10 Tips for a visit to Maastricht

The capital of Limburg is also the most beautiful city in the province, although we may be a bit biased. We give you 10 tips for a visit to Maastricht.

1. ENCI quarry

The ENCI quarry, created by years of marl extraction, is now a nature reserve where you can walk and enjoy nature. You can descend into the quarry via a staircase of 215 steps, but first you can of course enjoy the beautiful view.

2. Saturday flea market

Every Saturday and shopping Sunday, Boschstraat is the scene of a flea market and antiques market. Browse through the goods on offer and you might soon be on the TV programme Tussen Kunst & Kitsch.

3. Vrijthof

Perhaps the most beautiful square in the Netherlands: the Vrijthof, with its twin churches and cozy cafes. On the terraces it is a mix of locals and tourists, who enjoy drinks and food.

4. In the Old Bird Bush

Café In den Ouden Vogelstruys, on the corner of the Vrijthof and the Platielstraat, is one of the oldest cafés in Maastricht. When the café changed owners in the past, the name changed from Struysvogel to Vogelstruys or vice versa. But that tradition was broken a long time ago.

5. The Jekerkwartier

The Jekerkwartier, with its medieval relics, is the Quartier Latin of Maastricht. You can enjoy exclusive shopping, art and delicious food and drinks. Experience the 'real' Maastricht in this authentic part of the city.

6. Natural History Museum Maastricht

Maastricht has several museums. We think the best one is the Natural History Museum, in the above-mentioned Jekerkwartier. The museum has a rich collection and regularly hosts temporary exhibitions. The big crowd-puller is Bèr, the fossil of a mosasaur.

7. Wyck

Maastricht is more than the historical city centre on the left bank. On the 'other' side of the Sint-Servaasbrug lies the characteristic city district Wyck. Here you will find a surprising range of small-scale businesses and cosy cafés. Don't forget to visit the architectural pearl Céramique.

8. Knees in the salt

Knien in 't zoer, or rabbit in pickle, is a typical Limburg and Maastricht dish. For the best version of this dish, you can go to Café Sjiek or bar-bistro Pieke Potloed.

9. Mabi City Centre Hotel

You can spend the night in various hotels in Maastricht, but for a truly special experience you should go to Mabi City Center Hotel are, a stone's throw from the Market. There used to be a cinema here, which is translated into the theme of the hotel. Enjoy your stay!

10. The Fire Brigade Canteen

De Fire brigade canteen, in the former fire station of Maastricht, is a special place for a good breakfast, lunch or dinner. In the bar you can have a drink. Need to work or study? Feel free to plug in your laptop!

Day trip to Maastricht? Then read our blog about cheap and free parking in Maastricht.