The largest city in North Brabant, Eindhoven, is a curious mix of typical Dutch atmosphere and a high level of industry.
To quote Humphrey Bogart in “Casablanca” and adapt it a little, “I came (back) to the Netherlands for the waters.” Then I ended up in Eindhoven and started to hear from all of my acquaintances “Waters? What waters? We’re in Eindhoven.” Bummer, right?
Yet in the nine months I’ve been living here, I’ve discovered that the Netherlands’ city of technology and innovation has more to offer than I had initially thought. Here are some of the best experiences.
1. Go for a run in the Stadswandelpark
Even if running isn’t your thing (no matter what time of day it is), the beautiful trees you’ll see here will inspire you to at least take a walk.
Stadswandelpark is conveniently located on the edge of Eindhoven city centre (12 minutes by bike), so if you’re in Eindhoven, there’s really no excuse not to go.
Here you can also find the Radio Monument, a eulogy to the first wireless radio connection to the Dutch East Indies which took place on March 11, 1927 — super cutting edge for its time.
The Calling Lady, as it is more commonly known, also reminds us of the early radio transmission of a speech by Queen Wilhelmina in 1945 from the Philips Research Laboratories (now known as NatLab).
2. Walk through the online doors of Philips Museum
The coronavirus crisis has certainly changed the way we do certain things — for better or for worse. Picture this, you’re at home, but you’re not really in the work mood.
So what about looking at other people’s work? You can now tour the Philips Museum online! We don’t know about you, but we would never have thought of doing that before.
Launch your online journey by reading the Philips history (you can zoom in and out), then start the museum tour. What is there to see, you might ask? Well, everything!
From the oldest existing Philips carbon-filament lamps to the energy-saving lamp, the first X-ray lamp, the first X-ray machine, the portable radio/cassette player, and the “ping-pong for one” gadget from 1996.
Go further and you will see old devices, instruments, and tools with which the progress of today has been made. They are put together in a recreated room where once upon a time, everything began.
3. Enjoy some music at Muziekgebouw Eindhoven
If you (like us) are tired of Spotify, you can enjoy music from the Muziekgebouw Eindhoven. Fancy some ambient music while you work from home, or some tunes to get you going while you’re working out? In the mood to relax or party?
The Muziekgebouw Eindhoven has you covered. You can choose between classical, pop, and jazz — and they even have a kids section.
4. Visit Van Abbemuseum
The best thing about an online-oriented world is that you can do online activities whenever you feel like it — goodbye to weeks of planning and trying to find a date that works for you and all your friends.
You know what this means, don’t you? Another break, another museum! Enjoy the Van Abbemuseum from the comfort of your home. Or even better, when you have some free time on the weekend, just go check out the museum’s exhibitions in person!
5. Unwind after work at Parktheater
Fancy enjoying theatre shows directly from your couch AND learning a bit of Dutch? Parktheather Eindhoven has prepared amazing free (Dutch) performances.
To spread the love of theatre, Parktheather also makes a recommendation for shows you can watch on Netflix or Videoland. They’re all in Dutch though — perhaps a secret conspiracy to help internationals learn this tricky language?
Pretty nice, right? Now it’s time to make up for the time spent on the work chair and/or the couch and get out for some fresh air. Hop onto your bike (or walk, if that’s your thing) and discover the green Eindhoven.
6. Enjoy a sunset in Wandelpark Eckart
Nature is the most suitable remedy for all ills. Wandelpark Eckart, consisting of coniferous forest, was the first beautiful place I discovered in Eindhoven and it has remained my dearest one. It’s only 15 minutes away by bike from Eindhoven Centraal train station. 🚲
One thing that makes it different from the rest is the Karpendonkse Plas, a large lake that has an island in the middle. Wandelpark Eckart is perfect for enjoying a picnic with your family or friends.
7. Set up your tent in Recreatieplas Hanevoet
Thinking about what to do over the weekend? This park isn’t exactly in Eindhoven, but it’s still pretty close — 20 minutes by bike from Eindhoven Centraal station. Recreatieplas is, duh!, perfect for recreation.
You can set up your tent and start fishing, teach your kids how to ride a bike, or walk your pets. Be sure to take care of your dogs, and not to get into a fight with the ducks you’re sure to find in the lake. It’s also a perfect place to jog and play badminton. 🏸
Eindhoven is about technology and innovation and it might lack the typical Dutch canals, but it can still amaze you.
So after watching a theatre performance online or visiting a museum — online or in-person — grab a bike and your family or friends and explore all of Eindhoven’s best outdoor spots.
What are your favourite things to do in Eindhoven? Did we leave anything out? Tell us in the comments below!
Editor’s Note: This article was originally published in May 2020, and was fully updated in May 2022 for your reading pleasure.
