Last updated on March 27th, 2023 at 10:55 am
Looking for the greatest things to do in Eindhoven? Then you have come to the right place. It might seem like there is not much to do here, but when you take a closer look, there is many things to see and do in this modern city.
Read on to find out about the various activities, museums, landmarks, festivals and markets on offer and waiting to be explored. Then I will reveal my top 3, so hang around…
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Maybe you plan to visit Amsterdam too, just a 1 hour 20 minute train from Eindhoven. Check out my recent post to discover what to do there – things to do in Amsterdam in April
Festivals
Glow
Glow takes place in November every year and it lights up the city. It is an event where light art is showcased all over the city, on its streets and buildings.
There is a 5km route you can follow where you can take in all the art installations throughout the city. Find out more on the website.
Carnaval
Carnaval is a Catholic festival that puts an emphasis on role-reversal and the suspension of social norms. Basically everyone dresses up, goes to the pub and drinks beer.
There is normally a big marquee in the centre of Eindhoven with traditional Dutch music playing where you can buy drinks and party. It is nice to experience it if you are in the country at the time.
Dutch Design Week
Dutch Design Week takes place every October in Eindhoven. This is the biggest design event in Northern Europe. There is a multitude of events going on over 1 week – from exhibitions to seminars to workshops and talks. If it interests you, check out the detail here.
Museums
There are a variety of museums in Eindhoven, some of which may interest you. Why not try out the PSV Museum where you get to view PSV memorabilia, special photos, and unique video footage while exploring over 100 years of history. Get your tickets here.
The DAF museum showcases the history of DAF and the collection of trucks and cars made throughout the years. You can book a ticket here. It is located at Tongelresestraat 27.
Maybe you might prefer the Van Abbe Museum of modern and contemporary art. It is located at Stratumsedijk 2. Tickets can be bought here.
The Philips museum is another option. It offers Philips’ history and inventions. As well as this, it shows it’s significance for the city of Eindhoven. You can purchase tickets at the desk or online here.
The Prehistorisch Dorp or prehistoric village is an open air museum where you can experience the past, going back in time, meeting historical inhabitants and hearing their stories. Find out more and buy tickets here.
The Motion Imagination Experience is where the visitor is taken into an imaginary world of image, sound and interaction. It stimulates your senses and even allows you to escape reality. You can buy a ticket here.
Landmarks
While you are in Eindhoven, you will have to walk around the city and see some of its famous landmarks. St Catherine’s Church is a beautiful neo-gothic style, Roman Catholic church. It is located on Catharinaplein.
Also, while you are in the centre pass by De Blob (that’s actually what it’s called, I didn’t just make it up!). This futuristic style building is a must see in the area.
The Evoluon is another landmark of the area. Another futuristic style building that is shaped like a flying saucer. A number of events and congresses take place there nowadays. However, it is located a bit further out from the centre in Noord Brabantlaan 1A.
Markets
There are some markets that you could stop by while in Eindhoven. The Woenselse Market is located on Kruisstraat every Saturday. There is fruit, veg, baked goods, clothes and more on offer.
Centrum Market takes place on 18 Septemberplein every Tuesday. Here you can browse fabrics, flowers and cosmetics as well as fruit, veg and local delicacies.
The feel good market is located at Torenallee, StrijpS and takes place every third Sunday of the month. It is packed with handmade, original and inspiring products, delicious (bio) snacks, drinks, workshops and live music.
Downtown Gourmet Market is a food market based at Smalle Haven 2-14. It has 19 restaurants which are all under the one roof so there is plenty of options for everyone.
If you download the butlaroo app, you can just scan the QR code on the table and get the menus for all the restaurants in the market. The is a bar there too so you can relax and enjoy a drink.
Activities
Spend the day at the beach
If you are visiting in the warm summer months, you may fancy a swim in the lake or a lie down at the beach. Believe it or not, Eindhoven has it’s very own beach. This is a great way to spend the day and just €5 to enter. Find out more here.
Attend a PSV Eindhoven game
PSV are title contenders in the Eredivisie and also compete in the European games. The Philips stadium is less than a five minute walk from the city centre; it holds 36,000 people, so the atmosphere is always great at a game.
Stroll through one of the beautiful parks
If you would like to escape the hustle and bustle of the city, then make your way to Philip de Jongh park. About a 20 minute cycle from the centre of Eindhoven, you can take a peaceful walk through this wooded area. Why not bring a picnic to enjoy in the nature.
Karpendonkse Plas is a lovely area to go walking around a large lake. You can take a seat on one of the benches and admire the ducks and geese swimming around the lake. It is about a 12 minute cycle from the centre or 30 minute walk.
If you are looking for somewhere quieter to relax, take a walk through Anne Frankplantsoen. It is a pretty small park but it is closer to the centre than the others, just 20 minutes. Spring is a nice time to visit when you can see some cherry blossoms in bloom.
Glow in the dark mini golf
If you are visiting the city on a wet day, mini golf is a great idea. It is suitable for all ages and doesn’t break the bank. It is very enjoyable and you can book tickets and find out more here.
Trampolining
If you want to burn some energy and are feeling fit, you can do some trampolining at jumpsquare. You can choose to jump for 60 minutes, right up to 120 minutes.
Padel
Padel is becoming more and more popular and is well worth a try. It is a sport that is really easy to pick up and great fun. There are courts directly behind the Piazza in Eindhoven so really close to the centre. You can reserve a court online here.
Bouldering
Maybe you want to try out some rock climbing? Try out Monk bouldering which is located near Strijp-S. It is climbing on walls 4m high without ropes or any aids. You will find more than 200 climbing routes at Monk. Find out more information here.
Boules
Mooie Boules is a pub located on Kleine Berg that you can play boules while you have a drink. Want to try it out? Then you can book via the website here.
Karting & Axe Throwing
Hezemans indoor karting is where you can compete in a formula 1 style race – you take part in practice, qualifying, and a final. You need a group of at least 8 to take part. If you are feeling competitive then this is a good choice.
You can also chose to do axe throwing here and it is all located in the one place. Book online here.
Getting Around
Go Sharing Scooter
Go sharing scooters are electric scooters that fit 2 people seated. These can be found all over the city. You need to download the app, there you can see where the scooters are located on a map. Then you can reserve the nearest one and you pay per minute through the app.
This is a very convenient way of getting places. This option is best if you want to go to one or two places and plan on using for 2 hours or less.
Rent E-fatbike
You can also opt to rent e-fatbikes for the full day (11am to 5pm) and take them wherever you want. This option is cheaper than the go-sharing scooter if you plan on driving for the full day. Find out more information here.
Rent a Bicycle
The best value of them all is to rent a bicycle. That is if you are feeling fit and are happy to cycle. You can rent a bike for €10 per day. Check out more information here.
Buses
You can also get around by bus. If you are just in Eindhoven for a short stay, it is easiest to buy tickets onboard. If you plan to live in the Netherlands for a while, then you can buy an OV chipkaart which means you will get reduced prices for bus rides.
Uber
Uber is available in Eindhoven too. If you fancy a car journey to your next destination, just get an Uber, they are much cheaper than a taxi.
Now for my top 3 greatest things to do in Eindhoven…. Number one has to be Carnaval, when everyone dresses up and goes out on the session. In second place, we have Karpendonkse Plas, my favourite place to go walking. Last but not least is going for a spin around the city on a go-sharing scooter.
Where to Stay
3BE Backpackers Bed
This hostel is a good budget option. It is ideally located for party goers. Situated on Stratumsedijk, just a 5 minute walk from Stratumseind, the longest pub street in the Netherlands. As well as this, it is rated 8 out of 10 on hostelworld, which is good. You can book your stay here.
Holiday Inn Eindhoven Centre
This 4 star hotel is ideally located, just a 5 minute walk north of central station. As I was in there once before, the rooms are very clean and comfortable. It is rated an 8.3 on booking.com and you can book a stay here.
NH Collection Eindhoven Centre
If you really want to go all out, go for this 5 star hotel, located in the heart of Eindhoven. Just walk out the front door and you are surrounded by restaurant and pubs. On the top floor of this hotel, you can find Vane skybar, a bar and restaurant that offers stunning views over the whole city. It is rated 8.7 on booking.com and you can book here.
I hope you enjoyed this post on the greatest things to do in Eindhoven. If it was helpful, share with your friends or comment below your thoughts. Lastly, don’t forget to subscribe if you want to get the latest posts first.
Thanks for reading,
Lisa