Eindhoven has something really nice: the Normal Case of Eindhoven. A second-hand route straight through the city that takes you to the best second-hand shops, vintage boutiques and other cool places where reuse is central. We preceded you and mapped out a route for you, including hotels and places to eat that are right up your greener street. Second-hand shopping in Eindhoven: will you join us?
The best second-hand addresses in Eindhoven
Eindhoven is known as a city of design and technology, with Philips as its primal brand, Dutch Design Week as its annual highlight and of course PSV for football fans. And yes, also Houben's sausage rolls (which, by the way, also come in a tasty vegan variant, we tasted them!). But what many people don't know: Eindhoven is also a surprisingly good city for second-hand shopping. There is a lot on offer (you often see that in student cities), but the good thing is: you also come across really cool stuff here. The people of Eindhoven have taste! In short: Eindhoven is the place to be If you love second-hand, vintage and design. We went before you: a weekend to follow Eindhoven's Normalest Case. The map features many more shops than you can handle in one weekend, so we have mapped out a logical route for you along our favourite addresses to make the most of your shopping spree to catch up. But first we check in at our hotel and that's immediately the first tip!
Stop 1: check in at hotel Mariënhage
We start our weekend early in the morning at the design hotel Mariënhage, right in the centre of Eindhoven. This hotel is housed in a former monastery and church, and you feel that immediately when you step inside. It is big, tall and breathes space. The stylish lobby features imposing church statues and ornate elements that recall the past, but with a modern, humorous twist. Like the quote on the wall in your room: ‘Who took the first bite, Eve or Steve?’ You get the idea: here they don't take their sacred inspiration too seriously. What they do take seriously? Hospitality and a conscious mindset. The rooms are spacious, serene and a treat to wake up in, with those lovely big beds you never want to leave. And with a spa, a sauna and a well-prepared breakfast with many vega(n) options - pure indulgence after a day of shopping - it almost feels like you are staying in heaven for a while here.
Anyway, a second-hand route awaits first. So: drop your luggage and hop on the bike that the hotel will already prepare for you - you just have to ask in advance.
Sleep at the convent hotel Mariënhage. A design hotel with a special past. ‘Near heaven’, that is the experience they want to create for their guests.
Stop 2: via Strijp-S to the second-hand shops in Woensel-West
You can of course put the route together exactly as you like, but our tip: start your day with a drive towards Woensel-West. This cosy village neighbourhood, just outside the city centre, is surprisingly nice and bursting with vintage and second-hand gems. But on the way, first stop in Strijp-S at Frankie's Favorites. This is a wonderful second-hand shop that you really must enter. The input is a ten and the shop is to die for. If you didn't know it, you wouldn't see that it is a second-hand shop. Everything hangs beautifully, stylishly selected, and it's one of those places where you'll find a whole bunch of your ‘new’ favourite outfits just like that. So be warned!
Frankie's Favorites is a beautiful second-hand shop in Eindhoven in the Strijp-S district. Really a picture with very nice input!
Actually, you don't have time for this, but with a coffee-to-go in your hand, you would prefer to wander around Strijp-S for a while. This creative district on the former Philips site is bursting with concept stores, coffee shops, design shops and art projects. Save it for your next visit, because now Woensel-West beckons.
This neighbourhood is colourful, creative and feels a bit like a village in the city. Perfect for a morning stroll. Here you will find several second-hand shops that are really worth a visit, such as From everything & Co, Rapunzel (Very cute little shop, hidden among the houses - so good search!), Gate furniture (a large hall also well hidden in the residential area, but with all unusual vintage furniture, brocante and design), thrift shop The Forward and also stop by Dwelling house when it is open (a striking place, you look your eyes out).
After visiting (a selection of) these shops, it's lunchtime by now. And we deliberately timed it that way, because Woensel-West is home to Jungle Café. This cheerful vegan hotspot with Bali vibes is a favourite among followers of thegreenlist.nl and is tipped off very often. And we get it: everything here is plant-based, colourful, homemade and just super tasty. The perfect place to take a break from browsing and plan your itinerary for the afternoon. Coming at the weekend? Then it might be smart to make a reservation. You are not the only one who wants to have lunch here.
The morning is all about discovering Woensel-West. From left to right: Rapunzel, Vanalles & Co and Poortmeubel.
Stop 3: afternoon thrift shopping in Eindhoven
After lunch, it's time for a good dose of thrift store happiness. Start at World House Foundation, a huge thrift shop in an old school. Truly a unique place: each classroom has its own theme, from furniture to crockery and clothes. It feels like a kind of department store full of second-hand treasures. Not for nothing is this place often tipped by our followers. Some of the comments: ‘the best circle ever’. Totally get it.
Less than five minutes' cycling is Emmaus, also one of those typical thrift shops where you can browse for a long time. Here you will find a bit of everything, soft prices and a special setting. The shop is partly inside, partly outside under a shelter, and there is a friendly atmosphere. A special feature is that people who live and work here are or have been homeless. So you directly support a good cause with your purchase. Double the good work.
By the way, Eindhoven is home to many more thrift shops, including Dorcas and The Good. These are a bit more on the outskirts of town, so you could decide to make a full circle tour of it. But you might actually enjoy seeing a bit of everything, which is why we return to the city centre for the afternoon.
Stop 4: Browse second-hand and vintage boutiques in Eindhoven city centre
For the final part of our second-hand shopping itinerary, we choose to browse at a few tasteful boutiques where the curation has already been done for you. Vintage Design & Co is a sweet shop for lovers of designer furniture, lighting and accessories. Everything here has been carefully selected: from retro chairs to stylish lamps that could go straight into an interior design magazine. Around the corner is Second Floor, a household name in Eindhoven for more than 35 years. This is a second-hand clothes shop with cool and well-priced second-hand and vintage items.
And then: closing in the Kleine Berg, one of Eindhoven's cosiest streets. Full of great shops, nice terraces and just the right atmosphere to round off your day. But first stop by All Vintage, a personal favourite with fun, everyday second-hand items at a nice price. And are you looking for real eye-catchers for your wardrobe? Then be sure to drop in at YATVA Vintage. Here you'll find exclusive vintage masterpieces that you won't find (almost) anywhere else.
End the day in the fun street Kleine Berg and promise to pop in at All Vintage.
Stop 5: dinner at Iris restaurant
After freshening up in your hotel - just dropping those thrift store finds and chilling on that lovely Auping bed - hop on your bike towards Iris restaurant. It takes five minutes to get there (walking takes just under 15 minutes), but it feels like discovering a well-kept secret. This is a super special living room restaurant, but not in someone's home. No, in the middle of a residential area, hidden between ordinary houses, there has been a restaurant for over 40 years that you would walk right past. Since a few years, it has been run as Iris restaurant, where seasonal vegetables play the main role.
The menu is small, changes with the seasons and just hangs on the plate: usually three starters, three main courses (two of which are veg and one fish) and a couple of desserts. The atmosphere is warm and informal, a bit café-like but with really good food. In summer, you can also sit in the attractive back garden.
Practical note: this is a small restaurant and quite popular, so booking is a must. Tip from us: looking at your daily schedule, 19:30/20:00 is a fine time to join.
Second-hand shopping is the most normal thing in Eindhoven
You read it: second-hand shopping really is the most normal thing in Eindhoven. From recycling to curated vintage, from design to second-hand bargains: you'll find it all in this city, and often in surprisingly beautiful places. Want to map out your own route or discover even more shops? Then check out The Most Normal Case of Eindhoven: the second-hand route through the city that takes you past many more sustainable addresses. Find the direct link to the map here.
More second-hand shopping tips
- Also see: the best addresses in Tilburg for you.
- Also see: This list of the nicest second-hand shops in Leiden.
- Also see: The coolest second-hand shops in Delft.
Photo credits: thegreenlist.nl.
