Maastricht

Netherlands

By many considered to be the most beautiful city of the country, Maastricht is the southernmost city in the Netherlands. It's the capital of the province of Limburg and famous for what the Dutch call the "Burgundian" way of life. Dutch and international visitors alike flock in to enjoy this "joie de vie" and indulge in the many fine dining, arts, culture and shopping opportunities in town. The river Maas runs right through the city, offering some scenic views, and the lovely cobblestoned centre is full of historic buildings and impressive cathedrals. Whether you're here for sightseeing or just to shop till you drop, this is a great place to spend some time.

Streets of Maastricht

Situated within walking distance of Belgium and cycling distance of Germany, Maastricht claims to be the oldest city in the Netherlands (a claim it shares with Nijmegen). It is an especially popular tourist destination in the Netherlands because of its historical old centre and broad shopping possibilities. The city is home to approximately 120,000 people. The University of Maastricht attracts many national and foreign students to the city. Geographically, the city is split in half by a major river (the Maas), with the majority of commercial activity being concentrated on the Western bank of the river, and the train station and the Bonnefanten Museum on the Eastern side.

The VVV is a branch office of the Dutch national tourist agency. The office offers maps, souvenirs, and local, regional, and national travel suggestions. They can be located in Maastricht at Kleine Staat 1, in the city center. For information about all cultural events in Maastricht, try to find a copy of the Week in Week uit. They are distributed all around the city.

Due to its location close to the border, large and internationally oriented events and of course the many foreign students and visitors, you'll find that plenty of Maastricht's inhabitants speak languages besides their own. Don't worry if you don't speak Dutch, as you'll be well able to get by with English, German or sometimes even French. Locals amongst each other typically speak the city dialect Maastrichtian, a variant of Limburgish, which is widely spoken in the region. Even for Dutch natives from the north, this tonal dialect is not necessarily intelligible. Although Maastrichtian seems to be losing words and grammar as younger generations use it, it is still widely used and locals tend to be proud of it; street signs in the city are often dual language, showing both the Dutch and the Maastrichtian name.

The Vrijthof and Basilica of St. Servatius Perhaps one of the best (free) sights of Maastricht is simply to admire the two town squares in the centre of the city and the many old buildings around the street near the university and town wall:

  • Vrijthof. This famous square is considered by many to be the beating heart of the old city. It features the massive St Servaas Church and St Jan's Cathedral and hosts a range of large festivals throughout the year. The Carnival before Lent is an amazing occasion where (it seems) the whole city dresses up in costume and parties until the early hours. It really has to be seen to be believed, this is a North European Mardi Gras, hence colder and darker than its American cousin.
  • St Servaas (Servatius) Basilica. This basilica is believed to be built on top of the grave of Saint Servatius. The first known bishop of the Netherlands, he is said to have died here in the 4th century. The current grand, Romanesque structure in the shape of a cross was first built around the year 1000, and substantially expanded over the centuries. Pope John Paul II made the church a basilica after his visit here in 1985. Today, this enormous structure can only be viewed by paying a €4 entrance fee, which includes the cloister and a small museum of religious treasures. Enter from the Keizer Karelplein, NW of the Vrijthof. Onze Lieve Vrouwebasiliek
  • Onze Lieve Vrouwebasiliek. Commonly known as the Star of the Sea, after an old title for the Virgin Mary, this Romanesque church was largely built in the 11th and 12th century. Although no archaeological research has been carried out, historians believe earlier churches stood on the same spot before. Large parts of the church treasures were lost when the city became part of the First French Republic. The church was then used as a blacksmith workshop by the military, and the cloister area served as stables. The basilica's two narrow towers, topped with marlstone turrets, make it an important landmark for Maastricht and the charming little chapel is a popular place with both locals and tourists to light a candle. Inside, the miraculous statue of Our Lady, Star of the Sea is perhaps the main attraction. The Town Hall of Maastricht
  • Market & Town Hall. The fairly large market square has been the stage for markets for centuries, and still houses goods markets on Wednesdays and Fridays. It's a lively square, surrounded by cafés, shops and eateries, but also home to the 17th century Town Hall. It was designed by Pieter Post and is an excellent example of Dutch Baroque architecture.
  • Town wall. south of the town centre, the wall includes the Helpoort (Hell's Gate), the oldest city gate in the Netherlands.

River Maas and Saint Servatius Bridge from the Hoeg Brogk

Vrijthof. This famous square is considered by many to be the beating heart of the old city. It features the massive St Servaas Church and St Jan's Cathedral and hosts a range of large festivals throughout the year. The Carnival before Lent is an amazing occasion where (it seems) the whole city dresses up in costume and parties until the early hours. It really has to be seen to be believed, this is a North European Mardi Gras, hence colder and darker than its American cousin.

St Servaas (Servatius) Basilica. This basilica is believed to be built on top of the grave of Saint Servatius. The first known bishop of the Netherlands, he is said to have died here in the 4th century. The current grand, Romanesque structure in the shape of a cross was first built around the year 1000, and substantially expanded over the centuries. Pope John Paul II made the church a basilica after his visit here in 1985. Today, this enormous structure can only be viewed by paying a €4 entrance fee, which includes the cloister and a small museum of religious treasures. Enter from the Keizer Karelplein, NW of the Vrijthof.

Onze Lieve Vrouwebasiliek. Commonly known as the Star of the Sea, after an old title for the Virgin Mary, this Romanesque church was largely built in the 11th and 12th century. Although no archaeological research has been carried out, historians believe earlier churches stood on the same spot before. Large parts of the church treasures were lost when the city became part of the First French Republic. The church was then used as a blacksmith workshop by the military, and the cloister area served as stables. The basilica's two narrow towers, topped with marlstone turrets, make it an important landmark for Maastricht and the charming little chapel is a popular place with both locals and tourists to light a candle. Inside, the miraculous statue of Our Lady, Star of the Sea is perhaps the main attraction.

Market & Town Hall. The fairly large market square has been the stage for markets for centuries, and still houses goods markets on Wednesdays and Fridays. It's a lively square, surrounded by cafés, shops and eateries, but also home to the 17th century Town Hall. It was designed by Pieter Post and is an excellent example of Dutch Baroque architecture.

Town wall. south of the town centre, the wall includes the Helpoort (Hell's Gate), the oldest city gate in the Netherlands.

City Library, Plein 1992.

University Maastricht Library (centre), Grote Looierstraat 17.

University Maastricht Library (Randwyck), Universiteitssingel 50.

Stadhuis.

Bonnefantenmuseum

  • Bonnefantenmuseum, Avenue Céramique 250, +31 43 329 01 90. Tue-Sun: 11.00 am - 5.00 pm; Mon: closed, except on public holidays. The museum is the foremost museum of Old Masters and contemporary art in the province of Limburg. The contemporary art collection contains works by an international group of artists, including Sol LeWitt. In addition to contemporary paintings, the collection also includes projections and gallery-sized installations. The collection of Old Masters emphasises on 16th and 17th century Flemish paintings, including major works by Peter Paul Rubens, Anthony van Dyck and Jacob Jordaens. In addition, the collection comprises magnificent medieval sculptures by Jan van Steffenswert, early Italian paintings and a presentation of Maastricht silver. Adult: €7.50; child 13-18: €3.50; child under 13: free entry. Centre Ceramique on the Plein
  • Centre Céramique, Avenue Céramique 50, +31 43 350 56 00. Tue and Thu: 10.30 am - 8.30 pm; Wed, Fri, Sun: 10.30 am - 5.00 pm. This is the city library as well as an exhibition space for archaeological finds and Maastricht pottery.
  • Derlon Museum Cellar, Plankstraat 21, +31 43 325 21 21. Sun: 12.00 am - 4.00 pm. The museum is not wheelchair accessible. Before the restoration of the Derlon Hotel started, Maastricht's city archeologists undertook an extensive survey of the site. The Roman finds, from the 2nd, 3rd and 4th century, are considered that important that it was decided to conserve them and exhibit these to interested parties. The following can be seen in the cellar of Derlon Hotel: part of a 2nd and 3rd century sanctuary (including a Jupiter column), a 3rd century well, part of a pre- Roman cobblestone road and sections of a wall and a gate dating from the 4th century. Free entry.
  • Natuurhistorisch Museum, De Bosquetplein 7, +31 43 350 54 90. Mon-Fri: 10.00 am - 5.00 pm; Sat-Sun: 2.00 pm - 5.00 pm. The museum outlines the natural history of southern Limburg. Modern displays offer an insight into both the recent and distant past. Among the museum's highlights are the remains of enormous Mosasauriers and Giant Turtles found in limestone at the St Pietersberg caverns. Fossils of all shapes and sizes show how South Limburg has changed in the course of the last 300 million years. Adult: €4.50; child 4-11: €3.00; child under 4: free entry.
  • Museum aan het Vrijthof, Vrijthof 18, +31 43 321 13 27. Tue - Sun 10am - 5.30pm. Museum aan het Vrijthof is a young museum located at the heart of the city in one of the oldest buildings in Maastricht: the former retreat of Charles V. This private museum re-opened after major renovations in 2012. Museum aan het Vrijthof organizes a temporary exhibition three to four times each year. They look for surprising combinations and unconventional collaborations. The museum also has a freely accessible museum café, located at the covered courtyard. Adult: €8, children 15 €6,50 pp.

Bonnefantenmuseum, Avenue Céramique 250, +31 43 329 01 90. Tue-Sun: 11.00 am - 5.00 pm; Mon: closed, except on public holidays. The museum is the foremost museum of Old Masters and contemporary art in the province of Limburg. The contemporary art collection contains works by an international group of artists, including Sol LeWitt. In addition to contemporary paintings, the collection also includes projections and gallery-sized installations. The collection of Old Masters emphasises on 16th and 17th century Flemish paintings, including major works by Peter Paul Rubens, Anthony van Dyck and Jacob Jordaens. In addition, the collection comprises magnificent medieval sculptures by Jan van Steffenswert, early Italian paintings and a presentation of Maastricht silver. Adult: €7.50; child 13-18: €3.50; child under 13: free entry.

Centre Céramique, Avenue Céramique 50, +31 43 350 56 00. Tue and Thu: 10.30 am - 8.30 pm; Wed, Fri, Sun: 10.30 am - 5.00 pm. This is the city library as well as an exhibition space for archaeological finds and Maastricht pottery.

Derlon Museum Cellar, Plankstraat 21, +31 43 325 21 21. Sun: 12.00 am - 4.00 pm. The museum is not wheelchair accessible. Before the restoration of the Derlon Hotel started, Maastricht's city archeologists undertook an extensive survey of the site. The Roman finds, from the 2nd, 3rd and 4th century, are considered that important that it was decided to conserve them and exhibit these to interested parties. The following can be seen in the cellar of Derlon Hotel: part of a 2nd and 3rd century sanctuary (including a Jupiter column), a 3rd century well, part of a pre- Roman cobblestone road and sections of a wall and a gate dating from the 4th century. Free entry.

Natuurhistorisch Museum, De Bosquetplein 7, +31 43 350 54 90. Mon-Fri: 10.00 am - 5.00 pm; Sat-Sun: 2.00 pm - 5.00 pm. The museum outlines the natural history of southern Limburg. Modern displays offer an insight into both the recent and distant past. Among the museum's highlights are the remains of enormous Mosasauriers and Giant Turtles found in limestone at the St Pietersberg caverns. Fossils of all shapes and sizes show how South Limburg has changed in the course of the last 300 million years. Adult: €4.50; child 4-11: €3.00; child under 4: free entry.

Museum aan het Vrijthof, Vrijthof 18, +31 43 321 13 27. Tue - Sun 10am - 5.30pm. Museum aan het Vrijthof is a young museum located at the heart of the city in one of the oldest buildings in Maastricht: the former retreat of Charles V. This private museum re-opened after major renovations in 2012. Museum aan het Vrijthof organizes a temporary exhibition three to four times each year. They look for surprising combinations and unconventional collaborations. The museum also has a freely accessible museum café, located at the covered courtyard. Adult: €8, children 15 €6,50 pp.

  • Saint Pietersberg Caves, Buitengoed Slavante, Slavante 1, +31 43 325 21 21. Local marlstone mine with over 20,000 passages dug out over centuries, used as shelter during sieges and bombings. Tours essential; check website for details (English and Dutch times differ). Boats runs from the city centre with commentary pointing out interesting landmarks along the way.
  • Kazematten, Tongerseplein, +31 43 325 21 21. A network of bunkers on the west side of Maastricht from which soldiers fired at invaders; again, tours are essential.

Saint Pietersberg Caves, Buitengoed Slavante, Slavante 1, +31 43 325 21 21. Local marlstone mine with over 20,000 passages dug out over centuries, used as shelter during sieges and bombings. Tours essential; check website for details (English and Dutch times differ). Boats runs from the city centre with commentary pointing out interesting landmarks along the way.

Kazematten, Tongerseplein, +31 43 325 21 21. A network of bunkers on the west side of Maastricht from which soldiers fired at invaders; again, tours are essential.

Maastricht's carnaval is known for its costumes, which might be the most colourful ones in the country Few Dutch cities take their carnival celebrations as seriously as Maastricht and when the weather is nice, the omnipresent music, laughter, costumes and parades might even make you think of Rio. It's a major happening and the highlight of the year for many of the locals. For a day or three, virtually all of regular life comes to a standstill as the mayor symbolically hands over the key of the city to Prince Carnaval, who is always accompanied by his jester and "council of eleven" advisors. Shops, museums and other institutions close their doors and people from all over the country flock to Maastricht to join in the merry celebrations that go on from late in the morning till the early hours of the next.

The whole thing -locals call it Vasteloavend rather than carnival- starts as early as November. As eleven is the fool's number, the carnival season is opened at the 11th of the 11th, at 11.11h. The Vrijthof is the stage for the first events and the first appearances of Maastricht's zate hermenikes, or drunken bands. They are small music bands, often in costume, often deliberately performing in a slightly amateurish way. A "blue ship" travellers the streets, a tradition going back to the 12th century and linked to the theme of Hieronymus Bosch's painting: The ship of fools. For outsiders, things may seem quiet after that, until the actual spring celebrations, but in reality numerous parties are organized behind closed doors during those months, typically involving a satiric sort of stand-up comedy in local dialect.

For outsiders, the spring celebrations are most interesting. Dates vary as they are related to Easter, but the main events take places on Saturday to Tuesday.

  • On Saturday the new prince takes over town, parading (usually at 13.11h) from the central station to the market square, where the mock-transition of power takes place.
  • Sunday sees the main parade, full of colourful carts, individual acts and thousands of spectators in costume. It leaves around 13.55h from Wijck and travellers towards the city centre. Princes (some city districts or clubs have their own, and some from neighbouring towns join the parade) throw candy on the crowds.
  • Monday is family-day, with a children's parade pulling through the centre, towards the Vrijthof.
  • The Zate hermenikesconcours on Tuesday has all the little bands roaming the streets, competing to impress a jury on the Vrijthof. Be warned that the music is only part of the competition, and it's a funny show rather than a concert. On Wednesday, the day after, cafés all over town serve raw herring or head cheese with rya bread to their guests.

Green, yellow and red are the official carnival colours and alaaf! is heard everywhere as a greeting. Dressing up is not obliged, but you don't want to be and outsider, pick up at least a few carnival gadgets (widely available in the days before). Upcoming carnival dates are 1-4 March for 2014, and 14-17 February for 2015.

  • Lumière, Bogaardenstraat 40b, +31 43 321 40 80. Art house cinema - tickets €8 unless you're eligible for a discount
  • Pathé Cinema, Wilhelminasingel 39, +31 43 325 3565. Multiplex
  • Theater on the Vrijthof, Vrijthof 47, +31 43 350 5555. For tickets to almost any cultural event.
  • MECC Maastricht, Forum 100, +31 43 38 38 383. Trade fairs and conferences

On Saturday the new prince takes over town, parading (usually at 13.11h) from the central station to the market square, where the mock-transition of power takes place.

Sunday sees the main parade, full of colourful carts, individual acts and thousands of spectators in costume. It leaves around 13.55h from Wijck and travellers towards the city centre. Princes (some city districts or clubs have their own, and some from neighbouring towns join the parade) throw candy on the crowds.

Monday is family-day, with a children's parade pulling through the centre, towards the Vrijthof.

The Zate hermenikesconcours on Tuesday has all the little bands roaming the streets, competing to impress a jury on the Vrijthof. Be warned that the music is only part of the competition, and it's a funny show rather than a concert. On Wednesday, the day after, cafés all over town serve raw herring or head cheese with rya bread to their guests.

Lumière, Bogaardenstraat 40b, +31 43 321 40 80. Art house cinema - tickets €8 unless you're eligible for a discount

Pathé Cinema, Wilhelminasingel 39, +31 43 325 3565. Multiplex

Theater on the Vrijthof, Vrijthof 47, +31 43 350 5555. For tickets to almost any cultural event.

MECC Maastricht, Forum 100, +31 43 38 38 383. Trade fairs and conferences

Shops are generally open between 9:00 and 17:00 but many are closed on Monday morning. Thursday some shop are open until 21:00. Also Sunday opening between 12:00 and 18:00.

  • Visit the European Fine Art Fair (TEFAF) This art fair is among the world's leading art fairs with buyers from all over the world.
  • 'Regular' shopping centre, known for its exclusivity. The main shopping area is between the Vrijthof and the river south of the Markt; should however also check out the more specialist shop over the other the side of the Sint Servaasbrug.
  • Polare Bookshop, Dominikanerkerkstraat1. Even if you are not looking to buy a book this store is well worth a visit as it is housed in a deconsecrated church. A two-floor high central spine both increases the number of books on display and gives you the chance to admire the architecture of the ceiling close up. There is also a small coffee bar.

Visit the European Fine Art Fair (TEFAF) This art fair is among the world's leading art fairs with buyers from all over the world.

Polare Bookshop, Dominikanerkerkstraat1. Even if you are not looking to buy a book this store is well worth a visit as it is housed in a deconsecrated church. A two-floor high central spine both increases the number of books on display and gives you the chance to admire the architecture of the ceiling close up. There is also a small coffee bar.

There are many excellent places to eat in the town. Key areas to peruse are around Onze Lieve Vrouweplein, Vrijthof, Maaspromenade and Wycker Brugstraat. Also around Tongersestraat, close to the Economics and Law faculties of the Universiteit Maastricht.

Eating out in Maastricht is not always cheap, with most restaurants catering more to a posh older crowd rather than the student population. On weekdays there are a number of good and relatively low-priced sandwich outlets, as well as the usual fries based take-aways.

  • Friterie Tuutsje vaan Teunsje, Wijcker Brugstraat 41, +31 43 87 95 373. Great fries and local take-away specialities
  • Deli Belge, Tongersestraat 44a, +31 43 326 0902.
  • Délifrance, Grote Staat 57, +31 43 321 3026. Good place in the centre to get a reasonable priced baguette and hot drink.
  • Friture Reitz, Markt 75, +31 43 321 5706. Great fries with selections of sources on the menu. Take-away and seating.
  • Somethin'good, Tongersestraat 36, +31 43 601 5138. good and relatively low-priced sandwiches
  • Wok to go, Markt 59. Asian take away with seating inside and outside on the Market place.

Friterie Tuutsje vaan Teunsje, Wijcker Brugstraat 41, +31 43 87 95 373. Great fries and local take-away specialities

Deli Belge, Tongersestraat 44a, +31 43 326 0902.

Délifrance, Grote Staat 57, +31 43 321 3026. Good place in the centre to get a reasonable priced baguette and hot drink.

Friture Reitz, Markt 75, +31 43 321 5706. Great fries with selections of sources on the menu. Take-away and seating.

Somethin'good, Tongersestraat 36, +31 43 601 5138. good and relatively low-priced sandwiches

Wok to go, Markt 59. Asian take away with seating inside and outside on the Market place.

  • Brasserie Bonhomme, Maaspromenade 78, +31 43 351 0518. Well situated with views of the river from internal and outside seating. Menu for varied tastes, reasonable quality. Service can be a little slow.
  • Café Charlemagne, Onze Lieve Vrouweplein 24, +31 43 321 9373. Excellent food. Good seating in the square in the summer.
  • Eetcafé De Preuverij, Kakeberg 6, +31 43 325 09 03. Mon-Fri: 10.00 am - 10.00 pm; Sat-Sun: 12.00 am-10.00 pm. If you are really hungry, but don't want luxury food then visit this place. Try the Vesserslatien sandwich (cock-and-bull story sandwich). At night it is a popular drinking venue with students of Maastricht University. Three-course meal: €12.50.
  • Grand Café D'n Ingel, Vrijthof 13, +31 43 321 7226. Excellent meat dishes. Good service. Tables outside as well as indoor.
  • Restaurant Fameuse, Vrijthof 14, +31 43 321 9044. Good Italian with seating adjacent to the Vrijthof.
  • Bisschopsmolen, Stenenbrug 1-3, +31 43-3270613. Bakery selling bread and pies made from flour from their own water wheel mill.
  • Steakhouse Carnal, Wyckerbrugstraat 35, +31 43-3213099. Good steaks as well as other dishes.
  • Tasty Thai, Rechtstraat 29, +31 43 852 4962. Not the cheapest semi-self-service Thai, but good spicy tasting and good sized portions.
  • In Den Ouden Vogelstruys, Vrijthof 15, +31 43 321 4888. Small characterful interior, also with outside seating. Make a great stew (Stoofpötjes) and fries.
  • The India House, Bredestraat 45. Good Indian food with friendly efficient service.
  • Brasserie Monopole B.V., Vrijthof 3, +31 43 321 4090. reasonable place for breakfast

Brasserie Bonhomme, Maaspromenade 78, +31 43 351 0518. Well situated with views of the river from internal and outside seating. Menu for varied tastes, reasonable quality. Service can be a little slow.

Café Charlemagne, Onze Lieve Vrouweplein 24, +31 43 321 9373. Excellent food. Good seating in the square in the summer.

Eetcafé De Preuverij, Kakeberg 6, +31 43 325 09 03. Mon-Fri: 10.00 am - 10.00 pm; Sat-Sun: 12.00 am-10.00 pm. If you are really hungry, but don't want luxury food then visit this place. Try the Vesserslatien sandwich (cock-and-bull story sandwich). At night it is a popular drinking venue with students of Maastricht University. Three-course meal: €12.50.

Grand Café D'n Ingel, Vrijthof 13, +31 43 321 7226. Excellent meat dishes. Good service. Tables outside as well as indoor.

Restaurant Fameuse, Vrijthof 14, +31 43 321 9044. Good Italian with seating adjacent to the Vrijthof.

Bisschopsmolen, Stenenbrug 1-3, +31 43-3270613. Bakery selling bread and pies made from flour from their own water wheel mill.

Steakhouse Carnal, Wyckerbrugstraat 35, +31 43-3213099. Good steaks as well as other dishes.

Tasty Thai, Rechtstraat 29, +31 43 852 4962. Not the cheapest semi-self-service Thai, but good spicy tasting and good sized portions.

In Den Ouden Vogelstruys, Vrijthof 15, +31 43 321 4888. Small characterful interior, also with outside seating. Make a great stew (Stoofpötjes) and fries.

The India House, Bredestraat 45. Good Indian food with friendly efficient service.

Brasserie Monopole B.V., Vrijthof 3, +31 43 321 4090. reasonable place for breakfast

  • Beluga, Centre Ceramique Plein 1992, +31 43 321 33 64. Beluga's chef has gained celebrity status in the Netherlands, and this two Michelin star restaurant is well known throughout the country and beyond. Dining here is considered a splurge indeed, but prices are friendly for a Dutch 2 star restaurants. As a result however, reservations are an absolute must and best made well in advance. From €45.
  • Harry's, Wycker Brugstraat 2, +31 43 325 44 33. superb food, excellent service.

Beluga, Centre Ceramique Plein 1992, +31 43 321 33 64. Beluga's chef has gained celebrity status in the Netherlands, and this two Michelin star restaurant is well known throughout the country and beyond. Dining here is considered a splurge indeed, but prices are friendly for a Dutch 2 star restaurants. As a result however, reservations are an absolute must and best made well in advance. From €45.

Harry's, Wycker Brugstraat 2, +31 43 325 44 33. superb food, excellent service.

Maastricht has many bars, restaurants, pubs and dance clubs, located on Vrijthof and Market Squares, and in the centre of downtown it's nearly impossible to walk around and not see anything to do.

  • Maastricht is great for a night out (Maastricht is home to both a University & Institute). therefore, lots of students, also lots of foreign companies are based here so a mixture of international pubs & clubs can be found here.

  • Be sure to check out these places to go drink and have a good time: The Highlander, Falstaff, Twee Heeren, Metamorfoos, C'est La Vie, Take5, De Allabonneur, and especially the make!-bar. They all are very welcoming and have great music to dance to.
  • Take One, Rechtstraat 28, +31 43 321 64 23. Th-M 4PM-2AM. Stocks over 150 Belgian and Dutch beers; owner Peet can find something to suit every taste (if you can brave his sense of humour). Small, atmospheric and sometimes lively bar - peanut shells on the floor please!
  • Cafe 't Pothuiske, Het Bat 1 (Just east of the main square, near the River Maas, +31 433 21 60 02. Great place to grab a beer. Their weekly specials often have some pretty rare Belgian and Dutch brews. The outdoor seating's atmosphere is great and allows a view of the River Maas.

Take One, Rechtstraat 28, +31 43 321 64 23. Th-M 4PM-2AM. Stocks over 150 Belgian and Dutch beers; owner Peet can find something to suit every taste (if you can brave his sense of humour). Small, atmospheric and sometimes lively bar - peanut shells on the floor please!

Cafe 't Pothuiske, Het Bat 1 (Just east of the main square, near the River Maas, +31 433 21 60 02. Great place to grab a beer. Their weekly specials often have some pretty rare Belgian and Dutch brews. The outdoor seating's atmosphere is great and allows a view of the River Maas.

  • Coffeelovers Dominicanen, Dominicanerkerkstraat 1, +31 43 3561944. Cafe attached to bookshop inside an old church. Worth looking round the book shop just for the architecture.
  • Bij Us, Markt 67, +31 43 310 1045. Bakery with seating inside and out. Baguettes and cakes with a tea, coffee or hot chocolate.
  • Café de Zwaan, Markt 68, +31 43 321 5421. Good for just a coffee or for small meals.

Coffeelovers Dominicanen, Dominicanerkerkstraat 1, +31 43 3561944. Cafe attached to bookshop inside an old church. Worth looking round the book shop just for the architecture.

Bij Us, Markt 67, +31 43 310 1045. Bakery with seating inside and out. Baguettes and cakes with a tea, coffee or hot chocolate.

Café de Zwaan, Markt 68, +31 43 321 5421. Good for just a coffee or for small meals.

In the Netherlands, the policy regarding soft drugs (such as weed, hash and magic mushrooms) is lenient. Therefore, there are several coffee- and headshops where you can buy these products. It is tolerated to buy up to 5 grams of marijuana. Make sure you bring your identification card or drivers license with you, because the shops are very strict about age and they will check it no matter how old you look. You have to be at least 18 years old to enter a coffee- or headshop. As of May 1, 2012, only those with a Dutch passport and clubpass are being allowed entry.

The coffeeshops in Maastricht have a lot (2.2 million annually!) of foreign customers, so they are able to understand Dutch, English, French and German. The Mississippi boat is the most popular with coffeeshop visitors from abroad. It is a coffee shop built in a large boat which lays in the Maas river and is certainly worth visiting. However it is regarded as having overpriced products and lower quality by locals and connoisseurs. Recommended are; Black Widow, a small coffeeshop located outside of the city center but having reasonable prices and good quality, Easy Going for its centrality and Heaven 69 for the open roof diner. Club 69, just around the corner of the Cool Running, is the oldest, smallest but most laid back one in town. For tourists other than Dutch, German or Belgian, there is a coffeeshop at Koestraat near the Beluga restaurant that is outside of the "union" and will serve you.

Maastricht is a very multilingual city, and it is not uncommon to regularly hear people speaking Dutch, English, French and German. In addition, many locals speak in the widespread local dialect Maastrichts, which is a variety of Limburgish. Street names tend to be written in both Dutch and Maastrichts, which has a French influence. Consequently, there are many languages to learn in Maastricht, both in the city or through lessons.

  • Vita Language School, Grote Looiersstraat 20, 6211 JJ. A language school right in the city centre, teaching many languages through both group, private and specialist courses. Prices start from about 195€ for 6 weeks.

Vita Language School, Grote Looiersstraat 20, 6211 JJ. A language school right in the city centre, teaching many languages through both group, private and specialist courses. Prices start from about 195€ for 6 weeks.

Holy mass in Catholic churches in Maastricht:

Directory of Christian churches in Maastricht:

Saint John Chrysostom Orthodox Church,St. Maartenslaan 37. Check website for service times.

El Fath Mosque. Sint Lucassingel 70.

Tevhit Mosque. Weustenraadstr 24.

Damascus Road International Church, Stay Okay Hostel, Maasboulevard 101. Sun: 11:00 Service in English

Maastricht International Church (Anglican), Onze Lieve Vrouw Kerk, 1st and 3rd Sundays 10:30 Service in English

Sint Servaas Basilica, Keizer Karelplein. Sat: 18:00; Sun: 10:00, 11:30; Mon-Sat: 09:00 (Sint Servaas chapel)

Onze Lieve Vrouwe Basilica, Onze Lieve Vrouweplein. Sat: 17:00 (crypt), 18:30; Sun: 09:00, 10:00, 11:30; Mon-Sat: 09:30

Sint Matthiaskerk, Boschstraat 99. Sat: 17:30; Sun: 11:15; Tue-Fri: 08:30

Sint Petrus Banden, Oude Kerkstraat 10 (Maastricht Heer). Sat: 19:15; Sun: 08:30, 09:45; Mon-Fri: 19:00

Basiliek van het H. Sacrament, Markt, 6231 LR Meerssen. Sun: 11:00; Mon & Tue: 19:00; Wed & Fri: 08:00

The terraced Chateau Neercanne is located just outside Maastricht, before the Belgian border

  • World War II Netherlands American Cemetery and Memorial: take the 9.5 kilometers (6 miles) east of Maastricht. The cemetery is located just west of the village of Margraten. Open daily except for December 25 and January 1; 9AM to 5PM The cemetery is the final resting place for 8,301 American military dead. A monument is inscribed with the names of 1,723 Americans whose remains were never found or identified. The site contains a chapel and museum with three engraved operations maps describing the European Campaign.
  • Caves in the Sint Pietersberg: Although the limestome caves are actually mines, it is nice to take a guided tour through the belly of the berg. In the Second World War, the Dutch stored their national arts collections in a vault in the hill, and a lot of engravings - some more old than the other - are to be admired. Entrances lie at several places on the mountain, and are well within walking distance of the town center. Plan in advance to make sure you can get in.
  • Fort Eben-Emael: A Belgian WW2 fort no longer in use, but open to the public on certain weekends. Very close to Maastricht, just south across the Belgian border.
  • Valkenburg aan de Geul: This historic town was besieged many times and many traces remain to be seen, including Valkenburg castle. Along with tours of the old mines there is also a popular spa and a casino.

World War II Netherlands American Cemetery and Memorial: take the 9.5 kilometers (6 miles) east of Maastricht. The cemetery is located just west of the village of Margraten. Open daily except for December 25 and January 1; 9AM to 5PM The cemetery is the final resting place for 8,301 American military dead. A monument is inscribed with the names of 1,723 Americans whose remains were never found or identified. The site contains a chapel and museum with three engraved operations maps describing the European Campaign.

Caves in the Sint Pietersberg: Although the limestome caves are actually mines, it is nice to take a guided tour through the belly of the berg. In the Second World War, the Dutch stored their national arts collections in a vault in the hill, and a lot of engravings - some more old than the other - are to be admired. Entrances lie at several places on the mountain, and are well within walking distance of the town center. Plan in advance to make sure you can get in.

Fort Eben-Emael: A Belgian WW2 fort no longer in use, but open to the public on certain weekends. Very close to Maastricht, just south across the Belgian border.

Valkenburg aan de Geul: This historic town was besieged many times and many traces remain to be seen, including Valkenburg castle. Along with tours of the old mines there is also a popular spa and a casino.