18 Popular Tourist Places to Visit and Things to Do in Maastricht


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.

This Blog Post contains affiliate links. If you purchase anything from that link then I may earn a small part of the commission and for that, you do not need to pay any extra amount.

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.

Market Square

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.

Book Store Dominicanen

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.

Vrijthof

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.

Basilica of Saint Servatius

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.

Saint Jan`s 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.

Museum aan het Vrijthof

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.

Museumkelder Derlon

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.

Basilica of Our Lady

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.

Bisschopsmolen

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.

Maastricht Natural History 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.

Fort St. Pieter

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.

Maastricht Underground

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.

Mount Saint Peter

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.

City 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.

Helpoort

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.

Saint Servatius 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.

Centre Ceramique

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.

Bonnefanten 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

  1. Book Store Dominicanen
  2. Bonnefanten Museum
  3. Basilica of Saint Servatius
  4. Basilica of Our Lady
  5. Fort St. Pieter
  6. Helpoort
  7. Museum aan het Vrijthof
  8. Saint Jan’s Church
  9. Caves Zonneberg
  10. Caves of St. Peter
  11. Natural History Museum of Maastricht
  12. City Hall
  13. Centre Ceramique
  14. Grotten Noord
  15. Marres Art Museum
  16. Museum of Illusions
  17. Kazematten Waldeck Maastricht Underground
  18. Hoeve Lichtenberg
  19. Sphinx Passage
  20. Kasteel Borgharen
  21. Drukkunst Museum
  22. Eiffelgebouw Maastricht
  23. Monument d’Artagan
  24. Museum Kelder Derlon
  25. De Jezuietenberg
  26. Treasury St. Servaas
  27. Arteaux Art Gallery
  28. Spaans Gouvernment Museum
  29. Galerie MOA
  30. Meerssenhoven Castle
  31. Schuilkelder Museum
  32. Father Vinck Tower
  33. Old City Wall
  34. Chateau Jerusalem
  35. Netherlands American Cemetery
  36. Basilica of the Blessed Sacrament
  37. Eijsden Castle
  38. Castle of Rijckholt
  39. Stitchting De Rotswoning
  40. Museum Het Ursulinen Convent
  41. Oorlogs Museum Eyewitness
  42. Castle Genhoes
  43. Geulle Castle
  44. Castle Stein

Nature & Wildlife Tourist Spots in Maastricht

  1. Mount Saint Peter
  2. D’n Observant Chalet
  3. Randwijk Nature Trail
  4. Duivelsgrot
  5. Jeker River
  6. Gueule River
  7. Oeheovallei
  8. Bemelerberg
  9. Eijsder Beemden
  10. De Dellen
  11. Bunderdos
  12. Brakke Berg
  13. De Waardhoff

Entertainment & Leisure Tourist Spots in Maastricht

  1. Stadspark
  2. Fronten Park
  3. Bureau Europa
  4. Jekertal Vineyard
  5. Speeltuin Fort Willem
  6. Waldeck Park
  7. Greindpark
  8. Escape Hunt Maastricht
  9. Hoge Fronten Park
  10. Fair Play Casino
  11. Geusselt Park
  12. Bear Pit Zoo
  13. Louwberg Vineyard
  14. Proosdij Park
  15. Curfsgroeve Park
  16. Groeve Blom Park
  17. Rotsvallei Margraten

Shopping in Maastricht

  1. Market Square
  2. Stokstraat Street
  3. Mosae Forum
  4. Entre Deux
  5. Quarter Wyck
  6. Jerkerkwartier Street
  7. Bredestraat Street

Beaches in Maastricht

  1. Pietersplas Marina
  2. Spasstal Beach

Offbeat Places, Tours, & Adventure in Maastricht

  1. Hiking
  2. Camping
  3. Nature Trails
  4. Walking Tours
  5. Bicycle Tours
  6. Fishing
  7. River Cruise

Sightseeing in Maastricht

  1. Vrijthof Square
  2. Sint Servaasburg
  3. Onze Lieve Vrouweplein Square
  4. Stokstraat
  5. Hoge Brug Bridge
  6. Dinghuis
  7. Wilhelminaburg Bridge
  8. Pont John F. Kennedy
  9. Hoofdwacht
  10. Vrijheid Park
  11. Juliana Canal

Food, Dining, Restaurants, & Street Food in Maastricht

  1. Bosch Brewery
  2. Le Bon Vivant
  3. Eetcafe de Preuverji
  4. Tout a Fait
  5. Sour Meat
  6. Bouchon d’en Face
  7. Make and Take
  8. Living Room
  9. Pizzeria Piano B
  10. Vers
  11. 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

  1. Kruisherenhotel Maastricht
  2. Hotel Beaumont
  3. Crowne Plaza Maastricht, an IHG Hotel
  4. Novotel Maastricht
  5. NH Maastricht
  6. Derlon Hotel Maastricht
  7. Maison Haas Hustinx & Spa
  8. Hotel Britannique
  9. Hotel Botticelli
  10. Townhouse Hotel Maastricht
  11. Hotel Monastere Maastricht
  12. Urban Hotel Fitz Roy

Mid-Range Hotels

  1. Buitenplaats Vaeshartelt
  2. Hotel van der Valk Maastricht
  3. The Dutch
  4. Mabi Hotel Centrum
  5. Teaching Hotel Chateau Bethlehem
  6. Designhotel Maastricht
  7. Kaboom Hotel
  8. Amrath Hotel DuCasque
  9. The Green Elephant Hostel & Spa
  10. The Student Hotel Maastricht
  11. Amrath Grand Hotel de l’Empereur
  12. Hotel De la Bourse

Budget Hotels

  1. Hotel Zenden Maastricht
  2. Apart Hotel Randwyck
  3. Easyhotel Maastricht City Centre
  4. Boutique Hotel Grote Gracht
  5. Select Hotel Maastricht
  6. Bastion Hotel Maastricht Centrum
  7. Botel Maastricht
  8. In den Hoof Hotel-Restaurant
  9. Stadsherberg De Poshoorn
  10. Hotel Beez
  11. Hotel Matuchi
  12. Saillant Hotel Maastricht City Centre

TripAdvisor

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

The post 18 Popular Tourist Places to Visit and Things to Do in Maastricht appeared first on Wide World Trips.

Wide World Trips

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *