Lifestyle in Eindhoven

Eindhoven is a young and vibrant city with a lively, modern atmosphere. Expats who work here can enjoy a healthy work-life balance, with the city's range of things to see and do that appeal to a variety of lifestyles.

With a focus on technology and innovation, many attractions and activities in Eindhoven are in some way related to the tech or design sector, with plenty of museums and artistic buildings. There are plenty of parks and outdoor spaces to explore, as well as an abundance of clubs and bars for expats keen on a night out.

---

Shopping in Eindhoven

From small, exclusive boutiques and eclectic markets to large department stores and modern shopping malls, Eindhoven is a shopper's delight and has something for every taste and budget. 

The best shopping experience begins at the Markt in the city centre, which is Eindhoven’s main market square. Here, pedestrianised streets allow shoppers to wander around in leisure. There is also a regular Saturday market offering all kinds of goodies from flowers to local cheeses and meats, household items and hand-crafted items.

De Bergen is another exciting shopping district with smaller speciality shops, including bookshops, galleries and antique as well as interior design stores. Those looking for something more exclusive can head to Hooghuisstraat, while Boexstraat offers a wide variety of clothing stores.

---

Eating out in Eindhoven

Thanks to Eindhoven’s multicultural make-up, there’s a wide range of cuisine across the city. International fare, from Azerbaijani and Ethiopian to American and Chinese, is also available. Still, the weekly markets are the best place to sample Dutch street food. 

Although eating out in the Netherlands can be expensive, expats will find plenty of tasty budget options in Eindhoven. When it comes to fine dining, expats can take their pick from a selection of Michelin-starred restaurants, while chic bistros and pubs offer budget-friendly menus.

---

Nightlife and entertainment in Eindhoven

With a young student population, Eindhoven offers an exciting nightlife with everything from vibrant bars, live music venues and clubs to quaint pubs and trendy cafés. The Markt offers fantastic nightlife, while Stratumseind, the Netherlands’ longest pub street, is arguably the best place to enjoy a night out. For those looking for a slightly calmer evening out, De Bergen offers cosy cafés and popular bistros.

Expats looking for a more cultural experience can visit one of Eindhoven’s many theatres and art galleries. Van Abbemuseum is a favourite among visitors who enjoy modern and contemporary art, while the DAF Museum exhibits trucks and vintage automobiles. The St Catherine's Church is another top attraction in the city, with its neo-Gothic architecture dating back to the 1860s.

---

Sports and outdoor activities in Eindhoven

Given that cycling is one of the most popular ways of getting around in Eindhoven, it makes sense that this city also caters to its sporty residents. Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy the skateparks and bike trails, such as the Hovenring suspended cycle path, as well as rock climbing on walls scattered across the city.

A visit to Eindhoven would not be complete without taking in a game of football (soccer) at the Philips Stadium, where expats can revel in watching the local team, PSV Eindhoven, compete against many of Europe’s top teams.

---

What's on in Eindhoven

There are plenty of exciting events that showcase Eindhoven's talents and inventive spirit to enjoy each year. Here are some of the city's not-to-be-missed annual events.

King's Day (April)

Celebrated all over the Netherlands, King's Day is an important national holiday. Expats in Eindhoven can join in the celebrations by dressing up in orange and attending the annual festival celebrating King's Day. The festival prides itself on variety, offering something for the entire family, from music concerts and markets to fun runs and competitions.

Park Hilaria (August)

Eindhoven’s annual fair takes place over a week in August every year along Kennedylaan. It is a fun event for the whole family to enjoy that includes, amusement park rides, games, street theatre, live music and plenty of delicious food and drinks.

Dutch Design Week (October)

Dutch Design Week is an exceptional opportunity for up-and-coming designers to get their names out there. More than 2,600 designers display their work around Eindhoven, with hundreds of events and activities taking place, including workshops, networking events, debates and exhibitions.

Eindhoven Marathon (October)

The annual Eindhoven Marathon is a popular running event in the city. The marathon includes several shorter runs in addition to the main events of the half and full marathons.

GLOW Festival Eindhoven (November)

GLOW is an international forum of light in art and architecture, which sees the city centre become a stage for light performances and installations for visitors to admire.