Birthplace of the CD: A Self-Guided Eindhoven Tour

1 hour to 1 hour 30 minutes (approximately)
Offered in: English and 1 more

Eindhoven's story is one of constant reinvention. On this walking tour, you'll discover how a small medieval settlement transformed into a technological powerhouse where Philips and the compact disc were born, exploring the city's stunning modern architecture along the way. Starting at Philips Stadium, you'll walk past the iconic Lichttoren — the former Philips lightbulb factory — through 18 Septemberplein, named after the city's wartime liberation, and past De Blob, the futuristic glass and steel structure that exemplifies Eindhoven's bold approach to urban design. Along the way, hear how post-war reconstruction created one of the Netherlands' most forward-thinking cities, and stop at St. Catherine's Church, designed by the architect behind Amsterdam's Rijksmuseum. The tour ends at Stratumseind, the Netherlands' longest pub street — a fitting place to reflect on Eindhoven's remarkable journey from industrial powerhouse to design capital.

What's Included

Lifetime access to this tour in English before your booking date and after it
Offline access to audio, maps, and geodata
Flexibility to explore at your own pace with a self-guided GPS tour
App for Android and iOS
Directions to the starting point so that when you’re in the right place, the tour will start
Smartphone and headphones
Transportation
Food and drink
Personal expenses for admission fees not included during the tour

Meeting and pickup

Meeting point

This tour starts at Philips Stadion. Before arrival, please install the mobile app and use the code provided on your confirmation ticket. Detailed starting point instructions are available after downloading

End point

Tour ends at Stratumseind

Itinerary

Duration: 1 hour to 1 hour 30 minutes (approximately)
  • (Pass by)

    Begin your tour at Philips Stadium, walking through the heart of a city transformed by the arrival of the Philips lightbulb factory in 1891. Discover how a city that received its rights in 1232 became a technological powerhouse.

    Admission ticket free
  • (Pass by)

    Explore the Light Tower (Lichttoren), the iconic former Philips factory where the company once tested their revolutionary light bulbs. Take in this landmark as a symbol of Eindhoven's industrial transformation.

    Admission ticket free
  • 18 Septemberplein (Pass by)

    Visit 18 Septemberplein, named after Eindhoven's liberation day during World War II. Learn about the city's remarkable post-war reconstruction, which created one of the Netherlands' most forward-thinking urban landscapes.

    Admission ticket free
  • Van Abbemuseum (Pass by)

    Visit the Van Abbemuseum, one of Europe's first public museums dedicated to modern and contemporary art. Take in this cultural institution as part of Eindhoven's creative legacy.

    Admission ticket free
  • (Pass by)

    Reflect at Anne Frank Park, a memorial space honoring Holocaust victims from Eindhoven. Take a quiet moment here amid the city's story of reinvention and resilience.

    Admission ticket free
  • (Pass by)

    Stop by City Brewery Eindhoven, a craft brewpub set along the Dommel river in the heart of the city. Sample beers with names tied to Eindhoven's history, like Witte Dame and Heeren van Eynthoven, alongside Philips-inspired brews named after wattages.

    Admission ticket free
  • De Blob (Pass by)

    Discover De Blob, the futuristic glass and steel structure that exemplifies Eindhoven's bold approach to modern urban design. Take in this striking piece of contemporary architecture as a symbol of the city's forward-looking spirit.

    Admission ticket free
  • St. Catherine's Church (Pass by)

    Stop at St. Catherine's Church, designed by Pierre Cuypers, the same architect behind Amsterdam's Rijksmuseum. Take in this architectural landmark, a striking contrast to Eindhoven's modern design.

    Admission ticket free
  • (Pass by)

    Pass through the Markt, Eindhoven's historic central square dating back to 1232, when the city first received its rights. Take in this lively gathering spot, still home to a small antique market every Saturday.

    Admission ticket free
  • (Pass by)

    End your tour at Stratumseind, the Netherlands' longest pub street. Relax and reflect on Eindhoven's remarkable journey from industrial powerhouse to design capital.

    Admission ticket free

Additional info

  • Wheelchair accessible
  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
  • Service animals allowed
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
  • All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
Supplied by VoiceMap Audio Tours
Show 1 more

Tags

Private and Luxury
Private Sightseeing Tours
Audio Guides
Cultural Tours
Historical Tours
Walking Tours

Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Show more
from per person
Was {{formatPrice(summaryFromPriceBeforeDiscount, currency, 2)}}