What to do in Maastricht?

When visiting the Netherlands, many travelers will have often heard of the small city of Maastricht. Tucked away in the southeast of the country on the Belgian border, the city is a popular tourist destination renowned for its cultural attractions, its picturesque setting, and its renowned university. In this guide, we’ll explore what to do in Maastricht, and help you plan your perfect trip so you can experience everything this lovely city has to offer.

Visit the Vrijthof Square

The Vrijthof Square is the main square in Maastricht and the ideal place to start your explorations. Here you can find some of the city’s most iconic attractions, including St. Servatius Church, a magnificent 12th-century Romanesque basilica, and the beautiful Basilica of Our Lady church. Last but not least, the square is also home to the popular “t Piepke café and restaurant, where locals and visitors love to meet and socialize.

Exploring Maastricht’s Museums

You’ll find plenty of interesting things to do in Maastricht, one of which is exploring its many museums. The Bonnefanten Museum is a great place to start, being one of the oldest and most respected art collections in the Netherlands. Located in a 15th-century castle, the museum is filled with Dutch and European masterpieces spanning many centuries.

Another excellent museum is the Natural History Museum, which houses a wealth of interesting artifacts and scientific exhibits. The museum includes sections dedicated to geology, zoology, mineralogy, and paleontology, as well as an interactive exhibition about local wildlife.

Take a Walk Along the Maas

No Maastricht tour would be complete without a walk along the Maas. The river itself is full of history, lined with beautiful historic buildings and monuments, but also makes for an ideal spot for a peaceful stroll or a romantic picnic. There’s plenty of things to do along its banks, such as admiring St. Servatius Bridge and exploring the nearby walkways that lead through stunning riverside parks.

Visit Some Vibrant Markets

Maastricht is home to several vibrant markets which are always worth visiting if you’re in town. There’s Hemelsesmarkt, which takes place every Sundays (except in August) on the banks of the Maas river; here you’ll find fresh produce and other goods such as cheese, bread, and handmade crafts. Other markets of note include Wednesday’s Late Night Shopping Market and Freriksplein Weekend Market.

Go Shopping in Maastricht

If you’re looking for some retail therapy during your stay in Maastricht, there are plenty of places to do some shopping. The city centre is full of shops for clothes, souvenirs, books, and anything else you could want. For something a bit less conventional, head over to Zuid Willemstraat where there are numerous independent boutiques selling unique items such as vintage clothing, handmade jewelry pieces and collectables. For more traditional shopping, check out the outdoor markets that take place throughout the city on certain days each week.

Sample Culinary Delights

Finally, no trip to Maastricht is complete without sampling some of its traditional culinary delights. Head over to Vrijthof square for a taste of sweet delicacies like their traditional almond cookies or ‘Limburgse vlaai’ tart – or enjoy a hearty meal of ‘bitterballen’ or ‘stoofvlees’. To add to the culinary experience, visitors expecting savor delicious wines from local vineyards such as Chateau Neercanne or Ficarious wines from Maastricht’s own winery (www.ficariouswines.nl).

Maastricht is an intriguing place full of wonders for every kind of travelers looking for something different. From architectural marvels and cultural attractions to delicious food and picturesque scenery – it’s all here waiting to be explored! There really isn’t any other place quite like it in the Netherlands – and with so much to keep you occupied, it’s no wonder why so many travelers are happy to make the pilgrimage each year.

Insider’s Guide: What to do in Maastricht

Welcome to Maastricht, a city nestled in the south of the Netherlands. Unlike other famous Dutch cities like Amsterdam or Utrecht, Maastricht offers a unique charm that only a few know of. So, for all the visitors who are looking for an insight into Maastricht beyond the guidebooks, this insider’s guide is for you. Let’s take a stroll around the city and uncover Maastricht’s hidden gems and cultural experiences.

Local Attractions

While the city has many famous attractions, there are also some hidden gems that will make your trip unforgettable. One of those is the Helpoort, the oldest city gate in the Netherlands. Built-in the 13th century, it has now turned into a museum that you can visit. Another hidden gem is the Bonnefantenmuseum, a contemporary art museum that showcases modern art exhibitions and architecture. You can visit their rooftop for panoramic views of the city.

Dining Spots

Maastricht has its local cuisine, and the Limburgian pie is undoubtedly one of the most famous. You can find it in almost every café or pastry shop, but the best place to try it is at Bisschopsmolen. The millstone bakery serves fresh pastry, bread, and the Limburgian pie, which is an absolute treat to your taste buds. For a unique dining experience, head to Café Sjiek, a cozy pub famous for its steak-frites and an extensive beer collection.

Cultural Experiences

Maastricht is known for its lively festivals and traditions, and the Carnaval de Maastricht is undoubtedly the most significant one. During this carnival, the city turns into a colorful party with people dressed up in wild costumes, music, and dance. Every summer, Maastricht also hosts the famous André Rieu concerts at the Vrijthof square, where the local musician performs with the Johann Strauss Orchestra. It is a unique cultural experience that you shouldn’t miss.

Local History

Maastricht is full of stories from the past, and the Siege of Maastricht is one of the most significant ones. The city was besieged several times, but the Siege of 1579 was one of the longest with a duration of around six months. You can still see the traces of the siege around the city wall and the ramparts. Another fascinating story is about the illegal currency used during the French Revolution, the ‘Guldenroede.’ You can read all about it at the Museum Ons Lieve Heer op Solder.

Off-the-Beaten-Path Suggestions

If you’re looking for an off-the-beaten-path experience, visit the ENCI quarry, located on the outskirts of the city. The quarry has turned into a nature reserve, and you can go hiking or cycling, while enjoying the picturesque view of the quarry. Another suggestion is to participate in a tango night at the Lourdesgrot. The grotto is located in a park near the city center and turns into a lively dance floor once a month.

We hope this insider’s guide has given you a fresh perspective on Maastricht and helped you to uncover some hidden gems. The city has so much more to offer, and we suggest that you explore it for yourself. Have a wonderful time in Maastricht!