Maastricht: Tips for a short break

Stroll through the cobblestone streets of Maastricht and marvel at the numerous cultural monuments, the beautiful historic old town and enjoy yourself in one of the numerous cafés and restaurants:

We tell you which corners of Maastricht are worth visiting and how you can get the most out of your get a short vacation.

A diverse cultural scene, the international atmosphere and the Roman past, thanks to which the entire center is under monument protection: this is Maastricht.

Arrival to Maastricht

Maastricht is located in the southwest of the Netherlands and is the capital of the province of Limburg. But there is also the option of arriving by train or bus, as Maastricht Central Station is very centrally located.

You can park your car in one of the many parking lots. The parking fees vary from one another depending on the point of view. In general, the fees increase the closer you are to the center. However, as there are many connections into the city, it is not a problem to park further outside of Maastricht. Some hotels also offer free parking, so it’s worth asking.

The oldest bridge in the Netherlands

For almost 400 years, the Romans settled in the area around the Maas and built up a trading hub. In summer the river dried up and in winter it filled with water due to the heavy rains. In order to be able to cross it in the winter months, the Romans built a bridge and thus created the optimal place for a settlement with a port and trade. This wooden bridge created by the Romans collapsed after a few decades. The subsequently built stone Sint Servaasbrug Bridge is the same one that still connects both banks today, making it the oldest bridge in the Netherlands.

As you walk across the Sint Servaasbrug, look out for a pillar with a sculpture. This marks the spot where the Roman bridge once stood.

The heart of Maastricht: the old town and its beautiful facades

But not only the oldest bridge in the Netherlands is in Maastricht. There are many old churches that can be found in the city. One of them is the Onze Lieve Vrouwe Basiliek (in English: Our Lady’s Basilica), which is believed to have been built on the ruins of a Roman temple. It is located in the center of the city, not far from other sights. Various religious works of art are exhibited in the impressive church, which you can visit free of charge.

A few streets further is the Servatius Basilica. This romantic-style basilica is placed in the historical center and the main square of Maastricht and is part of the UNESCO World Heritage. It is the oldest surviving church in the Netherlands and contains one of the most magnificent treasure chambers in Europe. The works of art can be viewed for an additional fee.

Of course, a visit to the Maastricht market is a must. It represents the center of the city. The town hall, which was built in the 17th century, is also located here. There is also a weekly market on Wednesdays and Fridays with a wide range of food, meat products and even fabrics.

The square Vrijthof, on which the Servatiusbasilika is located, is used in many ways and is not far from the market square. In summer, for example, concerts are held there. It is surrounded by historical buildings, street cafes, hotels, restaurants and small shops where you can browse.

The cafes and restaurants in Maastricht

What should not be missing in a university town? That’s right, lots of cafes! The Cafe Livin’ Room is particularly recommended. It not only scores with its beautiful furnishings, but also with a delicious breakfast. It is located near the Vrijhof square and is a good starting point to explore the city after an invigorating breakfast.

For a tasty, authentic Italian meal, head to Gio’s Cucina Casalinga. The special feature: there is no menu. The chef will advise you personally and introduce you to the dishes. It means trusting, waiting and enjoying.

If you are just longing for a cup of coffee and cake after exploring and strolling around, Bistro Jovial is the place for you. This is also located on the Vrijthof square and, in addition to small sweet treats, also offers a menu for lunch and dinner. It doesn’t matter whether you’re hungry or not, everyone is well catered for here.

For a dinner by the water, try the Lumière Cinema, which is a restaurant, café and cinema all in one. It is housed in a power plant and you can eat a three-course meal, have a bite to eat or just enjoy a few drinks on the terrace. The cinema convinces with a large and varied selection of films. If you like, you can also visit one of the many film screenings and escape from reality for a few hours.

Browse in one of the most beautiful bookstores in the world

Anyone who loves coffee and books in equal measure should definitely make a detour to one of the most beautiful bookstores in the world. Bookstore Dominicanen is just a three-minute walk from Vrijthof Square and is housed in a centuries-old Gothic church. This Dominican church is the oldest in the Netherlands and has housed thousands of books since 2006. The range is diverse and extensive, making it easy to lose track of time browsing. There is a large selection of English books and part of the bookshop is a small cafe called Coffeelovers.

End of the day: time out in the city park of Maastricht

A detour to the city park is recommended for nature lovers. During an evening walk you can also marvel at the centuries-old city walls. Not far away is another must-see attraction in Maastricht. The Bisschopsmolen (Bishop’s Mill) is a watermill and part of a traditional bakery. If you want to get a deeper insight into the art of baking bread and the process behind it, then there is the opportunity to take part in a guided tour.