Visiting Eindhoven
Eindhoven is the fifth-largest city in the Netherlands, located in the southern part of the country within the province of North Brabant. The city's growth dates back to the 13th century when it was granted municipal rights by Duke Henry I of Brabant along with the right to host its own market. Head to Markt square, the historic heart of the city, for a glimpse of the few surviving period houses. This is still where the local food markets and flea markets take place today. As a merchant city, Eindhoven is a great spot for shopping, with boutiques clustered around Demer and Rechtestraat, while evenings bring the action to Stratumseind street, the longest stretch of bars in the Netherlands. Along the way, you will pass Saint Catherine's Church, a striking neo-Gothic building.
A lively Dutch city
Eindhoven really took off in the 19th century as it entered the industrial age, largely driven by the creation of electronics company Philips, which initially manufactured lighting systems. Located right in the city center, the Philips Museum traces this era and the company's evolution from its founding in 1891 to the present day.
Back in the day, an entire neighborhood was set aside for Philips operations: Strijp-S, once nicknamed the forbidden city. Now completely renovated and redeveloped, this former industrial complex has turned into a trendy district packed with bars, shops, and restaurants.
The Dutch capital of design
Eindhoven is famous for building a powerhouse industry around design and culture, anchored by the Van Abbemuseum, one of Europe's top modern and contemporary art museums. Opened back in 1936 and expanded in 2003 by architect Abel Cahen, it houses major art collections ranging from cubism and pop art to minimalism, featuring works by world-renowned artists like Picasso, Dubuffet, Chagall, and Mondrian. Nearby and on the same theme, do not miss Eindhoven's DesignHuis.
Many of the city's landmarks highlight its strong design ambitions. Take the Blob, a bubble-shaped glass and steel structure marking the entrance to the De Admirant shopping center, designed by Italian architect Massimiliano Fuksas.
On a different note, vehicle enthusiasts will want to check out the DAF Museum, which showcases the key automotive models from the manufacturer globally renowned for its trucks and buses.
When to go
The best time to visit Eindhoven runs from June to September. That said, design fans will want to catch the Dutch festival of lights, Glow Eindhoven, held in November, a week-long event where the city lights up with illuminated art installations.
How to get there
By car, you will take the A67 or A2 highways. From North America you land at Amsterdam Schiphol, with a direct train on to Eindhoven; you can also fly into Eindhoven Airport, the country's second-largest airport, served directly by budget airlines from across Europe. Additionally, frequent train and bus lines connect Amsterdam to Eindhoven in just over an hour. A short drive away in Nuenen, the Van Gogh bicycle path is a must-see: it glows in the dark, with a design inspired by the famous painter's work The Starry Night.
During a stay at a Sunpark in northern Belgium, we wanted to take the opportunity to see a bit of the country. We chose Eindhoven a bit by chance, and because my partner knows the local soccer club (sometimes it really comes down to little things).
So it was without much expectation that I spent a short day in this city. A nice surprise! Cute, old pedestrian center, some modern buildings (apparently it is the Dutch Silicon Valley). Very nice people, and plenty of little restaurants. The one we chose turned out to be very good for a reasonable price.