Eindhoven is a city in the south of the Netherlands, in the province of North Brabant, and it has a distinctly modern character. It is best known as a centre of design and technology, and a visit here tends to suit people curious about how ideas take shape, whether in fashion, product design, architecture or engineering.
What to see
- The Philips Museum is an interactive look at the company's history and at the city's innovative heritage, a fitting starting point for understanding why Eindhoven developed as it did.
- The Van Abbemuseum is a museum of contemporary art, offering a good reason to spend an afternoon among current work.
- Contemporary architecture is visible across the city, so a walk through its streets rewards anyone interested in new buildings.
Design and creative life
The city is home to the Design Academy, and its creative districts give visitors a sense of the energy that comes from so many young designers working nearby. Shops, studios and cafés in these areas are a pleasant way to see what is being made today.
In the evening, Eindhoven has a lively nightlife, with bars and venues that appeal to a range of tastes. The city is compact, so most of its museums, districts and places to eat and drink can be reached on foot or by bicycle, which makes it easy to combine several visits in a single day.
Planning your visit
Eindhoven suits a short city break as well as a longer stay. Visitors interested in design, technology or contemporary art will find the most to enjoy, while those looking for a quieter, historic old town may find the city's modern character a different kind of experience.
