Visiting Eindhoven
Eindhoven is the fifth-largest city in the Netherlands, located in the southern province of Brabant. The city traces its roots to the 13th century, when Henri Ier de Brabant granted it municipal rights and the authority to host its own markets. Head to the place Markt, the historic heart of the city, to see the few remaining period homes. This is still where the city holds its food markets and flea markets today. As a historic trading hub, Eindhoven remains a prime destination for shopping. Continue your walk along rue Stratumseind, the city's main commercial artery. Along the way, you will pass the église Sainte-Catherine, a striking neo-Gothic building.
A lively Dutch city
Eindhoven hit its stride in the 19th century as an industrial powerhouse, largely driven by the founding of the electronics giant Philips, which originally manufactured lighting systems. Located in the city center, the musée Philips chronicles the company's evolution from its start in 1891 to the present day.
At one point, an entire district was dedicated to Philips operations: Strijp-S, once nicknamed the "forbidden city." Since being renovated and repurposed, this former industrial complex has evolved into a trendy neighborhood packed with bars, boutiques, and restaurants.
The design capital of the Netherlands
Eindhoven is known for building a robust industry around design and culture, with the musée Van Abbe serving as a primary anchor. It is one of the continent's most important modern and contemporary art museums. Inaugurated in 1936 and expanded in 2003 by architect Abel Cahen, the museum holds extensive collections ranging from Cubism to Pop Art and Minimalism, featuring works by international names such as Picasso, Dubuffet, Chagall, and Mondrian. Nearby, do not miss the DesignHuis of Eindhoven.
Numerous local monuments reflect the city's design-forward identity. Take the Blob, a bubble-shaped landmark made of glass and steel that marks the entrance to the De Admirant shopping center. It was designed by Italian architect Massimiliano Fuksas.
For something different, vehicle enthusiasts should visit the musée DAF, which showcases the history of the firm that gained worldwide fame for its trucks and buses.
When to visit
The best time to visit Eindhoven is between June and September. However, design fans should take note of Glow Eindhoven in November. This festival, a Dutch take on a light show, features a week of light installations that illuminate the city.
How to get there
By car, you can reach the city via the A67 or A2 highways. You can fly into aéroport de Welschap Eindhoven, though you will likely have a layover in Amsterdam. Frequent train and bus lines also connect the Dutch capital to Eindhoven. Once you arrive, you must experience the piste cyclable Van Gogh. This fully phosphorescent bike path features a design inspired by the famous La nuit étoilée painting.
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.