Maastricht

Maastricht is an internationally orientated city with all the joie de vivre of a cosmopolitan culture. Just a two and a half hour drive from Amsterdam to the south of the Netherlands, you’ll arrive at the beautiful city of Maastricht. Tourists have visited the city for religious reasons since the 11th century. Today, people enjoy the numerous squares, bars, restaurants, terraces, shops and cultural sites and events. Like no other city, Maastricht knows how to charm you and treat you to the good things in life.

Shop till you drop in Maastricht

Maastricht has a rich history which is reflected in the old city centre with its many Roman-style buildings and squares, giving the city a sense of charm and tradition. Museums present artifacts from the Roman era to the latest contemporary arts. Maastricht’s main art museum, the Bonnefantenmuseum, and the Basilicas of Our Lady and St. Servatius should be on your things-to-do list. The most exciting attraction of Maastricht is a tour through the centuries-old underground caverns, which are a result of years of mining. If you rather stay above the ground consider a boat trip on the river Meuse.

Anyone who has been to Maastricht, wants to go back if only to shop. The compact city center has hundreds of shops ranging from trendy boutiques and luxury shops to interior design, art galleries, antique and delicatessen stores. A definite must see is the Selexyz Dominicanen: the most beautiful bookshop in the world. The shops are often interspersed with side walk terraces where you can order a coffee with vlaai, a typical treat from the south of the Netherlands.

The greater Maastricht area

If you have some extra time on your hands rent a bike or moped and tour the natural surroundings of Maastricht. The greater Maastricht area distinguishes itself from the rest of the Netherlands with hills and meandering streams. Within a stone’s throw from Maastricht you can visit the white village Thorn and the lively municipality Valkenburg aan de Geul.

Maastricht enjoys a growing reputation as a city of festivals. The most colorful feast of the year is without a doubt Carnival. Other events worth visiting are ‘Preuvenemint’, a four day gastronomic festival on the Vrijthof Square, and TEFAF, which is considered to be one of the most important arts and antique fairs in the world. Apart from these events, Maastricht is worth a visit anytime of the year.