24 fascinating things to do in Eindhoven in 2024

From ancient treasures to modern charms, Eindhoven is not only the design capital of the Netherlands — but it’s packed with exciting things to do!

This city expertly walks the line between the cosiness of a small town and the bustling vibes of a metropolis. Eindhoven is industrious, innovative, and famous for its creative inventions in modern design and technology.

Located off the beaten track and in the south of Holland, there is a myriad of fascinating things to do in Eindhoven, from green parks to energetic hotspots — this is one Dutch city that is truly worth a visit!

1. Marvel at the brilliant architecture of St. Catherine’s Church

There’s no denying that churches bring an aesthetic draw to each and every city. Well, a stunning addition to Eindhoven’s lively centre is St. Catherine’s Church! ⛪

Having been built in the mid-1800s, this Roman Catholic chapel is a true spectacle that combines light, orchestral music, and grandiose architecture in a unique three-act experience.

Even though the exterior of the church is striking, make sure you visit the inside as well, where dozens of classical, choral, and pop concerts occur every year.

2. Step into the future of design at Evoluon

An iconic attraction and an essential stop in your Eindhoven journey, Evoluon is a science museum that any architectural brainiac will appreciate.

With its futuristic design resembling a UFO, this fantastic sight can be found in the Brainport region of Eindhoven — known as the breeding ground for technology and innovation.

Fun fact: Evoluon used to be the main office for the famous electronics company Philips — but later became a landmark that hosts tons of exhibitions, events, and conferences for you to attend.

3. Stuff your face with delicious food at Downtown Gourmet Market

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Down Town Gourmet Market (@downtowngourmetmarket)

A cosy atmosphere, energetic vibes, and some sweet, juicy burgers, the Downtown Gourmet Market in Eindhoven is a paradise for any foodaholic. 🍔

This eclectic market has gathered 19 unique eateries from around the world under one roof, and each gives you its own lil’ cultural twist on some top-quality cuisine to chow down. 

READ MORE | Moving to Eindhoven: 9 things you need to know

With dynamic vibes and a trendy interior, you’ll find yourself in the company of diverse and free-spirited people, with a central location that allows you to be surrounded by the buzz of the city. 

4. Explore the vibrant Strijp-S District

An industrial area where trendy meets cool, Strijp-S District is just another reason Eindhoven is hipster heaven. 

It used to be a forbidden space loaded with old factory buildings from Philips — but has now been revamped into innovative restaurants, creative workplaces, and chic stores by the locals that live here.

READ MORE | How Dutch design became a pinnacle (and what to expect in the future)

With walls covered in beautiful art and interesting sculptures found on many street corners, a quick jaunt through the neighbourhood will allow you to discover what all the hype is really about.

5. Get hooked by enthralling art at MU Hybrid Art House

While you’re out exploring the Strijp-S district, make sure to visit the MU Hybrid Art House — a contemporary gallery that goes beyond boundaries by showing the future of art.

Together with young artists from across the world, this place is filled with one-of-a-kind sculptures and other pieces of work that’ll make your jaw drop as soon as you step through their doors.

MU Hybrid Art House transforms five to six times a year, so if this is your second time visiting, rest assured that there will be brand-new art pieces for you to feast your eyes upon!

6. Journey through the Silly Walks Tunnel

Ever felt the urge to let your inner child flourish? Time to visit the Silly Walks Tunnel! As the name suggests, it’s a tunnel that you walk through in a silly manner. 🕺

Just under the train lines at Eindhoven Centraal Station, you’ll find painted tunnel walls that pay homage to the Monty Python classic, “Ministry of Silly Walks”. Any diehard John Cleese fans here? 🙋

Giant pictures of John Cleese, the star character in the comedy sketch, doing his iconic silly walk can be seen — and well… all the fun is in mimicking his movements as you walk across the tunnel!

7. Let yourself be amazed at Motion Experience

Anyone looking to have an out-of-the-ordinary experience must add visiting the Motion Experience to their list of things to do in Eindhoven.

Picture this: you’re walking into a room, and all the walls and floors are immersed in creative digital artwork, giving you the illusion that you’re in an entirely new world.

By creating a light show through art and technology, this place truly entrances you, leaving you open-mouthed (and probably disoriented) by the time you’re finished… Like, “Where even am I?” 😵

8. Appreciate unique, modern art at the Van Abbemuseum

Big into modern or contemporary art? The Van Abbemuseum in Eindhoven is your guy. 

Plan your next exhilarating cultural day out to this museum and discover a collection of iconic masterpieces by Picasso, Kandinsky, Lissitzy, and Rodin.

READ MORE | 7 ways to experience Eindhoven inside and out

In most cases, museums tend to amaze people not just with their world-famous sculptures, paintings, and objects — but also with the building in itself. The design of the Van Abbemuseum is just as impressive as its vast art collection.

9. Catch the spectacular GLOW festival and see Eindhoven light up

If you find yourself in Eindhoven during November, you’ll be given the special chance to experience the week-long GLOW festival, where the whole city beams in colour. 

Dozens of artists from around the world come together to show off their talents by projecting their inspiring designs onto the city’s walls, pavements, and buildings.

READ MORE | 9 awesome light festivals in the Netherlands: what’s lit, where, and when?

The best part? It’s free! The festival takes place on public grounds, making it a perfect thing to do in Eindhoven. So, you can spend your days walking through a city that’s illuminated in a way you’ve never seen before.

10. Devour delicious pastries at the Pastry Club

The delicate dough, the fresh fruit, and the rich cream… no trip is complete without eating a good dose of pastries! 

The Pastry Club in Eindhoven is a hidden treasure that offers a wide variety of organic, fresh, and beautifully designed tasty treats. 

It’s stationed in what used to be the engine room of Philips, so be ready to enjoy some sweet treats in a creative, industrial space that’s just too cool for school. 

11. Try skateboarding at Area 51 Skate Park

Ah… eating all those pastries has probably left you feeling like you want to exercise! But who wants to exercise while on vacation, amirite? 

Well, a great way to sneak in a bit of physical activity on your next fun adventure in Eindhoven is to go skateboarding at the Area 51 Skate Park! 

Located in the Strijp-S district, this skatepark offers a huge skate and BMX area, perfect for grabbing your deck and trying out a few skating tricks. Plus, the bar and lounge in this place definitely add to its cool, hippy vibe.

12. Travel back in time at Prehistorisch Dorp

Our history books have told us plenty about those who lived during prehistoric times — but imagine actually getting to put yourself in their shoes for a day!

Prehistorisch Dorp is the only open-air museum in Eindhoven, where you can become a medieval fellow in every sense, from the straw in your hair to the mud beneath your shoes.

Get a taste of how your ancestors lived through hundreds of stories and ancient crafts, like shooting longbows, throwing javelins, baking bread, sailing in a dugout canoe, and so much more.

13. Go for an evening stroll at Stadswandelpark

Now, you’ve heard all about the bustling part of Eindhoven, but little do people know that the city also has a tranquil side filled with lots of high trees, green grass, and ducks! 🦆

The Stadswandelpark is perfect for anyone looking to escape the rowdy city centre and embark on a peaceful walk in the fresh air, where the birds are chirping, the wind is blowing, and the sun is (hopefully) shining.

READ MORE | 5 Dutch nature reserves to stretch your legs and enjoy the sights

It’s definitely one of the city’s best parks. Plus, it’s kid and dog-friendly, and to add a bit of excitement, it boasts a number of contemporary art sculptures for you to scout out on your walk.

14. Admire the stunning Temple des Augustins

The Temple des Augustins in Eindhoven is as large as it is awe-inspiring, and it’s a thing to do in Eindhoven that’s hard to miss (literally). 

This glittering treasure is a three-aisled church with a stunning neo-Gothic architectural style — but what makes it truly grand, is the fact that it reaches about 66 metres high into the sky. 

Make sure to admire the temple from afar, so you can capture the entire thing on camera (considering its height), but you can also tour the interior to learn about its history!

15. See the entire truck collection at The DAF Museum

Any petrol heads visiting Eindhoven should pick up their car keys and head to the DAF Museum — where an incredibly large collection of DAF trucks and cars are on display.

Considering that DAF was invented in Eindhoven, it’s only fitting the city has a place to honour its success! With trucks dating back as early as the 1930s, any car fanatic will have a blast exploring this museum.

You can learn about DAF and how the company came to be, but the best part lies in being able to actually sit in some of the vehicles! Okay, car guys… stop drooling. 🤤

16. Go on a trip down memory lane at the Philips Museum

Truth be told, Eindhoven was not always the vibrant and fascinating city it is today. Before Philips, it was nothing but a small, mediocre town.

When the tech conglomerate was founded here in 1891, the city was transformed into a major technology hub, attracting those with an affinity for IT from all over the world. 

At the Philips Museum, you can see how the company and its products, from its very first light bulb to some of its latest creations, have changed Eindhoven and continue to do so to this day!

17. Play virtual reality with friends at Enversed VR Centre

If you’re looking to get your fingers on the pulse of the latest technology, then the only logical thing to do is visit a VR gaming centre!

Enversed VR in Eindhoven allows you to envision yourself in exhilarating situations through virtual simulations. 

All you need to do is put on a headset, and you’ll find yourself in an entirely new world, experiencing things that you otherwise couldn’t in the real world. Zombie hunting, anybody? 🧟

18. Grab a bite to eat at Radio Royaal

While excellent food is paramount to any dining-out experience, the ambience is another major factor — and Radio Royaal ticks both boxes, bringing you a unique atmosphere like no other. 

One of Philips’s former factories, this place doesn’t just offer delicious food, which resembles pieces of art, but an incredibly industrial and rustic vibe too.

READ MORE | 5 delicious spots to eat in Eindhoven

You can enjoy some French and German-style cuisine, all the while playing games and sports like air hockey, foosball, and badminton. A candlelit dinner with a side of fun? Sign us up! 🙋

19. Read a book on the grass at Genneper Park

If you’re on the hunt for a park that offers more than just vast greenery, then consider visiting Genneper Park! 

While this natural beauty doesn’t disappoint on the side of Mother Nature, its main speciality lies in the activities it holds, from museums to a swimming pool, as well as an ice skating rink, mini golf, and a restaurant.

You can indulge in a tasty meal, or enjoy various recreational pursuits, amid a beautiful landscape. All in all, Genneper Park promises you a good time in nature!

20. Browse the many stalls at Centre Market

Are you out of things to do in Eindhoven? Have no fear. The centre market is here! 

Every Tuesday, locals make their way to a big square in the middle of the city and sell all sorts of food delicacies and vintage items. From fresh vegetables to Turkish delights, the choices are endless!

You can browse the many booths at this market and see what’s in store for you. Once you’re done shopping, don’t forget to treat yourself to a bowl of kibbeling or some delicious haring at the fresh fish stall. 🐟

21. Do a gezellige bike tour around Eindhoven

Taking advantage of the Netherlands’ accessible bike paths is essential for any guest visiting the land of tulips.

And a great way to explore Eindhoven without the time constraints of having to catch public transport, or exhausting your feet, is through a bike tour!

From beautiful landscapes to extraordinary landmarks, you can see so much of the city in a single day, all the while enjoying a breath of fresh air by yourself or with some good company. 

22. Mingle with talented artists at TAC (Temporary Art Centre)

Cosy, chic, and fun — the Temporary Art Centre in Eindhoven is not your typical art gallery. It’s a place where like-minded people with a real passion for art can mingle. 

With over 80 studios regularly rented by professional artists, this place also holds exhibitions, lectures, and workshops that each focus on allowing culture makers to show off their creativity.

It’s truly a refreshing experience, and since it’s located in the centre of Eindhoven, it’s super easy to get to!

23. Taste unique ice cream flavours at INTELLIGENTIA Taste Rooms

I scream, you scream, we all scream for…? That’s right. Ice cream! It’s true that ice cream concepts are getting more creative. A plain vanilla cone will simply not do anymore.

One place that adds an interesting twist to gelato is the INTELLIGENTIA Taste Rooms in Eindhoven. This parlour offers all sorts of exotic ice cream combinations for you to try, from rosemary and raspberry to strawberry and elderflower.

Located in the Strijp-S district, it’s a building that’s hard to miss, with walls coloured in bright pink and flashy decor. Prepare to eat your delicious ijsjes in a cotton candy wonderland. 🍨

24. Enjoy dinner amid breathtaking murals at Thomas

Ever had dinner in a place that’s full of surrealistic murals projected onto the walls and ceilings? No? Now’s your chance. 

Thomas is a gorgeous restaurant and nightclub in Eindhoven, where you can indulge in a delicious meal surrounded by magnificent artwork.

READ MORE | Dinner in the Netherlands: traditions, dishes and restaurants

Take your loved one out on a date, your friends for a fabulous time, or just your good ol’ self, and have a phenomenal experience at this place. 

The best part? If you’re out of things to talk about, just look up at the ceiling, and you’ll find all the entertainment you need.

All too often, cities that aren’t Amsterdam get glossed over by visitors coming to the lowlands. But little do they know that the Netherlands’ fifth-largest city holds a thrilling surprise. 

With modern architecture, great hotspots, cool neighbourhoods, and tons of fascinating things to do, Eindhoven is truly a city that shines. ✨

Have you visited any of these attractions in Eindhoven? If so, what was your favourite? Tell us in the comments below! 👇