Top things to do in Eindhoven

'Must see' in Eindhoven

Cross over the bridge, turn right, and follow the water until you come to the Van Abbemuseum. It’s worth noting that just before the museum is a quaint café, Karel 1, for a little caffeine injection and pastry, if required. This impressive museum is quickly identified by the small, pink house situated just outside, a contribution from artist John Körmeling. Once inside, take in the various exhibitions, which often focus on social or environmental factors as well as delving into an envisaged world of the future. Local works are always promoted. 

Once you’ve had enough of this popular museum, we cross back over the river and wander north along Stratumseind. As you’ll see, there are a number of tempting windows offering further beverage or sustenance opportunities en route to the next stop, Sint Catharinakerk (St Catherine’s Church). 

This catholic church was completed in 1867 and is a fine example of some of the older architecture amid the modernity of the city. The structure, with its contrasting twin towers, is a useful landmark with which to guide your bearings. If you happen to be in town on a Sunday you will also have the chance to witness some tremendous acoustics at a musical concert there.

If you walk a little, within this short guide on things to do in Eindhoven, you will find the Philips Museum, which will update you on technology. Sharing the history of the electronics company, you can see, and interact with, a number of the many inventions brought to market by Gerard Philips’ enterprise.

From the first incandescent light bulb to the ingenious shaver for astronauts looking to stay well groomed in space, you're sure to leave at least a little more knowledgeable than when you arrived. There is also a quiz and puzzles based on the science developed by Philips & Co. 

Continuing northwards, you’ll pass between the Bijenkorf Eindhoven department store and the city’s central train station, following which an interesting piece of art should come into view. The Flying Pins sculpture consists of ten huge bowling pins appearing to have been 'sent flying' by an equally large bowling ball. Inaugurated at the turn of the century, artists Claes Oldenburg and Coosje van Bruggen created this piece to represent the larger than life dynamics of the city, which also acts as a fabulous selfie or team photo opportunity. 

More fun lies just around the corner within this guide on what to do in Eindhoven. As we turn in a southerly direction on our final leg, the underpass known as the Silly Walk tunnel will have you smiling as you stroll. Opened by Monty Python’s very own John Cleese – and if you’re unaware of this comedy sketch then we suggest you look it up online before your trip – it features murals of the British actor in a selection of the famous poses. Feel free to traverse through the tunnel in your own silly style, but keep an eye out as it’s a popular shortcut for locals on bicycles. 

As you emerge from the humorous passage you will be just around the corner from our concluding venue on this brief list of things to do in Eindhoven. The Inkijkmuseum is described as a 'micro-museum' and offers a very small glimpse of various exhibitions.

Plenty more of Eindhoven to see

We recommend you breathe in the fresh air around Stadswandelpark, one of Eindhoven’s beautiful green lungs. To the north side of the city lies the Strijp-S district, which is a hive of cool shops, modern design and interesting eateries. This neighborhood is also home to Europe’s largest virtual reality center, which is a fully immersive way to get some team building done. 

One of Europe’s iconic football teams, PSV Eindhoven, plays home games at the Philips Stadion not far from the very center of the city. A knowledgeable tour guide will escort you through the different areas of the ground, including the players’ changing rooms, the tunnel, and the VIP boxes, as well as showing you the history of the club in its beautifully presented museum. The stadium is also home to Michelin-star restaurant Avant-Garde van Groeninge. 

Needing a gift for your family or friends back home? Eindhoven caters for pretty much anything you can imagine, with a plethora of downtown shops and boutiques, as well as numerous malls. For an everything-under-one-roof experience try out Piazza Center or De Heuvel Galerie, ideal if the rain has decided to visit at the same time. If a more leisurely and opportune outing is preferred, head to the main pedestrianized shopping area around De Markt, or try De Gergen for more unusual boutiques and specialist stores.

Eindhoven's dining alternatives

It may not be internationally famed for its food in the same way that some other regions are, but do not let that fool you. Within this list of things to do in Eindhoven you will also find options for when you are hungry. This city has excellent restaurants. Let’s consider a few examples…

Best place to have breakfast

If you’ve woken up or arrived early at our hotel doors to check in then it would be remiss of us not to mention the breakfast bar option that we pride ourselves on. Fresh, healthy and tasty, to set you up perfectly for the day ahead. It’s possible, however, that you are already out and about, or want to see the neighborhood as it rises from its slumber, so head around the corner to Coffeelab. It’s a cosy, modern bar that has garnered quite a name for itself over recent times. Friendly service from a team of experts on the invigorating bean. 

A healthy meal 

For a relaxed, laid-back atmosphere, Memories Eetcafé is the place to be. You’ll be joined there by young locals looking for a healthy selection of fresh seafood and salads, ideal to prevent that afternoon slump that a heavy lunch can sometimes provoke. 

Dinner and relax in Eindhoven 

Some people’s idea of the perfect dinner is a slab of succulent meat. If you have exactly that mindset then try out the steaks at Smeagol, arguably the best in town. Clearly, a mandatory stop within this guide on what to do in Eindhoven. There are several other dishes on the menu too, including pastas and vegetarian options, so no one in your group will go hungry. 

In Eindhoven this can be achieved by selecting Restaurant Wiesen. With a wide variety of dishes displayed on the menu, and a classy setting, you can be sure to hit the right note. Of course, the aforementioned Avant-Garde van Groeninge is a spectacular dining alternative!

Eindhoven nightlife

Without a doubt, among the things to do in Eindhoven, we recommend that you take a look at what this Dutch city has to offer for after-dinner entertainment. After all, you don’t want to miss an experience that may not come around again for a while. From traditional pubs to a vibrant dance scene, Eindhoven will almost certainly have something to meet your requirements. 

The Dutch have a penchant for craft beer and you can get an inside glimpse of this custom by visiting Van Moll on Keizersgracht, where a selection of beverages awaits you, including some from their own brewery. The friendly team working there are always available to answer any questions you may have, and can guide you to a tasty beer to match your palate.

Loud, energetic music and an inviting dance floor can sometimes be the ultimate tonic to a full day of visiting the city. If that’s the case then M2 is the place to be. There’s a modern ambiance to it and you can be sure the DJ will have you on your feet until you drop. 

If, of course, you want to play potluck at the end of your evening, make your way along to De Markt. This square in downtown Eindhoven provides a wide selection of venues for you to pop in and out of as you feel. Get comfy in one place and stay there till it’s time for bed, or embrace multiple experiences while mingling with the locals. You’ll never get bored.