An alternative to Amsterdam with boutiques and bars: what other city to visit in the Netherlands

Usually, when we talk about vacationing in the Netherlands, the first thing we think of is the colorful and lively Amsterdam. However, this is not the only city in the country worthy of attention and detailed study.

According to the Express, Eindhoven is considered one of the main centers of art and design in Europe. It is located in the south of the country and can offer a lot of interesting things without being overcrowded with tourists. Amsterdam, on the other hand, receives up to 20 million visitors a year with a population of less than 1 million.

Eindhoven is known not only for its beauty but also for its walkability. You can easily explore its sights and move from one trendy cafe to another while stopping by stylish designer boutiques, lively markets and cultural centers. And when it's time to unwind with a beer, there's no better place than Stratumseind, a street lined with more than 50 pubs.

Every October, the city hosts Dutch Design Week (DDW), one of the largest design festivals in Europe. This popular event honors the work of both renowned designers and newcomers. But the magic of Eindhoven's design does not disappear even after the event is over. The city is an open-air museum of contemporary design with countless creative spaces and art installations open all year round.

The best place for design lovers is Strijp-S, a former Philips' industrial area that has now been completely transformed into a fashion, cultural and creative center. Here you can find many art studios, galleries, boutiques and cafes. You can also visit the world-famous Area51 skate park, one of the largest indoor facilities of its kind in Europe. The skate park has a large bowl, a large mini-ramp and a number of railings, ledges and jumps for roller skaters, skateboarders, scooters and BMX cyclists.

As for Stratumseind, it is the longest pub street in all of Benelux. Parties take place here every day. At the same time, the beer here is of the best craft varieties, so it is also a desirable place to visit for gourmets.

One of the most exciting aspects of Eindhoven is its street art culture. The best place to experience it is De Berenkuil. It is a series of tunnels transformed into a dynamic canvas for graffiti artists. The images on its walls are constantly changing and something new is regularly painted here, ruthlessly overlapping older works. It all culminates in the annual Step in the Arena Graffiti Festival, where more than 150 artists from around the world come to showcase their talents.

If you want to admire more traditional art, be sure to visit the Van Abbemuseum and the Kazerne, both of which are excellent museums with outstanding collections. The Van Abbemuseum has a reputation as one of the most respected art institutions in Europe, housing works by giants such as Picasso, Kandinsky, and Mondrian. Its collection is constantly updated with contemporary and experimental works. On the other side of the city is the Kazerne, a former military barracks now transformed into a multidisciplinary space combining art, design and culinary experiences.

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