Via Cologne and Maastricht to Eindhoven

In Eindhoven, we blend a rich industrial history with a creative scene that never stands still – but we also know when it’s time to relax in the sun. Perfect for your next city trip! You could hit the gas and drive straight to Eindhoven, but why would you? Hop on the train and make your journey just as exciting as the destination. Start in Cologne, where art and culture set the tone, continue to the idyllic Maastricht, and end your day in Eindhoven feeling completely satisfied.

Good to know: by train, it takes just over an hour and a half to travel from Cologne to Maastricht. From there, it’s only another hour to Eindhoven. You can store your luggage in one of the lockers at the stations, so you don’t have to carry it around!

First stop: Cologne

Let the excitement begin in Cologne – a city full of creative, colorful neighborhoods, impressive city gates, and plenty of places to admire outstanding design. The train station is the perfect starting point for some sightseeing. You’ll notice that right away when you step outside and spot the iconic Cologne Cathedral.

Our tips
Start with a visit to the Design Museum Makk. The collection is diverse, featuring furniture, fashion, and jewelry to ceramics and modern product design. In the exhibition Art + Design in Dialogue, you’ll see how everyday objects can also be art, featuring work by pioneers like Piet Mondrian, Gerrit T. Rietveld, and Oskar Schlemmer.

All that art is bound to make you hungry. About a fifteen-minute walk from the museum, you’ll find NENI Cologne, a local favorite. On the menu? Eastern Mediterranean dishes made for sharing that are so good you’ll forget your table manners. And it’s not just the food that reaches great heights: the restaurant is located on the top floor of the 25hours Hotel, offering fantastic views over Cologne’s skyline.

Before you move on, take a stroll along Körnerstraße – a lively, creative street known for its cozy boutiques, trendy coffee bars, and street art. From here, it’s just a fifteen-minute metro ride back to the central station, ready for the next leg of your journey.

Second stop: Maastricht

Maastricht is often called the Paris of the Netherlands, so keep your camera ready! The charming squares and cozy side streets make you feel like you’re walking through a postcard. It would be a shame not to make a quick stop here and soak up the atmosphere – both figuratively and literally. Limburg locals are known for their love of good food, so be sure to try local specialties like kersenvlaai (a pie filled with sweet cherries) or zoervleisj (vinegar-marinated, slow-cooked beef with a slightly sweet twist from syrup or gingerbread).

Our tips
From the central station, it’s about a fifteen-minute walk via Stationsstraat straight into the heart of Maastricht. A pleasant stroll, with plenty of boutiques and delicatessen shops along the way. In the city center, visit Boekhandel Dominicanen, a former monastery transformed into a bookstore – a must for book lovers and architecture enthusiasts. Craving a good cup of coffee? Settle down at Coffeelovers and enjoy your drink on the former altar, surrounded by books.

Next up: the Sphinxkwartier. This is where you’ll find old factory buildings turned into a creative hub, murals, and a tile strip in the Sphinxpassage that tells the story of the neighborhood’s industrial past. 

Also in the Sphinxkwartier: De Brandweerkantine, a restaurant located in a former fire station garage – a beautiful example of repurposing, just like Strijp-S, Eindhoven’s own creative district. If you time your visit right, you’ll arrive just in time for drinks. It’s the perfect spot for delicious organic bites, with plenty of vegetarian and vegan options on the menu. If the weather’s nice, grab a seat on the sunny terrace!

Still have time? Take a detour through Frontenpark on your way back to the central station – you’ll start your final train ride feeling completely zen.

Final destination: Eindhoven

After two stops filled with design, architecture, and great food, you’ll arrive in the city where it all comes together: Eindhoven! We’ve gathered our best tips in a mini guide so you can continue exploring right away. You’ll find it here: the ultimate city trip to Eindhoven.