Eindhoven, a southern city of the Netherlands, is a region of lively sports fans, exciting contemporary art and beautiful architecture, all ready to be shared with tourists from around the world. Two areas of the city, the Stationsplein and the Stratumseind, are the hot spots to find great bars, cafes, and gracious local people to welcome visitors.

Cafes

Bistro Tout Le Monde

Its French name is accurate because this bistro offers menu items from around the world. Recent choices were Russian specialties. The menu's entrees are served in large portions by a congenial staff. A 3-course meal runs about $37 U.S. (26 euros) with drinks extra. Bistro Tout le Monde is on Geldropseweg, just south of the Central Train Station.

News Cafe

The News Cafe's bistro menu has great features for lunch and dinner, both Dutch and European specialties. At $22 to $30 (U.S.) per person, dinner is a great value. The café is located near the Centrum Kunstlicht in de Kunst Art Gallery.

Meneer Fritz

This bistro, near the Van Abbe Museum of Contemporary Art, has a substantial menu for lunch and dinner, with entrees from ranging from $10 to $25 (U.S.) per person. Choose a light cafe lunch of soup and salad or a dinner featuring special Dutch entrees or other European dishes.

Bars

Amrath Hotel Pierre

Spend the evening relaxing in the intimate lounge of the Amrath Hotel Pierre, now a Best Western property. The lounge features pool tables and a broad selection of local beers including Heineken, Oranjeboom, Leffe and Hoegaarden. From the Central Train Station, take a taxi, the #7 or #17 bus to the Plaza stop.

Drie Gezusters (3 Sisters)

On the Stationplein, Eindhoven's version of this favorite Dutch bar draws in both tourists and locals all round the year to its trendy downstairs bar. In the winter head to the basement's "Ski's" icebar, a bar that requires cold-weather clothing because the bar's average temperature of -7 C (19 degrees F.). All summer, "Beach" has a tropical feel with lots of sand and palm trees.

De Vooruitgang

Located in the central Markt district, select the outdoor terrace of De Vooruitgang as a meeting place after a PSV Eindhoven soccer match for a lively discussion of the game. La Chouffe and Amstel, among other fine Dutch beers, are served here. Enjoy a 3-course dinner for $28 U.S. (19.50 euros).

The Stationsplein and Stratumseind entertainment districts are among the safest in the country for tourists. A consortium formed by local business owners in 2003 has made improvements that discourage crime, protect owners and patrons and promote tourist businesses in the regions.