Eindhoven

Eindhoven is a major city in the province of North Brabant in the Netherlands. With a population of over 213,000 people, it's the fifth-largest city of the Netherlands. It is by no means a main tourist destination in the country and most travel guides will devote no more than a page or two to it. Nevertheless, this bustling and modern city has a lot more to offer.

Eindhoven's history is dominated by industrial development and is inextricably linked to electronics giant Philips and, to a lesser degree, DAF Trucks. Although those industries have mostly disappeared, Eindhoven remains a European technology hub, hosting a technical university and many technically oriented companies and cooperation initiatives. In addition, over the past decade the city has become the capital of Dutch design.

Right until the beginning of the 20th century, Eindhoven was no more than a village. Less than a century later its number of inhabitants had boomed to over 200,000. The main reason for this tremendous increase in size was the establishment of electronics multinational Philips, which was founded as a light bulb manufacturing company in 1891 and was headquartered in Eindhoven until 1997. As Philips grew, the city of Eindhoven grew with it to feed the company's constantly growing need for workers. Philips' strong presence in the city gained it the title of "Lichtstad" (City of Light) and is still prominent today, as many of its former buildings are considered valuable industrial heritage and have been renovated. Frits Philips (1905-2005), who led the company for decades, was the city's main benefactor and was extremely popular among the people of Eindhoven. When walking the streets of Eindhoven today, you'll find his and other names associated with Philips everywhere. Parks, theaters, sports facilities and many streets are named in their honor.

Although Eindhoven is an old city, with town and market rights already awarded in 1232, little of this long history is visible when exploring its center today. Large parts of the city were destroyed during air raids in World War II and post-war reconstruction was focused on ambitious, modernist plans with little respect for the historic heritage that was left. Nevertheless, there are 140 national heritage sites (Rijksmonumenten) in and directly around the city, including many 19th and early 20th century buildings and a handful of older ones.

Looks can be deceiving, when it comes to Eindhoven's history. Modern as the city is today, it is in fact one of the oldest towns in the Netherlands. Henry I, Duke of Brabant, already chartered the then little village of "Endehoven" in 1232, as part of his extensive town planning process. Eventually the town established itself as a trade location en route from Holland to Liège. Its industrial activities initially centered around tobacco and textiles.

The city was destroyed and rebuilt several times in its written history. Despite late 14th century improvements to its fortifications and the establishment of a castle within the city walls in the 15th century, Eindhoven was plundered and burned by the Guelders in 1486. No more than 6 houses remained. Rebuilding took almost 20 years and left the town in poverty, with the fortifications being neglected. This resulted in another plundering in 1543. That same year, a fire ruined most of the city. During the Dutch Revolt, control of Eindhoven repeatedly alternated between the Dutch and Spanish, the city was burned down again, besieged for 3 months and finally captured by Spanish troops in 1583. When the French armies took over the already weakened city some years later, large parts of it were destroyed yet again. In 1629, Eindhoven finally became part of the Netherlands for good, but its tumultuous history left it a damaged and minor city.

This would change with the beginning of the Industrial Revolution. Due to the presence of Philips, DAF trucks and some other major industry, Eindhoven developed as a major player in the global technical and industrial design scene. It is considered to be the epicenter of Dutch design with such institutions as the Design Academy and the Dutch Design Week that takes place every October.

The temperate climate is pleasant in Eindhoven. Due to its location, the average temperatures of this city are slightly higher and the rainfall is just slightly lower than the average of the rest of the Netherlands. However, it remains a coastal climate with mild, wet winters and cool summers.

• VVV Eindhoven Tourist Office, Stationsplein 17 (Right in front of the train station with exiting on the center side., +31-0900-1122363. Mon 10.00–18.30, Tue–Thu 09.00–18.30, Fri 09.00–21.00, Sat 10.00–17.00, Sun (only the Salesunday) 12.00–17.00. The blue and white colored VVV Tourist Office on the Stationsplein is hard to miss. Make sure to drop in for a free city guide and map and feel free to ask the helpful staff any questions you have concerning your stay. They can book rooms for you and sell a broad selection of maps, biking and hiking routes, guides and literature on the Eindhoven region and the rest of the Netherlands. The online and interactive VVV citymap can be very helpful in finding your way. .

VVV Eindhoven Tourist Office, Stationsplein 17 (Right in front of the train station with exiting on the center side., +31-0900-1122363. Mon 10.00–18.30, Tue–Thu 09.00–18.30, Fri 09.00–21.00, Sat 10.00–17.00, Sun (only the Salesunday) 12.00–17.00. The blue and white colored VVV Tourist Office on the Stationsplein is hard to miss. Make sure to drop in for a free city guide and map and feel free to ask the helpful staff any questions you have concerning your stay. They can book rooms for you and sell a broad selection of maps, biking and hiking routes, guides and literature on the Eindhoven region and the rest of the Netherlands. The online and interactive VVV citymap can be very helpful in finding your way. .

In order to claim you have seen Eindhoven, at least a glance at its Philips-related history is a must. Fortunately, this is hardly a challenge as many of the Philips sights are right in the heart of the city. The Van Abbe museum is the main attraction listed by travel guides and is an excellent pick if you're into modern art.

• Van Abbemuseum, Bilderdijklaan 10 (, +31-40-238-1000. Tue-Sun 11.00-17.00. The Van Abbemuseum is one of the leading museums for modern and contemporary art. The impressive collection includes works of Picasso, Chagall, Kandinsky, El Lissitzky, Theo van Doesburg, Mondriaan and Appel. January 2003 the completely renovated museum opened its doors again. The museum café is a pleasant place next to the Dommel river and can be visited on its own (free). Ever first Thursday evening of the month, admission to the museum is free from 5 PM. €9, (Students: €4).
• DAF Museum, Tongelresestraat 27 (, +31-40-244-4364. Tue-Sun 10.00-17.00. Learn all about the history and designs of DAF vehicles from 1928 till the present day. The collection includes trucks, extraordinary cars and other DAF-products, but also 1930 shops and company offices from old times. Adults: € 9,00. Students/groups: € 7,00. Ages 5-15 w/ adult: € 4,00. < 5 years old: Free..
• Eindhoven Museum, Boutenslaan 161 B (, +31-40-252-2281. Apr-Oct: Daily 11.00-17.00. Closed from Nov-Mar. Travel back into Eindhoven's history. This historic museum boost reconstructions of an Iron Age village, a farm around the year 1000 and the Medieval town of Eindhoven. Try visiting during weekends or holidays, when there are extra activities. €8.50.
• De Fabriek, Baarsstraat 38, +31 40 255 15 30. De Fabriek (The Factory) is a workspace for artists and designers. The space is made available to professional artists who want to develop themselves and their work in the area of The Factory. They present their work after a working period.
• MU Artspace, Emmasingel 20 (in the Witte Dame, opposite the Public Library on the first floor., +31 40 296 16 63. Mu brings expositions about the hybrid visual culture of now and later. It aims to be 'an adventurous guide to all art lovers with a keen interest in the energetic mix of art, design, popculture and new media.' Also popular with young people (under age 35). It often has lectures or other activities on Thursdays.
• Philips Museum, Emmasingel 31, +31 40 235 90 30. Tue-Sun 11AM-5PM. Philips first factory lies right in the heart of the city. The Philips museum provides a fascinating picture of the way in which Philips evolved from a small incandescent lamp manufacturer into a large and prestigious international group of companies. The museum is re-opened on April 5th 2013. Children €4.00. Adults €8.00.
• Ton Smits House, Jacob Reviuslaan 25, +31 40 211 47 86. Only on Wednesdays, from 11AM till 5PM, unless you make an appointment.. Take a look in this former studio and residence of Dutch cartoonist and artist Ton Smits, who drew hundreds of humour-sketches in well known American magazines including The New Yorker and The Saturday Evening Post. He lived and worked in Eindhoven from 1957 until his death in 1981. €2.50.

Van Abbemuseum, Bilderdijklaan 10 (, +31-40-238-1000. Tue-Sun 11.00-17.00. The Van Abbemuseum is one of the leading museums for modern and contemporary art. The impressive collection includes works of Picasso, Chagall, Kandinsky, El Lissitzky, Theo van Doesburg, Mondriaan and Appel. January 2003 the completely renovated museum opened its doors again. The museum café is a pleasant place next to the Dommel river and can be visited on its own (free). Ever first Thursday evening of the month, admission to the museum is free from 5 PM. €9, (Students: €4).

DAF Museum, Tongelresestraat 27 (, +31-40-244-4364. Tue-Sun 10.00-17.00. Learn all about the history and designs of DAF vehicles from 1928 till the present day. The collection includes trucks, extraordinary cars and other DAF-products, but also 1930 shops and company offices from old times. Adults: € 9,00. Students/groups: € 7,00. Ages 5-15 w/ adult: € 4,00. < 5 years old: Free..

Eindhoven Museum, Boutenslaan 161 B (, +31-40-252-2281. Apr-Oct: Daily 11.00-17.00. Closed from Nov-Mar. Travel back into Eindhoven's history. This historic museum boost reconstructions of an Iron Age village, a farm around the year 1000 and the Medieval town of Eindhoven. Try visiting during weekends or holidays, when there are extra activities. €8.50.

De Fabriek, Baarsstraat 38, +31 40 255 15 30. De Fabriek (The Factory) is a workspace for artists and designers. The space is made available to professional artists who want to develop themselves and their work in the area of The Factory. They present their work after a working period.

MU Artspace, Emmasingel 20 (in the Witte Dame, opposite the Public Library on the first floor., +31 40 296 16 63. Mu brings expositions about the hybrid visual culture of now and later. It aims to be 'an adventurous guide to all art lovers with a keen interest in the energetic mix of art, design, popculture and new media.' Also popular with young people (under age 35). It often has lectures or other activities on Thursdays.

Philips Museum, Emmasingel 31, +31 40 235 90 30. Tue-Sun 11AM-5PM. Philips first factory lies right in the heart of the city. The Philips museum provides a fascinating picture of the way in which Philips evolved from a small incandescent lamp manufacturer into a large and prestigious international group of companies. The museum is re-opened on April 5th 2013. Children €4.00. Adults €8.00.

Ton Smits House, Jacob Reviuslaan 25, +31 40 211 47 86. Only on Wednesdays, from 11AM till 5PM, unless you make an appointment.. Take a look in this former studio and residence of Dutch cartoonist and artist Ton Smits, who drew hundreds of humour-sketches in well known American magazines including The New Yorker and The Saturday Evening Post. He lived and worked in Eindhoven from 1957 until his death in 1981. €2.50.

• Lichttoren, Corner of Mathildelaan and Emmasingel. On the top floors of this 7-edged, white tower building, Philips used to perform its light bulb endurance tests. The 24/7 burning lights in the building gained it the title of "Light Tower". Later it also housed the headquarters of Philips' lightning department. Around it where some of the company's main production buildings. After serious renovations, the building now holds private lofts and offices. On the down floor restaurant Usine offers a nicely decorated surrounding for a coffee break.
• Witte Dame, Emmasingel. Next to the Light Tower is the Witte Dame. It was designed by Dirk Roosenburg and built in 1931 in the style of the New Objectivity. It originally served as a radio factory and now houses Eindhoven's Design Academy and Public Library.
• De Admirant, Emmasingel. The highest building in Eindhoven, directly opposite the Witte Dame. The 105-meter tower is the sky-high middle point of a new shopping area called "Around the Admirant". The "Around the Admirant" area was designed to include not only the retail stores in the Admirant's down floors, but also those in the organically shaped Blob. All the top floors are residential apartments.
• Evoluon, Noord Brabantlaan 1a, +31 40 250 46 43. This mushroom-shaped building strongly resembles the popular idea of a UFO, making it a very futuristic design when it was built in 1966 for the 75th anniversary of Philips, as a symbol for the company's technological achievements. It served as a popular technology museum until diminishing incomes led to its closure in the 1980s. Nowadays, it is a conference center.
• Vestedatoren, corner of Vestdijk and Smalle Haven. The 2006 Vesteda tower is considered one of the main landmarks in Eindhoven's skyline. With 90 meters this apartment building is the 5th highest building in the city. It was designed by Jo Coenen and is part of his broader design for the modern urban Smalle Haven area surrounding it.

Lichttoren, Corner of Mathildelaan and Emmasingel. On the top floors of this 7-edged, white tower building, Philips used to perform its light bulb endurance tests. The 24/7 burning lights in the building gained it the title of "Light Tower". Later it also housed the headquarters of Philips' lightning department. Around it where some of the company's main production buildings. After serious renovations, the building now holds private lofts and offices. On the down floor restaurant Usine offers a nicely decorated surrounding for a coffee break.

Witte Dame, Emmasingel. Next to the Light Tower is the Witte Dame. It was designed by Dirk Roosenburg and built in 1931 in the style of the New Objectivity. It originally served as a radio factory and now houses Eindhoven's Design Academy and Public Library.

De Admirant, Emmasingel. The highest building in Eindhoven, directly opposite the Witte Dame. The 105-meter tower is the sky-high middle point of a new shopping area called "Around the Admirant". The "Around the Admirant" area was designed to include not only the retail stores in the Admirant's down floors, but also those in the organically shaped Blob. All the top floors are residential apartments.

Evoluon, Noord Brabantlaan 1a, +31 40 250 46 43. This mushroom-shaped building strongly resembles the popular idea of a UFO, making it a very futuristic design when it was built in 1966 for the 75th anniversary of Philips, as a symbol for the company's technological achievements. It served as a popular technology museum until diminishing incomes led to its closure in the 1980s. Nowadays, it is a conference center.

Vestedatoren, corner of Vestdijk and Smalle Haven. The 2006 Vesteda tower is considered one of the main landmarks in Eindhoven's skyline. With 90 meters this apartment building is the 5th highest building in the city. It was designed by Jo Coenen and is part of his broader design for the modern urban Smalle Haven area surrounding it.

• Oude Toren, Oude Torenstraat 1 (Woensel. The "Old Tower" is all that remains of a 14th or 15th-century church in the style of the Brabantine Gothic. It's the only really old church building left in the city today.
• Paterskerk, Tramstraat 37 (Centre. A late 19th century Neo-Gothic church, built for monastery Mariënhage that is located right next to it. Both the monastery and the church are recognized as national heritage sites.
• Sint-Catharinakerk, Stratumseind 2 (Centre. Open for visitors Tue-Fri 9.30AM-5PM, Sat 10AM-5PM, Sun 10AM-12AM (but church services take place on Sundays). Neo-Gothic Catholic church in the city center, built in 1861 and designed by Pierre Cuypers, a famous Dutch architect
• Sint Joriskerk, Sint Jorislaan bij 51 (Stratum. This 1884 Neo Gothic church was designed by Hendrik Jacobus van Tulder and built in the shape of a basilica. With its height of 91 meter it is the highest church of Eindhoven.
• Sint Martinuskerk, 't Hofke 1 (Tongelre. This Neo Gothic church was designed by Emmanuel Corbey and built in 1888. The two towers on either side of the main portal are unfinished.
• Sint Petruskerk, Kloosterdreef (Woensel. This Neo Gothic church was designed by Louis Kooken and built in 1875.

Oude Toren, Oude Torenstraat 1 (Woensel. The "Old Tower" is all that remains of a 14th or 15th-century church in the style of the Brabantine Gothic. It's the only really old church building left in the city today.

Paterskerk, Tramstraat 37 (Centre. A late 19th century Neo-Gothic church, built for monastery Mariënhage that is located right next to it. Both the monastery and the church are recognized as national heritage sites.

Sint-Catharinakerk, Stratumseind 2 (Centre. Open for visitors Tue-Fri 9.30AM-5PM, Sat 10AM-5PM, Sun 10AM-12AM (but church services take place on Sundays). Neo-Gothic Catholic church in the city center, built in 1861 and designed by Pierre Cuypers, a famous Dutch architect

Sint Joriskerk, Sint Jorislaan bij 51 (Stratum. This 1884 Neo Gothic church was designed by Hendrik Jacobus van Tulder and built in the shape of a basilica. With its height of 91 meter it is the highest church of Eindhoven.

Sint Martinuskerk, 't Hofke 1 (Tongelre. This Neo Gothic church was designed by Emmanuel Corbey and built in 1888. The two towers on either side of the main portal are unfinished.

Sint Petruskerk, Kloosterdreef (Woensel. This Neo Gothic church was designed by Louis Kooken and built in 1875.

• Commonwealth War Cemetery, Baffinlaan 1 (Woensel. The commonwealth war cemetery is part of the General Cemetery in Woensel. Of all the soldiers who are buried on the Eindhoven cemetery about four fifth belonged to the air force, and died in the period between 1941 and 1944 during attacks over this part of Holland or on the return route from missions to Germany. The soldiers of the ground army who are buried here died between September 1944 and May 1945. During almost this entire period the 79th and 86th British general hospitals were located in Eindhoven. There are nearly 700, 1938-1945 war victims buried on this cemetery of which 679 victims have been identified.
• Jewish Cemetery, Groenewoudseweg 4 (Woensel. This Jewish cemetery is a national heritage site of the Netherlands

Commonwealth War Cemetery, Baffinlaan 1 (Woensel. The commonwealth war cemetery is part of the General Cemetery in Woensel. Of all the soldiers who are buried on the Eindhoven cemetery about four fifth belonged to the air force, and died in the period between 1941 and 1944 during attacks over this part of Holland or on the return route from missions to Germany. The soldiers of the ground army who are buried here died between September 1944 and May 1945. During almost this entire period the 79th and 86th British general hospitals were located in Eindhoven. There are nearly 700, 1938-1945 war victims buried on this cemetery of which 679 victims have been identified.

Jewish Cemetery, Groenewoudseweg 4 (Woensel. This Jewish cemetery is a national heritage site of the Netherlands

Eindhoven is perhaps the liveliest city in the South of the Netherlands. If you're willing to get informed, you'll find events are taking place at almost any given time. If you're flexible in planning, try to visit during one of the main events like GLOW or the Dutch Design Week. When you've had enough of the urban vibe, just head for one of the many natural areas around and see a whole different side of the Eindhoven region.

• Dive into Eindhoven's industrial history. Walk by former industrial complexes in the center, such as the Lichttoren (one of the cities main landmarks), the Admirant and the Witte Dame. Visit Philips' first Incandescent Lamp Factory of 1891, now a small museum. Just outside the center you'll find Strijp-S, with the famous Klokgebouw (Clock building). The robust former factory buildings of this Philips area are now being transformed into the bustling creative heart of the city. An English bike route along the main Philips-sights is for available at the tourist information office for €2. To get an idea of that other major industry that has shaped the city, visit the DAF-truck museum.
• Explore Eindhoven's historic heritage. Rent a bike at the train station and visit a selection of the 140 Rijksmonumenten (National Heritage Sites), also outside of the direct city center. Or go back in time at the Historic OpenAir Museum, where you can experience life in Eindhoven during the Middle Ages and before.
• If you're into design, try to visit the city during the Dutch Design Week. Check the website of the Design Academy for any upcoming events or their graduates exhibition around October. On Strijp-S you can visit the large shop, workshop and restaurant of world famous designer Piet Hein Eek.
• The Genneper Parks recreation area provides ample opportunities to relax and enjoy nature, but also allow for an active day trip. The Milieu Education Center provides walking routes, including a GPS track through the park. There's a biological farm and shop, a cartoon museum, a restaurant with mini-golf options and several sports facilities. For example, take a dive in Zwemcentrum de Tongelreep, one of Europe's largest swimming centers.

There are signed bicycle tours in and around Eindhoven. Just rent a bike and explore the surrounding villages, forests and heaths.

*NS train station, +31 40 297 91 00. Price/deposit for standard bike €7,50/€50,

*Peter Heerings & ZN, Moreelselaan 56, +31 40 211 20 32. Prices: standard bike €8, E-bike €20

*VVV tourist information office, Stationsplein (Just outside the railway station, +31 40 297 91 15. Price/deposit for standard bike €9,50/€50, electric bike €19/€75, scooter €25/€100

• Rondje Eindhoven (Around Eindhoven): This cycling tour starts at the VVV tourist information office. It leads all around the city over 75 km, divided into 3 rounds of 20 to 25 km. Just follow the route signs. For €2 you can buy a map at the tourist office with route information.
• Philips Architectuurroute (Philips Architecture tour): This tour traces the influence of the presence of the Philips company for more than a century in Eindhoven. The tour leads you along different buildings and objects that are related to Philips. The trip is 18 kilometers and takes about 1.5 to 2 hours. More information at the VVV tourist office.
• ANWB cycling tours: Around Eindhoven are several cycling tours from about 50–80 km distance. These lead through fields, forests, heath and villages. All tours are numbered and are easy to follow over specially laid bike lanes. There are plenty of places for a picnic, lunch or to have a drink. Maps are available at the tourist information office or can be downloaded from the website (€1.30 per map).

Rondje Eindhoven (Around Eindhoven): This cycling tour starts at the VVV tourist information office. It leads all around the city over 75 km, divided into 3 rounds of 20 to 25 km. Just follow the route signs. For €2 you can buy a map at the tourist office with route information.

Philips Architectuurroute (Philips Architecture tour): This tour traces the influence of the presence of the Philips company for more than a century in Eindhoven. The tour leads you along different buildings and objects that are related to Philips. The trip is 18 kilometers and takes about 1.5 to 2 hours. More information at the VVV tourist office.

ANWB cycling tours: Around Eindhoven are several cycling tours from about 50–80 km distance. These lead through fields, forests, heath and villages. All tours are numbered and are easy to follow over specially laid bike lanes. There are plenty of places for a picnic, lunch or to have a drink. Maps are available at the tourist information office or can be downloaded from the website (€1.30 per map).

• Dynamo, Catharinaplein 21, +31 40 239 31 10. You'll find the country's largest youth center, Dynamo, in the heart of Eindhoven. It offers a wide variety of activities, from workshops, community and popular art projects to dancing, sports and concerts. All different youth cultures are welcome here, including the hiphop, dance, house, rock and metal scene.
• Effenaar, Dommelstraat 2 (Diagonally opposite the train station, +31 40 239 36 66. Besides a bar/restaurant, the Effenaar houses 2 large halls for concerts and dance events. It offers a stage for local talent but also receives major international artists.
• Muziekgebouw Frits Philips, Heuvel Galerie 140, +31 40 244 20 20. This large music center in the heart of the city offers a broad range of concerts, varying from jazz and classical to world music and acoustic rock.
• Parktheater, Elzentlaan 50, +31 40 215 61 56. This large and modern theater on the edge of the Stadswandelpark offers over 500 theater activities a year.
• Natlab, Kastanjelaan 500 (Strijp S, +31 40 294 68 48. Natlab (before Plaza Futura) is a cultural meeting place for contemporary art with film (mostly classics and art house films) as a basis.
• The Rambler, Stationsweg 12, +31 6 523 32 189. Blues, Hardcore, Punk and Rock. Open podium 2 or 3 Thursdays a month for all styles.

Dynamo, Catharinaplein 21, +31 40 239 31 10. You'll find the country's largest youth center, Dynamo, in the heart of Eindhoven. It offers a wide variety of activities, from workshops, community and popular art projects to dancing, sports and concerts. All different youth cultures are welcome here, including the hiphop, dance, house, rock and metal scene.

Effenaar, Dommelstraat 2 (Diagonally opposite the train station, +31 40 239 36 66. Besides a bar/restaurant, the Effenaar houses 2 large halls for concerts and dance events. It offers a stage for local talent but also receives major international artists.

Muziekgebouw Frits Philips, Heuvel Galerie 140, +31 40 244 20 20. This large music center in the heart of the city offers a broad range of concerts, varying from jazz and classical to world music and acoustic rock.

Parktheater, Elzentlaan 50, +31 40 215 61 56. This large and modern theater on the edge of the Stadswandelpark offers over 500 theater activities a year.

Natlab, Kastanjelaan 500 (Strijp S, +31 40 294 68 48. Natlab (before Plaza Futura) is a cultural meeting place for contemporary art with film (mostly classics and art house films) as a basis.

The Rambler, Stationsweg 12, +31 6 523 32 189. Blues, Hardcore, Punk and Rock. Open podium 2 or 3 Thursdays a month for all styles.

• Ice Sport Centre Eindhoven, Antoon Coolenlaan 3, +31 40 238 12 00. This in- and outdoor ice skate track is closed during summer. €7.40/€5.10.
• Monk bouldergym, Strijp S, gebouw SBX, +31 40 295 04 88. Mon 18:00-23:00, Tue-Fri 12:30-23:00, Sat 10:00-18:00, Sun 10:00-22:00. Indoor climbing hall with 200 bouldering routes. €10.

• Aquabest, +31 40 282 22 10. April 1 until September 30. 10am-8pm. Natural swimming, beach, all kind of water activities. €5.
• De IJzerenman, Javalaan 149, +31 40 282 22 10. Natural swimming. The lake is only opened in summer. €5.80.
• Ir. Ottenbad, Vijfkamplaan 12, +31 40 238 88 00. Indoor 25 meter pool. Outdoor swimming pools only opened in summer. €5.80.
• National Swimming Centre Tongelreep, Antoon Coolenlaan 1, +31 40 238 11 12. 10AM-9PM. The largest swimming pool complex in Europe, with a subtropical pool and some fun features like a wave machine. €4/€10/€4.90.

Aquabest, +31 40 282 22 10. April 1 until September 30. 10am-8pm. Natural swimming, beach, all kind of water activities. €5.

De IJzerenman, Javalaan 149, +31 40 282 22 10. Natural swimming. The lake is only opened in summer. €5.80.

Ir. Ottenbad, Vijfkamplaan 12, +31 40 238 88 00. Indoor 25 meter pool. Outdoor swimming pools only opened in summer. €5.80.

National Swimming Centre Tongelreep, Antoon Coolenlaan 1, +31 40 238 11 12. 10AM-9PM. The largest swimming pool complex in Europe, with a subtropical pool and some fun features like a wave machine. €4/€10/€4.90.

• PSV Eindhoven, Philips Stadion, Frederiklaan 8, +31 40 250 55 12. They play in Eredivisie, the top tier of Dutch football. Their home ground is Philips Stadium, capacity 34,000, close to city centre. Tours are possible, either a group tour (minimum 20), or a combined tour with the Bavaria Brewery; or you can go into their restaurant "de Verlenging" (south-east side) and take a peek from the terrace. There's also a second-string team, Jong PSV, playing in Eerste Divisie the second tier. Their usual ground is De Herdgang 4 km north of the centre.
• The city's other football team is FC Eindhoven, who play in Eerste Divisie, the second tier. They play at Jan Louwers Stadium, capacity 4600, 2 km south of city centre.

PSV Eindhoven, Philips Stadion, Frederiklaan 8, +31 40 250 55 12. They play in Eredivisie, the top tier of Dutch football. Their home ground is Philips Stadium, capacity 34,000, close to city centre. Tours are possible, either a group tour (minimum 20), or a combined tour with the Bavaria Brewery; or you can go into their restaurant "de Verlenging" (south-east side) and take a peek from the terrace. There's also a second-string team, Jong PSV, playing in Eerste Divisie the second tier. Their usual ground is De Herdgang 4 km north of the centre.

The city's other football team is FC Eindhoven, who play in Eerste Divisie, the second tier. They play at Jan Louwers Stadium, capacity 4600, 2 km south of city centre.

Ice Sport Centre Eindhoven, Antoon Coolenlaan 3, +31 40 238 12 00. This in- and outdoor ice skate track is closed during summer. €7.40/€5.10.

Monk bouldergym, Strijp S, gebouw SBX, +31 40 295 04 88. Mon 18:00-23:00, Tue-Fri 12:30-23:00, Sat 10:00-18:00, Sun 10:00-22:00. Indoor climbing hall with 200 bouldering routes. €10.

Despite its industrial character, Eindhoven is the "greenest" of the five largest cities in the country. Even within the province of North-Brabant, it is the greenest of the top five cities there. The park and grass fields around Lake Karpendonck make a great place for a summer picnic. If you're up for a stroll, try the City Walking Park (Stadswandelpark), at walking distance from the center and decorated with some 30 sculptures. Just south of the Stadswandelpark lie the larger Genneper Parks where nature and recreational activities come together (see above under "Do"). Within the Genneper Parks you'll find the Heempark Frater Simon Deltour, with example gardens showing original regional landscape types and natural habitat. The Philips van Lenneppark in the north of the city was named after Frits Philips' wife, whose maiden name was van Lennep. The family donated the park to the city for the 75 year anniversary of the Philips company. It houses a playground, skate park and petting zoo. Older is the Philips de Jonghpark just 1 km to the north between the Oirschotsedijk and the railway. This park was donated in 1920 by Anton Philips (the father of Frits) and his wife, whose maiden name was De Jongh. In the middle of the park is a pavilion for drinks and snacks.

Eindhoven is a large and bustling city, with a full agenda. Dozens of large and small events are organized each year, a number of which are unsurprisingly about artificial light and design. Some of the major ones are listed below, but check the agenda on the tourist information website to see what's planned during your visit.

• Carnival, All over the city. Five days of Carnival in almost all pubs. Street Carnival in the centre and the traditional parade on Saturday.
• Dutch Design Week, All over the city. During the Dutch Design Week in October Eindhoven is all about design, in all its disciplines and aspects. Some 1500 designers display their work and over 300 different events and activities are organized throughout the city. There are workshops, lectures, seminars, shows and exhibitions. Many activities require registration in advance and for some you'll have to pay.
• Eindhoven Culinair, Stadswandelpark (Next to the Parktheater. Four days in May during Pentecost. About 30 local selected restaurants get the opportunity to present themselves with an assortment of their specialties. All dishes are prepared on the spot.
• Eindhoven Marathon. The Eindhoven marathon is an annual marathon held since 1956. The event always takes place in October. The marathon of Eindhoven is after Amsterdam and Rotterdam the largest marathon in the Netherlands. Since 2004 the track has been adjusted several times for making it become a real city marathon. On this marathon applies a time limit of five hours running. In addition to the full marathon this running event also includes a half marathon, a 6 km run and a 3 km run. €42.
• Glow Eindhoven. Glow is an International Forum of Light in Art and Architecture, Eindhoven at it's best. The city center becomes the stage for interventions, installations, performances and events - all celebrating the phenomena of artificial light. Buildings are illuminated artistically, there are luminous works of art and more, making this week a great time for an evening walk through town. In 2013 it's held from Nov. 9th to 16th. There are different locations and opening hours.
• Light Tour. One week in September. In order to commemorate the liberation of Eindhoven after the Second World War, volunteers and sponsors join forces each year to put a 22 km illuminated "Light route" trough Eindhoven in place. It features thousands of light bulbs, LED's and gas-discharge lamps, illuminating fairy tale designs and other subjects. This tradition was initiated right after the war, dropped for years but reinstalled in 1984. The lights are turned on every evening from 7.30 til 11.30PM for a week, starting on September 18. You can take the route individually, on foot, by car or by bike. There's also one organized group bike tour and a bus tour: ask the Tourist Information Office. Free of charge.
• Music on the Dommel, River Dommel (Between the van Abbe Museum and Stratumseind, +31 6 1723 63 50. Two full days at the end of May or the begin of June. Music on the Dommel is the ability for musical groups from Eindhoven and surroundings to present themselves on a big stage to a wide audience. Free.
• Park Hilaria Fair, Kennedylaan (Directly north of the train station. Eindhoven's large annual funfair brings over a 100 big and small attractions to the Kennedylaan, which is closed down entirely to host the event. You'll find thrill rides, children's rides, games, street theater, music and of course lots of food and drinks. It lasts a week and usually takes place around the beginning of August. There's no entry fee but you'll pay for the attractions.
• XO Live, Aquabest. A full day about half July from 10pm-11am. Dance festival on the beach of Aquabest with a wide range of performers Regular €59.

Carnival, All over the city. Five days of Carnival in almost all pubs. Street Carnival in the centre and the traditional parade on Saturday.

Dutch Design Week, All over the city. During the Dutch Design Week in October Eindhoven is all about design, in all its disciplines and aspects. Some 1500 designers display their work and over 300 different events and activities are organized throughout the city. There are workshops, lectures, seminars, shows and exhibitions. Many activities require registration in advance and for some you'll have to pay.

Eindhoven Culinair, Stadswandelpark (Next to the Parktheater. Four days in May during Pentecost. About 30 local selected restaurants get the opportunity to present themselves with an assortment of their specialties. All dishes are prepared on the spot.

Eindhoven Marathon. The Eindhoven marathon is an annual marathon held since 1956. The event always takes place in October. The marathon of Eindhoven is after [[Amsterdam]] and [[Rotterdam]] the largest marathon in the Netherlands. Since 2004 the track has been adjusted several times for making it become a real city marathon. On this marathon applies a time limit of five hours running. In addition to the full marathon this running event also includes a half marathon, a 6 km run and a 3 km run. €42.

Glow Eindhoven. Glow is an International Forum of Light in Art and Architecture, Eindhoven at it's best. The city center becomes the stage for interventions, installations, performances and events - all celebrating the phenomena of artificial light. Buildings are illuminated artistically, there are luminous works of art and more, making this week a great time for an evening walk through town. In 2013 it's held from Nov. 9th to 16th. There are different locations and opening hours.

Light Tour. One week in September. In order to commemorate the liberation of Eindhoven after the Second World War, volunteers and sponsors join forces each year to put a 22 km illuminated "Light route" trough Eindhoven in place. It features thousands of light bulbs, LED's and gas-discharge lamps, illuminating fairy tale designs and other subjects. This tradition was initiated right after the war, dropped for years but reinstalled in 1984. The lights are turned on every evening from 7.30 til 11.30PM for a week, starting on September 18. You can take the route individually, on foot, by car or by bike. There's also one organized group bike tour and a bus tour: ask the Tourist Information Office. Free of charge.

Music on the Dommel, River Dommel (Between the van Abbe Museum and Stratumseind, +31 6 1723 63 50. Two full days at the end of May or the begin of June. Music on the Dommel is the ability for musical groups from Eindhoven and surroundings to present themselves on a big stage to a wide audience. Free.

Park Hilaria Fair, Kennedylaan (Directly north of the train station. Eindhoven's large annual funfair brings over a 100 big and small attractions to the Kennedylaan, which is closed down entirely to host the event. You'll find thrill rides, children's rides, games, street theater, music and of course lots of food and drinks. It lasts a week and usually takes place around the beginning of August. There's no entry fee but you'll pay for the attractions.

XO Live, Aquabest. A full day about half July from 10pm-11am. Dance festival on the beach of Aquabest with a wide range of performers Regular €59.

Dive into Eindhoven's industrial history. Walk by former industrial complexes in the center, such as the Lichttoren (one of the cities main landmarks), the Admirant and the Witte Dame. Visit Philips' first Incandescent Lamp Factory of 1891, now a small museum. Just outside the center you'll find Strijp-S, with the famous Klokgebouw (Clock building). The robust former factory buildings of this Philips area are now being transformed into the bustling creative heart of the city. An English bike route along the main Philips-sights is for available at the tourist information office for €2. To get an idea of that other major industry that has shaped the city, visit the DAF-truck museum.

Explore Eindhoven's historic heritage. Rent a bike at the train station and visit a selection of the 140 Rijksmonumenten (National Heritage Sites), also outside of the direct city center. Or go back in time at the Historic OpenAir Museum, where you can experience life in Eindhoven during the Middle Ages and before.

If you're into design, try to visit the city during the Dutch Design Week. Check the website of the Design Academy for any upcoming events or their graduates exhibition around October. On Strijp-S you can visit the large shop, workshop and restaurant of world famous designer Piet Hein Eek.

The Genneper Parks recreation area provides ample opportunities to relax and enjoy nature, but also allow for an active day trip. The Milieu Education Center provides walking routes, including a GPS track through the park. There's a biological farm and shop, a cartoon museum, a restaurant with mini-golf options and several sports facilities. For example, take a dive in Zwemcentrum de Tongelreep, one of Europe's largest swimming centers.

Eindhoven is the regional centre for shopping, and offers a wide range of large and small stores, including all the large chains in the Netherlands and a good number of small speciality shops. As it is hardly a touristic city, traditional souvenirs are relatively hard to come by. The VVV tourist information office directly outside the train station has some Dutch and Eindhoven oriented gadgets. Light bulb cartoons and similar images are a typical reference to Eindhoven's history in lightning. Also, museum shops will have some gift items relevant for their exhibitions.

With some exceptions, shops close at 6PM on Weekdays and 5PM on Saturdays, like in the rest of the country. Friday is "buying-evening" in the city center, with shops open until 9PM. Shops are now allowed to be open on Sunday and most of the shops in the city centre indeed open every Sunday from 12.00 to 17.00h. Most places in shopping centre Woensel XL open only the first and last day Sunday of the month, and keep similar hours. You'll find that businesses in the other districts typically remain closed on Sundays, with the exception of bars and restaurants.

With the covered shopping centre 'De Heuvel Galerie', large department stores including 'De Bijenkorf' and an extensive selection of boutiques an specialist shops, the center of Eindhoven is the most bustling shopping center in the South of the Netherlands. The following streets form the main, pedestrianised shopping area: 18 Septemberplein, Nieuwe emmasingel(admirant), Demer, Rechtestraat, de Markt, Nieuwstraat, Hermanus Boexstraat, Vrijstraat and Hooghuisstraat.

• De Heuvelgalerie. Placed between the central station and the market square, is a covered shopping mall with a broad selection of stores. You'll find anything from clothing and shoes till toys, a bike store and a Mac retail shop.
• If you're looking for somewhat more exclusive fashion, try the Hooghuisstraat. It has a bunch of good boutiques and fashion stores.
• Piazza Center. On the 18 Septemberplein is a modern, covered 3 story shopping area with a bunch of clothing and shoes stores and others. Here you'll also find de Bijenkorf, one the largest and most exclusive department stores in the Netherlands and Zara, Ici paris XL a fairly large beauty store.
• Admirant shopping. Is an old part of Eindhoven's center that has gotten a complete facelift in recent years. Previously, this part was primarily known for the old headquarters of Philips and the lamp factory (now a museum). Now it is a trendy shopping area with the glass structure "the Blob" and a new shopping street while keeping the little piece of Eindhoven's history intact. The street has a mix of large chains like Selexyz, Dept, Douw Egberts, but also smaller design stores like Janissima temporary concept store, Onigiri Art on T-shirts and Van Bommel Shoes.

De Heuvelgalerie. Placed between the central station and the market square, is a covered shopping mall with a broad selection of stores. You'll find anything from clothing and shoes till toys, a bike store and a Mac retail shop.

If you're looking for somewhat more exclusive fashion, try the Hooghuisstraat. It has a bunch of good boutiques and fashion stores.

Piazza Center. On the 18 Septemberplein is a modern, covered 3 story shopping area with a bunch of clothing and shoes stores and others. Here you'll also find de Bijenkorf, one the largest and most exclusive department stores in the Netherlands and Zara, Ici paris XL a fairly large beauty store.

Admirant shopping. Is an old part of Eindhoven's center that has gotten a complete facelift in recent years. Previously, this part was primarily known for the old headquarters of Philips and the lamp factory (now a museum). Now it is a trendy shopping area with the glass structure "the Blob" and a new shopping street while keeping the little piece of Eindhoven's history intact. The street has a mix of large chains like Selexyz, Dept, Douw Egberts, but also smaller design stores like Janissima temporary concept store, Onigiri Art on T-shirts and Van Bommel Shoes.

• When exiting the train station on the North side, it is a 5 minute walk to the Kruisstraat. In this internationally oriented street the shops include Turkish, Asian and other foreign supermarkets. On the square at end of the Kruisstraat, The Woenselse Markt, a fairly large weekly market is held on Saturdays.
• A few kilometers north of the center, in the district Woensel, lies shopping center Woensel XL. This large and semi-covered shopping center offers a broad range of retail stores, mostly chains, making it a good alternative location for a general shopping spree. One advantage is the ample (but paid) parking space.

When exiting the train station on the North side, it is a 5 minute walk to the Kruisstraat. In this internationally oriented street the shops include Turkish, Asian and other foreign supermarkets. On the square at end of the Kruisstraat, The Woenselse Markt, a fairly large weekly market is held on Saturdays.

A few kilometers north of the center, in the district Woensel, lies shopping center Woensel XL. This large and semi-covered shopping center offers a broad range of retail stores, mostly chains, making it a good alternative location for a general shopping spree. One advantage is the ample (but paid) parking space.

• Woenselse market, Woenselse Markt (About 1 km north of the city center. Saturday 10:00-17:00. The largest and busiest market of the city. Stalls selling a wide range of goods, fruit and vegetables, fish, clothing and household items.
• Weekly market, Tuesday 09:00-14:00 (15:30 during daylight saving time), De Markt (city center)
• Small art & collectibles, Saturday 10:00-17:00, De Markt (city center)
• FeelGood Market, Festival area, Klokgebouw, Strijp S. 3rd Sunday of the month. The FeelGood Market gives quirky designers and creative people the opportunity to show their creations to the public. In addition, the market is an approachable and fun way to get aquinted with unique design, exclusive products and the maker himself. There are food stalls and terraces. During bad weather the event moves to the clock building (klokgebouw). Free.

Woenselse market, Woenselse Markt (About 1 km north of the city center. Saturday 10:00-17:00. The largest and busiest market of the city. Stalls selling a wide range of goods, fruit and vegetables, fish, clothing and household items.

Weekly market, Tuesday 09:00-14:00 (15:30 during daylight saving time), De Markt (city center)

Small art & collectibles, Saturday 10:00-17:00, De Markt (city center)

FeelGood Market, Festival area, Klokgebouw, Strijp S. 3rd Sunday of the month. The FeelGood Market gives quirky designers and creative people the opportunity to show their creations to the public. In addition, the market is an approachable and fun way to get aquinted with unique design, exclusive products and the maker himself. There are food stalls and terraces. During bad weather the event moves to the clock building (klokgebouw). Free.

• van piere + de slegte, Nieuwe Emmasingel 44, +31 40 304 01 30. Selexyz is a chain of book stores. This fairly new Eindhoven establishment in the Admirant is spacious and pleasant, with a good selection of English titles. There's a small café on the basement floor, where you can choose coffee varieties from Blanche Dael, a well known Maastricht store.
• Boekhandel Spijkerman, Kleine Berg 5, +31 40 255 04 48. Spijkerman is a real specialist of literature. A visit to this bookstore is worthy for fans of quality literature with personal tips and suggestions by the owner.
• De Heremiet, Bergstraat 36b, +31 40 244 77 14. A bookstore with a wide range of children's books, spiritual books and activities.

van piere + de slegte, Nieuwe Emmasingel 44, +31 40 304 01 30. Selexyz is a chain of book stores. This fairly new Eindhoven establishment in the Admirant is spacious and pleasant, with a good selection of English titles. There's a small café on the basement floor, where you can choose coffee varieties from Blanche Dael, a well known Maastricht store.

Boekhandel Spijkerman, Kleine Berg 5, +31 40 255 04 48. Spijkerman is a real specialist of literature. A visit to this bookstore is worthy for fans of quality literature with personal tips and suggestions by the owner.

De Heremiet, Bergstraat 36b, +31 40 244 77 14. A bookstore with a wide range of children's books, spiritual books and activities.

You'll find plenty of restaurants in the city center. Main restaurant areas are the Dommelstraat (almost directly opposite the train station), the Markt and the Bergen kwartier, comprising both the Kleine Berg and the Grote Berg. As for other Dutch cities, you can find restaurant information and customer reviews on several (private) websites, e.g. TheFork.nl or Eet.nu. They are mostly in Dutch, but numerical ratings will give you an idea of popularity at least. Pay attention to the fact that many restaurants are closed on Mondays and some close down for a week or two during summer.

• Eetcafé Bommel, Kleine Berg 32, +31 40 245 29 22. Bommel is an old time favorite among students and budget travelers. There's no menu: for a fixed amount of €15.50 you get a cup of soup and you can choose between the meat or vegetarian dish of the day. (Updated july 2017).
• Friture Dik & Lang, Jan van Lieshoutstraat 28. Fast food is an unhealthy but cheap dinner option. "Fritures" serving fries and snacks are common, but Dik & Lang is reportedly the best one in the city center. If you're not a huge mayonnaise fan, make sure to mention that as you might find all of your fries covered in it. €5.
• Grand Café De Wildeman, Markt 10, +31 40 245 23 00. The Wildeman has, just like it's next door colleagues, a spacious outdoor terrace on the market square. The food is nothing special but you get an okay full plate main from around €12.
• Grand Restaurant Le Connaisseur, Kleine Berg 12, +31 40 246 09 60. If you order your dinner before 6PM here, the second 3 course meal comes for free. Even when you're later, 3 course meals (allowing you to choose the dishes) start from €18.50.
• Soho, Jan van Lieshoutstraat 24A, +31 40 236 42 28. Popular place for take away wok (Asian stir fry dishes with noodles or rice) or sushi, but you can also eat in the restaurant. Think fast food place with an Asian touch. A simple stir-fry dish. served in a card board cup is a cheap but quite filling meal. It can get crowded here around lunch or dinner time, but Soho has a second location just opposite the train station where it's often less crowded. All you can eat sushi is €21.50 for dinner. € 6.50.
• The Trafalgar Pub, Dommelstraat 21, +31 40 244 88 20. In this British pub you can of course find a pretty good shepherds pie. If you're on a budget: they serve full meals from around €7. There's an English menu available. €12.50.
• De Bakgigant, Nieuwstraat 7, +31 40 842 9949. 09:00 - 17:00. Cheap and friendly lunchroom located in the city center. Based on a serve yourself concept and has very friendly personnel. Also offers free wifi. €1 - €5.

Eetcafé Bommel, Kleine Berg 32, +31 40 245 29 22. Bommel is an old time favorite among students and budget travelers. There's no menu: for a fixed amount of €15.50 you get a cup of soup and you can choose between the meat or vegetarian dish of the day. (Updated july 2017).

Friture Dik & Lang, Jan van Lieshoutstraat 28. Fast food is an unhealthy but cheap dinner option. "Fritures" serving fries and snacks are common, but Dik & Lang is reportedly the best one in the city center. If you're not a huge mayonnaise fan, make sure to mention that as you might find all of your fries covered in it. €5.

Grand Café De Wildeman, Markt 10, +31 40 245 23 00. The Wildeman has, just like it's next door colleagues, a spacious outdoor terrace on the market square. The food is nothing special but you get an okay full plate main from around €12.

Grand Restaurant Le Connaisseur, Kleine Berg 12, +31 40 246 09 60. If you order your dinner before 6PM here, the second 3 course meal comes for free. Even when you're later, 3 course meals (allowing you to choose the dishes) start from €18.50.

Soho, Jan van Lieshoutstraat 24A, +31 40 236 42 28. Popular place for take away wok (Asian stir fry dishes with noodles or rice) or sushi, but you can also eat in the restaurant. Think fast food place with an Asian touch. A simple stir-fry dish. served in a card board cup is a cheap but quite filling meal. It can get crowded here around lunch or dinner time, but Soho has a second location just opposite the train station where it's often less crowded. All you can eat sushi is €21.50 for dinner. € 6.50.

The Trafalgar Pub, Dommelstraat 21, +31 40 244 88 20. In this British pub you can of course find a pretty good shepherds pie. If you're on a budget: they serve full meals from around €7. There's an English menu available. €12.50.

De Bakgigant, Nieuwstraat 7, +31 40 842 9949. 09:00 - 17:00. Cheap and friendly lunchroom located in the city center. Based on a serve yourself concept and has very friendly personnel. Also offers free wifi. €1 - €5.

• Authentiek Turks Restaurant Ege, Rivierstraat 36, +31 40 257 33 79. This cosy restaurant is a long time favorite among Turkish cuisine lovers in and around the city.
• Cooks, Kerkstraat 30, +31 40 243 41 14. Friendly, laid-back place with a nice lunch and dinnermenu and an outside terrace. They have a fair range of tapas but also a good variety of other dishes. mains from €16.50.
• Ethiopisch Restaurant, Schootsestraat 170, +31 40 255 52 83. If you're in for something else, try Ethiopian cuisine. Eating here is not in the last place an experience in sharing: food comes in a giant common plate for all people at the table. You eat with your hands. Portions can be on the small side, but the taste is good. Safety is bad, they ran out of the kitchen when there was a fire and didn't bother to inform the customers. mains from €12.
• Memories, Dommelstraat 36, +31 40 237 72 02. Memories has a rather average menu but the food is well prepared. Mostly, its nice and cosy atmosphere makes it a pleasant place for dinner. €25.
• New York Café, Dommelstraat 9, +31 40 293 92 27. Housed in a national heritage monument, this stylish restaurant is also a popular place to stay for drinks after dinner. Service can be a bit slow but the food is generally okay.
• Yakitory & the Sushi's, Grote Berg 30, +31 40 243 27 00. Popular place for all-you-can-eat sushi. The sushi may not be phenomenal but it's quite okay and with €22.50 for an all-you-can-eat menu well worth the money.
• Yokohama, Stationsplein, +31 40 246 55 91. Expect your teppan yaki food to be served with a show, in this upper class Japanese restaurant. You'll sit around the teppan yaki baking plate together with other people so don't count on a romantic dinner for two. There's a sushi bar too, if you prefer, but pay attention, taking sushi of the moving bar can result in a surprisingly steep bill. € 28.

Authentiek Turks Restaurant Ege, Rivierstraat 36, +31 40 257 33 79. This cosy restaurant is a long time favorite among Turkish cuisine lovers in and around the city.

Cooks, Kerkstraat 30, +31 40 243 41 14. Friendly, laid-back place with a nice lunch and dinnermenu and an outside terrace. They have a fair range of tapas but also a good variety of other dishes. mains from €16.50.

Ethiopisch Restaurant, Schootsestraat 170, +31 40 255 52 83. If you're in for something else, try Ethiopian cuisine. Eating here is not in the last place an experience in sharing: food comes in a giant common plate for all people at the table. You eat with your hands. Portions can be on the small side, but the taste is good. Safety is bad, they ran out of the kitchen when there was a fire and didn't bother to inform the customers. mains from €12.

Memories, Dommelstraat 36, +31 40 237 72 02. Memories has a rather average menu but the food is well prepared. Mostly, its nice and cosy atmosphere makes it a pleasant place for dinner. €25.

New York Café, Dommelstraat 9, +31 40 293 92 27. Housed in a national heritage monument, this stylish restaurant is also a popular place to stay for drinks after dinner. Service can be a bit slow but the food is generally okay.

Yakitory & the Sushi's, Grote Berg 30, +31 40 243 27 00. Popular place for all-you-can-eat sushi. The sushi may not be phenomenal but it's quite okay and with €22.50 for an all-you-can-eat menu well worth the money.

Yokohama, Stationsplein, +31 40 246 55 91. Expect your teppan yaki food to be served with a show, in this upper class Japanese restaurant. You'll sit around the teppan yaki baking plate together with other people so don't count on a romantic dinner for two. There's a sushi bar too, if you prefer, but pay attention, taking sushi of the moving bar can result in a surprisingly steep bill. € 28.

• Avant-Garde van Groeninge, Frederiklaan 10d, +31 40 250 56 40. This one Michelin star restaurant is located inside the PSV soccer stadium. Enjoy your meal while overlooking the grass field. Reservations are recommended, as this is one of the best but also a popular restaurant in the city.
• Karpendonkse Hoeve, Sumatralaan 3, +31 40 281 36 63. Also located in a restored farm, the Karpendonkse Hoeve offers a nice view over the park and water. This restaurant has had one Michelin star for more than 30 years in a row.
• Wiesen, Kleine Berg 10, +31 40 244 66 66. This trendy little restaurant with its ambitious cuisine received a Michelin star in 2014. It's a small place, so make sure to make reservations. Three course surprise menu from €36.50.
• Zarzo, Bleekweg 7, +31 40 211 7700. One of the most hip and happening up-scale restaurants in town, run by an ambitious young owner with a love for food and wine combinations. Zarzo has a Michelin star since 2015. The modern gastronomic dishes get raving reviews. The special is a six course menu for €83. Try to book well ahead if you want to be sure of a able, especially for weekend evenings. From €42 for a (set) three course menu.
• De Luytervelde, Jo Goudkuillaan 11 (Outside the center, on the edge of villa area Acht-Zuid, +31 40 262 31 11. This classical restaurant is located in an old, beautifully restored farm. If the weather allows, be sure to enjoy your meal in the lovely and peaceful garden.

Avant-Garde van Groeninge, Frederiklaan 10d, +31 40 250 56 40. This one Michelin star restaurant is located inside the PSV soccer stadium. Enjoy your meal while overlooking the grass field. Reservations are recommended, as this is one of the best but also a popular restaurant in the city.

Karpendonkse Hoeve, Sumatralaan 3, +31 40 281 36 63. Also located in a restored farm, the Karpendonkse Hoeve offers a nice view over the park and water. This restaurant has had one Michelin star for more than 30 years in a row.

Wiesen, Kleine Berg 10, +31 40 244 66 66. This trendy little restaurant with its ambitious cuisine received a Michelin star in 2014. It's a small place, so make sure to make reservations. Three course surprise menu from €36.50.

Zarzo, Bleekweg 7, +31 40 211 7700. One of the most hip and happening up-scale restaurants in town, run by an ambitious young owner with a love for food and wine combinations. Zarzo has a Michelin star since 2015. The modern gastronomic dishes get raving reviews. The special is a six course menu for €83. Try to book well ahead if you want to be sure of a able, especially for weekend evenings. From €42 for a (set) three course menu.

De Luytervelde, Jo Goudkuillaan 11 (Outside the center, on the edge of villa area Acht-Zuid, +31 40 262 31 11. This classical restaurant is located in an old, beautifully restored farm. If the weather allows, be sure to enjoy your meal in the lovely and peaceful garden.

Bars and eateries's opening times in the city centre are usually until 2AM during the week, and 4AM on a Friday and Saturday. Student-nights in Eindhoven are Thursdays. The city's late nightlife mostly takes place in Stratumseind, a street literally filled with bars and fast food places, and the Market Square. The Stationsplein and adjoining Dommelstraat has a few bars too and for a less main stream experience, try the places on the Kleine and Grote Berg which are also more popular with an artistic crowd. Main party days are Thursday to Sunday, and you might find some places to be closed on other days.

On a sunny day, the Grand Café terraces on the Market Square fill up in no time. This is the heart of the city, where the shopping crowd sits down for a break, colleagues drink an after work beer and friends meet over coffee or cocktails. You'll find a number of places on and around the Square. Most of them also serve meals, which is why some are listed above under "Eat".

• O-Sheas, Jan van Lieshoutstraat 9, +31 40 246 62 13. Just off the main square, this place has a great atmosphere, great beer, live music at the weekend after 10:30PM. Sports events, especially football, are shown on two big screens.
• De Vooruitgang, Markt 11, +31 40 243 39 95. This "City-café" is quite similar to the ones next to it, but a long time favorite and repeatedly listed as having the best terrace in the city. They also serve food, but to choose from the full menu you have to take a table in the 1st floor restaurant. After about 10PM the music volume is turned up.
• The Little One, J v Lieshoutstrt. 26, +31 40 243 89 95. Extremely small and somewhat harder to find pub, specialised in cocktails and whiskey.

O-Sheas, Jan van Lieshoutstraat 9, +31 40 246 62 13. Just off the main square, this place has a great atmosphere, great beer, live music at the weekend after 10:30PM. Sports events, especially football, are shown on two big screens.

De Vooruitgang, Markt 11, +31 40 243 39 95. This "City-café" is quite similar to the ones next to it, but a long time favorite and repeatedly listed as having the best terrace in the city. They also serve food, but to choose from the full menu you have to take a table in the 1st floor restaurant. After about 10PM the music volume is turned up.

The Little One, J v Lieshoutstrt. 26, +31 40 243 89 95. Extremely small and somewhat harder to find pub, specialised in cocktails and whiskey.

The Stationsplein lies directly across the street from the train station. It has some "Grand cafés", dancing bars and terraces. The Dommelstreet with all its restaurants is a side-street of the Stationsplein and has a bunch of good bars too. All the way at the end of the Dommelstreet you'll find the Effenaar, Eindhoven's main popular music music stage.

• De Effenaar, +31 40 239 36 66. A young 'underground' venue for gigs and DJs. The terrace can be a good place to lounge on a warm evening.
• Leefcafé Het Spiegelbeeld, Dommelstraat 22, +31 40 243 99 56. This laid-back "living-café" wants its visitors to feel at home and plays a broad range of recognizable music, ranging from rock, salsa and modern pop to hits from the 70s and even the incidental house track. They serve small dishes.
• Liquid. which is for people aged 23 or over, where you can party-on-down to music from the 70s and 80s!
• Ramblers, +31 6 523 321 89. More rock/metal oriented with live music on many nights.

De Effenaar, +31 40 239 36 66. A young 'underground' venue for gigs and DJs. The terrace can be a good place to lounge on a warm evening.

Leefcafé Het Spiegelbeeld, Dommelstraat 22, +31 40 243 99 56. This laid-back "living-café" wants its visitors to feel at home and plays a broad range of recognizable music, ranging from rock, salsa and modern pop to hits from the 70s and even the incidental house track. They serve small dishes.

Liquid. which is for people aged 23 or over, where you can party-on-down to music from the 70s and 80s!

Ramblers, +31 6 523 321 89. More rock/metal oriented with live music on many nights.

Go for a pub-crawl in the longest pub-street in the Netherlands. With over 40 bars and a number of places to eat, Stratumseind is Eindhoven's main nightlife area. Bar-hopping is the best way to get the Stratumseind-vibe. Its venues attract renown DJ's on a regular basis and when the weather allows the street becomes part of the party ground. The eating places stay open late, even after the bars close, to allow for the essential bite afterwards. The bars include:

• De Bier Professor, Stratumseind 33, +31 6 553 555 72. Specialist of Belgium beers, with a 100 different kinds to choose from.
• Santiago de Cuba, Stratumseind 65, +31 40 206 96 06. closed on Mon & Wed. For an evening of Latin-American fun, move on the rhythm of Cuban Salsa in this Cuban swing café. o

De Bier Professor, Stratumseind 33, +31 6 553 555 72. Specialist of Belgium beers, with a 100 different kinds to choose from.

Santiago de Cuba, Stratumseind 65, +31 40 206 96 06. closed on Mon & Wed. For an evening of Latin-American fun, move on the rhythm of Cuban Salsa in this Cuban swing café. o

'De Bergen' is a piece of old Eindhoven, which is still in reasonably original condition. The pleasant bars and restaurants on the 'Kleine Berg' are popular with the more artistic members of the public. It is a few minutes' walk through the narrow streets to Wilhelminaplein.

In this characteristic square there are authentic brown bars, terraces and live-performances. In summer, open-air performances are regularly organized. Every Sunday afternoon and Monday evening stunning live performances are given at café Wilhelmina.

• Café Wilhelmina, Wilhelminaplein 6, +31 40 244 72 86. An old-fashioned but cosy café. You can play darts, every Sunday afternoon and Monday evening live performances are given and once a month there is a bal folk.
• De Gaper, Wilhelminaplein 5, +31 40 246 77 70. This bar specializes in distillates and serves over 200 different sorts of whisky.

Café Wilhelmina, Wilhelminaplein 6, +31 40 244 72 86. An old-fashioned but cosy café. You can play darts, every Sunday afternoon and Monday evening live performances are given and once a month there is a bal folk.

De Gaper, Wilhelminaplein 5, +31 40 246 77 70. This bar specializes in distillates and serves over 200 different sorts of whisky.

• Public library, Emmasingel 22 (In the former Philips building. The public library in the city center has some English newspapers and magazines. The English book section is upstairs.
• Catharina hospital, Michelangelolaan 2, +31 40 239 91 11. The Catharina hospital has a first aid department (Eerste Hulp or EHBO). For less urgent matters, ask your hotel to contact a personal practitioner (the first doctor to turn to for non-emergencies in the Netherlands). If you need an ambulance, call the Pan-European 112 emergency code.
• Police Station City Center, Mathildelaan 4, +31 900-8844. This police station close to the train station is open 24/7. English speaking staff is available.

Public library, Emmasingel 22 (In the former Philips building. The public library in the city center has some English newspapers and magazines. The English book section is upstairs.

Catharina hospital, Michelangelolaan 2, +31 40 239 91 11. The Catharina hospital has a first aid department (Eerste Hulp or EHBO). For less urgent matters, ask your hotel to contact a personal practitioner (the first doctor to turn to for non-emergencies in the Netherlands). If you need an ambulance, call the Pan-European 112 emergency code.

Police Station City Center, Mathildelaan 4, +31 900-8844. This police station close to the train station is open 24/7. English speaking staff is available.

The international telephone country code for the Netherlands is 31, the area code for Eindhoven is 040. If dialing from abroad, use +31 but then leave out the 0 in the area code.

Eindhoven is a very well connected city in terms of internet, with many households having access to high speed internet at home. Internet facilities with actual public computers are rare, but there are a bunch of free and paid wifi spots to use if you are carrying a laptop. Many hotels have free wifi while in some places you still have to pay steep amounts, so check in advance.

• Public Library, Emmasingel 22, has free wifi. Here you can also still use a computer with internet access, but as a non-member you will pay €4 per hour.
• La Place, In Piazza shopping centre, 1st floor, +31 40 236 72 29. Mon 11AM-7PM, Tue-Thu 9.30AM-7PM, Fri 9.30AM-9PM, Sat9.30AM-5PM. This lunchroom in Piazza Shopping Center offers free wifi.
• McDonalds, Demer 2, +31 40 296 13 77. All McDonalds restaurants in the Netherlands offer free WiFi, this one included.

Public Library, Emmasingel 22, has free wifi. Here you can also still use a computer with internet access, but as a non-member you will pay €4 per hour.

La Place, In Piazza shopping centre, 1st floor, +31 40 236 72 29. Mon 11AM-7PM, Tue-Thu 9.30AM-7PM, Fri 9.30AM-9PM, Sat9.30AM-5PM. This lunchroom in Piazza Shopping Center offers free wifi.

McDonalds, Demer 2, +31 40 296 13 77. All McDonalds restaurants in the Netherlands offer free WiFi, this one included.

The Dutch postal company has closed most post offices and now cooperates with bookstores to deliver its services to the public. The services offered differ per place. If you're just looking for stamps, most book stores and the tourist information office can help you. For anything more complicated, try the specialized desk in:

• Bruna Admirant, Emmasingel 24, +31 40 237 01 19. Mo: 12-6, Tue-Thu: 9AM - 6PM, Fri: 9AM-9PM, Sat: 9AM - 5PM.

Bruna Admirant, Emmasingel 24, +31 40 237 01 19. Mo: 12-6, Tue-Thu: 9AM - 6PM, Fri: 9AM-9PM, Sat: 9AM - 5PM.

The small scale rural countryside around the city has number of charming villages worth a visit. In the South East Brabant region, to which Eindhoven belongs, there are a number of natural areas and parks with marked bicycle and hiking routes. Even to Belgium, which is only a stone's throw away. Visit the tourist information office or check the specialized regional website for more information.

• Nuenen is a village 8 km to the east. Van Gogh worked here as a beginning painter, from 1882-1885. His favorite spots are marked there, and his father lies buried in the local cemetery. Take the N270 or bus 6. Furthermore, there's a small zoo
• Dierenrijk, Baroniehei, Nuenen, +31 49 266 82 40. € 15,50.)
• Geldrop (and Mierlo), also to the east, is a municipality that basically comprises two separate villages. Geldrop has a beautiful castle, surrounded by an 1870 English garden. Bike there or take bus 12, direction Gijzenrooi (~30 min.).
• Veldhoven borders the city in the south-east. Take bus 402.
• Sint-Oedenrode is about 25 min. north on the A50, or take bus 156.

Dierenrijk, Baroniehei, Nuenen, +31 49 266 82 40. € 15,50.)