Filled with a creative and lively population, Eindhoven has embraced its contemporary side with high-tech innovation, music and theatre institutions, and fashion outlets and artwork flooding out onto its streets. There’s an abundance of nightlife in Eindhoven, along with entertaining festivals, open parklands and professional sport.

Things to do

You’ll find no shortage of museums or galleries in Eindhoven. If you’re having trouble deciding, start at the Van Abbemuseum Eindhoven, which features contemporary art from Picasso, Rodin and other genius artists. The Evoluon has a UFO-style architectural design that’s fitting for its displays on science and technology, most of which encourage interaction.

Looking for live music? Kick off your night with a rock ‘n’ roll or pop performance at one of Effenaar’s two concert halls. The music venue also has an on-site bar for pre-show drinks and snacks. Keep the night going with the clubs and dance halls at Stationskwartier or take your pick of bars and cafes along Stratumseind, the longest pub street in the Netherlands.

If you’re on a family holiday, take the kids to Dierenrijk, a child-focused zoo that lets you get up close to apes, seals, elephants and other wildlife with feedings. One of the most spectacular stadiums in the Netherland, catch a PSV Eindhoven soccer match at the state-of-the-art Philips Stadium.

Outdoor holidays should include a visit to Beach Park Aquabest, a lakefront beach with wakeboarding, boating, kid-friendly rides and a challenging escape room. There’s also great shopping to be had at the Woensel-West district’s indie boutiques or at Strijp-S, which houses stores selling reused urban decor and vintage fashion.

Getting around

Eindhoven Airport is about six kilometres west of the city centre and is frequently used by budget airlines. Once you’re in Eindhoven, you can rent a bicycle from Eindhoven Central Station or use the extensive bus network. There are parking garages as well as street parking, and taxis are also available.