Eindhoven

Eindhoven’s long history is betrayed by its modern-looking cityscape, which is a result of the massive rebuilding that was necessary after a severe bombing during WWII. This results in the hotel scene yielding a contemporary feel, with the business-friendly Park Plaza Eindhoven (Geldropseweg 17) and the 192-room Best Western Premier Art Hotel (Lichttoren 22) a couple of leading examples. The Tulip Inn Eindhoven Airport (Luchthavenweg 27) is a new option boasting a location within the airport, while the three-star Hampshire Hotel Parkzicht Eindhoven (Alberdingk Thijmlaan 18) sits on the edge of a large park closer to the centre.

There are plenty of shopping opportunities to be found in Eindhoven, thanks to the city housing over 200,000 people. Those that enjoy browsing shopping centres can choose from the likes of Hugo Boss, H&M, Björn Borg and The Body Shop at Heuvel Galerie (Heuvel Galerie 133). A number of luxury brands boast a presence at the large department store De Bijenkorf (Piazza 1), while those after a more traditional experience should head to the weekly market at the city centre’s De Markt Square, which is held every Tuesday morning. On Saturdays there is also an art and collectibles fair in the same place.

There is a strong multicultural backdrop to Eindhoven, which is reflected in the city’s cosmopolitan dining scene. Argentinian, Greek, Indonesian and Moroccan influences can all be felt among the restaurants on offer. For Turkish food head to Turks Restaurant Ege (Rivierstraat 36), or for some inventive variations on Dutch home cooking try Eetcafé Cooks (Kerkstraat 30). Vegetarians should check out the airy Piet Hein Eek (Halvemaanstraat 28), while those after a night on the tiles should head to the Stratumseind, which boasts a reputation as the most bar-heavy street in the Netherlands. Alternatively, for a laid-back, arty appeal, make for the Kleine Berg district.

Storioni Festival

January

The Storioni Festival runs for two weeks and brings a programme of high-quality chamber music to venues across the Brabant region, and particularly to Eindhoven itself. Music halls, museums and other venues hold concerts throughout the festival.

Naked Song Festival

June

Despite only lasting a single day, the Naked Song Festival attracts an array of well-known singer-songwriters to Eindhoven, with everything from blues to roots music performed, usually solo and acoustically.

Park Hilaria

August

The avenue of Kennedylaan transforms itself into Park Hilaria for 10 days each summer as an action-packed fairground rolls into town. Expect big crowds as over 100 rides and attractions are complemented by food stalls, beer gardens and free musical performances.

GLOW

November

Large-scale light projections and conceptual light installations are the order of the day at an event billed as ‘a forum of light in art and architecture’. GLOW runs for a week and is a well-established event that fits in with Eindhoven’s reputation for creativity and design.

Fijne Feestdagen Festival

November-January

Fijne Feestdagen Festival roughly translates as ‘Fancy Festivities’, and is a recent addition to Eindhoven’s winter calendar. The event involves everything from ice rinks and live music to seasonal food and shop window displays, and even guided walks to learn about the city’s architecture.