Maastricht is the capital of Limburg province in the Netherlands. The city is situated on the southwestern border of the Netherlands with Belgium. It is built on either side of the river Meuse and is flanked by Mount Saint Peter at its southwest end. Some of the best things to do in Maastricht, Netherlands are centered around this mountain. It is a site of great historical and cultural significance. The mountain is home to St. Peters Fort and a network of underground caves and tunnels. These are among the top historical places to visit in Maastricht. The ruined fort has seen many battles, defending the city from invaders.
Maastricht’s origins can be traced back to the middle ages as the capital of the Carolingian Empire. Though there aren’t many traces of this period left in the city. But you can still find remnants of the city’s early history among things to see in Maastricht archeological museums.
The Romans occupied the region around the 12th century. Although a wooden bridge was already built here by the Romans in the 1st century AD. There are several Romans-built Maastricht tourist attractions and several historical buildings in the city exhibit romanesque architecture. There is much history to be explored during Maastricht sightseeing. The city has the second highest number of national heritage buildings after Amsterdam.
In modern times, the city is well known as the birthplace of the Euro with Maastricht Treaty. It is also a vibrant cultural center for arts. Art museums and galleries are among the top Maastricht tourist spots. These places have an equally boastful collection of historical artworks as they have of contemporary ones.
But it is not galleries and museums, but the city’s market square that provides the best cultural experience during Maastricht travel. The market at this square is different for each day of the week and comes alive with a colorful range of products, produce, and people.
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Top 18 Tourist Places to Visit in Maastricht in 3 Days (Trip Itinerary)
Day 1
1. Market Square
This old town market is considered the historical heart of the city. The market is different each day. On Wednesday, it is a farmers market with 200 stalls. Then Thursday, the market is focused on handicraft items and sustainable products created by locals. For Friday, the market expands to 300 stalls selling a variety of things like cosmetics, food products, fashion, plants, fruits, and more. Finally, on Saturday, it becomes a flea market selling collectible items and antiques as well. It is the place for some of the best things to do in Maastricht, Netherlands. You can easily spend a couple of hours exploring the market and its surroundings.
2. Book Store Dominicanen (Boekhandel Dominicanen)
This bookstore is housed in a 13th-century church. It is one of the best places to visit in Maastricht to admire the classical gothic architecture. The bookstore houses more than 50 thousand books, but people come here to explore the architecture and the interior decor. The curved arches and stained glass windows are some of the finest features of the building. You will need 30 to 45 minutes to tour the building.
3. Vrijthof
This is the largest public square in the Limburg province. The square is surrounded by historical buildings. Some of the top things to see in Maastricht around Vrijthof include St. John Church & Tower, St. Servatius Church, Vrijthof Theatre, and so on. The square serves as host to several concerts, events, and shows including the famous Maastricht Carnival. You will need about half an hour to explore this church.
4. Basilica of Saint Servatius (Sint Servaasbasiliek)
Built between the 11th and 13th centuries, this church is a wonderful example of Romanesque architecture in the Netherlands. The church is dedicated to Saint Servatius, an18th century American missionary. It is included among the top Maastricht tourist attractions for its marvelous interior as well. In stark contrast to its romanesque exterior, white painted walls and medieval-style glass windows draw from baroque design elements. You will need at least an hour to explore this church.
5. Saint Jan`s Church (Sint-Janskerk)
Built between the 15th and 16th centuries, this church is included among UNESCO’s list of Dutch monuments. The church is known for its beautiful architecture and its iconic 79-meter tall tower. This church was also the site of important events. It is included among the top Maastricht attractions for its architecture, interior decor elements, and historical significance. There are several legends associated with the construction of the church and events that took place within it. The tower of this church is one of the best vantage points for Maastricht sightseeing. You will need 30 to 45 minutes to explore this church.
6. Museum aan het Vrijthof (Fotomuseum aan het Vrijthof)
This museum focuses on exhibiting modern artworks. The most famous aspect of this museum is the “500 Years Made in Maastricht: exhibit. It is among the best Maastricht tourist spots to experience the cultural history of the city in one place. The museum also exhibits artifacts from the 17th to 20th centuries including horse pistols, furniture, decor pieces, glassware, porcelain, and more. You will need at least an hour to tour this museum.
7. Museumkelder Derlon
This archeological museum is situated inside Hotel Derlon. The museum showcases findings from an excavation done under the hotel itself. Archeologists discovered an ancient Roman Shrine dating back to the 2nd century. It is one of the most fascinating places to see in Maastricht. You will need at least an hour to tour this museum.
8. Basilica of Our Lady (Basiliek van Onze-Lieve-Vrouw)
This 11th-century Roman Catholic Church is known for its collection of religious artifacts and relics. It is also among Maastricht’s top attractions for its romanesque architecture with elaborate arches. You will need 30 to 45 minutes to tour this church.
Day 2
1. Bisschopsmolen
This is the oldest working watermill in the Netherlands. Trying out treats at the cafe-bakery attached to the mill is one of the most fun things to do in Maastricht, Netherlands. This food joint is known for its pies, cakes, croissants, and traditional delicacies. You can easily spend half an hour or so munching treats and exploring the place.
2. Maastricht Natural History Museum (Natuurhistorisch Museum Maastricht)
This museum focuses on the natural history of the region and other parts of the Netherlands. The collection features fossils and exhibits concerning zoology, geology, botany, and more. You will need about an hour from Maastricht travel to tour this museum.
3. Fort St. Pieter
This 18th-century fort was built to protect the city from French forces. The efficiency of this fort earned this city the nickname “Iron City”. The fort has an intricate defense structure with a network of caves and tunnels. It is one of the finest historical places to visit in Maastricht. A tour of this fort will tell you about its history, architecture, weapons, and battles fought over it. You will need about 2 hours to tour this fort.
4. Maastricht Underground
This network of caves and tunnels sits under Fort St. Pieter and even expands beyond the fort’s boundaries. Some of the caves pre-date the 18th-century fort. The facilities of the tunnels were used to protect important art pieces and artifacts of the Netherlands during the second world war. It is one of the most fascinating historical sites to explore when you visit Maastricht. A guided tour of the tunnels and caves is about 2 hours long.
5. Mount Saint Peter (Sint-Pietersberg)
This mountain is home to St. Peter Fort, an underground cave network, forests, ravines, and quaint villages. Most sites of the mountain are well connected by roads, but you can also explore it on foot. People come here for hiking and camping as well. You will come across some of the most interesting things to see in Maastricht while exploring this mountain. You will need 3 to 4 hours to explore this mountain and its attractions.
Day 3
1. City Park
This public park is a popular place to go for leisure and recreation. It is known for several top things to do in Maastricht. The park has beautiful sculptures, a zoo, green spaces, a river stream, and remnants of the medieval wall. You can easily spend an hour or so enjoying the offerings of this park.
2. Helpoort
This iconic city gate dates back to the 13th century. The central structure of the gate is flanked by 2 round towers. The orange-colored wooden watchhouse easily stands out from the stately stone facade. It is a robust-looking Maastricht tourist attraction. You will need 30 to 45 minutes to admire this ancient structure.
3. Saint Servatius Bridge (Sint Servaasbrug)
This 13th-century stone bridge connects the city over the Meuse river. This bridge was built to replace a Roman wooden bridge that was built in 50 AD. You will only need a few minutes from Maastricht sightseeing to admire this bridge.
4. Centre Ceramique
This museum and cultural center focus on historical artworks, artifacts, and archeological findings. The museum primarily focuses on Maastricht pottery. The cultural center hosts interesting events, workshops, and exhibitions promoting contemporary artists. You will need about an hour to tour this museum.
5. Bonnefanten Museum (Bonnefantenmuseum)
This art museum has an interesting collection of both historical and contemporary works of art. This Maastricht attraction features work by well-known artists such as Sol LeWitt, Iannis Kounnelis, and Luciano Fabro. You will also get to see a collection of Italian artworks created between the 13th and 16th centuries. The second floor of the museum is dedicated to contemporary artists of Maastricht. You will need an hour or so to tour this museum.
If you are looking for more Maastricht tourist spots, check out the sections below. We have put together the ultimate list of places to visit and activities to enjoy in and around the city.
Best Things to do in Maastricht, Netherlands
Monuments, Museums & Historical Places to Visit in Maastricht
- Book Store Dominicanen
- Bonnefanten Museum
- Basilica of Saint Servatius
- Basilica of Our Lady
- Fort St. Pieter
- Helpoort
- Museum aan het Vrijthof
- Saint Jan’s Church
- Caves Zonneberg
- Caves of St. Peter
- Natural History Museum of Maastricht
- City Hall
- Centre Ceramique
- Grotten Noord
- Marres Art Museum
- Museum of Illusions
- Kazematten Waldeck Maastricht Underground
- Hoeve Lichtenberg
- Sphinx Passage
- Kasteel Borgharen
- Drukkunst Museum
- Eiffelgebouw Maastricht
- Monument d’Artagan
- Museum Kelder Derlon
- De Jezuietenberg
- Treasury St. Servaas
- Arteaux Art Gallery
- Spaans Gouvernment Museum
- Galerie MOA
- Meerssenhoven Castle
- Schuilkelder Museum
- Father Vinck Tower
- Old City Wall
- Chateau Jerusalem
- Netherlands American Cemetery
- Basilica of the Blessed Sacrament
- Eijsden Castle
- Castle of Rijckholt
- Stitchting De Rotswoning
- Museum Het Ursulinen Convent
- Oorlogs Museum Eyewitness
- Castle Genhoes
- Geulle Castle
- Castle Stein
Nature & Wildlife Tourist Spots in Maastricht
- Mount Saint Peter
- D’n Observant Chalet
- Randwijk Nature Trail
- Duivelsgrot
- Jeker River
- Gueule River
- Oeheovallei
- Bemelerberg
- Eijsder Beemden
- De Dellen
- Bunderdos
- Brakke Berg
- De Waardhoff
Entertainment & Leisure Tourist Spots in Maastricht
- Stadspark
- Fronten Park
- Bureau Europa
- Jekertal Vineyard
- Speeltuin Fort Willem
- Waldeck Park
- Greindpark
- Escape Hunt Maastricht
- Hoge Fronten Park
- Fair Play Casino
- Geusselt Park
- Bear Pit Zoo
- Louwberg Vineyard
- Proosdij Park
- Curfsgroeve Park
- Groeve Blom Park
- Rotsvallei Margraten
Shopping in Maastricht
- Market Square
- Stokstraat Street
- Mosae Forum
- Entre Deux
- Quarter Wyck
- Jerkerkwartier Street
- Bredestraat Street
Beaches in Maastricht
- Pietersplas Marina
- Spasstal Beach
Offbeat Places, Tours, & Adventure in Maastricht
- Hiking
- Camping
- Nature Trails
- Walking Tours
- Bicycle Tours
- Fishing
- River Cruise
Sightseeing in Maastricht
- Vrijthof Square
- Sint Servaasburg
- Onze Lieve Vrouweplein Square
- Stokstraat
- Hoge Brug Bridge
- Dinghuis
- Wilhelminaburg Bridge
- Pont John F. Kennedy
- Hoofdwacht
- Vrijheid Park
- Juliana Canal
Food, Dining, Restaurants, & Street Food in Maastricht
- Bosch Brewery
- Le Bon Vivant
- Eetcafe de Preuverji
- Tout a Fait
- Sour Meat
- Bouchon d’en Face
- Make and Take
- Living Room
- Pizzeria Piano B
- Vers
- Minckelers
Where to Stay in Maastricht?
Here we have listed Top Rated Luxurious, Mid-Range and Budget Hotels in Maastricht. You can check below listed hotels for your perfect stay in Maastricht.
Luxurious Hotels
- Kruisherenhotel Maastricht
- Hotel Beaumont
- Crowne Plaza Maastricht, an IHG Hotel
- Novotel Maastricht
- NH Maastricht
- Derlon Hotel Maastricht
- Maison Haas Hustinx & Spa
- Hotel Britannique
- Hotel Botticelli
- Townhouse Hotel Maastricht
- Hotel Monastere Maastricht
- Urban Hotel Fitz Roy
Mid-Range Hotels
- Buitenplaats Vaeshartelt
- Hotel van der Valk Maastricht
- The Dutch
- Mabi Hotel Centrum
- Teaching Hotel Chateau Bethlehem
- Designhotel Maastricht
- Kaboom Hotel
- Amrath Hotel DuCasque
- The Green Elephant Hostel & Spa
- The Student Hotel Maastricht
- Amrath Grand Hotel de l’Empereur
- Hotel De la Bourse
Budget Hotels
- Hotel Zenden Maastricht
- Apart Hotel Randwyck
- Easyhotel Maastricht City Centre
- Boutique Hotel Grote Gracht
- Select Hotel Maastricht
- Bastion Hotel Maastricht Centrum
- Botel Maastricht
- In den Hoof Hotel-Restaurant
- Stadsherberg De Poshoorn
- Hotel Beez
- Hotel Matuchi
- Saillant Hotel Maastricht City Centre
Custom Tours Package in Maastricht
How to Reach Maastricht?
By Air
The city is connected to a few cities in Europe by a small airport. You can get direct flights to visit Maastricht from Alicante, Bari, Barcelona, Amsterdam, Eindhoven, Rotterdam, Brussels, Charleroi, and Liege. You can get cabs and buses to get to the city from the airport.
Other close airports to pick for Maastricht travel are Brussels, Dusseldorf, and Cologne.
By Road
You can get direct trains to reach Maastricht from Sittard, Heerlen, Roermond, Eindhoven, Den Bosch, Utrecht, and Amsterdam. You can also get a direct train from Liege in Belgium.
The bus network is far more widespread. Maastricht is connected with several cities in the Netherlands, Belgium, and Germany by direct buses.
If you are planning to reach Maastricht by road, head for routes A2 and A79.
By Water
There are no direct water routes to visit Maastricht.
Image Reference
- Market Square – Marco Wintjens / PixaBay
- Book Store Dominicanen (Boekhandel Dominicanen) – Jorge Franganillo / Flickr
- Vrijthof – Jorge Franganillo / Flickr
- Basilica of Saint Servatius (Sint Servaasbasiliek) – Shirley de Jong / Flickr
- Saint Jan`s Church (Sint-Janskerk) – Shirley de Jong / Flickr
- Museum aan het Vrijthof (Fotomuseum aan het Vrijthof) – Pierre Swillens / Flickr
- Museumkelder Derlon – Kleon3 / Wikimedia Commons
- Basilica of Our Lady (Basiliek van Onze-Lieve-Vrouw) – Ben Bender / Wikimedia Commons
- Bisschopsmolen – Berthold Werner / Wikimedia Commons
- Maastricht Natural History Museum (Natuurhistorisch Museum Maastricht) – pneumaticpost / Flickr
- Fort St. Pieter – Joe Thomissen / Flickr
- Maastricht Underground – Kevin Gessner / Flickr
- Mount Saint Peter (Sint-Pietersberg) – John Brown / Flickr
- City Park (Stadspark) – L.1951a / Wikimedia Commons
- Helpoort – dronepicr / Flickr
- Saint Servatius Bridge (Sint Servaasbrug) – Dennis Jarvis / Flickr
- Centre Ceramique – edamman / PixaBay
- Bonnefanten museum (Bonnefantenmuseum) – Jim Forest / Flickr
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