10 Things to Do in Maastricht

We all know that studying is not only about university and your experience depends a lot on your surroundings. Naturally, you are interested in what Maastricht has to offer apart from campus life, which is why I would like to give you an overview about the best things to see and do here.

1. Relax at the Vrijthof

Maastricht’s main square is a great place to start exploring the city or to just enjoy the beautiful surroundings. Especially, if the weather is nice you will see many people having lunch or coffee in the many cafés surrounding the Vrijthof.

Fun Fact: Although you cannot see it nowadays, a few centuries ago, this place used to serve as a Roman and Frankish cemetery.

2. Grab some street food at the Markt

The Markt is just a couple of minutes away from the Vrijthof and should not be missed. Apart from the townhall, you will usually find some food trucks here and the Frituur Reitz, which supposedly offers the best fries in Maastricht. On Wednesdays and Fridays this place turns into a market, where you can buy fresh fish, traditional local products, or even textile products.

3. Take a stroll around Wyck

To get to this unique quarter of Maastricht, you will have to cross the river to get to the other side of the city. There, you will find many vintage boutiques, trendy cafés, and picturesque narrow streets.

4. Drink a Coffee at the Dominican bookstore

This bookstore used to be a church and now offers great coffee, apart from the many books you can buy there. Especially during the weekend, this spot tends to be a bit crowded, which is why it is advisable to go there during the week, if you want to have a seat.

5. Shop in the city center

Need some new shoes, or just casually want to check out the new trends? You won’t be disappointed! Whether you prefer independent boutiques or the big global retailers, Maastricht’s got you covered.

6. Hang out in the Stadspark

Behind the city wall, you will find a beautiful park, which is a great place to be on sunny days to have a picnic with your friends. Usually, you can even meet some animals there like goats and birds, however, this area is currently being renovated.

Fun Fact: A part of the wall close to the lake recently collapsed and has to be rebuilt.

7. Educate yourself in Maastricht’s museums

If museums are your thing, visit the Bonnefantenmuseum for medieval and contemporary art, the Centre Céramique to learn about Maastricht’s cultural heritage, or one of the many other museums Maastricht has to offer. If you are more into unconventional stuff, you can even visit a brewery, where you will learn a lot about the process of brewing beer. Afterwards, of course, you’ll have the chance to treat yourself with some craft beer.

8. Cycle to Belgium

As you might already know, Maastricht is located close to the German and Belgian border. It is as close to Belgium that you can even cycle there with ease – isn’t it cool to say that you cycled to a different country?

9. Celebrate Carnival

In late February or early March, the city of Maastricht turns into a giant celebration which lasts for almost a week. During this time, it is hard not to notice all the costumes, music, and colors surrounding the event. The best time to go is usually Sunday, as this is when the grand parade takes place.

10. Indulge in some waffles or Dutch snacks

When walking around the city center, you will quickly notice the sweet smell of waffles, which are freshly made in many cafés. If you don’t really have a sweet tooth or just need something savory, don’t worry! There are many places offering Dutch snacks such as Bitterballen, Frikandels, or Fries a broad range of possible sauces to add.

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