Amo la cultura

If you love design, going out and shopping, then the largest city in North Brabant, Eindhoven, is the place to be. It’s a vibrant and lively city bursting with energy with a constant flow of new developments in creativity, innovation and design. Excellent shopping and impressive architecture can be found in and around Eindhoven’s large covered shopping centre. In the old city centre, you will find a futuristic building called 'The Blob', designed by the Italian architect Massimiliano Fuksas. The Van Abbemuseum is another must-do while visiting this city. Its distinctive architectural design, alongside its collection and exhibitions programme makes the Van Abbemuseum a unique place for modern and contemporary art. The exhibitions in De Kazerne are definitely worth a visit. Grab a bite and a drink and be inspired by the creative works of various artists. The setting will leave you speechless. For another uniquely industrial dining experience, try the Piet Hein Eek design restaurant, Radio Royaal or one of the other eateries in the former Philips factory in Eindhoven. The Strijp S, the nearby creative cultural heart of Eindhoven, is not to be missed during a visit to this City of Light. With acclaimed festivals like GLOW and Dutch Design Week, Eindhoven really is a must-visit!

Check out MyHelsinki.fi and make your own #MyHelsinki!

Nassau City of Breda Breda may be historic in outlook, but the inhabitants conduct their active daily lives with a modern down-to-earth approach – against a gorgeous historical backdrop. The Onze-Lieve-Vrouwekerk (Church of our Lady) is the most important monument and a landmark of Breda that can be admired from almost every place in the city. Breda has been voted best city centre in the Netherlands, with plenty of pavement cafes, trendy restaurants and excellent shopping. The so-called ´Spanjaardsgat´ reminds visitors of the time Breda was in hands of the Spaniards. The Breda Castle shows the historical relation between Breda and the home of Oranje Nassau. The ancestors of the Dutch Royal Family, the Nassaus, were of great importance for the city.

Together with St. John’s Cathedral in ’s-Hertogenbosch, the Grote Kerk church in Breda and the Markiezenhof in Bergen op Zoom, Kasteel Heeswijk is one of the four official Top Monuments in Brabant. You can experience the chequered history of almost one thousand years of power, pride and culture of the elite of Brabant, all prominently located in the River Aa valley close to ’s-Hertogenbosch. The castle is also the Nature Gateway to Brabant and is encircled by the Heeswijk Estate where you can spend some relaxing time among beautiful countryside. Come and enjoy this imposing monument weekly from Tuesdays to Sundays. ‘Bij de Barones’ is the place for visitors to the castle and estate to enjoy coffee, lunch or drinks in beautiful historic surroundings!