Eindhoven is the fifth largest city in the Netherlands and called the ‘City of Lights’. And aptly so because of its Philips legacy, with the first light bulb factory established here way back in 1891. Over the years the city has transformed itself into a vibrant hub of technology, design and innovation. But there is so much more to the city with its equally vibrant culture. Two river streams, the parks & green spaces, the beautiful countryside, an impressive art scene, cathedrals and museums, exciting night life and a happening city center for the traveler in you. Come let’s look at the best travel things to do in Eindhoven if you are there for more than a couple of nights.

Eindhoven – The Design Capital

Eindhoven is known as the Design Capital of Netherlands. And that’s primarily due to the presence of ‘Design Academy Eindhoven’ and ‘Dutch Design Week’ held every year in October. It’s a nine day event with exhibitions, workshops, studio visits, seminars and parties across the city. The city had slowly moved on from being a Philips-centric town to a hub of design and innovation with focus on integrating design into public spaces and everyday life.

Dutch Design Week

Eindhoven, a city of Architectural Masterpieces

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Travel Things to do in Eindhoven

1. Visit the Philips Stadium

The Philips Stadium is the heart of football club PSV Eindhoven and has been used since 1913 making it one of the oldest stadiums in active use in Europe. With a capacity of 35,000 seats the atmosphere during PSV matches here are quite electrifying. PSV sponsored by Philips has a strong record including winning the UEFA Cup and the European Club.

Some Moments

And the Peace around

We were unlucky as there were no matches scheduled while we were there and there was just peace around. But if you are there when matches are on, the fun of watching one with a packed stadium of cheering supporters should be a great experience if you love football.

You could also book one or more of the many ‘PSV Museum & Tours’ which include the PSV Stadium Tour, PSV Museum, PSV Matchday Tour, PSV Legend Tour, PSV Bavaria Brewery Tour and a few more including group and lunch options.

2. Drop in at Philips Museum

‘Experience the future and feel the history’ is what Philips Museum is all about. The city of lights has moved on in its journey through the history of Philips innovations for over 130 years on the path to days of artificial intelligence now.

The Philips Museum is more than just a tribute to technology. The heritage stories, from the First Patent to one of the world leaders in Intellectual Property to the Astronomical Netherlands Satellite and much more is what you would experience on the various guided tours offered by the museum. You can check and buy Museum e tickets online in advance for your selected date or at the desk after you reach.

The Philips Museum

3. Check out Art on a Tunnel Walk or Bike Experience

4. Spend some relaxed moments at Evoluon

Evoloun is a UFO shaped building built as a Science museum by Philips way back in1966. The museum closed in 1989 and the building became an exhibition venue and conference center in 1998. It reopened for the general public in 2022 as the Next Nature Museum.

5. Enjoy Street Art around the city

6. Enjoy moments of peace at St. Catharine’s Church

St. Catharine’s Church is a Roman Catholic church located at the Catharinaplein in the city center. Completed in 1867 this neo Gothic church features two towers and rose windows. The church is packed on Saturday afternoons and is quite famous for its sacred music.

7. Go for the Blob Experience

The Blob which stands for ‘Binary Large Object’ was designed by the Italian architect Massimiliano Fukkas and opened in 2010 in city’s central square. The organically shaped and futuristic building is the entrance to the Admirant commercial center. Due to the triangular glass and steel construction, a lot of natural light enters the building

8. Take a stroll around town & the Centrum

One of our favorite things to do during our weeklong holiday in Eindhoven has been the longish walks through town leading up to the city center. And that’s when we experienced the true charm of this cool and calm city and a nature’s paradise.

9. Spend time at the Flying Pins

Flying Pins nestled on the greens between Eindhoven Centraal station and Eindhoven University of Technology is the work of pop artist couple Claes Oldenburg and Coosje van Bruggen. The sculpture erected in 2000 in the open air is made of fiberglass and plastic and is 8.5 meter tall.

The neighborhood around is very pleasing and is ideal for spending some relaxed moments in the grass or a casual walk or a bike ride.

10. Enjoy a bike ride or a walk in Park Hilaria, Kennedylaan

10. Spend an afternoon at Genneper Parken

Genneper Parken is a large recreation park which offers a variety of outdoor activities and attractions. It’s a favorite with residents for walking, jogging, swimming, sports facilities, nature reserves and cultural events.

And for travelers like us there is the Dommel riverside to just chill out, historical landmarks like Genneper Watermolen, walking and cycling trails, water sports, indoor and outdoor swimming pools, outside lounging areas and the outdoor museum preHistorisch Dorp which gives a glimpse of different historical periods. And of course the Genneper Hoeve Farm which is such a wonderful experience.

11. Do a Day Trip to Van Gogh Village & Museum, Nuenen

If you are there in Eindhoven for three nights or more, doing a day trip to The Van Gogh Village & Museum in Nuenen should be high up in your priority list. It’s an experience that will leave you absolutely mesmerized.

The village is just 17 kms from Eindhoven and the journey will hardly take you 16 minutes or so. You can avail buses 322 or 6 from Eindhoven Centraal Station to Nuenen Centrum and then take a short pleasant walk to the museum through the beautiful village. Or board this cute Bravo Bus 260 and get down at the museum which is the second stop.

Vincent van Gogh Museum, Nuenen

The celebrity painter Vincent van Gogh spent two years of his life from 1883 to 1885 in Nuenen where he lived with his father who was the vicar of the Protestant Church in Nuenen. This period was certainly the most productive period of his short life. He made over 195 paintings including his famous Potato Eaters, 133 drawings and 19 sketches during this time.

The museum does not have any of Vincent’s own paintings but an amazing range of creations of his fellow artists, contemporaries and students.

The village is named after him and a visit to the landmarks associated with Van Gogh through this very pretty village is an unforgettable experience, even if you are not so much a Van Gogh follower. You probably would become one after this trip.

Van Gogh Art Gallery

Van Gogh Village

If you loved the feel of Eindhoven, PIN it for planning and forward for fellow travelers!