Squares in Eindhoven: from Markt to Strijp-S

The squares of Eindhoven are a mix of old and new. De Markt is medieval. 18 Septemberplein commemorates the liberation of 1944. Strijp-S is an industrial site that has been transformed into a creative district over twenty years. And Stratumseind is not a square but the longest entertainment street in the Netherlands.

For tenants, the squares are where city life happens. Terraces, markets, events, and nightlife. This page covers the most important squares and places in Eindhoven.

De Markt: the city's oldest square

De Markt is the historical center of Eindhoven. The Catharinakerk (Catherine Church) stands beside it. Grand cafés and restaurants with terraces, which are full on warm days, surround the square. It's the square where Eindhoven has gathered for centuries: for weekly markets, annual fairs, and celebrations.

The atmosphere is cozy and informal. Terraces and coffee during the day, a lively entertainment square in the evening. De Markt is the starting point for an evening out in the city center: from here, you can walk to Stratumseind, Wilhelminaplein, or Catharinaplein.

The city center surrounds it. The station is a ten-minute walk away. Those renting in Eindhoven's city center have De Markt as their city living room.

18 Septemberplein: liberation and light art

18 Septemberplein is named after the liberation of Eindhoven on September 18, 1944, during Operation Market Garden. It is the connecting square between Eindhoven Central Station and the shopping area. In the Middle Ages, a city canal with the Woenselse Poort (Woensel Gate) was located where the current bicycle basement now stands.

The square was redesigned in 2009 by architect Massimiliano Fuksas: luxurious paving, water fountains, trees, and dynamic lighting. On Tuesdays, there is a weekly market. During major events, such as PSV championships, the square is the gathering point.

18 Septemberplein is the first square you see when you exit the station. The station area and the city center are right next to it.

Stadhuisplein: Eindhoven's dance floor

Stadhuisplein is a compact event square of approximately 50 by 50 meters, located directly next to the city hall. The five light poles on the square symbolize the five city districts that Eindhoven acquired during the annexation of 1920. The square is described as Eindhoven's "new dance floor" and is the location for festivals, concerts, and city events.

The city hall square was completed in 1997. It is centrally located, between De Markt and 18 Septemberplein.

Stratumseind: the longest pub street in the Netherlands

Stratumseind is a 225-meter entertainment street, running from the Catharinakerk to the Dommelbrug (Dommel Bridge). It is the longest entertainment street in the Netherlands. Dozens of bars, cafes, and clubs stand side-by-side and across from each other. On Friday and Saturday evenings, it's packed.

Stratumseind is not a square in the classic sense, but it functions as Eindhoven's nightlife hub. Those living in the city center must account for the noise. Those living a few streets away have nightlife within walking distance without the nuisance.

The Stratum district begins at the end of Stratumseind, across the Dommelbrug. These are neighborhoods with a mix of student housing and family apartments.

Strijp-S: the creative heart

Strijp-S is not a square but an entire district. The former Philips factory complex in western Eindhoven has been transformed into a creative living and working area. Torenallee is its central axis. Ketelhuisplein, named after the former boiler house, is its heart.

Its industrial heritage has been preserved: brick factory buildings, high ceilings, raw concrete. Among them, modern apartments, restaurants, pop-up shops, studios, and event venues have been built. Dutch Design Week, Northern Europe's largest design event, uses Strijp-S as its main location every year. More than 300,000 visitors in nine days, more than 2,500 designers from all over the world.

Eindhoven Strijp-S station (formerly Beukenlaan) is within walking distance. Rental properties in Strijp-S are modern and popular with young professionals, creatives, and expats. It is the district that has put Eindhoven on the map as a design city.

Wilhelminaplein and Catharinaplein

Wilhelminaplein is a lively city square in the center with shops, hospitality establishments, and recreational space. It is one of the city's older squares, already prominent since 1917.

Catharinaplein is located between the shopping streets and Stratumseind, next to the Catharinakerk. It functions as a transitional square between retail and nightlife. During major city events, outdoor bars are set up there.

Both squares are compact and part of the network of city center squares that connect De Markt, 18 Septemberplein, and Stratumseind. Eindhoven's center is small enough to do everything on foot.

Eindhoven's squares are compact and diverse. From the medieval Markt to industrial Strijp-S, from the pub street Stratumseind to the liberation square near the station. The center is small enough to reach everything on foot. For tenants, the squares are where the city's social life takes place. On HousingMatchers, you will find all available rental properties in Eindhoven, filtered by district and price.