Maastricht

Maastricht claims to be the oldest city in the Netherlands and is considered one of the most beautiful cities in the country. The river Maas runs through the city offering scenic views, and the lovely cobblestoned centre is full of historic buildings and impressive cathedrals. The city is famous for what the Dutch call the "Burgundian" way of life, with fine dining, arts, culture, and shopping opportunities attracting both Dutch and international visitors. The University of Maastricht also brings many national and foreign students, adding to the city's vibrant atmosphere.

Situated within walking distance of Belgium and cycling distance of Germany, Maastricht shares the claim of being the oldest city in the Netherlands with Nijmegen. The city is home to approximately 122,000 people (2019). The University of Maastricht attracts many national and foreign students. Geographically, the city is split in half by the river Maas, with the majority of commercial activity concentrated on the Western bank, while the train station and the Bonnefanten Museum are on the Eastern side.

Maastricht Aachen Airport sees limited flights from selected cities in southern Europe, with most flights being seasonal. Discount carriers operate at the airport. The city has train stations including Maastricht Centraal and Randwyck. Flixbus and other carriers stop at the long distance bus station.

The city centre is walkable and most attractions are within walking distance. The river Maas splits the city, with the main commercial activity on the Western bank. The historic old city and major squares like Vrijthof are easily explored on foot.

Budget accommodation includes Botel Maastricht (€20-33 per person) on a boat on the river Maas, and Stayokay Maastricht hostel (from €21 per night in dorms, breakfast included) opened in 2007 with 38 rooms and a deck overlooking the Maas. Mid-range options include Bastion Deluxe Hotel (five-minute walk to city centre with free WiFi) and Design Hotel Eden near the station. Luxury stays include the Kruisherenhotel, a beautifully renovated Gothic monastery in the centre.

Key areas for dining include Onze Lieve Vrouweplein, Vrijthof, Maaspromenade, and Wycker Brugstraat. Eating out is not always cheap, with most restaurants catering to a posh older crowd. On weekdays there are good low-priced sandwich outlets and fries-based take-aways. Notable options include Cato by cato (international cuisine, €6-8), Friterie Wieck for great fries, and Bisschopsmolen bakery selling bread from their own water wheel mill. For drinks, Take One stocks over 150 Belgian and Dutch beers.

The Vrijthof is the beating heart of the old city, featuring the St Servaas Church and St Jan's Cathedral, hosting festivals including Carnival before Lent. The St Servaas Basilica (€5 entrance) is built on the grave of the first known bishop of the Netherlands. The Bonnefantenmuseum (adult €7.50) showcases Old Masters and contemporary art including Rubens and Van Dyck. The Derlon Museum Cellar displays Roman finds from the 2nd-4th century (free entry). The Museum aan het Vrijthof (€8 adults) is housed in Charles V's former retreat.

Shops are generally open 09:00-17:00, closed Monday morning. Thursday some shops open until 21:00, and Sunday 12:00-18:00. The main shopping area is between the Vrijthof and the Markt, south of the river. The TEFAF European Fine Art Fair is among the world's leading art fairs. Boekhandel Dominikanen, housed in a deconsecrated church, is worth visiting for its architecture.

Maastricht has many bars, restaurants, pubs, and dance clubs on Vrijthof and Markt squares. With a university and many international companies, there is a mixture of international pubs and clubs. Take One (Th-M 16:00-02:00) stocks over 150 Belgian and Dutch beers. Cafe 't Pothuiske near the River Maas offers rare Belgian and Dutch brews.

Maastricht is a safe city if you are not looking for trouble. Pickpocketing and muggings have been known to occur in less tourist-friendly parts of the city, but tourists are rarely targeted.

The Netherlands American Cemetery and Memorial in Margraten is 9.5 km east of Maastricht, open 09:00-17:00 (closed Dec 25, Jan 1), with 8,301 American military dead. The Sint Pietersberg caves offer guided tours through limestone mines where Dutch national art collections were stored during WWII. Fort Eben-Emael in Belgium is open to the public on certain weekends. Valkenburg aan de Geul offers historic castle ruins and old mine tours.

North via A2 to Amsterdam, south via A25 to Liège in Belgium (6 km to border). East via N278 to Aachen, west via N79 to Sint-Truiden in Belgium. The Pieterpad long-distance walking route passes through. Heerlen is accessible via A79 to the east.