25+ Things to Do in Eindhoven: An Underrated Dutch City

Last Updated on September 20, 2026 by Lauren Allen

There are so many cool things to do in Eindhoven, but most tourists skip it altogether. If you ask me, this is a huuuuuge mistake.

Over the past few years, I’ve made it my mission to see as much of the Netherlands as possible. Because of that, I’ve visited Eindhoven for the last two summers in a row and I’ll likely go again next year. Not only is it a fab place in itself, but it’s a great base for day trips.

That probably tells you how much I love it, but why would you?

In my opinion, it’s a must-see for anyone interested in design, architecture or technology. But that’s not all it has going for it. Eindhoven has a bustling nightlife, vibrant art scene and a whole lotta culture.

As well as visiting myself (twice!), chatting with locals has helped me discover spots that I probably wouldn’t have found otherwise. To make sure you don’t accidentally miss any of these highlights, I put together this handy guide to the best activities…

Disclaimer: This post is part of a collaboration with Eindhoven 365, but all opinions are my own.

Things to do in Eindhoven

1. Find out more about the New Dutch era

Eindhoven is one of the best cities in the Netherlands to learn more about the ‘New Dutch’ movement.

Instead of focusing on Dutch Masters (AKA famous artists like Rembrandt and Frans Hals), tulips and windmills, New Dutch is all about innovation, creativity and sustainability. Essentially, it focuses on the more modern side of the country that most people are unaware of.

One of the most interesting facts I discovered was that a successful Eindhoven designer called Bart Hess was the mastermind behind Lady Gaga’s slime dress. How cool is that?

2. Check out Woensel-West

I hadn’t even heard of Woensel-West until a few months ago, but going here quickly became a highlight of my recent trip.

It’s changed massively in recent years, becoming one of Eindhoven’s hippest neighbourhoods. What was once a working-class area full of crime and unemployment is now home to amazing restaurants, indie shops and colourful architecture.

But what I liked most was the impressive street art murals on almost every wall. I couldn’t stop snapping photos! It’s also ideal for getting off the beaten path as most tourists don’t even know it exists.

3. Visit Dwaalhaas Art Gallery

You can’t go to Woensel-West without hitting up the Dwaalhaas Art Gallery. I actually got chatting to the artist who runs it and couldn’t resist making friends with his lil doggo. Walking around their home felt like a mix between a gallery, studio and antique shop.

You don’t need to spend loads of time there (15-20 minutes should be enough), but it’s well worth seeing.

4. Get crafty at a paint and sip night

Fancy doing something a bit different? Consider joining a paint and sip night. Even if you’re rubbish at painting, it’s a nice way to spend an evening with other like-minded people. Plus, you’ll get added support and guidance from a pro artist.

Located in the heart of Strijp-S at Rembrandt van Wine, you’ll paint glow-in-the-dark masterpieces as you listen to music and drink unlimited (yep, you read that right) wine. It’s a good alternative to a night out if you wanna escape the hustle and bustle.

5. Walk through the forbidden city of Strijp-S

Back in the day, Strijp-S was actually off limits to anyone who didn’t work for Philips. These days, it’s one of the coolest neighbourhoods in Eindhoven with tons of shops, bars, restaurants and street art. It also houses events like live performances, markets and festivals.

It actually reminds me of NDSM Wharf in Amsterdam, mostly cause of its artsy vibe.

I stayed at Stayokay on my first ever night in Eindhoven, which is literally across the road from Strijp-S, so I ended up spending a lot of time there. After climbing the old staircase that once led to the Philips factory, I saw aerial views of the surrounding area and watched the sunset. It was bliss!

I also enjoyed hunting for indie goodies at Urban Shopper. They have all sorts of stuff, including funky clothes, homeware, records and more.

6. Attend the Glow Festival

As one of the top events in the Netherlands, Glow Festival is easily one of the most memorable things to do in Eindhoven. Taking place between 7th and 14th November 2026, the theme for this year is ‘Connect’.

During the festival, you can walk a 5km route (which is still in the works at the time of writing), see a unique selfie installation on 18 Septemberplein, watch a drone show at the Philips Stadium and much more.

7. Go museum hopping 

Like most Dutch cities, there are some great museums in Eindhoven, such as:

• Van Abbemuseum: I’m a sucker for an art gallery and this one was no different. I loved it so much that I accidentally spent four hours there. I could have stayed even longer if I wasn’t short on time, so I recommend it to any art-obsessed traveller.
• DAF Museum: Find out more about DAF and see some vehicle prototypes.
• Philips Museum: Learn more about the company and its impact on Eindhoven.
• Next Nature Museum: It might look like a UFO from the outside, but it’s actually a very engaging museum. I’m not that into science, but I found some thought-provoking exhibits and interactive activities.

I’ve not been to them all (yet), but they’re well worth adding to your itinerary. If you decide to visit multiple, look into a Netherlands Museum Pass to save a bit of cash. I’ve bought one myself in the past and the value for money is insane!

8. Watch a game at the Philips Stadium

Football fans, this one’s for you.

The Philips Stadium is home to PSV Eindhoven, one of the country’s most popular football clubs. If there happens to be a match on while you’re there, you should strongly consider getting a ticket.

If you’re not there during a match, you can also join a stadium tour, which gives you a behind-the-scenes look at the club and its past. The 75-minute tour takes you onto the pitch, into the dressing room and through the players’ tunnel.

You can also go to the PSV Museum to see displays of memorabilia, photos and video footage.

Even if you’re not a football fan, I’ve heard it’s one of the best things to do in Eindhoven. I personally find sport boring, though, so I chose to skip it.

9. Wander through Philips Village (Philipsdorp)

Philips are known for looking after their staff. So much so that when a large influx of employees caused housing issues, they built Philips Village (Philipsdorp). Built between 1910 and 1923, there are 771 homes alongside cafes, shops and bakeries.

There’s a football connection here, too. The neighbourhood once had a large sports field where locals gathered to watch games. Years later, the Philips Stadium was built on that exact spot.

If you do end up visiting, keep an eye out for old photos. They give a fab insight into what the area looked like in the past and it’s a good way to get a feel for how much Eindhoven has changed.

10. Explore St. Catherine’s Church

Right in the heart of Eindhoven, you’ll find St. Catherine’s Church. It was designed by Pierre Cuypers – one of the most famous Dutch architects who’s also known for the Rijksmuseum and Amsterdam Centraal Station.

It’s a stunning neo-Gothic building with two striking spires and some seriously impressive stained glass windows. What’s even better is that entry is free, so you can easily pop inside while you’re in the city centre.

As if that wasn’t cool enough, Vincent Van Gogh once spent a lot of time in Eindhoven. He worked on a drawing of the church in the 1880s, which is now held at the Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam. Not bad for a free attraction!

Fun fact: Pierre Cuypers also designed the hidden Cuypers Library, which is one of the craziest things to see in Amsterdam.

11. Try your luck at an escape room

Visiting Eindhoven with friends? An escape room is a fun way to challenge your brains. Especially if the weather isn’t cooperating (which is often the case in the Netherlands, let’s be honest).

You can choose from Escape Room Strijp-S, Xitroom Escape Game, Next Level Escaperoom (which is apparently the best in the whole country!) or Laser Quest.

12. Join a walking tour

I’m a big believer that doing a walking tour early can make a big difference. It helps you get your bearings and pick up a few local recs that you won’t find in your average guidebook.

I was lucky enough to have a private tour tailored to what I like, but I often book walking tours on GetYourGuide. It’s a good way to meet like-minded people, especially if you’re travelling solo. You may wanna try one of these:

• Strijp-S Walking Tour
• Eindhoven City Centre Tour
• Private Walking Tour of Eindhoven

13. 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. Renting a bike for the day is typically the cheapest option, but you could also sign up for:

• A Van Gogh bike tour: Follow in the footsteps of the famous Dutch 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 and hit up Strijp-S with a super knowledgeable guide.

Only ride a bike if you feel 100% confident, though. It can be pretty scary if you’re not a regular cyclist. And don’t walk in the bike lanes either; it’s a common tourist mistake in the Netherlands.

14. Grab a drink on Stratumseind

If ya fancy a drink, Stratumseind is the place to be. No matter what you’re into, you can enjoy craft beers, cocktails, a lively dancefloor or a spot of karaoke.

I was far too tired for a wild night out on my first trip, but I stopped for a beer at Tipsy Duck Pub, which was recommended by my Dutch bestie (cheers, Nele). I ordered a sour beer and even though I didn’t stay long, the vibe was 10 outta 10.

When I returned to Eindhoven a few months ago, I had a proper night out. Luckily for me, the Netherlands had just won a World Cup match, so Stratumseind was absolutely booming! I sang my heart out at Karaokebar Ameezing before popping across the road for a quiet cocktail at The Revellers.

As you can imagine, I was feeling a lil delicate the next day…

15. Watch the sunset at Vane Skybar

If dancing and karaoke isn’t your cuppa tea, I highly recommend Vane Skybar. Not only do they serve killer cocktails, but their sunset views are unreal. Sitting at the top of Hotel NH Collection, you get an amazing view over the city, making it easy to see just how green Eindhoven is.

And while the drinks might be a bit pricier than a typical bar on Stratumseind, it’s well worth it for the experience. I’ve been twice now and I’ll be back in the future.

16. Visit Dutch Design Week

Dutch Design Week is kind of a big deal. In fact, it’s one of the biggest annual events on Eindhoven’s calendar. Running from the 17th to the 25th of October 2026, there are tons of exhibitions, workshops, networking events and talks from international creatives.

If you’re into design, creativity or innovation, it’ll be right up your street. Even if you’re not, you’ll see another side of Eindhoven.

17. Admire unique buildings

Much like Rotterdam, Eindhoven was heavily bombed during the Second World War. Instead of just rebuilding what stood there before, they chose to embrace modern architecture.

The result is a city full of futuristic buildings like De Blob, Evoluon and the Trudo Tower. As someone who visits the Netherlands several times a year, many Dutch hotspots blend into one. The unusual structures in Eindhoven blow my mind and make it stand out from the crowd!

18. Visit an exhibition at MU Hybrid Art House

MU Hybrid Art House is a small but quirky space dedicated to contemporary art and digital culture. Their exhibitions often merge technology, creativity and new media, which feels super fitting for Eindhoven.

I was staying nearby on my first Eindhoven getaway, so I stopped by to see an exhibition. It’s not the biggest attraction, but you can pop in, see what’s on and discover some innovative work without needing to dedicate half your day to it.

19. Shop for goodies at Piet Hein Eek

Not to be dramatic or anything, but you can’t skip the Piet Hein Eek studio and shop.

Piet Hein Eek is a Dutch designer known for making furniture and other distinct pieces from materials like scrap wood, steel remnants and other discarded items. For me, there’s something so satisfying about seeing materials that could’ve been thrown away turned into something genuinely nice.

It’s outside of the centre, but you can visit the studio, see craftspeople at work and buy some stuff from the on-site shop.

If you’re looking for a unique place to stay in Eindhoven, the Piet Hein Eek Hotel is my top choice. I’ve stayed at some unreal hotels in the past, but this one stands out by a mile.

20. Check out the Nat Lab

You may not know this, but Einstein gave a lecture in Eindhoven in the 1920s. Just two years after winning a Nobel Prize for his scientific excellence, this lecture was held at the Nat Lab.

These days, it boasts shows, exhibitions and even a cinema that runs films in different languages.

21. Join a tour of the Bottle Distillery

Just 30 minutes away from the centre, The Bottle Distillery produces strong spirits like gin, rum and liqueurs.

What’s even better is that you can join a guided tour and try three spirits of your choice (who can say no to free booze?). Tours last 45 minutes and will set ya back €15, which is quite a bargain if you ask me.

If you have more time to kill, you can do a tasting or join workshops/masterclasses. Just make sure you line your stomach at one of Eindhoven’s finest restaurants beforehand, unless you don’t mind the alcohol going straight to your head.

Top tip: You need to book tours and tastings in advance on The Bottle Distillery’s website.

22. Hunt for street art

Eindhoven has a huge creative side, which is evident from the sheer amount of street art.

One piece to look out for is Echoes of Harmony by Studio Giftig. It was previously named one of the best street art peices globally, which I totally understand after seeing it myself. It really is amazing! It’s just a short walk from the Philips Museum, so it’s also easy to squeeze into your Eindhoven itinerary.

Beyond that, Strijp-S and De Berenkuil (The Bear Pit) are particularly good spots to see colourful murals and graffiti.

23. Stroll down Silly Walks Tunnel

Okay, this one’s just a bit of fun. The Silly Walks Tunnel is a pedestrian tunnel inspired by Monty Python’s famous sketch.

It’s been decorated with colourful designs and plenty of humour, making it a quick (but very entertaining) stop. It’s also a short walk from Centraal Station, so you don’t need to make a special detour just to see it.

24. Enjoy the food scene

Eindhoven has a very diverse food scene, so make sure you come hungry. You’ll find everything from traditional Dutch dishes to international favourites.

Over the past year or so, I’ve eaten some seriously good food at:

• FIFTH: This restaurant easily wins first place in my books. Delicious food, cocktails and service. No complaints. They even have live music!
• Kam Po: Located on Kruisstraat (one of the most multicultural streets in Eindhoven), Kam Po serves tasty Chinese food. We ordered all sorts of dishes like roasted pork belly, duck and spicy veggies. Our eyes were bigger than our bellies, though cause we ordered far too much food!
• Otis Cafe: It may be small, but I had a yummy brunch at Otis. It’s also just around the corner from St. Catherine’s Church, so it’s pretty convenient, too.

Downtown Gourmet Market is also a solid choice. With 20+ food stalls, it’s ideal if you’re travelling with pals or just wanna try multiple cuisines without restaurant hopping across the city.

I ended up ordering the aaloo tikki chaat and chicken chilli from Bombay Streetfood and both were packed with flavour. I’d defo order them again.

25. Go on a day trip

If you’re staying for more than a few days, there are several great day trips from Eindhoven that you can easily reach by train or car (if ya have some wheels). For example, you could spend a day in Rotterdam or go museum hopping in Amsterdam.

Here are my top picks:

• Nuenen: Vincent Van Gogh once lived in Nuenen for two years. During my visit, I learned tons of facts about the artist on a guided tour with a local expert – 10 outta 10 would recommend!
• Tilburg: There are so many fab things to do in Tilburg, but it tends to fly under the radar. Go before it gets too touristy!
• Den Bosch: Since it’s just 20-30 minutes away by train, it’s easy to pop to Den Bosch for a few hours.
• Maastricht: It takes over an hour to get to Maastricht from Eindhoven, but trust me when I say that it’s worth the journey. Maastricht blew me away and I could have stayed there for days!

Wanna see more of the country? Here’s my Netherlands travel guide to help you plan your adventure.

FAQs about Eindhoven

Conclusion

As you can see, there are many great things to do in Eindhoven. From exploring its vibrant neighbourhoods and quirky 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 Netherlands and despite visiting Eindhoven twice, there are still things I haven’t done. So much so that I’m already plotting my next trip! I want to go to Glow Festival or Dutch Design Week next time.

If you fancy seeing a different side of the country, I’m sure you’ll love Eindhoven as much as I do. Have fun!