centuries of turbulent history, including destruction, burning, and rebuilding.
⭐ Best Activities
- Street art bike tour including guide: Explore Eindhoven’s vibrant street art scene on this guided bike tour. Cycle through the city’s creative hotspots, discovering colorful murals and hidden artistic gems while learning about the stories behind the artworks.
2. 🎨 Van Abbemuseum
Art Collection: Founded in 1936, the Van Abbemuseum houses one of Europe’s most significant collections of modern and contemporary art, featuring around 2,700 works. The museum showcases masterpieces from renowned artists including Picasso, Kandinsky, and Rodin, making it a crucial cultural institution in the Dutch, Flemish, and German regions.
Exhibition Space: The museum combines its historic 1936 building with a modern wing added in 2003, creating dynamic spaces for both permanent collections and temporary exhibitions that challenge conventional artistic perspectives.
Time Saver: Book your tickets online in advance to skip the queue and get straight to the art.
3. 💡 Philips Museum
Historical Significance: Located in the original 1891 factory where Gerard Philips produced his first light bulbs, the museum chronicles the company’s evolution from lighting pioneer to global technology leader. The exhibition includes everything from early carbon wire light bulbs to modern lighting systems and medical equipment.
Interactive Experience: Visitors can explore the company’s technological innovations through hands-on displays and multimedia presentations, offering insights into Philips’ influence on modern electronics and healthcare technology.
Insider Tip: Don’t miss the “Phanimation” show, a captivating audiovisual experience that brings Philips’ history to life.
4. ⚽ PSV Stadium Tour
Sports Heritage: The Philips Stadium, home to PSV Eindhoven, offers behind-the-scenes tours that include access to changing rooms, directors’ boxes, and pitch-side dugouts. The stadium’s museum houses significant memorabilia, including a replica of the 1988 European Cup trophy.
Cultural Impact: The stadium represents an important part of Eindhoven’s identity, with PSV having won the Dutch league more than 20 times and maintaining strong connections to the city’s industrial heritage through its origins as the Philips company team.
Money Saver: If you’re planning to visit on a match day, book a combo ticket that includes both the tour and match entry for a discounted price.
5. 🏛️ St. Catherine’s Church
Historical Design: Built between 1861-1867 by architect P.J.H. Cuypers, St. Catherine’s Church represents a masterpiece of Neo-Gothic architecture inspired by 13th-century French Gothic churches, particularly those of Chartres and Reims. The church features a three-aisled cruciform basilican design with a three-aisled transept and a choir with an ambulatory and three hexagonal radiating chapels.
Modern Significance: The church serves as both a spiritual center and cultural landmark in Eindhoven’s downtown area, dedicated to Saint Catherine of Alexandria. Since 1988, the “Muziek in de Cathrien” foundation has organized regular concerts, making it a vital part of Eindhoven’s cultural life.
Cultural significance: Declared a National Cultural Monument in 1972, the church regularly hosts concerts organized by the Music Foundation, making it a center for both spiritual and cultural activities.
6. 🎨 Van Gogh Village Museum
Historical Setting: Located in Nuenen’s old town hall, the Van Gogh Village Museum provides an immersive experience of Vincent van Gogh’s life from 1883 to 1885. The museum showcases how the artist lived and worked during his time in Nuenen, including the creation of his first masterpiece “The Potato Eaters”.
Interactive Elements: The museum features Vincent’s Lightlab where visitors can experiment with light and perspective techniques used by the artist. The facility offers comprehensive insights into Van Gogh’s artistic development during his formative years in Nuenen.
Insider Tip: Combine your visit with a bike ride on the Van Gogh-Roosegaarde cycle path between Nuenen and Eindhoven. This innovative path, inspired by Van Gogh’s “Starry Night,” features thousands of twinkling stones embedded in the asphalt, creating a magical nighttime experience.
⭐ Best Activities
- Bicycle tour in the footsteps of Vincent van Gogh including guide: Embark on a fascinating journey through Vincent van Gogh’s world with this guided bicycle tour. Cycle through the picturesque Dutch countryside, visiting locations that inspired the famous artist’s paintings and learning about his life and work.
7. 🚀 Next Nature Museum
Historic Building: The museum is housed in the iconic Evoluon, a UFO-shaped structure built in 1966 as Philips’ science museum. The building’s futuristic design features a concrete dome spanning 77 meters in diameter, supported by 169 kilometers of reinforcing steel bars.
Immersive exhibitions: The museum explores thought-provoking themes about how technology is becoming our “next nature.” Through interactive displays and cutting-edge installations, visitors can engage with concepts like artificial meat, living cities, and the future of human evolution.
VR Time Machine: For an extra €5, you can experience the Virtual Time Machine, a unique VR journey through past, present, and future landscapes. It’s a mind-bending way to visualize our changing relationship with nature and technology.
Things to do in Eindhoven with Kids
1. 🏰 Eindhoven Museum
Museum Collection: The Eindhoven Museum maintains a collection of 23,000 historical objects that chronicle the city’s cultural development, including paintings, statues, household items, tools, and clothing ranging from traditional Brabantine attire to modern ASML clean room suits.
Living History: The museum’s preHistorisch Dorp (prehistoric village) section, established in 1982, features authentic recreations of Iron Age and Medieval life. The facility offers interactive demonstrations of historical practices like cooking on open fires and period games, making history accessible to visitors of all ages.
Top Tip: Wear comfortable shoes and clothes you don’t mind getting a bit dirty – some of the activities can be messy but that’s part of the fun!
2. 🌳 Genneper Parks
Park Layout: Spanning over 200 hectares, Genneper Parks combines natural landscapes, recreational areas, and historical elements. The park features a diverse ecosystem including meadows, woodlands, and waterways, with the Dommel River running through its heart.
Outdoor Pursuits: The park offers an extensive network of cycling and walking paths totaling over 15 kilometers. Visitors can enjoy various activities including fishing in designated ponds, bird watching in natural habitats, and exploring the children’s farm where young visitors can interact with domestic animals.
Insider Tip: Pack a picnic and make a day of it. There are plenty of beautiful spots to spread out a blanket and enjoy the scenery.
3. 🏰 Heeswijk Castle
Medieval Origins: Dating back to the 11th century, Heeswijk Castle began as a motte-and-bailey fortress before evolving into one of the Netherlands’ oldest and most significant water fortresses. The castle’s strategic location near the River Aa made it an important defensive stronghold and economic center throughout medieval times.
Cultural Heritage: The castle underwent significant renovation in the 19th century under Baron Andreas van den Bogaerde van Terbrugge, who added an armory, water tower, iron tower, and gallery. Today, it functions as both a museum and cultural center, featuring a brasserie that welcomes cyclists as part of the Brabant Bicycle Café network.
⭐ Kasteel Heeswijk – Check availability of tickets
4. 🦁 Eindhoven Zoo
Diverse Habitats: Eindhoven Zoo houses over 60 different animal species in specialized enclosures, including Europe’s largest aviary spanning over one hectare that features more than 100 birds of various species such as cattle egrets, European sea-eagles, black storks, and endangered Waldrapp ibis. The facility showcases impressive exhibits including a completely renovated Amur tiger enclosure and upgraded elephant habitat that meet modern international standards.
Featured Species: The zoo’s collection includes impressive mammals like polar bears (known for their black skin under white fur), Amur tigers (one of few cat species that enjoys water), elephants, rhinos, and chimpanzees. The animal habitats are designed to provide ample space and natural environments, allowing visitors to observe authentic animal behaviors.
⭐ Eindhoven Zoo – Check availability of tickets
Free Things To Do in Eindhoven
1. 🏭 Strijp-S
Industrial Heritage: Originally Philips’ industrial complex known as the “Forbidden City,” Strijp-S has evolved from a manufacturing center into Eindhoven’s premier creative and cultural hub. The iconic factory buildings, once dedicated to light bulb production, have been carefully preserved and repurposed while maintaining their industrial character.
Cultural Development: The area now serves as the epicenter of Dutch design and innovation, hosting major events including Dutch Design Week (the largest design event in Northern Europe) and the GLOW light festival. The district features multiple cultural venues including the Discovery Factory for children’s technology exploration and NatLab, which houses a cinema, film platform Broet, and the multidisciplinary Baltan Laboratories
Money Saver: Many of the area’s attractions are free to explore, making it a budget-friendly way to experience Eindhoven’s creative side.
2. 🌠 Eindhoven’s Starry Night Bike Path
Artistic Creation: Created by artist Daan Roosegaarde in collaboration with Heijmans infrastructure firm, this unique cycle path features thousands of twinkling stones that illuminate in patterns inspired by Van Gogh’s “The Starry Night”. The path uses special coating technology that charges during daylight hours and emits a blue-green glow after dark.
Technical Features: The kilometer-long path combines solar-powered illuminating stones with LED lighting along certain curves, ensuring visibility even during cloudy periods. A nearby solar panel provides additional power to maintain consistent illumination throughout the night.
Top Tip: Rent a bike for the evening to fully experience the path. Many hotels offer bike rentals, or you can use the city’s bike-sharing system.
Seasonal Activities
🌸 Spring in Eindhoven
Spring awakens: Spring transforms Eindhoven into a vibrant canvas of colors as the city’s numerous parks and gardens burst into bloom. The Van Gogh-Roosegaarde cycle path becomes particularly magical during this season, with the surrounding countryside showcasing the same landscapes that inspired the famous artist. Average temperatures range from 8°C to 17°C, making it perfect for outdoor activities.
Annual Events:
- Dutch Technology Week (Last week of May): A citywide celebration of innovation featuring workshops, exhibitions, and demonstrations at various technology companies.
- Art & Antiques Fair (First weekend in April): The largest art and antiques event in the Netherlands, showcasing over 115 dealers.
- King’s Day Celebrations (April 27): The city turns orange with street parties, markets, and live music.
- Marathon Eindhoven (April): A major sporting event attracting thousands of runners from around the world.
Tip: Rent a bike and explore the blooming Genneper Parken. The park’s colorful flowers and budding trees make for a perfect spring outing.
☀️ Summer in Eindhoven
Sun-soaked fun: Summer brings long, warm days perfect for exploring Eindhoven’s outdoor attractions and beer gardens. With temperatures averaging between 18°C and 23°C, it’s the ideal season for cycling tours, outdoor dining, and enjoying the city’s numerous terraces. The Strijp-S district becomes particularly lively with outdoor markets and performances.
Annual Events:
- Park Hilaria Fair (First week of August): The city’s largest funfair featuring rides, games, and entertainment.
- Eindhoven Maker Faire (June): A celebration of invention and creativity showcasing local and international makers.
- De Nacht van Strijp-S (September 21-22): A cultural night featuring art installations, music, and performances.
- Extrema Outdoor Festival (July): One of the Netherlands’ largest electronic music festivals.
Insider Tip: Cool off at the Ir. Ottenbad, an outdoor swimming pool complex perfect for hot summer days.
🍂 Autumn in Eindhoven
Creative explosion: Autumn paints Eindhoven in warm colors and brings mild temperatures between 10°C and 15°C. This season hosts the city’s most prestigious events, transforming Eindhoven into a global hub for design and innovation. The crisp weather creates perfect conditions for exploring the city’s cultural attractions.
Annual Events:
- Dutch Design Week (October 19-27): Northern Europe’s largest design event featuring exhibitions across 120 locations.
- GLOW Light Festival (November): A spectacular light art festival transforming the city center into an open-air gallery.
- Food Festival Eindhoven (October): A celebration of local and international cuisine.
- Halloween Horror Show at PSV Stadium (October 31): A unique haunted experience in the historic stadium.
Money Saver: Many Dutch Design Week exhibitions are free to visit. Plan your route in advance to make the most of this inspiring event.
❄️ Winter in Eindhoven
Festive cheer: Winter brings a magical atmosphere to Eindhoven, with temperatures ranging from 2°C to 6°C. The city center sparkles with holiday decorations and light installations, while indoor venues offer cozy retreats. It’s the perfect season for exploring museums, enjoying indoor markets, and experiencing Dutch winter traditions.
Annual Events:
- Fijne Feestdagen Festival (December): A month-long celebration with holiday markets and activities.
- Eindhoven Winter Village (December-January): Features an ice rink, winter market, and seasonal entertainment.
- Dutch Ice Sculpture Festival (December): Showcases intricate ice sculptures by international artists.
- Carnival celebrations (February): A traditional festival with parades, music, and colorful costumes.
Top Tip: Visit the Philips Museum to learn about Eindhoven’s role in lighting technology – particularly fitting during the dark winter months.
Day Trips from Eindhoven
1. 🎢 Efteling Theme Park
Historical Significance: Established in 1952, Efteling has evolved from a nature park with a playground and Fairy Tale Forest into the largest theme park in the Benelux region, attracting four million visitors annually. The park’s unique character was established by artist Anton Pieck and inventor Peter Reijnders, who created a distinctive nostalgic style that continues to define the park’s atmosphere.
Attraction Features: The park combines cultural, romantic, and nostalgic elements with modern thrill rides, featuring attractions like Max & Moritz family coaster, Baron 1898 dive coaster, and the spectacular Aquanura water show with over 200 fountains and 900 lights. The iconic Fairy Tale Forest remains a centerpiece attraction, showcasing classic stories through detailed animatronic displays.
Time Saver: Buy your tickets online in advance and arrive early to beat the crowds, especially during peak season.
⭐ Best Activities
- Efteling Theme Park Entrance Ticket: Experience the magic of Efteling, one of Europe’s oldest and most beloved theme parks, with this skip-the-line entrance ticket. Immerse yourself in a world of enchanting fairy tales, thrilling rides, and spectacular shows.
2. 🏰 Hertogenbosch
Medieval Heritage: Founded in 1185 by Duke Henry I of Brabant, ‘s-Hertogenbosch features one of the best-preserved medieval city centers in the Netherlands. The city’s historic core contains over 1,200 national heritage buildings and monuments, including numerous examples of Gothic and Renaissance architecture dating from the 14th to 17th centuries.
Modern Features: The city combines its historical character with contemporary culture, hosting the renowned Carnival festival and housing modern attractions like the Jheronimus Bosch Art Center. The central market square (Markt) hosts a weekly market every Saturday featuring local produce, crafts, and traditional Dutch specialties.
⭐ Best Activities
- Self-guided Outside Escape Walking Tour in Den Bosch: Embark on an exciting self-guided adventure through the charming city of Den Bosch with this unique Outside Escape walking tour. As you explore the city’s hidden gems and famous landmarks, you’ll solve intriguing riddles and uncover the mystery of a stolen painting by the renowned artist Jheronimus Bosch.
❓ FAQ
What are the best attractions in Eindhoven for art lovers?
Art enthusiasts visiting Eindhoven should not miss the Van Abbemuseum, one of the leading museums for modern and contemporary art in Europe. The museum houses works by renowned artists like Picasso and Kandinsky. For street art fans, the Berenkuil (Bear Pit) is a must-visit location, showcasing vibrant murals and graffiti. Strijp-S, a former industrial area turned creative hub, also features numerous art installations and exhibitions.
What are the top things to do in Eindhoven for technology and design enthusiasts?
Eindhoven, known as the City of Light and a hub for innovation, offers several attractions for tech and design lovers. The Philips Museum provides an interactive journey through the company’s history and technological advancements. During Dutch Design Week, held annually in October, the city becomes a showcase for cutting-edge design. The High Tech Campus Eindhoven, often called the “smartest square kilometer in Europe,” is worth exploring for its innovative atmosphere.
What are some family-friendly activities in Eindhoven?
Families visiting Eindhoven can enjoy the PreHistorisch Dorp (Prehistoric Village), an open-air museum offering hands-on experiences of prehistoric life. The DAF Museum, showcasing the history of DAF vehicles, is entertaining for both adults and children. For outdoor activities, Genneper Parken provides ample space for picnics, walks, and sports. The Eindhoven Zoo (Dierenrijk) is another popular attraction for families.
What are the best free things to do in Eindhoven?
Eindhoven offers several free attractions and activities. Strolling through Strijp-S to admire the street art and creative atmosphere costs nothing. The Stadswandelpark, featuring various sculptures, is perfect for a leisurely walk. During GLOW Eindhoven, held annually in November, you can enjoy spectacular light art installations throughout the city for free. Many museums also offer free entry on certain days or times.
What unique experiences can I have in Eindhoven?
For a unique experience in Eindhoven, visit the Van Gogh-Roosegaarde bicycle path near Nuenen, which glows at night inspired by Van Gogh’s “Starry Night.” The Downtown Gourmet Market offers a diverse culinary experience with over 20 different food stalls. Attending a PSV Eindhoven football match at the Philips Stadium provides an authentic Dutch sports experience. The Evoluon, a futuristic-looking conference center, is worth seeing for its unique architecture.
