Via Frankfurt and Eindhoven to the Dutch Coast

The Dutch coast is calling – but first, we’re making stops in Frankfurt and Eindhoven! Because honestly, what sounds like a better start to your trip: sitting in a car for three hours and arriving exhausted, or taking a relaxed train journey with two inspiring stopovers? Start your morning with hands-on experiments or admire masterpieces in Frankfurt. Continue your city trip to Eindhoven for a dose of architecture and design. Add an overnight stay (or two) in one of the city’s design hotels and head off refreshed and recharged for the final stretch to the beach.

Good to know: it takes just over 3.5 hours by train from Frankfurt to Eindhoven. From there, it’s only another 1.5 hours to The Hague, and after a quick fifteen-minute metro ride, your toes will touch the sand at Scheveningen Beach. You can store your luggage in one of the lockers at the stations, so you don’t have to carry it around!

First stop: Frankfurt

We kick things off in Frankfurt: a city filled with skyscrapers, lively outdoor seating areas, and plenty to discover for design lovers. Best of all? The moment you step out of the station, you’re right in the heart of the city.

Our tips:
Start your morning at Experiminta, a science and technology museum where you can program robots, explore how sound waves work, and let optical illusions play tricks on your senses. Experiminta feels a bit like Next Nature in Eindhoven – a futuristic museum housed inside Evoluon, a giant UFO-shaped building.

More into old masters and contemporary art? Visit the Städel Museum and walk through centuries of art history featuring works by Rembrandt, Picasso, and Monet. In the museum’s underground extension, you’ll find photography, video art, large-scale installations, sculptures, and paintings by icons such as Gerhard Richter and Andy Warhol. The roof is covered with large skylights that you can walk across in the museum garden – a unique way to experience the underground galleries from above. And with Frankfurt’s skyline in the background, it’s also the perfect photo spot.

Is it time for coffee and cake yet? The answer is always yes. Head to Wallanlagen, the park that circles the city center, and find a spot at FEIN – one of Frankfurt's beloved Wasserhäuschen, or 'water houses': small kiosks that once sold spring water straight from the park, now transformed into some of the city's most charming cafés and shops. Whether you’re stopping by for coffee, homemade pastries, lunch, or drinks, this spot has it all. It’s the perfect place to unwind and wrap up your morning in Frankfurt. Coming from the Städel Museum? On your way, you’ll pass MyZeil, a striking shopping center designed by architects Massimiliano and Doriana Fuksas – the same duo who also left their mark on Eindhoven.

Second stop: Eindhoven

Eindhoven is full of energy and creativity: raw industrial roots, surprising architecture, and forward-thinking design.  But you don’t always have to be on here. The city’s green spaces, waterfront spots, and Brabantse gezelligheid (the warm hospitality Brabant is known for) make it easy to slow down and relax.

Our tips:
As soon as you step out of the station, walk through 18 Septemberplein straight into downtown Eindhoven. There you’ll spot the iconic building ‘De Blob,’ designed by architect Massimiliano Fuksas – the same designer behind Frankfurt’s futuristic MyZeil shopping center. Want to see more architectural highlights? Explore the city using the Eindhoven Design District routes. Both downtown and Strijp-S are packed with design gems and hidden spots you might otherwise miss. Think of Shylight in the Paterskerk (an installation inspired by the day-and-night rhythm of plants and flowers), or the Trudo Tower on Strijp-S, a vertical forest designed by Italian architect Stefano Boeri.

Prefer to relax right away? No problem. Eindhoven may not be on the coast, but you’ll still find plenty of places to cool off by the water. Start your evening with drinks at Stadsbrouwerij (the City Brewery) on the Dommel River, where award-winning craft beers are on tap. Ready for dinner? Kerkstraat is the place to people-watch while grabbing a great meal, with options like De Burger, Takumi, and El Pastor. Traveling with a group or in the mood to sample a little bit of everything? Then Down Town Gourmet Market is your best bet: a food hall with more than twenty vendors serving everything from Vietnamese spring rolls and tacos to sushi and pizza.

Can’t get enough of Eindhoven? Totally understandable! Treat yourself to a night at Kazerne, former military barracks from 1825 turned design hotel.  It’s one of those places where spending the night becomes an experience in itself – something you’ll remember for the rest of your trip. Think luxurious rooms, rainfall showers, freestanding bathtubs, and beds so comfortable that checking out feels like a minor tragedy. 

Start the next morning with a hearty breakfast at Meneer de Boer on Keizersgracht. Think homemade oatmeal bowls, schiacciata generously topped with Italian-inspired combinations like blue cheese and pear or cured meats and grilled vegetables, and French toast topped with fresh fruit.. Got an extra hour to spare? Eindhoven is packed with thrift and vintage stores – perfect if you’re hunting for a one-of-a-kind find. The online maps from De Normaalste Zaak van Eindhoven will point you toward the best spots.

Final destination: The Hague and the coast

After two stops filled with design, architecture, and Brabant charm, you’ll arrive in The Hague. Before heading to the coast, we’ve got a few more tips for you. From The Hague Central Station, it’s less than a ten-minute walk to the city center.

Our tips
Start on Oude Molstraat, where you can admire a large-scale mural depicting Vermeer's Girl with a Pearl Earring. Continue your walk toward the Kunstmuseum, home to the world’s largest Mondrian collection alongside extensive collections of contemporary art and fashion. Want to squeeze in a little shopping before heading to the beach? In De Passage, you’ll find a Kilo Kilo Vintage store, where secondhand clothing is sold by weight. Perfect if you’re looking to score a vintage beach outfit.

Then it’s time for Scheveningen. By metro or tram, you’ll reach the coast in about fifteen minutes. Stop by Hito, a cozy beachside restaurant with a menu that changes weekly based on the season – from fresh fish and oysters to excellent cuts of meat, sometimes accompanied by live music in the background. Now that’s what we call the perfect ending to a long journey.