48 hrs in Eindhoven

48 hrs in Eindhoven

Eindhoven, located in the southern Netherlands, is a vibrant and dynamic city with a rich industrial heritage and a contemporary edge. Known as the “City of Light,” Eindhoven is renowned for its innovation and design, thanks to being the birthplace of global technology giant Philips.  With one of the best design institutes all over Europe and a lot of universities and technical schools, Eindhoven was one of my first stops when I came to Europe in my late teens (I wanted to study design in The Netherlands). A great destination for a weekend getaway, with a big presence of international and young crowds.

Although is not the most famous destination in the Netherlands, the picturesque city of Eindhoven houses an incredible nightlife (with the biggest bar street in the entire country) modern & contemporary architecture (re-built after the war) and a crazy number of cyclists. With its unique blend of history, art, technology, and vibrant atmosphere, Eindhoven offers a captivating experience for visitors seeking a city that embraces both tradition and innovation.

This is my list of top things to do in Eindhoven in 48 hours:

Phillips Museum:

philips museum eindhoven

Eindhoven is the birthplace of Phillips. The Museum is a captivating tribute to the history and innovations of the renowned Dutch technology company, Philips. Located in the heart of the city, the museum offers an engaging and interactive journey through the company’s evolution and its impact on society. Visitors can explore the museum’s exhibits, which showcase the groundbreaking inventions and technological advancements that have shaped various industries, from lighting and healthcare to consumer electronics.

A really interesting thing to see is the space shaving. This exhibition displays the Moonshaver, a prototype shaver for use in space. It was designed with a built-in vacuum cleaner to ensure that the cut hairs would not float around.

Evoluon

Evoluon Eindhoven

Built by Phillips, the Evoluon is an iconic and futuristic architectural marvel that has become a symbol of the city’s innovation and technological prowess. This unusual structure has the shape of a UFO and it has become a landmark and a symbol for the city. Originally built as a science museum by the technology company Philips in 1966, Evoluon now serves as a conference center and event venue. Despite its change in purpose, Evoluon remains a significant landmark that represents Eindhoven’s progressive spirit and commitment to technological advancements.

Nightlife

Stratumseind eindhoven

Eindhoven boasts a vibrant and diverse nightlife scene that caters to a range of tastes and preferences. The dutch city hosts the biggest bar street in the entire country. Stratumseind, with more than 40 different vibey bars, cool restaurants and discos at both sides of the street, is a good place to go out and enjoy a local crafted beer or meet lots of new people.

The city also hosts a thriving live music scene, with venues featuring local bands, DJs, and international acts across different genres. In addition to traditional nightlife venues, Eindhoven embraces cultural events, art exhibitions, and festivals that often extend into the evening, adding an extra dimension to the city’s after-dark offerings.

Van abbemuseum

Van abbemuseum eindhoven

Situated in an incredibly skyscraper, The Van Abbemuseum is one of the first public museums for contemporary art to be established in Europe, a captivating art museum that showcases a remarkable collection of modern and contemporary art. As of 2010, the collection of the museum housed more than 2700 works of art.

Visitors can explore a diverse range of artworks, including paintings, sculptures, installations, and multimedia pieces, representing various artistic movements and perspectives. The Van Abbemuseum not only houses renowned works by artists such as Picasso, Mondrian, and Beuys but also places a strong emphasis on showcasing emerging and underrepresented artists.

Soccer

The Philips Stadion in Eindhoven

Soccer holds a special place in the heart of Eindhoven, with the city being home to one of the most successful and beloved football clubs in the Netherlands: PSV Eindhoven.

The Philips Stadion (house of Eindhoven PSV), has a capacity of 35,000, the third-largest football stadium in the country. It is open to the public, even when there are not matches.

You are willing to go and enjoy a game, tickets for PSV matches can be bought online, or at the FANworld PSV shop at the stadium. Make sure to check their calendar. It is located on the edge of Eindhoven’s city centre, only a 5 to 10-minute walk from the central train station.

Holland Casino Eindhoven

Holland Casino Eindhoven

Holland Casino Eindhoven offers a thrilling and sophisticated entertainment experience in the heart of the city. As the only legal casino in Eindhoven, it attracts locals and tourists looking for an evening of excitement and gaming. Features a great ambiance and is Located on the market square of Eindhoven. Enjoy a night out with games, drinks, diner and entertainment.

Area 51 Skatepark

If skateboarding is your thing, Eindhoven houses Europe’s largest indoor skateboard park. Area 51 Skatepark in Eindhoven is a popular destination for skateboarders and BMX riders, offering an exhilarating and challenging environment for extreme sports enthusiasts. Located in the industrial district of Strijp-S, this indoor skatepark spans over 2,000 square meters, providing a vast space for riders to showcase their skills and push their limits.

Inline skaters, skateboarders, bmx-ers, mtbers, all of them are welcome. Supervised activities from Area 51 such as lessons, workshops and children’s parties also take place every other day. Be sure to check they breakdance studio!

Shopping

Although shopping is not one of the things I usually do when I travel (except for some souvenirs every now and then) Eindhoven has remarkable shopping complexes. The Piazza and Demer streets are particularly popular, featuring a blend of well-known international brands and local designer shops. For a unique shopping experience, visitors can explore the creative and artistic Strijp-S district, which houses independent boutiques, concept stores, and galleries. Additionally, Eindhoven is known for its impressive indoor shopping centers, such as De Bijenkorf and the Heuvel Eindhoven, where shoppers can find an extensive range of shops under one roof. From fashion-forward clothing to cutting-edge electronics and design, shopping in Eindhoven offers a diverse and enjoyable experience for both locals and visitors seeking the latest trends and unique finds.

The church of St. Catherine

church of St. Catherine eindhoven

The Church of St. Catherine, located in the heart of Eindhoven, is a historical and architectural gem that holds significant cultural and religious importance. Built in the mid-19th century, the church is absolutely breathtaking, located on the ruins of a medieval church. It offers a marvelous architecture to look at. Made in the Gothic Revival style, the construction has an impressive decoration; featuring  stained glass windows. (Photographies are allowed without flash). Whether or not you are religious, this place deserves admiration.

The acoustic is magnificent as well, if you are lucky enough to get there when they are playing the church music.

And my favorite thing about the Netherlands

Everybody speaks english! Research states that between 90% and 93% of the Dutch population claims to be able to converse in English, so you will be able to get around and make some friends!