Architecture
From Philipsdorp to Brainport – discover how an industrial city turned into a breeding ground for innovation and design.
Step into the fascinating world of Eindhoven and discover how a small industrial city grew into one of the most innovative cities in Europe. On this exclusive private tour, our expert guide will tell the story of a city that keeps reinventing itself, from glowing lamplight to sparkling high-tech metropolis.
Why is there so little tangible left of the former Eindhoven? What did the city look like in the 19th century with its thriving tobacco, textile and match industries? And how did the arrival of Philips, almost 135 years ago, change the city forever? This tour answers all these questions and more.
You will discover how the departure of Philips eventually laid the foundation for the current Brainport Region, a globally recognized innovation center. We reflect on the unprecedented growth that Eindhoven is now experiencing: within 15 years, more than 60,000 new residents will be added.
Depending on the interests and the time available, we determine in consultation which areas are visited and in what way. We recommend the use of a city bike or urban E-Fatbike, but the various areas can also be explored on foot or by (VIP) bus.
Tour on Demand
This tour can only be booked on request due to the availability of our guide team. You book on request and if the request is approved, we will send the confirmation including payment link. You don’t pay anything during the application.
Check availability to see start times
German, Japanese, English, Chinese, Italian, French, Dutch, Spanish
Maximum of 15 people per guide
This private tour can be fully customized and booked exclusively for your own group. Our guides specialize in architecture, urban transformation and share their knowledge with passion and attention to detail. Each tour offers room for questions, photo opportunities, and a relaxing break along the way.
Discover how industrial heritage and new urban concepts meet:
The Golden Oriole (Lichtbos)
The former private estate of the Philips family is a wonderful example of nature development in the city. Since September 2025, part of this 142-hectare site, once exclusively owned by the Philips family, has been accessible to the public for the first time.
De Caai (former Campina site)
From an industrial site to a sustainable city district on the Eindhoven Canal, where living, working and recreation come together seamlessly.
Strijp-S
The former ‘forbidden city’ of Philips is now a lively creative hotspot full of culture, design and new living concepts.
Philipsdorp
A historic jewel from 1910, built by Philips for its employees. Today it is a popular neighborhood with characteristic houses next to the Philips Stadium.
NRE site
An inspiring example of urban repurposing. The former site of the Eindhoven Region Utility Company has been transformed into a lively area full of creative entrepreneurs, catering establishments and sustainable initiatives, a textbook example of new life in industrial heritage.
Domus Dela
The former church and monastery complexes have been transformed into a modern meeting place with hotel, conference and funeral facilities. An example of the repurposing of religious heritage.
Look ahead and discover the ambitious projects that will drastically change the skyline of Eindhoven in the coming years:
Station area South (District-E, EDGE, LightYards)
A new district is being built around the central station in which living, working and travelling come together. In addition to the District-E project, the first buildings of EDGE and LightYards are currently being realized. Between the station and the Dommel, a lively urban area will be created with offices, homes, restaurants and green places to stay. A huge bicycle cellar will be built under the Stationsplein, which will make the area car-free and offer space for thousands of bicycles.
Victoria Park and the Return of the Gender
A modern city park that blends in perfectly with the surrounding architecture. Here, the Gender river has been flowing above ground again since 2026 as a symbol of the greening and climate adaptation of the city. The artwork ‘Gateway to the Future’, a tribute to Gerard Philips, marks this place as the gateway to the new Eindhoven. In the future, the Gender will also become visible again at the Stationsplein and connect the city center with the water.
VDMA site – ‘Join The Stage’
A large-scale transformation of a historic factory site into a lively urban hub. With the preservation of industrial heritage and a Brabant urban forest as the green heart, an open stage for living, working and culture is created here.
The Eindhoven Ring
Eindhoven’s ring road is undergoing a radical redesign that should make the city center car-free, but at the same time improve accessibility between the districts. The new layout focuses on green corridors, better traffic flow and more space for cyclists and public transport. An important step towards a sustainable, connected city.
Discover how light, boldness and design come together in the city that is constantly reinventing itself
City Tours Eindhoven
Oberto 14
5629NG Eindhoven
Netherlands
Visits by appointment only.
CHAMBER OF COMMERCE: 17216697
City Tours Eindhoven organizes fun tours and outings in Eindhoven and surroundings for you but also for groups, expats and other visitors to our beautiful city!
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