Best things to do in Maastricht
With its cobbled streets and fashionable boutiques in the old town, contemporary architecture in the Céramique district, a fantastic art fair and excellent cuisine, the city buzzes with excitement and its multilingual, multinational population epitomises the most positive aspects of the European Union.
Viewpoints and panoramas
St Pietersberg: Located on the edge of the city, the flat-topped hill of St Pietersberg rises to a height of about 110m, thus providing breathtaking views of Maastricht and the surrounding countryside.
St. Servaas Bridge: The city’s most iconic landmark, this fine Romanesque bridge affords stunning views of the Meuse River, particularly at sunset.
The best districts
’t Bassin: Spruced up inland harbour north of the Markt, where old industrial buildings have been converted into cultural attractions.
Stokstraatkwartier: A small district of narrow streets, the Stokstraatkwartier quarter has an intimate feel, with its vermilion townhouses, scattered sculptures and Maasland-Renaissance-style houses in warm Namur stone.
Museums
Museum aan het Vrijthof: Among the many stunning exhibits are statues and figurines, porcelain and applied arts and a handful of 17th-century paintings.
Bonnefanten Museum: As well as holding a permanent collection of medieval sculptures, Old Masters and contemporary fine art, including works from the Minimal Art and Arte Povera movements, there are various temporary exhibitions: you could find anything from giant spider installations to Titians.
Parks and gardens
Historical monuments
Basilica of Saint Servatius: Dating from 950, this superbly proportioned Romanesque church is both a place of worship and a treasure trove of relics and art; don’t miss its crypt and cloisters.
Onze Lieve Vrouwe Basiliek: A solid, dark and deeply devotional place, the Gothic vaulting of the nave springs from a Romanesque base, while the galleried choir is a masterpiece of proportion, raised under a high half-dome, with a series of capitals exquisitely decorated with Old Testament scenes.
City walls: The remains of the town battlements are strewn alongside the River Jeker, the best-surviving part being the Helpoort of 1229, close to a stretch overlooking the river at the end of St Bernadusstraat.
Dominicanen: As impressive as the 13th-century Dominicanerkerk is, as good a reason to visit is to explore one of the country’s most beautiful bookstores - you’ll get a great view of the old restored frescoes while you browse.
Day trips in the area
Valkenburg: A charming village set in the gently wooded valley of the River Geul, this is a welcome change from the rest of the Netherlands, with a feel more akin to a Swiss or Austrian alpine resort.
Thorn: There’s a barnyard friendliness to Thorn that’s enhanced by its cobblestone streets, the closed-shuttered propriety of its houses and, at the centre, the Abdijkerk.
Aachen, Germany: An easy 30-minute drive or train ride away, this historic city is famous for its impressive cathedral, thermal baths and Christmas markets.
Activities for families in Maastricht
Maastricht holidays are full of family-friendly adventures that are as entertaining for adults as they are for kids.
River cruises: Family-friendly boat trips along the Meuse River offer a different perspective of the city. Rederij Stiphout runs hourly cruises from the bottom of Graanmarkt down the Maas, as well as trips to the St Pietersberg caves and Luik/Liège in Belgium.
Bus tours: From April to December, guided tours on the solar-powered Zonnetrein depart from Kesselskade near the St Servaasbrug up to seven times daily; or there are tours aboard a yellow school bus offered by Rederij Stiphout.
Caves of St. Pieter: Guided tours of these immense grottoes are an exciting, if unusual, way for children to learn about Maastricht’s history.
Free things to do in Maastricht
Exploring Maastricht doesn’t have to break the bank, as the city offers plenty of free activities that showcase its beauty and culture.
Carnival: Maastricht is especially appealing during Carnival, with colourful parades and locals and visitors alike dressed up in the most creative outfits, mostly handmade.
Markets: The city is much visited for its markets, notably the general market on the main square (Markt) on Wednesday & Friday, and the antique and curiosities market on Stationsstraat - spend as much, or as little, as you like.
City walks: Wander through the historic Jekerkwartier and Wyck Districts, at the same time as absorbing the city’s innovative architecture - just don’t forget that camera.
Nature and outdoor activities in Maastricht
Maastricht and its surroundings offer a wealth of outdoor adventures, blending natural beauty with a sense of exploration.
Cycling: Cycling is a perfect way to appreciate this rolling landscape and its un-Dutch hills, and on a leisurely cycle route east from Maastricht to Vaals, right on the German border, scenic villages nestle among vineyards and orchards, linked by quiet lanes dotted with shrines.
River activities: For city folk here, the Meuse River is central to life in Maastricht, and there’s nothing that the locals love more than a spot of paddleboarding or kayaking along its mostly tranquil waters.