Things to do and see in Strijp-S in Eindhoven

What is Strijp-S?

Strijp-S is one of the former factory areas of Philips, Holland’s famous light bulbs and electronics producer. At the moment the vibrant heart of Strijp-S lies in and around the buildings along the Torenallee.

Strijp-S across the street, not revealing much of it’s cool-ness yet;-).

Since some years, the neighborhood is under development and turned into a creative, cultural hotspot. It is the location for events and festivals like e.g. the Dutch Design Week (this year in october 17-25) and Light-S.

In the old factories are now cool shops, restaurants and companies. There are new apartments built inside the old buildings and new buildings have been added to the area as well.

All in all a hip and happening place to spend a day.

Things to do and see in Strijp-S in Eindhoven

My favorites:

• Out of the Blue: a stylish concept store with items by 90 designers. What a beautiful shop with gorgeous products! Mind you: not cheap, but most retail in Strijp-S is quite pricey.
  
• Urban Shopper: fashion, design, re-used, vintage, interior art, gifts, flowers, tattoos and hairdresser. Many small, specialized shops under one roof. Done tastefully and I love the diversity.
• MU/Yksi: contemporary visual culture and over 500m2 Dutch design.

Other recommendations:

• De Ontdekfabriek (The Discovery Factory - for children)
• Tijdelijk Restaurant aka Retro Fondue restaurant
• Daje Couture: ready-to-wear customized clothing & retail fabrics
• Radio Royaal: French/German restaurant
• Tastebar Intelligentia ICE: very special flavors ice cream in a cool, cosy setting
• Koffiehuisje (corner Ketelhuis)
• Caffee Allee

Future of Strijp-S

The neighborhood still has a lot of potential in terms of development and growth.

Not all buildings have been renovated and the area can use more retail and F&B. Parts of the development are scheduled to be ready in 2015. The next part is supposed to be finished in 2018.

I sincerely hope Strijp-S will keep growing and flourishing. I love the industrial look and feel of the area and the creative, cool vibe is inspiring.

Do you like re-purposed industrial areas? Architectural heritage given a new destination. Old buildings filled with new and cool initiatives. You see similar projects in many cities all over the globe, often with unique results. I’m a big fan, that’s for sure!