I had finally grown weary of Amsterdam’s massive crowds and tourist clutter. The popular Dutch capital is one of Europe’s most frequented cities, attracting up to 20 million visitors annually.
As a travel journalist and podcaster, I’ve made numerous trips to the Netherlands in search of a less congested, cooler alternative to Amsterdam, and I believe I’ve found it – Eindhoven. This quirky city in the southern Netherlands is a hub of design, innovation and stunning architecture, without the tourist-filled streets you might expect from its larger neighbour.
Instead, ultra-hip Eindhoven offers a refreshingly relaxed atmosphere where creativity flourishes. Eindhoven is not only recognised for its creativity and innovation but also for its walkability.
Forget the crowded canal-lined streets of Amsterdam – Eindhoven provides a more genuine Dutch city experience. You can easily meander from one fashionable café to another, uncovering sleek designer boutiques, bustling markets, and cultural treasures.
And when it’s time to relax with a beer, there’s no better place than Stratumseind, a pub-filled street with over 50 venues where you can enjoy the city’s vibrant, unpretentious nightlife. Dutch Design Week may be a small city, but Eindhoven punches well above its weight in art and design, reports the Express.
Every year in October, the city comes alive for Dutch Design Week (DDW), one of the largest design festivals in Europe.
This popular event is a hotbed of creativity, with hundreds of established and emerging designers unveiling their bold, futuristic concepts. From the solar-powered Lightyear One car to the wooden Biobasecamp structure, Eindhoven becomes a hub where the future unfolds before your eyes.
Yet, the design wonders of Eindhoven don’t just vanish when Dutch Design Week ends. The city itself is a living showcase of contemporary design, brimming with creative spaces and art installations that invite discovery all year round.
My top pick is Strijp-S, once an exclusive Philips industrial complex, now reborn as a vibrant cultural and creative quarter. What used to be a “forbidden city” for Philips staff alone has been reinvented as a bustling neighbourhood, welcoming everyone with its array of artist studios, galleries, chic shops, and cafes.
Delving into Strijp-S, you’ll find a place where Eindhoven’s industrial heritage and its cutting-edge present collide. Strolling among the lofty warehouses and converted factories, visitors can immerse themselves in the area’s urban-industrial charm and capture some fantastic street art.
A highlight of Strijp-S is the Piet Hein Eek Studio, where the designer’s commitment to sustainability takes shape, turning discarded materials into stunning furniture and artworks.
The former ceramic workshop has been transformed into a design hotspot by Piet Hein Eek, featuring a studio, workshop, two restaurants, an exhibition room, a showroom, a shop and the brand-new Piet Hein Eek Hotel with a rooftop bar. Visitors can take a tour led by Piet Hein Eek himself for an inside look at the design process.
The Strijp-S district also boasts urban living spaces that draw locals and expats alike, along with boutique shops, eateries, and recreational areas such as a skate park and climbing centre. Don’t miss out on the highly Instagrammable Intelligentia Taste Rooms, known for their gourmet ice cream, exquisite pastries, and exceptional tea and coffee creations.
Area51 Skatepark is located in the heart of Strijp-S and is one of the largest indoor skateparks in Europe, making it a great spot if you’re travelling with children. The skatepark features a large bowl, an extensive mini ramp and a series of rails, ledges and jumps for inline skaters, skateboarders, scooter riders, and BMX-ers.
If your kids are new to skateboarding, there’s a comprehensive training area with smaller obstacles designed for beginners.
When it comes to dining in Eindhoven, you’ll quickly realise that this city doesn’t do anything by the book. Radio Royaal perfectly exemplifies the city’s innovative style.
Situated in a former Philips power plant at Strijp-S, this industrial-themed restaurant merges French-German cuisine with Dutch classics, all served in an environment that feels more like an art installation than a traditional dining room. The food is top-notch – think charcuterie boards, perfectly cooked steaks, and delicious vegetarian options – but it’s the playful atmosphere that sets Radio Royaal apart.
Between courses, you can challenge your friends to a game of table football, take a swing on the giant rope swing, or even try your hand at the punching bag.
Stratumseind: Known as the longest pub street in the Benelux region, Stratumseind is a nightlife hotspot, boasting over 50 bars, cafés, and restaurants. Whether you’re in the mood for a laid-back pint or ready to hit the dance floor, Stratumseind brings the party vibes.
The street isn’t just about quantity – quality is just as important here. Eindhoven’s craft beer scene is thriving, and you’ll find plenty of options to sample quality local brews.
Start with Van Moll, a local brewery known for its quirky atmosphere and excellent range of craft beers. The vibe here is relaxed and welcoming, making it the perfect spot to unwind with a decent pint and a selection of Dutch snacks.
If you’re a fan of expertly mixed drinks, make sure to visit The Little One Bar. This cosy and intimate venue boasts an inventive cocktail menu that promises sophisticated sips.
As you explore Eindhoven, the impact of Philips, a company that has significantly shaped the city’s industrial past, is impossible to ignore. Today, many of its former factories and offices have been repurposed into cultural venues, residential spaces, and creative hubs.
Take for example the Lichttoren, a striking building that was once a Philips light bulb factory but now serves as a modern residential complex. This fusion of historical architecture and contemporary living is a common sight throughout Eindhoven.
Another ex-Philips treasure is the Machinekamer, which has been transformed into a unique restaurant and event space. The venue retains its industrial allure, with exposed pipes, high ceilings, and a raw, urban aesthetic that gives it a distinctly Eindhoven vibe.
One of the most thrilling aspects of Eindhoven is its vibrant street art scene. The best place to witness this is at De Berenkuil, a series of bicycle tunnels turned into a dynamic canvas for graffiti artists.
Unlike most cities where street art is often frowned upon, Eindhoven actively encourages it, turning this otherwise ordinary underpass into a constantly changing art gallery.
De Berenkuil, a hub for street art in Eindhoven, is constantly evolving with new murals appearing regularly. This creative hotspot reaches its peak during the annual Step in the Arena Graffiti Festival, where over 150 artists from around the globe gather to display their skills.
Even outside of festival times, De Berenkuil provides a colourful and ever-changing snapshot of the city’s vibrant street art scene.
For those with an appreciation for art, Eindhoven is a goldmine of modern and contemporary masterpieces. The Van Abbemuseum, one of Europe’s leading art institutions, houses works from renowned artists such as Picasso, Kandinsky, and Mondrian.
However, the museum doesn’t just rely on its prestigious collection – it’s also recognised for pushing the boundaries of contemporary art with exhibitions that challenge societal norms and ignite crucial discussions. A visit here offers an opportunity to immerse oneself in European modernism while exploring new, experimental art forms.
Elsewhere in the city, you’ll discover another cultural gem: Kazerne. This former military barracks has been ingeniously converted into a dynamic multidisciplinary space that blends art, design, and gastronomy.
Kazerne provides a platform for designers and artists to exhibit their work, all while visitors savour fine dining in a relaxed, creative environment. It also houses a boutique hotel, making it an ideal location for design enthusiasts keen to explore Eindhoven’s artistic landscape.
Travelling to Eindhoven from the UK.
Reaching Eindhoven from the UK is a piece of cake, with several straightforward travel options. If you’re a fan of flying, KLM provides direct flights from numerous UK airports to Amsterdam, where you can effortlessly catch a train straight to Eindhoven.
The train is another fantastic choice if you’re after a more picturesque route or wish to avoid flying. You can journey from London via Eurostar to Brussels or Amsterdam; from these capitals, local trains can easily link to Eindhoven.
The train ride from Amsterdam to Eindhoven lasts just under 90 minutes, with frequent daily departures. Dutch trains are renowned for their efficiency, cleanliness, and comfort, making it a relaxing way to travel while taking in some of the Dutch countryside.
Once you land in Eindhoven, getting around is a cinch. The city’s walkability is one of its major advantages, so there’s no need to stress about deciphering complex transport routes—everything you want to see is within easy reach.