Things to do in Eindhoven: An Underrated Dutch City
Last Updated on August 20, 2025 by Lauren Allen
Looking for the best things to do in Eindhoven? Well, you’re in luck!
Sadly, most people tend to overlook the city in favour of Amsterdam, Rotterdam or Utrecht, which is a massive shame. Over the past few years, I’ve made it my mission to explore the Netherlands beyond the typical tourist route and trust me, Eindhoven is well worth adding to your itinerary. This is especially true if you’re interested in architecture, design or technology.
However, you can easily miss the highlights without insider knowledge. That’s where I come in! I recently returned from a three-night stay and I loved every minute. Beyond that, I also received insider tips from locals and my Dutch bestie, who has spent a lot of time in Eindhoven over the years.
This city has it all – an excellent food scene, bustling nightlife, funky buildings and a notable past. Here are the main landmarks and activities to add to your Eindhoven bucket list:
Disclaimer: This post is part of a collaboration with Eindhoven 365, but all opinions are my own.
Top things to do in Eindhoven
1. Stroll through the forbidden city of Strijp-S
Once upon a time, only Philips employees were able to access what is now the hip neighbourhood of Strijp-S. These days, it’s a space full of shops, bars and eateries. It’s also a popular place for events and picnics.
Despite its obvious differences, this part of town reminds me a lot of NDSM in Amsterdam. Mostly due to its laidback charm, colourful street art and artsy vibes.
You can also climb up an old staircase that once led to the Philips factory. From there, you can admire aerial views of the surrounding area. It’s also a lovely spot to watch the sunset!
On my first night in Eindhoven, I stayed at the Stayokay, which is just across the road from Strijp-S. What a location! It was clean, comfortable and relatively affordable for a stay in mid summer. I’d definitely stay again, so I highly recommend it if you need somewhere cheap to stay.
2. Go museum hopping
Like most Dutch cities, Eindhoven is home to several museums – some of which will help you learn more about the city. These are worth adding to your itinerary:
I only spent about two days in Eindhoven, which meant I only had time to visit one (the Van Abbemuseum), but I was blown away by the artwork, interior and architectural design. I loved it so much that I spent four hours there!
3. Watch a game at the Philips Stadium
If you’re a football fan, check if there’s a game on during your time in Eindhoven. The Philips Stadium is home PSV Eindhoven, who are one of the top Dutch football clubs. If you do manage to catch a game, the atmosphere is buzzing, so you’ll likely enjoy it even if you’re not a hardcore sports fan.
Alternatively, their stadium tours offer a behind-the-scenes look into the club’s facilities and past. The 75-minute tour takes you to the fields, dressing room and players’ tunnel and you’ll learn many facts about PSV. You can also visit the PSV Museum to see displays of memorabilia, photos and video footage.
4. Wander through Philips Village
Philips are known for really looking after their staff. So much so that when a large influx of employees caused housing issues, they built Philips Village (Philipsdorp). It was constructed between 1910 and 1923 and houses a total of 771 homes. Beyond its houses, there are also cafes, shops and bakeries.
Back in the day, there was a large sports field where people would gather to watch football. Interestingly, the Philips Stadium was later built on that very same spot.
As you walk through this unique neighbourhood, you’ll find old photos of what it once looked like.
5. Explore St. Catherine’s Church
Situated in the heart of Eindhoven, St. Catherine’s Church is a beautiful example of neo-Gothic architecture. It’s known for its striking spires and impressive stained glass windows. Despite the free entry, it’s a fab place to soak up some local history and learn more about the church.
The church was designed by Pierre Cuypers – a famous Dutch architect who also designed the Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam Centraal Station and countless other buildings in the Netherlands. He also designed the hidden Cuypers Library in the Rijksmuseum, which is one of the craziest things to see in Amsterdam.
As if that wasn’t cool enough, renowned artist Vincent Van Gogh often visited Eindhoven and worked on a drawing of the church in 1885. The drawing is now held by the Van Gogh Museum.
6. Try your luck at an escape room
Looking for a fun way to challenge your brain? If you’re visiting Eindhoven with friends, some great escape rooms put you to the test. It’s a good way to spend an hour or so if the weather isn’t cooperating (which is often the case in the Netherlands, let’s be honest).
7. Join a walking tour
I’m a firm believer that joining a walking tour can make a huge difference to your trip, especially if you do it at the start. Not only will you learn lots of facts about your chosen destination, but they’re often run by locals who will share insider info and answer any questions you might have.
I was lucky enough to get a private tour tailored to my interests, which took me to spots like Philips Village, Strijp-S and 18 Septemberplein. However, you can also book tours on Get Your Guide, which I do often as a frequent traveller. Here are some walking tours in Eindhoven:
No matter which one you opt for, your guide will share quirky facts that you won’t find in your average guidebook. Plus, it’s a nice way to meet fellow travel lovers if you’re on a solo adventure through the Netherlands.
8. Go on a bike tour
On a similar note, going on a bike tour is a fun way to learn more about Eindhoven in true Dutch style. There are a few options here, including:
- Renting a bike for the day: This is typically the cheapest option.
- A Van Gogh bike tour: Follow in the footsteps of this famous artist in Eindhoven and Nuenen, where you’ll also visit the Van Gogh Village Museum.
- A private bike tour for up to 15 people: Cycle through Eindhoven’s green spaces, hit up Strijp-S and learn more about the city with a knowledgeable guide. But please note, bike rental is not included and you will need to pay for this separately.
However, it’s worth noting that you should only ride a bike if you feel 100% confident. And don’t walk in the bike lanes either, it’s a common tourist mistake in the Netherlands.
9. Grab a drink on Stratumseind
Stratumseind is known for its bustling nightlife with bars, pubs and clubs that cater to every taste. No matter what you’re into, you can enjoy craft beers, cocktails, a lively dancefloor or a spot of karaoke.
I was too tired to go on a wild night out, but I did stop for a beer at Tipsy Duck Pub, which was recommended by my Dutch bestie (cheers Nele). I ordered a tasty sour beer and even though I didn’t stay long, I loved the vibe. The staff behind the bar were so welcoming and I’ll definitely be back in the future!
10. Watch the sunset at Vane Skybar
One thing about me is that I’m a sucker for a good cocktail, especially when it comes with nice views. If you can relate, head to Vane Skybar at the top of Hotel NH Collection Eindhoven Centre.
From here, you’ll find stunning panoramic views. Interestingly, Eindhoven is the second greenest city in the Netherlands, which is pretty evident from the top of this popular hotel.
Beyond the lovely views, they serve a range of drinks including beers, wines, spirits and cocktails. Although it’s a little pricey compared to your average bar on Stratumseind, it’s well worth it for the experience (and they’re great cocktails too).
I went for sunset and it was the perfect place to wind down after a busy day of sightseeing.
11. Release your inner child at Motion Experience
Dubbed a light art playground, Motion Experience is an interactive attraction that’s fun for people of all ages. As well as digital light displays, they also boast a jumbo ball pit and the opportunity to try immersive yoga.
12. Admire unique buildings
Like Rotterdam and other Dutch cities, Eindhoven was heavily bombed in World War Two. At the time, many prominent buildings were destroyed, including several Philips factories.
During the city’s reconstruction, they embraced modern architecture instead of recreating what stood there before. But the striking buildings you’ll see in Eindhoven today are also a testament to its innovation and design.
As someone with an artsy background, this is one of the things I loved most about my trip.
13. Visit an exhibition at MU Hybrid Art House
MU Hybrid Art House is a hub for contemporary art and digital culture, showcasing cutting-edge exhibitions that blend technology and creativity. It’s relatively small, but it’s a dynamic space where you can discover new media artists and innovative projects that reflect Eindhoven’s design-forward vibe.
14. Shop for goodies at Piet Hein Eek
I love anything creative. This meant that visiting the Piet Hein Eek studio and shop was an absolute must-do!
Piet Hein Eek is a Dutch designer known for his use of scrap materials like wood, steel remnants and other discarded items. Not only is this good for the planet, but the level of craftsmanship that goes into the work is impressive.
He is still actively designing, but he also has a team of skilled craftspeople who bring his work to life. You can see them at work at the studio in Eindhoven. While you’re there, you can also admire (or buy) work from other artists.
Although I didn’t buy anything, this was easily one of my favourite things to do in Eindhoven. The work on display was so cool!
15. Join a tour of the Bottle Distillery
Just 20 minutes away from the centre of Eindhoven on foot, you’ll find The Bottle Distillery. They craft spirits like gin, rum and liquors, but they also serve specialist cocktails.
You can join a guided tour of the distillery, during which you can try three spirits of your choice. Alternatively, you can opt for their tasting experience, which comes with a detailed insight into their process and the opportunity to try many of their drinks.
After something stronger? They also offer an Absinthe experience, but at 45% to 75%, this is not for the faint-hearted.
For something a bit hands-on, try one of their gin, rum or liqueur workshops to make your own drinks. Where do I sign up?
16. Hunt for colourful street art
Like many cities in the Netherlands, Eindhoven is full of street art. As you stroll around the Strijp-S area and beyond, you’ll discover bold pieces from local and international artists. It’s a fab way to see the city’s creative side!
Echoes of Harmony by Studio Gifitg has previously been named one of the best street art peices in the world. It’s just a short walk from the Philips Museum, which makes it super easy to add to your Eindhoven itinerary.
17. Stroll down Silly Walks Tunnel
For a bit of fun, don’t miss the Silly Walks Tunnel. This quirky pedestrian tunnel is inspired by Monty Python’s famous sketch. It’s been painted and decorated with humour, making it a lighthearted thing to see in Eindhoven. Plus, it’s just a short walk from Centraal Station.
18. Enjoy the local food scene
Eindhoven’s culinary scene is extremely diverse. You can try everything from authentic Dutch dishes to international foods like pasta, burgers, ramen and much more. Whatever you fancy, you’ll find it here!
I ate at several restaurants in Eindhoven, but Down Town Gourmet Market was my absolute fave. I ordered the aaloo tikki chaat and the chicken chilli from Bombay Streetfood and it was full of flavour.
If you’re not into Indian food, there are other options to choose from. It’s basically a food hall with 20+ stands that each serve a different cuisine – ideal if you can’t decide what you’d like or want a bit of a mix.
The vibe was pretty cool, too. I was travelling solo, but it was busy and the atmosphere was amazing. I’d love to eat here again on any future trips to Eindhoven!
19. Visit Dutch Design Week
Dutch Design Week is held in Eindhoven each year and it’s kinda a big deal. It usually takes place in October, boasting exhibitions, workshops, networking events and talks from international creatives. If you’re into design like me (I’ve literally worked in the industry for years), then this is something you can’t miss.
20. Go on a day trip
There are so many amazing places in the Netherlands! If you’re in Eindhoven for more than a few days, you can easily go on a day trip to explore more of this incredible country. Luckily for you, there are countless options to choose from.
For example, you could venture to the medieval city of Maastricht, spend a day in Rotterdam or hit up Amsterdam for a spot of museum hopping. If you’d prefer to get off the beaten path, consider visiting Nuenen to learn more about Vincent Van Gogh.
Ultimately, you could easily spend two weeks (or more) in the Netherlands without getting bored. I’ve done this myself on several occasions and there are still so many cities, towns and villages that I want to discover.
FAQs
Of course, Eindhoven is well worth adding to your Netherlands bucket list! In my opinion, it’s a must-see for art lovers, architecture enthusiasts and foodies.
Eindhoven is the birthplace of Philips, but it’s also the design capital of the Netherlands with strong connections to the industry. Beyond that, it’s home to unique buildings and structures like The Blob.
Yep, Eindhoven is very walkable and you can easily get between the top attractions on foot.
Conclusion
As you can see, there are many great things to do in Eindhoven. From exploring its vibrant neighbourhoods and cutting-edge museums to eating your way through the diverse food scene, there’s plenty to keep you busy.
I spend a lot of time in the country these days and Eindhoven has easily become one of my favourite spots. It’s creative, welcoming and full of surprises. I’m sure you’ll love it too!
