10 Apr MAASTRICHT | THE BEST TIPS FOR A CITY TRIP
Maastricht is the Dutch city that feels a little as if you’re abroad. Full of Roman history, with plenty of romantic cobblestone streets to get lost in. This is THE full travel guide to Maastricht with all the best tips, latest hotspots, hotels, and hidden gems. An insight to the most Southern city of the Netherlands.
Things to know before you plan to visit Maastricht
- The name Maastricht comes from the Roman sentence; Mosa Trajectum, which literally means crossing the Maas.
- You can easily visit Maastricht by train within 2,5 hours from Amsterdam for example.
- Maastricht gained its wealth with ceramics back in the 1800’s. You can still find some pottery shops and crafts throughout the city, especially in the Sphinx district.
- If you come to Maastricht, make sure top grab one of their famous “Limburgse Vlaai“. A cake filled with fruits like cherry, apricots or apple.
Mid-weekend City Trip to Maastricht
Would you like to experience life like the locals of Maastricht do? Drop by on a Sunday afternoon until Tuesday or Wednesday and you’ll get that slow living, enjoyable feeling! No hustle and bustle, just everything at ease. The authentic atmosphere of Maastricht made me feel like I was on a laid back mini vacation abroad – and that wasn’t just because of the lovely spring sunshine, cold beer with Italian nibbles and a hospitable community. There is so much to explore, let’s zoom in on a few highlights and to do’s I’ve tried & tested.
Where to Stay in Maastricht?
In our opinion the best district to stay is without doubt the hip and lively district ‘Wyck’. Extra plus: it’s near the train station, which is super convenient. Here are some cool hotel tips for your city trip in Maastricht:
Cousins Boutique Hotel
The coolest boutique hotel in Maastricht, with only 7 rooms, located right in the heart of Maastricht. Run by two young cousins, that took on the hotel business, and they are doing it very well. The building has been run through many family generations, and once started as a hat-factory in the 1940’s. Don’t be surprised to see a hat or two during your stay. When we entered our room, a song by Blondie was playing on a record player, we love those little details. A luxury breakfast is included with your stay, with the two cousins welcome you with their smiles in the morning. Book your stay here.
Maison Haas Hustinx & Spa
If you are looking for an iconic hotel, right on the famous urban square the Vrijthof, this hotel is one of the best in our opinion. Bonus: inside there is a wonderful spa with a pool, sauna and hamman. Tip: Ask for a room or apartment on the top floor, as it can be a little bit noisy due to the construction of the building. Book here.
The Student Hotel
The Student Hotel has become a household name in this city. Besides housing students with a home away from home, the building also provides guests with a playful decor and spacious rooms. The monumental building is the perfect match for that TSH vibe, which stands for playful, creative and community. Next door you can find The Commons, a nice restaurant that guest and outsiders can use for breakfast, lunch or dinner. Book your stay here.
The Student Hotel
The Dutch
The colourful, trendy design with international allure would certainly not be missed in Amsterdam, London or Barcelona. I’m in love with their breakfast bag, which they hang on your door in the early morning, so cute. Food allergy, vegan or other wishes? No problem for the genuinely friendly staff! hotelthedutch.com
The Dutch
Kaboom Hotel
Are you smart, worldly-wise and a tad of a rebel? Did you hear yourself saying three times ‘yes’ than you definitely have to stay here. Rewarded as the best hotel concept in 2015 according to Entree Magazine, good job! Oh and they’re nice for your wallet: budget-friendly without feeling cheap. Book your stay here.
Townhouse Hotel
They want to give you the feelin’ like home-away-from-home experience: rent a goldfish for one night – how funny is that! – and enjoy their homemade soup or a little alcoholic drink in one of the comfortable, retro sofas. If you prefer a pure and ‘down to earth’ hotel, this is your match! Book here!
Where to Eat in Maastricht
Oh Yes, we have arrived (figuratively speaking) at our favorite chapter: Food! During a city trip in Maastricht, these are the hotspots you want to visit.
Bar Beurre – One of our favorite restaurants in Maastricht! Pretty new to the scene, French cuisine, and a small no-nonsense menu. During the weekend you can expect the occasional party, when a DJ is behind the deck. barbeurre.nl
Bar Beurre
Bar Oliva – This new kid on the block offers Mediterranean shared dining and has an olive tree in the middle of the restaurant. Make sure to order the artichoke, fish, and red chicory. Oh, and whatever you do, don’t skip dessert, because you must try their Olivia dessert; vanilla ice-cream with olive oil (yes really), and black volcano salt. Nice to know: They also serve alcohol-free gin tonics! baroliva.nl
Bar Oliva
Cinq – a great place to sit outside overlooking the river Maas. Inside the brick walls and wooden features make this a cozy place. Extend your stay with dinner or a plate of oysters.
Cinq
BIKKE – Inspired by Scandinavian culture and food, Bikke is your go-to-spot for brunch and lunch, but they do serve dinner from Thu – Sat. They are located in the cool Wyck district on the other side of the old city center. Feast on brioches, snacks, salads and typical Scandinavian treats. bikkemaastricht.nl
Bikke
De Tapijn – is a very cool restaurant/café project in a former barrack. Relaxed location near the park, welcoming staff, a huge terrace and yummy food. I love the fact they know the origin of the fresh, local ingredients. This alone makes the food even better. Lunch, dinner or a Friday drink with friends, this hotspot in Maastricht has it all! tapijn.nl
Le Fernand – We got this one tipped by a local who says it’s one of the best restaurants in the city center. It’s like walking into France! Try the chefs surprise menu, he won’t disappoint you!
Bonus tip:
Cato by Cato – Run by father and daughter, this small catering/food shop is cooking fresh meals on a daily basis. You can pick from about 6 different amazing meals (vegan options available) from just 6 euro per meal! Located on the Stenenbrug 9A.
Other Restaurants & Cafes in Maastricht to add to your list:
- Preps – Brunch and lunch heaven
- Wy – fine dining + winebar
- Haricot – Next level French cuisine by a talented young chef
- Café Zuid – Drinks, easy going food, by the water
- Capital – Great sunny terrace
Where to drink and mingle
Mr. Smith – Say hi to this must-visait speakeasy bar in Wijck district. This hidden hotspot is one you need to know, otherwise you will spontaneously go along. Press the bell and a small-scale, hidden cocktail heaven will open in front of you. Go for their fresh GT’s or ask the staff for a tasty advice. Don’t blame us for the hangover! mrsmithmaastricht
Mr. Smith
De Poshoorn – on Sunday evening I went to the well-known De Poshoorn. In the past a brown, tiny unobtrusive pub, nowadays a vibrant beer café with a fresh, contemporary atmosphere. Six teen beers on tap and hundred on bottle. Go local and try the ‘Mestreechs Zoervleis’, a local food specialty. poshoorn.nl
Noon – one of city’s best terraces for drinks and bites. From the end of April they extend their terrace, where sun-seekers go during the weekends. Next door is Club Complex, famous for various dance and techno parties.
Luster – Another lovely terrace, this time located right on the Vrijthof, the lively heart of the city center. In spring and summer, you can soak up the sun here from early afternoon until the early evening, beer in hand.
What To Do
Boy o boy where to start, there’s so much to do during a visit to Maastricht! Here are our favorite highlights:
Get lost or go for a city walk through the urban part of Maastricht. Honestly, the excitement of the guide is essential for making or failing it. Wander these streets: De Rechtstraat, De Koestraat, Stokstraat (luxury boutique shops), Blankstraat, Amorbach liefdesplein.
Sightseeing Maastricht, a must do during your citytrip!
Photo Museum
Right on the Vrijthof, you can find this create museum. Exhibitions change regularly, but we enjoyed the latest expo by Jimmy Nelson, showcasing his work in the Netherlands “between the sea and sky” until the 21st of September. Tickets are available from €15,50, and kids up until 7 years old can enter free of charge.
Foto museum aan het Vrijthof
Burn a candle at Basilica of Our Lady
If you walk past Onze Lieve VrouweBasilica in Maastricht, you walk inside and light a candle. Whether you are religious or just superstitious, it’s a long tradition in the city.
Visit the Caves
Yes, it’s a tourist attraction, but Maastricht is famous for it. You can pick between caves in Sint Pieter, Fort Sint Pieter and the Kazematten. Just a guess, we think you’ve never thought about a kickbike tour in the caves of Zonnebergust. In the Maastricht underground nothing is too crazy. See the Southern part of South Limburg from a fascinating, different angle. Various tours are available, but you can also buy tickets at the different locations.
Where do you find the best coffee in Maastricht?
Coffee makes the world go round, and although Maastricht isn’t comparable to coffee cities like Amsterdam and Utrecht, it’s slowly embracing the coffee culture. Here are some of the best coffee spots.
- KOFFIE bij Joost & Maartje – One of the most popular coffee bars.
- Fixed Gear – A bike store and coffee shop combined. Strong coffee!
- Sweet Coffee – Bohemian vibes, cozy corners, a favorite for IG worthy pics.
- Coffeelovers – Two locations, one is located in the famous Dominicanen Bookstore.
- Van Wijck – Also 2 locations; one in Wyck, one on top of Sint Pietersberg.
- Studio Nosh – Opened in April 2025, and is also a concept store where you can buy ceramics and books.
Just outside the city Maastricht
If you’d rather ride a bike than walk, rent a mountainbike and work on your condition in this hilly area. There’re so many bike routes. We cycled to the newly opened ENCI-quarry, a wonderful spot for a swim in summertime.
Hidden Gems
As per usual, we always seek for a few hidden gems in our travel guides, and Maastricht is no exception. Here are some places where you can get away from the large crowds, and explore the hidden corners of the city.
De Apostelhoeve – Vineyard
Drive for about ten minutes outside the city center, and you’ll see the landscape change into something that resembles the French countryside. De Apostelhoeve is a local vineyard and winemakers since the 70’s. By now, it’s a household name, with its name on the menu in most well-known restaurants. You can come over for wine-tours and tastings. To reserve a spot (available per 12 people) check their website. apostelhoeve.nl
Herbal walk in Maastricht
Definitely book it via the enthusiastic master herborist Anne van der Linden. She’s is a running encyclopedia, she really knows everything about herbs and their special function: tea of nettle for blood purification, the juice from the dandelion for drying out annoying pimples and so on, and so on.
Herbal walk
As shown above, an information overload summarized in a city guide! You’re welcome 😉
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