The Best (Mostly Free) Things To Do In Eindhoven, Netherlands

Eindhoven is a city in the center of the Netherlands. It has an airport that receives a few flights each day from around Europe, as well as a university. Eindhoven is considered the tech and design hub of the Netherlands and a center of innovation. Did you know that Philips Electronics originated in Eindhoven?  Eindhoven is also home to one of the two main soccer (football) clubs in the Netherlands.

While this often-skipped city may seem like just a place to change trains, there is so much to do here! Here are the best activities in Eindhoven:

Best activities in Eindhoven

Stadswandelpark

This park in central Eindhoven features large open areas for playing. There are winding paths, ponds, and even a sculpture garden.  There are also exercise classes held in the park, as well as some concerts and community events.

Address: 5615 EE Eindhoven

Henri Dunant Park

This 45+-acre park is located in the north of Eindhoven and includes beautiful ponds, sculptures, and art. There are activities and events organized in the park throughout the year, with most free for participation.

Address: Rode Kruislaan 2 
5628 GM Eindhoven

Eindhoven Food Festival

If you happen to be in Eindhoven in May or June, be sure to check out the food festival. With many local food trucks, local music, games, and more, it is a community gathering and adventure for the palate.  Each festival takes place in a different city park, and the full details can be found here.

Prehistorisch Dorp

The Prehistorisch Dorp is a replica of a traditional village in the Netherlands. There are historic buildings, and actors re-enacting the village life. It is an open-air museum that is fun for adults and children alike. Activities at Prehistorisch Dorp include drifting down the river in canoes, learning to build a campfire, or sitting in the tavern to enjoy a drink and bite to eat. There is also a large playground for the kids to burn off extra energy.

Hours: 10 am to 5 pm
Address: Boutenslaan 161B, 
Eindhoven

Main Cathedral

The Eindhoven central cathedral, called the Sint-Catharinakerk is a classic old European cathedral. Go in for a bit of quiet after a busy day exploring and shopping. It is a peaceful respite to pray, meditate, or admire the beautiful stained-glass windows.

Address: Catharinaplein 1, 
5611 DE Eindhoven

The Philips Museum

The Philips Museum is housed in an architecturally interesting, modern building, with unique shapes and lots of glass walls. The museum’s focus is design, innovation, and the history of technology. With interactive exhibits, it is both educational and fun!

Address: Emmasingel 31, 
5611 AZ Eindhoven

Van Abbemuseum

This museum of modern art is one of the oldest museums of modern art in Europe. With its historical architecture and gardens, many come just to admire the building and gardens. But the art is also beautiful, and worth a visit, especially on a rainy day.

Address: Bilderdijklaan 10, 5611 NH Eindhoven

Other Museums

DAF Museum

The DAF Museum, set in an old automobile factory, gives the history and engineering insight into cars and automobiles, as well as many machines of the past. Bring your aspiring engineers here!

Address: Tongelresestraat 27, 5613 DA Eindhoven

PSV Soccer Museum

The PSV Museum, set in the football (soccer) stadium of Eindhoven, is a museum related to the history of football (soccer), and specifically the team stadium in Eindhoven. You will learn about club history, and be able to see trophies, photos, and memorabilia.

Address: Stadionplein 4, 5616 RX Eindhoven

Shopping in Eindhoven

For shopping, you can walk through the shopping mall located in central Eindhoven. There you will find an interesting mix of local boutiques, European designers, and large chains. A few of the local brands worth exploring in Eindhoven include: Sissy Boy, Label Kleding, I Love Depeche, and Gardrobe Store. Be sure to check them out for some colorful and interesting Dutch flair!

Oil & Vinegar Eindhoven

For a different kind of shipping, Oil & Vinegar offers hundreds of kinds of oil and vinegar as well as beautiful pottery, serving bowls, and bottles. Stop in to try the many samples! Speaking of samples, onto food:

Best Food in Eindhoven

Vascobella V-Bar

Offering breakfast, lunch, and tapas, Vaoscobella is a Dutch chain that is both hip and healthy. This cozy coffee shop is worth a short visit, or an afternoon of sitting and working. Try the fresh puddings, pastries, and salads.

Hours: 7 am to 5 pm
Address: Grote Berg 16 
5611 KK Eindhoven

Bagels and Beans

This healthy Dutch chain offers many organic options as well as vegan, vegetarian and gluten free options. The bagels are especially delicious, as are the organic lattes. Try the vegetarian burger on a bagel or the croquettes. If you need a simple, healthy option in Eindhoven, Bagels and Beans is always good.

Hours: 9 am to 5:30 pm 
Address: Jan van Lieshoutstraat 24, 
5611 EE Eindhoven

Coffeelab

This unique café serves a variety of coffees, as well as fresh food. It is located right by the central train station, so it is easy to find, and also excellent to pick up some food before hopping on the train. The hanging plants give it a jungle-like feeling. Try the homemade sandwiches, croissants, or fresh pastries and baked goods, along with the many specialty coffees and teas.

Hours: 7am to 7pm
Address: Stationsplein 17 
5611 AC Eindhoven

Denf Coffee

Continuing on the coffee kick, Denf offers fresh smoothies, salads, sandwiches, creative waffles, and more.  The coffee is hand roasted and delicious. The food is even better, sourcing local ingredients, and melding creative flavors as well as serving up breakfast, brunch and lunch classics.

Hours: 8 am to 6 pm 
Address: Clausplein 4, 
5611 XP Eindhoven

Pinkie Patisserie

Offering unique tarts, pastries, cakes, and chocolates, as well as traditional favorites, Pinkie Patisserie is a must-stop for anyone with a sweet tooth. All pastries are freshly made with high quality ingredients.

Hours: usually 9:30 am to 6 pm, but best to check the website.
Address: Halvemaanstraat 18A 
5651BP Eindhoven

Happiness Café

This adorable spot, filled with light, serves breakfast all day long. There are healthy smoothies, waffles, and many gluten free, vegan, or special diet friendly options. You can also try one of the one of the many salads, sandwiches, or smoothie bowls. The pastries and coffee are excellent, and most are organic, too!

Hours: 8 am to 5 pm 
Address: Nieuwe Emmasingel 9, 
5611 AM Eindhoven

Eindhoven is a little-known hotspot

Eindhoven boasts so many unique activities, beautiful parks, delicious cafes, and boutique shopping, that it is a largely undiscovered hotspot in the Netherlands. Whether you have a couple hours or a few days, exploring Eindhoven can give you an experience of Dutch life outside of the tourist spots of Amsterdam and Den Haag. I’d love to hear. Have you even been to Eindhoven? What did you love to do? If you want a downloadable map with all the destinations mentioned in this article, you can download it here. I will receive a small commission for your purchase, at no additional cost to you (a subscription is the best deal!) 

Cheers! Kimberly

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