Things to Do in Eindhoven
Discover 23 activities and experiences in Eindhoven, Netherlands — from outdoor adventures to cultural events. Curated from real traveler recommendations.
-
Philips Stadion
Eindhoven is internationally known for its soccer team '''PSV Eindhoven''', which belongs to the top teams in the country. There is a possibility to visit (guided tour) the Philips Stadium (Max. Att. 34.600). However, there is a need to book this several weeks before visiting, as the minimum group requirement (also accumulated) is 20 persons. When there is no tour available, you are able to enter the stadium though restaurant "de Verlenging" which is on the South-East side of the stadium, having a small terrace inside the stadium. A combined tour is also on offer that combines the visit of the Philips Stadium and the Bavaria (Beer)-Brewery in Lieshout. The stadium can also be used for private events.
-
- Frederiklaan 8
-
-
Light Tour
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.
-
- One week in September
-
- Free of charge
-
-
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.
More info -
Park Hilaria Fair
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.
-
- Kennedylaan
-
-
Dutch Design Week
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.
-
- All over the city
-
-
Dynamo
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.
-
- Catharinaplein 21
-
-
Brabant Open Air
A two-day city festival with artists from Brabant as well as national and international artists. Since 2009 it has become an annual event that takes place in early September.
-
- Strijp S
-
- Fri 8pm-11.30pm. Sat noon-11.45pm
-
- Fri €25. Sat €37.50
-
-
Effenaar
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.
-
- Dommelstraat 2
-
-
Eindhoven Culinair
About 30 local selected restaurants get the opportunity to present themselves with an assortment of their specialties. All dishes are prepared on the spot.
-
- Stadswandelpark
-
- Four days in May during Pentecost
-
-
Muziekgebouw Frits Philips
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.
-
- Heuvel Galerie 140
-
-
Music on the Dommel
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.
-
- River Dommel
-
- Two full days at the end of May or the begin of June
-
- Free
-
-
Natlab
Natlab (before ''Plaza Futura'') is a cultural meeting place for contemporary art with film (mostly classics and art house films) as a basis.
-
- Kastanjelaan 500
-
-
National Swimming Centre Tongelreep
The largest swimming pool complex in Europe, with a subtropical pool and some fun features like a wave machine.
-
- Antoon Coolenlaan 1
-
- 10AM-9PM
-
- €4/€10/€4.90
-
-
Carnival
Five days of Carnival in almost all pubs. Street Carnival in the centre and the traditional parade on Saturday.
-
- All over the city
-
-
Parktheater
This large and modern theater on the edge of the Stadswandelpark offers over 500 theater activities a year.
-
- Elzentlaan 50
-
-
The Rambler
Blues, Hardcore, Punk and Rock. Open podium 2 or 3 Thursdays a month for all styles.
-
- Stationsweg 12
-
-
XO Live
Dance festival on the beach of Aquabest with a wide range of performers
-
- Aquabest
-
- A full day about half July from 10pm-11am
-
- Regular €59
-
-
Ir. Ottenbad
Indoor 25 meter pool. Outdoor swimming pools only opened in summer.
-
- Vijfkamplaan 12
-
- €5.80
-
-
Ice Sport Centre Eindhoven
This in- and outdoor ice skate track is closed during summer.
-
- Antoon Coolenlaan 3
-
- €7.40/€5.10
-
-
Aquabest
Natural swimming, beach, all kind of water activities.
-
- April 1 until September 30. 10am-8pm
-
- €5
-
-
Monk bouldergym
Indoor climbing hall with 200 bouldering routes.
-
- Strijp S, gebouw SBX
-
- Mon 18:00-23:00, Tue-Fri 12:30-23:00, Sat 10:00-18:00, Sun 10:00-22:00
-
- €10
-
Exploring Eindhoven: A Traveler's Guide to Activities
Eindhoven rewards curious travelers with an exceptional range of experiences. Whether you have a weekend or several weeks, the city's 23 documented activities cover the full spectrum — architectural landmarks and world-class museums at one end, local neighborhood festivals and underground cultural scenes at the other. The activities listed on this page come from Wikivoyage contributors who have personally explored Eindhoven and written detailed, practical descriptions to help you plan your visit.
The most rewarding way to experience Eindhoven's activities is with company. Solo travelers who arrive without plans often find that meeting a fellow traveler at a hostel, cafe, or through the Nomax app opens up entirely new itineraries — a museum visit becomes a half-day exploration, a street food crawl turns into an evening of discovery, a day trip to a nearby site becomes an adventure. Eindhoven has an active traveler community, and the city is designed to reward those who explore it with open curiosity.
When planning what to do in Eindhoven, consider mixing well-known attractions with neighborhood-level experiences. The city's most photographed sights are popular for good reason, but Eindhoven's character lives in its quieter corners too — the local markets, the parks where residents spend their weekends, the small performance venues where the next generation of artists and musicians are finding their voice. The 23 activities on this page include both categories, ordered by the richness of their traveler-written descriptions.
How to Get the Most from Eindhoven's Activities
Timing matters in Eindhoven. Many of the city's best attractions have shorter queues and better atmospheres on weekday mornings. Major cultural sites — museums, galleries, historic monuments — often run free admission windows on certain days or evenings; check before booking. Outdoor activities and walking tours are best enjoyed in the morning before the city heats up or fills with tour groups.
Budget-conscious travelers will find that Eindhoven has a strong free-to-access layer. Public parks, open-air markets, architectural walking routes, and many community events cost nothing. The price information included with activities on this page (where available) helps you plan a realistic daily budget. A mix of free and paid activities across a week in Eindhoven is entirely feasible for most traveler budgets.
For travelers who want to do more than just sightseeing, Eindhoven offers organized activities through local guides, tour companies, and traveler apps like Nomax. Group activities — cooking classes, cycling tours, kayaking excursions, photography walks — are a natural way to meet people while experiencing the city. Many travelers who use Nomax in Eindhoven coordinate these types of group experiences together, splitting costs and building memories that last beyond the trip itself.
Activities for Different Travel Styles
Not every traveler wants the same experience. History enthusiasts will gravitate toward Eindhoven's museums, heritage sites, and guided historical walks that reveal the layers of the city's past. Outdoor and adventure travelers will focus on the parks, cycling routes, climbing areas, and day trips to surrounding natural areas. Food travelers will treat Eindhoven's markets, restaurants, and food tours as the primary activities of each day. Culture seekers will fill evenings with concerts, theater, gallery openings, and street performances.
The 23 activities documented on this page span all these categories. Use the numbered list above to browse in order of description quality — longer descriptions generally mean more detailed, firsthand traveler knowledge. For each activity, the address and opening hours (where available) give you everything you need to plan your visit without needing to search elsewhere.
Connecting with Travelers in Eindhoven
One of the best things about traveling to Eindhoven is the community of international travelers already there. Backpackers, digital nomads, long-term expats, and short-trip tourists all share the same city at any given moment. Nomax makes it easy to find who is in Eindhoven right now, see what activities they are joining, and coordinate plans. Whether you want a hiking companion, someone to split museum entry with, or a group for an evening out — the app connects you to people with the same itinerary in minutes.
Download Nomax before your trip to Eindhoven to set your travel dates and start discovering who else will be there at the same time. The app is free, requires no subscription, and works across all the major traveler destinations worldwide — meaning the community you build in Eindhoven often extends to your next destination too.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best things to do in Eindhoven?
Eindhoven offers 23+ activities and experiences for travelers. Top highlights include Philips Stadion, Light Tour, Eindhoven Marathon, and much more. This page lists every documented activity in order of description quality, so you can find both the major attractions and the hidden gems.
Are there free things to do in Eindhoven?
Yes — Eindhoven has a strong selection of free activities. Public parks, open-air markets, walking routes through historic neighborhoods, and many cultural institutions offer free admission on specific days. Scroll through the list above and look for activities marked with free or no price information — these are often the city's most authentic experiences.
How do I meet other travelers while exploring Eindhoven?
Download Nomax — a free travel companion app that shows you other solo travelers currently in Eindhoven. You can join group activities, chat with travelers at the same spots, and plan outings together. Many travelers in Eindhoven use Nomax to find companions for day trips, museum visits, and evening activities.
What activities can I do with travel companions I meet in Eindhoven?
Eindhoven has activities for every interest — guided tours, food experiences, outdoor adventures, cultural events, and nightlife. Use Nomax to coordinate with other travelers: join a group for a walking tour, split a day-trip cost, or simply explore the city together. The app makes spontaneous plans easy.
Explore Eindhoven with fellow travelers
Download Nomax — find travel companions, join group activities, and chat with solo travelers in Eindhoven right now. Free forever.
Travel tips by Wikivoyage contributors (CC BY-SA 3.0). Content may have been updated since publication.
