Travel and Accommodations to Maastricht, The Netherlands

Discover Maastricht's Wonders

Maastricht Travel Information The vibrant and fresh town of Maastricht is an important commerce center. This destination offers a lot of natural beauty including numerous squares, historic buildings and monuments. Maastricht is filled with churches and basilicas, but there are also numerous shops as well as great restaurants, which invite you to enjoy the true Burgundian way of life. If you're looking for culture, nature, shopping and gastronomy Maastricht is definitely the place to be. Additional Netherlands travel information including vacation packages and escorted tours.

Current Weather

85.53 °F - Clouds Min/Max: 84.06 °F / 86.32 °FFeels: 87.48 °F Humidity: 51%5 Day Forecast

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Description

COMPACT & CONTACT You will feel right at home in Maastricht. You can get to know the very compact city centre very quickly, and you'll be greeted warmly everywhere you go. The highlights are all within walking distance, and it's hard to lose your way on the charming, mostly car-free, streets. But if you ever do, there's always someone willing to point you in the right direction. THE 'MESTREECHTER GEIS' Charm, playfulness, a healthy dose of humour, and a zest for life: these are the ingredients of the Maastricht local character. This character has been immortalized by the artist Mari Andriessen in the bronze statue Mestreechter Geis, on the square near Stokstraat. HISTORIC BUILDINGS AND CONTEMPORARY ARCHITECTURE The whole of the Maastricht city centre has been declared a protected national monument. In the historic buildings and elegant houses, you will find a rich variety of architectural styles from different ages – from the early Roman period to the Maastricht Renaissance. Experience the seamless transition from stately, old façades to contemporary architecture and the historic buildings of the future. IT’S ALL IN THE MIX That intriguing blend of past and present is not only seen in the architecture, but definitely carries through into the city's cultural offerings as well. Colourful, traditional, and uniquely Maastricht, but also mysterious, undiscovered, challenging, and sophisticated. From underground cultural treasures and the city's signature bell towers to energetic and exciting festivals, exhibitions, and breathtaking performances – Maastricht is bursting with activities year-round, with a four-season event calendar featuring unique and distinct cultural happenings for every season. CITY OF FASHION AND SHOPPING Designer boutiques and major labels are found in abundance, punctuated by genuine one-of-a-kind shops with unique must-have fashion, lifestyle, and design items and accessories. All this only adds to the rich setting of the historic city centre. The heart of the city is rightly legendary among fashion-lovers and shopaholics, who can shop to their hearts' content here, seven days a week.

Useful information

Population:

Approximately 121,000 (2022)

Currency:

Euro, 1 € = 100 cents

Emergency Info:

Police, fire and ambulance: 112

Opening Hours:

General opening hours are from 9:30am–6pm Tuesday to Saturday. Mondays and Sundays have late opening hours.

Unique Spots / Top 10

Apostelhoeve Vineyard

In the Limburg region just outside Maastricht, vineyards cover the hills. At the 15th century farm Apostelhoeve, guided tours, around the growths and the wine cellars are held. A wine tasting with some light snacks are provided after the tour.

Bisschopsmolen

The smells of fresh-baked bread and vlaai. You just can’t walk past that smell of fresh-baked spelt bread and Limburg’s favorite sweet tart, ‘vlaai’, without stopping in here!

Bookshop Dominicanen

Heavenly bookshop. Spectacular old church, and thankfully preserved as a bookshop due to the efforts of the people of Maastricht. Great coffee as well.

Cellebroederskapel (chapel)

Silent monument. Hidden behind a historic gateway in the facade of number 58, you find this domain of silence.

Charles Eyck Park

Green on the Meuse. Céramique’s park, along the Meuse, is a favourite picnic and gathering place for students and locals.

Hells Gate (Helpoort)

The Hells Gate, dated to 1229, is the oldest city gate in the Netherlands. It was originally a part of the city wall of Maastricht and has been used as meeting point for cloth fullers. Today you will instead find helpful guides to answer your questions.

Market Square

The Markt square is the heart of Maastricht, boasting the contemporary architecture of the municipal offices and crowned by the beautiful seventeenth-century city hall. The Markt’s character suits the centre of a city, with the bustle of businesspeople and a noisy weekly market.

Sint Servaas Treasure Chamber

Sacred treasures. This is where Maastricht keeps her greatest treasures. The most precious is the reliquary of St. Servaas, the Netherlands’ first bishop.

Do & See

Bonnefanten Museum

Old Masters & Modern Art. This iconic building, designed by Italian architect Aldo Rossi, is home to an always exciting programme of temporary exhibits, museum tours, lectures, and children’s activities. The Bonnefanten Museum is also the place to find unusual art gifts (online too!), and to have lunch, at the famous Museumcafé Ipanema.

Brewery De Keyzer NA Bosch

Steam Brewery De Keyzer, a craft brewery with equipment dating from 1900-1929, still operating in a building of industrial and archaeological significance. If you book ahead, you can get great tours here. And enjoy a real old-fashioned beer afterwards.

Bureau Europa

Architecture forum. Exhibitions and other activities in the field of architecture and design, with a social/sociological angle.

Caves of St Pietersberg

Do you dare go underground? Not afraid of the dark? Go exploring in the caves below the St. Pietersberg hill. No light, no sound, no smell, no radiation, no pollution, no mobile phone signal, no idea of time…Over the centuries, the mining of marl in the caves has created a labyrinth of more than 20,000 tunnels. 'Block breakers' and artists alike have left their marks here. The caves also served as a refuge for the people of Maastricht during the many sieges of the city, including during the Second World War.

City Hall

Heirloom of Maastricht. Built from 1659-1664 by the architect Pieter Post; the tower dates from 1684 and houses a carillon with 49 bells that is still played regularly.

Fort Sint Pieter

Step back in time and experience history on a tour of Fort St. Pieter. Your enthusiastic guide will take you to the well, the embrasures, and the cannon gallery while entertaining you with wonderful stories, anecdotes, and facts. The tour ends atop the Fort with a spectacular view of the city, the Meuse, and the surrounding countryside.

Go for a walk with a guide

Memorable stories, exciting anecdotes and interesting trivia you might never have been able to uncover yourself. Why not discover the real Maastricht? Experience the tales of the city with a local guide who would be happy to show you our true highlights. Don’t miss the chance to take a walking tour of the city with a professional VVV guide.

Kazematten

Between 1575 and 1825, a network of underground passageways or mine galleries was created on the western side of Maastricht. In times of siege, these tunnels were used to surprise the enemy from underground. During the Second World War, the people of Maastricht spent many anxious hours here sheltering from the bombardments. Visit the vaulted chambers, powder rooms, and imposing bombproof shelters, and learn more about this unique monument of military engineering. You can also see the above-ground and underground fortifications in a single tour. The Fortifications Maastricht Foundation has developed two different tours to show you them: the Du Moulin Line tour and the Long Kazematten Walk.

Dining

Basilica

A hotspot for lunch, dinner, and nightlife. Dedicated chefs transform fresh local ingredients into culinary delights. Beer lovers come for the eleven beers on tap and 55 different bottled beers. On weekends, Maastricht’s most famous DJs keep you dancing late into the night.

Beluga (loves you)

Beluga is the top of the top restaurants in Maastricht and a real must if you have the budget. With its artistic cuisine the 2 Michelin stars are well deserved. Don't miss their own beer to accompany your meal.

Bouchon d'en Face

The lights are dim, French chansons are playing, and the menu is French from start to finish. Bouchon d’en Façe is the place for your romantic evening.

Brasserie Keizer

Provençal-inspired cuisine that is simply delicious. Located in the heart of old Maastricht, between the St. Servaas Basilica and Theater aan het Vrijthof.

Brasserie van Buuren

Inside, there is a nice ambiance because of the cozy seating, relaxing music and cuisine. Outside, the large terrace is the ideal place to enjoy a good beer on a summer day or to eat one of the popular salads. Besides the many dishes, there are also delicious snacks with drinks available in the evening.

Café Sjiek

Although the name might suggest otherwise, Café Sjiek (Chic) is a casual restaurant where you can enjoy 'posh' food and wine in the Maastricht sense. The menu includes dishes from the region, such as "zoer vleis', 'bloedworst' and sauerkraut. It is also a classy wine bar with fine wines per bottle or glass.

Café Zuid

From lounging in a beach bed on the riverside to attending a show at our theatre, everything at Café Zuid is all about the good life. The menu ranges from irresistible tapas to inspired main dishes.

Grand Cafe' D'n Ingel

Classic French cuisine with traditional Limburg accents, with wine pairings poured with every dish.

Cafes

Brasserie Bonhomme

Popular with locals and visitors alike, this light, bright grandcafé lies on the banks of the river and serves international light meals and snacks. Sip a cup of coffee and enjoy the view.

Café Sjiek

Café Sjiek is a welcoming little café where good wholesome Dutch dishes are served by a friendly staff. It has a nice terrace overlooking a park. This is also a good place to go in need for free Wi-Fi.

Coffeelovers Plein 1992

If you want the real deal coffee you should go to Coffeelovers. This is a chain of 6 cafes, all of them with the main purpose to make the best coffee for their guests. Light snacks and pastries are also available and free WiFi is provided.

Rilette

Serving French and Italian dishes, this grandcafé doubles as an art gallery and lies within easy reach of the city centre. Don't miss to try the homemade pesto.

Ut Lieuwke

An intimate grandcafé serving Italian-inspired light dishes and wines, the Ut Lieuwke is popular with theatregoers to the nearby Vrijthoftheater. This is a perfect spot for a relaxed meal.

Bars & Nightlife

Café de Bóbbel

Voted best cafe in the Netherlands 2012. The famously good service, unique menu with both regional and house specialities, and the four house secret recipe cocktails add up to make a visit to Café de Bóbbel a true experience. The house drinks are also available to take home or as a gift.

Café De Pieter

Café De Pieter is a nice old-fashioned cafe with a small terrace on a side street. You can enjoy food with reasonable and good atmosphere both inside and outside.

Café Falstaff

Café Falstaff is located alongside the romantic St. Amorsplein square in the heart of Maastricht. This cosy pub is famous for its extensive selection of beers, including no less than 70 specialty beers. The venue also has a separate upper floor for serving drinks and buffets or à la carte dinners. During the summer, you are also welcome to sit outside in the company of the statue of St. Amor which graces the square.

Café Forum

Café Forum combines good music with the most delicious craft beers, great food and a full bodied glass of wine. The ideal location for a drink, lunch, dinner, a live show and some socialising.

Cafe Local

Café Local offers excellent food and a great panorama of the square from their terrace.

In de Karkol

An authentic small typical Maastricht bar that's definitely worth a visit. Nothing fancy — just good honest staff, cheerful patrons and cold beer.

In den Ouden Vogelstruys

Café In den Ouden Vogelstruys (the ancient Ostrich) was the "cafe of the year 1996" in Holland. On its walls you find portraits of regular customers back in the olden days. Delicacies as the Maastricht cheese "Rommedoe" make a visit to this establishment a true feast.

Take Five

Serving every generation since 1985, Take Five Bar has acquired landmark status in Maastricht. With an eclectic approach to drinks, music and food Take Five is a spot frequented by the bourgeois, bohemians as well as hipsters

Shopping

Adriaan de Smaakmaker

Taste sensations you just have to try! The tastiest Maastricht souvenirs: mustards, jams, chutneys, dressings, mayonnaises, and much more. All of it artisan-made and organic.

Bisschopsmolen

The smells of fresh-baked bread and vlaai. You just can’t walk past that smell of fresh-baked spelt bread and Limburg’s favourite sweet tart, ‘vlaai’, without stopping in here!

Bookshop Dominicanen

Heavenly bookshop. Spectacular old church, and thankfully preserved as a bookshop due to the efforts of the people of Maastricht. Great coffee as well.

De Joffers

Fashion size 42 and up. An institution famous in Maastricht and beyond. Come by and discover for yourself that plus sizes don’t have to mean dressing out of style. Fashion consultants can offer honest, sound advice. Just give it a try, because if you change your mind they do take returns.

Mayfair

Dressed to the nines. British-oriented men’s clothing shop, with a dynamic mix of famous names in English fashion and lesser-known or new designers.

Steiner

Vintage watches and jewels. This tiny shop has the atmosphere that everything on the Stokstraat should have! Gorgeous antique jewelry and watches.

Tourist Information

Best Time to Visit

Maastricht enjoys a temperate climate, with relatively mild summers and moderately cold winters.The best times to visit Maastricht for ideal weather are from mid-April to mid-October based on average temperature and humidity.

Passport / Visa

The Netherlands can be visited visa-free for up to 90 days by citizens of most European countries, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, Malaysia, Israel, UAE and most countries in America. If you are unsure whether or not you need to apply for a visa, we recommend contacting the embassy or consulate in your country. International (non-Schengen) travelers need a passport that is valid for at least 3 months after the end of their intended trip in order to enter the Schengen zone. Citizens of Schengen countries can travel without a passport, but must have a valid ID with them during their stay.

Airport

Maastricht is served by the Maastricht Aachen Airport, which is located 9.3 km northeast of Maastricht and 28 km northwest of Aachen, Germany. Arriva bus line 30 takes you to the airport, with its bus stop conveniently positioned right in front of the terminal. It has 14 stops departing from Maastricht, Station Perron F and ending in Beek, Maastricht-Aachen Airport. Taxis are available on demand. You will find a taxi rank with a list of telephone numbers in front of car park P1, to the right of the passenger terminal. Car rental companies, such as Hertz, Sixt, and Europe car are also offered at Maastricht Aachen Airport.

Public Transport

The best way to get around Maastricht city centre is on foot, but there are buses and taxis available. Car parking is scarce in the centre. Bus timetables are displayed at all bus stops, and information is available from the Public Transport Travel Information operator. From the train station you can get to the centre of Maastricht easily by bus. You can catch any of the buses numbered 1 to 11 leaving from platform B (at the bus station in front of the train station).

Taxi

Taxis are available from the airport and rail station, or by telephone. It is not allowed to hail a taxi on the street. Please note that taxi is not a common form of transport and is therefore quite expensive. It is also good to know that the drivers often not accept short fares.

Electricity

230 Volts, 50 Hz

Pharmacy

Pharmacies are generally open from 8AM or 9AM-5:30PM or 6PM weekdays, with Saturday and Sunday openings on a rota basis. Rotas are displayed at each pharmacy. Telephone 112 (local number) in the event of a medical emergency. Pharmacy Maastricht UMC+ Address: P. Debyelaan 25, 6229 HX Maastricht Opening hour: 24 hours, seven days a week Phone: +31 43 387 6543

Post

Post offices are located in grocery stores and bookstores. The mail boxes are orange coloured and for letters mailed to an international address, the left slot should be used.

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