General Information
Eindhoven, known as the design and technology hub of the Netherlands, is a vibrant city blending innovation, creativity, and rich history. Home to Philips and Dutch Design Week, Eindhoven boasts a thriving art, tech, and startup scene. While it may not have the canals of Amsterdam, Eindhoven offers modern architecture, exciting museums, trendy neighborhoods, and a dynamic nightlife. Whether you’re into cutting-edge design, street art, or football culture, this energetic city has something unique to offer.
Location
Eindhoven is located in the southern Netherlands, in the province of North Brabant. It lies close to the Belgian border and is about 125 km from Amsterdam. The city is known for its modern infrastructure, high-tech industries, and green spaces.
How to Get There
- By Air:
- Eindhoven Airport (EIN) serves European flights and is the second busiest airport in the Netherlands.
- Amsterdam Schiphol Airport (AMS) is a 1.5-hour train ride away for international connections.
- By Train:
- Eindhoven Centraal is well-connected to Amsterdam, Rotterdam, Utrecht, and other major Dutch cities.
- Direct trains to Brussels, Düsseldorf, and Cologne make cross-border travel easy.
- By Bus:
- FlixBus and Eurolines offer budget-friendly travel to and from Eindhoven.
- By Car:
- Highways A2 and A67 connect Eindhoven to Belgium and Germany.
Best Time to Visit
- Spring (March – May): Mild temperatures (10°C – 20°C), blooming flowers, and fewer crowds.
- Summer (June – August): Warm weather (20°C – 28°C), perfect for outdoor events and festivals.
- Autumn (September – November): Cool (10°C – 18°C), with colorful foliage and design events.
- Winter (December – February): Chilly (0°C – 8°C), but cozy Christmas markets and light festivals.
Key Festivals:
- Dutch Design Week (October): The largest design event in Northern Europe.
- Glow Eindhoven (November): A mesmerizing festival of light installations.
- Kingsday (April 27): A nationwide street festival with music and markets.
- STRP Festival (March/April): A futuristic mix of art, music, and technology.
Where to Stay
- Luxury:
- Pullman Eindhoven Cocagne – A stylish 4-star hotel in the city center.
- NH Collection Eindhoven Centre – A modern hotel with a rooftop bar.
- Mid-range:
- Hotel The Match – A trendy hotel with a cool, modern design.
- Boutique Hotel Lumière – A cozy and elegant boutique hotel.
- Budget:
- Blue Collar Hotel – An industrial-style hotel in a former Philips factory.
- Bastion Hotel Eindhoven – A comfortable and affordable stay.
- Unique:
- Hotel Piet Hein Eek – Stay inside a famous Dutch designer’s studio.
- Inntel Hotels Art Eindhoven – A stylish hotel featuring local art.
Top Attractions
- Philips Museum: Discover the history of the tech giant that shaped Eindhoven.
- Van Abbemuseum: A world-class modern and contemporary art museum.
- Strijp-S: A creative district full of design studios, cafés, and street art.
- DAF Museum: A must-visit for automobile enthusiasts.
- Glow Eindhoven: A stunning light art festival held every November.
- Evoluon: A futuristic UFO-shaped building, once a science museum.
- Genneper Parks: A green escape with walking trails and historic watermills.
- St. Catherine’s Church: A beautiful neo-Gothic church in the city center.
- Down Town Gourmet Market: A lively food hall with international cuisines.
- PSV Eindhoven Stadium (Philips Stadion): A must-visit for football fans.
Getting Around
- Public Transport: Buses cover the city well; OV-chipkaart can be used for payment.
- Biking: Eindhoven is extremely bike-friendly, with many rental options.
- Walking: The city center is compact and easy to explore on foot.
- Taxis & Ride-sharing: Available but expensive; biking is a better option.
Local Cuisine
- Worstenbroodje: A Brabant-style sausage roll.
- Bossche Bol: A giant chocolate cream puff from nearby ‘s-Hertogenbosch.
- Bitterballen: Crispy Dutch meat snacks, perfect with beer.
- Stamppot: Mashed potatoes with vegetables, a Dutch comfort food.
- Craft Beer: Try local brews at Van Moll or Stadsbrouwerij Eindhoven.
Best Restaurants & Cafés:
- De Karpendonkse Hoeve: A Michelin-starred fine dining experience.
- Radio Royaal: An industrial-style restaurant in Strijp-S.
- Ketelhuis: A trendy eatery with a focus on local ingredients.
- Down Town Gourmet Market: A vibrant food hall with global cuisines.
- Intelligentia Ice: The best place for creative and delicious ice cream.
Shopping
- De Bergen: A charming neighborhood with independent boutiques and concept stores.
- Strijp-S: Home to unique design shops and creative stores.
- Heuvel Galerie & Piazza Center: Modern shopping malls with international brands.
- Urban Shopper: A collection of small, trendy stores inside Strijp-S.
- Philips Museum Shop: Great for Eindhoven-themed souvenirs.
Nightlife
- Stratumseind: The longest bar street in the Netherlands, packed with nightlife.
- Van Moll: A top craft beer bar with a cozy atmosphere.
- The Little One Bar: The smallest and coziest bar in Eindhoven.
- Muziekgebouw Frits Philips: A top venue for live music and concerts.
- Club LAB-1: A mix of club, cinema, and cultural space.
