Eindhoven is one of the main industrial cities of Holland. The city really came into its own at the end of the 19th century when the Philips brothers started a small lightbulb company which went on to be one of the largest electrical companies worldwide. Even now Eindhoven prides itself on being a centre for thought and inventions.
Today three quarters of a million people live in the metropolitan area of Eindhoven. Eindhoven is part of the wider province of North Brabant. The city is easily accessible by car along the A2 or E25 motorways.
Eindhoven Mini Guide
What's Eindhoven all About?
The fifth largest city in the Netherlands, Eindhoven is a modern looking city that has become one of the prime technology hotspots in Europe. Home to the electrical company Phillips which supports the local football team PSV Eindhoven, it lies in the south of Holland and was built at the confluence of the Dommel and Gender streams. There are a collection of nearby villages which make up the metropolitan area of Eindhoven.
A Little History
Eindhoven was originally known as Endehoven meaning 'End Yards', however in 1629 Eindhoven was given its present name and became part of the Netherlands.
How you can Travel There
Eindhoven Airport is the closest to the town centre and located approximately 8 kilometers, car hire could be a convenient way in which to travel. Eindhoven train station connects the city to the rail network throughout the Netherlands.
What There is to See in the City
Eindhoven is blessed with several open green spaces and parks, some of the most popular include Standswandelpark, Henri Dunantpark and Phillip De Jongh.
What About Outside the City?
Outside the city of Eindhoven are many other appealing cities, tourists often venture beyond the city to visit and view the exotic creatures at the Beekse Berg en Safari Park – only 30 minutes from Eindhoven Airport it offers a perfect day out for families with free admission it is easy to reach if you hire a car from the airport or city centre.
How to Spend Time in Eindhoven
Eindhoven's city centre is extensive, a place that has something for everyone including the popular Piazza Shopping Mall, The Vestedatoren Residental Skyscraper, theatres, churches, museums and many more shopping complexes.
The Van Abbe Museum is the city's top destination for tourists and residents who have a love for modern art, receiving an amazing experience enjoying work by many artists such as Picasso.
Shops and Spending Money!
Shopping is definitely a must in Eindhoven, with numerous shopping areas with hundreds of shops in the centre, including boutiques and markets. The biggest department store is The Bijenkorf and is without a doubt worth a visit. Eindhoven is the most lively shopping centre in the south of the Netherlands.
When it's Time to Eat
Meat and potatoes are a key ingredient to many dishes in Dutch cuisine. The Dutch have almost adopted the Indonesian cuisine as their own, and in the Netherlands you will find some of the finest Indonesian restaurants in the world, which could be washed down with Amstel or Heineken lager produced in Holland.
Does Eindhoven have any Festivals?
Eindhoven always has a festival on its event list and is the place to be for an exuberant experience and atmosphere. Some of the most popular and worth while festivals vary from Fiesta del Sol, a three day music and art street festival that takes place every July, to Folkwoods festival that takes place in August each year, or Lichtjesroute – Route Of Lights, which is the celebration of the liberation of Eindhoven during World War II, which takes place in September/October time.
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