Activities

24 hours in Eindhoven: what to see and what to do?

05 December 2024

Eindhoven, the city where technology and creativity go hand in hand, is the perfect place for a weekend getaway. But where to start? In this blog, you can check off all the local highlights in just 24 hours!

Whether you're going with friends, want to enjoy time with your partner, or (re)discover the Netherlands with your family: here's your 24-hour adventure full of delicious treats, artistic flair, and green oases. The "City of Light" holds many secrets for you: time to uncover them!

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Fun activities in Eindhoven in 24 hours

Let yourself be surprised by the mix of culture, nature, and culinary delights! This guide ensures you make the most of a day out in Eindhoven.

We've got your back

  • Below, we've already mapped out a route for you. How convenient!
  • Who better to give you tips than our very own Eindhoven hostel staff? In this blog, you'll find the best insider recommendations.
  • Expecting rain during your day in Eindhoven? No worries, most of our suggestions are indoors, so you’ll stay nice and dry.

Your Eindhoven-route

We've planned an amazing route for you to make the most of your day in Eindhoven.

9:00: A happy moment in The Happiness Café!

citytrip eindhoven happiness cafe

Want to start with a cheerful pitstop? The Happiness Café, located in the heart of Eindhoven, is the perfect spot for a healthy breakfast. Open 7 days a week, you can enjoy organic yogurt breakfasts, smoothie bowls, fresh juices, sandwiches, healthy salads, homemade banana bread, and other delicious pastries. And, of course, organic coffee!

Can't decide? Go for the tasting platter with a mix of treats from their own bakery, served with fruit & granola crumble.

đź“Ť Nieuwe Emmasingel 9, 5611 AM, Eindhoven

10:30: Discover the cultural city side at the Van Abbemuseum.

Citytrip in the Van Abbemuseum

If you're an art lover (or just curious about modern art), a visit to the Van Abbemuseum is an absolute must during your city trip. What makes it so special? The museum houses an impressive collection of over 2,700 artworks from renowned artists like Chagall, Piet Mondriaan, and Picasso.

Visiting with kids? Every Saturday, children aged 6 to 12 can get creative in the museum. With drawing, clay, and craft projects, they can unleash their inner artist!

đź“Ť Stratumsedijk 2, 5611 ND Eindhoven

our staff knows best

Local tip

A hidden gem in the heart of nature? The 12-hectare Philips Fruit Garden is a lovely place where you can wander among the fruit trees. You can also indulge in the most delicious pancakes here!

12:30: Flavors and vibes at the Downtown Gourmet Market.

Downtown Gourmet Market in Eindhoven

The Downtown Gourmet Market is a vibrant food paradise and the perfect place to spend the afternoon. The market's filled with diverse food stalls, ranging from Italian pasta to Asian street food, and from an ice cream cart to seafood. You’ll always find something you’re in the mood for here. During lunch, it’s a bit less crowded but still very lively!

Looking for vegan options or curious about plant-based dishes? Then you should check out Libee. This stall serves delicious Middle Eastern cuisine!

đź“Ť Smalle Haven 2-14, 5611 EJ Eindhoven

14:00 Visit the Philips Museum

Visit the Philips Museum in Eindhoven

Did you know that Philips launched its first product, a light bulb, as early as 1891? This marked the beginning of a long journey filled with innovations that made Philips a global player. Learning about one of The Netherlands' most iconic brands is a must! The Philips Museum offers a unique insight into how innovation has transformed our daily lives.

Currently on display is BrAInpower, an exhibition about artificial intelligence (AI) and its impact. It's educational and interactive; you can even create a personal artwork based on your emotions with the help of AI!

đź“Ť Emmasingel 31, 5611 AZ Eindhoven

16:30: Back to the French camping vibe at Mooie Boules!

Mooie Boules in Eindhoven

Feeling like a game of pétanque? Then Mooie Boules is the place for you! This charming venue brings the delightful French pétanque culture to the city, offering a fun combination of camaraderie, great food, and a healthy dose of competition! The space is filled with several indoor and outdoor courts. It may look simple, but be careful—you might find yourself fiercely competing for glory!

Not a fan of boules but still want to have some fun? In the playground area, you'll find ping pong and foosball tables, as well as board games. Or show off your singing skills in the karaoke booth!

đź“Ť Kleine Berg 12, 5611 JV Eindhoven

our staff knows best

local tip

Step back in time at the PreHistoric Village. In this open-air museum, you are immersed in history. You see, smell, taste, and experience how people lived hundreds of years ago.

18:30: Diner at Radio Royaal

Diner at Radio Royaal
Photo: Jeanine van der Vleuten

Machines aside! The former energy house of Philips is now home to Radio Royaal. Here, you’ll find 1,300 square meters of rugged industrial design, a foosball table, air hockey, and even a swing among the tables. It’s a unique culinary experience where French and German cuisine come together.

Would you rather play chef yourself? At Radio Royaal, you can also take cooking classes, but these must be booked in advance.

đź“Ť Kleine Berg 12, 5611 JV Eindhoven

20:00: Intelligentia Taste Rooms

Taste icecream at Intelligentia

Save some room for dessert! At Intelligentia Taste Rooms, everything revolves around the art of ice cream! This unique ice cream parlor was nominated for Ice Cream Parlor of the Year 2020 and offers a one-of-a-kind experience for anyone who loves extraordinary ice cream creations. From raspberry-rosemary to salty caramel, your taste buds are sure to be delighted!

Intelligentia is both a gelateria and a wonder room! You can also make a reservation for a high tea in an enchanting setting.

đź“Ť Leidingstraat 27, 5617 AJ Eindhoven

21:00: The coolest events in Klokgebouw

Visit Klokgebouw in Eindhoven

The Klokgebouw is an iconic industrial building, originally constructed in 1928 as part of the Philips complex, where clocks and radios were produced. Today, it’s the go-to venue for entertainment for both young and young-at-heart.

From Dutch Design Week and disco oldies to dancing late into the night, the Klokgebouw has a lineup that’s definitely worth checking out on their website.

đź“Ť Klokgebouw 50 5617 AB Eindhoven

Stay the night at Stayokay Eindhoven

Stayokay Eindhoven Blue Collar

fter a day full of adventures, you could probably use some good sleep. Book a room at Stayokay Eindhoven - Blue Collar, in trendy Strijp-S, perfect for a relaxing overnight stay. After a tasty breakfast at the hostel, you can easily reach the city centre the next day to explore all the highlights.

  • Stay in a former Philips factory
  • Private and shared rooms available
  • Always with a private bathroom
  • Delicious and complete breakfast available to book

Go to Stayokay Eindhoven

Looking for even more tips for your city trip to Eindhoven?

As local experts, we've been collecting the best tips for the area around our hostels for years. Unfortunately, we can't fit them all into one blog post. That's why we've highlighted the top recommendations by hostel and theme.

Check out all the tips for Eindhoven!

How to visit Eindhoven?

Are you coming by train or would you prefer to drive? Here are some handy tips!

Visit by train

Public transportation is often the easiest and most stress-free option for a day in Eindhoven.

Affordable Train Travel

Check out the NS Spoordeelwinkel for discounted combo deals. You can often save money by booking a museum ticket and train fare together.

Extra: Discounts for Kids

Did you know that children under 4 can travel for free on the train? Kids aged 4-12 can travel with you for just €2.50 all day!

Visit by car

If you’re driving, using the Park & Ride is the easiest and most economical option. Park your car just outside the city, receive a transport ticket, and use it to travel to the bustling center of Eindhoven.

Park+Ride

Park your car at a P+R location on the outskirts of Eindhoven for a low fee. Here, you pay only a fraction of the cost compared to parking in the city center.

At several P+R sites, you can park for free if you continue your journey by public transport and return to the P+R site. For this, you'll need an OV-chipkaart. P+R locations where you can travel for free this way include P+R Meerhoven and P+R Genneper Parken.

Park within Eindhoven

Parking in Eindhoven isn’t cheap, but it is available. One of the more affordable options is the Prof. Dr. Dorgelolaan parking lot, located just north of the station, towards the TU/e. It's a 10-minute walk to the center.