12 Step Planet: Eindhoven

Where exactly is it?
Eindhoven is a city and municipality in the province of North Brabant in the south of the Netherlands. The city covers 88km sq, and is home to over 217,000 people, making it the fifth largest in the country. It lies on the banks of the Dommel River, 70 miles south-east of Amsterdam.
How do I get there?
Ryanair operates a direct service to Eindhoven from Dublin, seven days a week, March to October, and four days a week throughout the winter months. Aer Lingus flies direct to Amsterdam, less than a two-hour train journey away.
What language do they speak?
The official language of the Netherlands is, of course, Dutch, and is spoken by almost the entire population. English, however, is mandatory in secondary
schools. Over 70% have good knowledge of conversational English.
What’s the local brew?
The Netherlands has a long-established brewing tradition and is home to giants like Heineken, Grolsch and – odd though it may sound –  Bavaria. The Bavaria brewery in Leishout, 15km outside of Eindhoven, produces 500 million litres of beer annually and is the second largest in the country. If mass-produced beer isn’t your thing a visit to the Baron pub in the Kleine Berg area is a must. The slightly sweet pilsner Hertog Jan is one of an impressive range of Dutch brews. It’s also one of the few places that sells bottled La Trappe, the only Dutch Trappist ale.
What is the transport like?
Public transport in Eindhoven is world class, and getting around the city is easy. There are over 25 bus routes, most of which have electronic displays. Of course, like all Dutch cities, the bicycle is king. Eindhoven has an extensive network of bicycle lanes. There are several bike hire shops in the city centre, including next to Eindhoven Central train station. A must-see for cyclists is the Hovenring, the world’s first suspended bicycle ‘roundabout’ (it's actually a suspension bridge whereby bikes can get through a busy intersection). This links Eindhoven to neighbouring Veldhoven.
Onward travel is a cinch too. From Central Station you can reach Amsterdam or the Hague in less than two hours by train. The revolutionary ‘Phileas’ (a Luas/bus hybrid) also connects the city to the airport.
What is the food like?
Dutch cuisine is traditionally filling and hearty and closely related to Northern French cuisine. Specialties from the North Brabant region include Hachee, a stew featuring beef, onions and thick gravy, and vegetable soups made with richly flavoured broths, usually containing meatballs and fresh vegetables. These traditionally take hours to prepare and can be found on most menus in the city. Pastries are abundant – the most famous being the worstenbroodje, a soft bread filled with sausage meat and baked until golden. The locals pride themselves on ‘koffietafel’, a lunch or brunch where a variety of rolls, breads, toppings, meats, cheeses, jams and copious amounts of coffee are served.
What is the nightlife like?
No matter what your idea of the perfect evening out, Eindhoven probably has it covered. The city’s nightlife takes place in five different areas all within walking distance of each other. Stratumseind is the liveliest part of town. It has over 40 bars (more than any other street in the Netherlands), and is definitely not for the faint-hearted. Roll up your sleeves and get stuck in. There’s salsa, rock, techno, karaoke and every fast-food imaginable.
The Wilhelminaplein and Dommelstraat areas offer a more relaxing atmosphere. Kleine Berg, with its small, boutique-style restaurants and bars, is where the city’s trendiest folk like to hang out. The heartbeat of Eindhoven is De Markt (Market Square). Here you’ll find bars, restaurants, café bars and the impressive Holland Casino. On weekends the square teems with activity and is a great place to sit and watch the world go by. Bars generally stay open until 4am at weekends and 2am during the week. Prices vary hugely. Expect to pay around €4 for a draught beer. It’s also worth mentioning Thursdays in Eindhoven are
student nights.
Why should I go?
Eindhoven is definitely the coolest city in the south of the Netherlands – yes, even more exciting than Tilburg! While there's plenty to see and do, you never feel you’re ticking objectives off a list. The people are friendly while the laid-back, liberal vibe makes it the perfect place in which to chill and take everything in.
What are the touristy things to do?
Although Eindhoven received its charter in 1232, the city, as we know it today, only came of age with the establishment of electronics multinational Philips in 1891. Philips is currently building a museum on the site of its former factory, due to open early next year. The Van Abbemuseum, meanwhile, is one of the leading centres for modern and contemporary art in Northern Europe. The impressive collection includes works by Picasso, Chagall and Kandinsky. We also recommend the open-air museum in the Genneper Parks nature reserve outside the city. It's an excellent primer for anyone curious about the North Brabant region.
Anything else?
The Dutch government has recently scrapped a law preventing tourists smoking cannabis. From January 2013, the authorities had planned to issue special passes to Dutch residents allowing them to purchase cannabis – while making it illegal for foreigners to get high. The idea has since been binned.
Eindhoven’s 15 “coffee shops” will remain open to everyone.
Anything to avoid?
If you're planning to visit the “coffee shops” be careful. Some view tourists as easy money and will inflate prices accordingly. A little research into what you are smoking wouldn’t be a bad idea, either. Also avoid buying unnecessary tat or paraphernalia whilst in the shops. It’s generally overpriced and of poor quality.
What activities can I do?
Why not join the red and white army, and take in a game at the Philips Stadium, home to current Dutch Eredivisie leaders PSV Eindhoven and their fanatical supporters? Tickets can be booked in advance for €65. That might seem a little expensive. However, included in the price is a €20 voucher for the PSV Fanstore and an €11 food and beverage voucher. The stadium is a pleasant 15-minute walk from the city centre.
When should I go?
The Netherlands has a sea climate, so winters are relatively mild, and summers aren’t especially hot. As in Ireland bringing a jacket is a good idea as rain is never too far away. In summer Eindhoven bursts into life as the city plays host to a diverse range of festivals. The largest, July’s Fiesta del Sol, attracts over 200,000 with a unique programme of music, culture and entertainment.
What’s my challenge?
Somewhere as keen on design and technology as Eindhoven always has something new and exciting up its sleeve. So be sure to check out the events guide.
Something to remember…
Eindhoven’s modern history is dominated by industrial development and is inextricably linked to electronic giants Philips. Hence it’s nickname, ‘The City of Lights’. Established in 1891, the company had its headquarters here until 1997. Notwithstanding Philips’ relocation to Amsterdam, Eindhoven remains a technology hub, hosting a technical university and many tech companies.