Maastricht is one of the oldest cities in the Netherlands, with origins dating far back to Roman times. It is located at the far south of the country, on a narrow strip of land between Belgium and Germany. Maastricht is known as the birthplace of the European Union and the euro currency. Visit Maastricht, as it’s an absolute must-see city in the Netherlands.
During our time in the Netherlands, I heard from locals that Maastricht is a city well worth visiting, despite the fact that it’s almost 2.5 hours away from Amsterdam. Since most other cities in the Netherlands are within an hour of each other by train, 2.5 hours is considered a long trip! 🙂 You can visit Maastricht as a day trip from Amsterdam or Utrecht, as there are direct trains between these cities.
We visited Maastricht as part of our long weekend road trip from Utrecht to Luxembourg. If you have a day in Maastricht or are just making a stopover, here is what you can see in this charming Dutch town.
Maastricht City Hall (Stadhuis) and Markt square
Maastricht City Hall (or ‘Stadhuis van Maastricht’ in Dutch) is a historic building designed in the 17th century, located at the Markt Square. As the name suggests, markets are held in the square on Wednesdays and Fridays.
Around Markt Square, there are many cafés and small shops lining the surrounding narrow pedestrian streets. We stayed in a hotel next to the square, which was especially charming in the evening – with the illuminated City Hall and bustling cafés and restaurants full of life.
Looking for recommendations of traditional Dutch food to try? Read my other post – 20 Foods to try in the Netherlands.
It’s worth walking through the narrow streets, starting from the Markt Square, to discover historical buildings, architecture, local and international shops, and the many cafés and restaurants that give this small Dutch town its charm.
Bookshop Dominicanen
A few minutes walk from Markt Square, you’ll find a Gothic church that was repurposed as a bookshop in 2007. Now, that’s not something you find in many other cities!
The Dominican Church (or ‘Dominicanenkerk’ in Dutch), located in the center of Maastricht, is a 13th century church originally built as a monastery for the Dominican order. It was restored in the 21st century, and in 2007, a bookshop opened its doors inside the church.
It’s an absolutely beautiful place, and even if you don’t plan on buying any books, I highly recommend visiting. We ended up purchasing a souvenir magnet of the bookshop to remind us of this place.
Vrijthof, Basilica of Saint Servatius and St. John Church
Vrijthof is the main town square of Maastricht. It’s surprisingly large for a small town and is surrounded by cafés, restaurants, and historical buildings.
If you visit Maastricht during the Christmas season, Vrijthof is the place to be. In fact, the whole city comes alive in December! With its Christmas markets, ice rink, Ferris wheel, festive lights and atmosphere, the town transforms into ‘Magical Maastricht’.
On Vrijthof Square, you’ll find several of Maastricht’s historical buildings, including the Basilica of Saint Servatius – an 11th century cathedral with a rich history. Inside, you can explore the museum of religious artifacts, known as the Treasury of the Basilica of Saint Servatius. Check their website for opening times and admission prices (available only in Dutch).
Another heritage building on Vrijthof Square is St. John Church (or ‘Sint-Janskerk’ in Dutch). This Gothic church stands next to the Basilica of Saint Servatius and features a tall, striking red tower. The tower is open to visitors, allowing them to climb the stairs and take in a beautiful view of Maastricht. Check their website for opening hours and admission prices (also only in Dutch).
The Onze Lieve Vrouweplein
Maastricht has no shortage of charming public squares in its historic district. One of them is Onze Lieve Vrouweplein, or Square of Our Lady. The square is home to the Basilica of Our Lady (Basiliek van Onze Lieve Vrouwe), an 11th-12th century church with stained glass windows.
You’ll also find many cafés in the square and the surrounding streets. Our boys especially enjoyed an ice cream shop and a chocolate café nearby.
Sint Servaasbrug
Sint Servaasbrug is the oldest bridge in the Netherlands. This stone pedestrian bridge, built in the 13th century, spans the Meuse River. It was constructed to replace an ancient Roman bridge that had collapsed, which at the time was the only bridge crossing the Meuse. The original wooden Roman bridge actually gave Maastricht its name – it meant ‘crossing of the Meuse’ in Latin.
Sint Servaasbrug has undergone multiple renovations over the years and now features a drawbridge connected to the main structure.
You can cross Sint Servaasbrug and walk along the east bank of the river, following Stenenwal Street and passing the historic city watergate, Waterpoortje. Then, return via Hoge Brug, a modern pedestrian bridge that offers scenic views of the river and the city, leading you directly into the green expanse of Maastricht’s riverfront park, Stadspark.
Helpoort
Maastricht is home not only to the oldest bridge but also to the oldest city gate in the Netherlands!
Helpoort (also known as ‘Hell Gate’), a massive city gate built in the 13th century, was originally part of the fortification wall surrounding the city. Helpoort served as a defensive structure for about two centuries. Over time, it was repurposed as a meeting place for cloth makers, a harness house, a powder magazine, and even a residence. Today, Helpoort houses the Fortress Museum, where visitors can explore Maastricht’s rich military history.
Interesting facts about Maastricht
We had a great time in Maastricht and highly recommend visiting this charming Dutch town. Even if you’re just passing through and have a few hours to spare, take the opportunity. You won’t regret making a short stop or spending an entire weekend exploring Maastricht.
Here are a few interesting facts about Maastricht:
Maastricht is one of the oldest cities in the Netherlands. It has the oldest bridge – Sint Servaasbrug, and the oldest city gate – Helpoort – in the country.
Maastricht is the birthplace of European Union and the euro currency. The Treaty of European Union (also known as the Maastricht Treaty), was signed by European countries in 1992 in the city of Maastricht. The single European currency, the euro, was also established at that time.
While you probably already knew that Maastricht is the birthplace of European Union, I bet the next fact will surprise you.
Did you know that D’Artagnan, the hero of The Three Musketeers novel by Alexandre Dumas, was based on a real historical figure? Charles de Batz de Castelmore, also known as D’Artagnan, was a French Musketeer who lived in the 17th century.
What does this have to do with Maastricht, you ask? Well, the real D’Artagnan died in 1673 during the Siege of Maastricht in the Franco-Dutch War. This event was later mentioned in Alexandre Dumas novel The Vicomte de Bragelonne.
The Dominicanen Bookshop in Maastricht has appeared in the popular British newspaper ‘The Guardian’. It’s been mentioned as one of the most beautiful bookshops in the world. I couldn’t agree more!
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Next, why not visit Cologne or Luxembourg city? Read my posts on Cologne – A Day in Cologne: Top Sights to Explore or Luxembourg – One day in Luxembourg city
What a beautiful city. I was only in Amsterdam and Eindhoven, but Maastricht seems so different.
Maastricht is indeed different. No wonder – its location (and influence) is closer to Belgium and Germany than to the Netherlands 🙂
I would love to visit that library in the old church!
Truly worth a visit! 🙂
The Onze Lieve Vrouweplein looks more like a castle than a church. Fascinating seeing other places that aren’t just Amsterdam and windmills!
Yeah, I think majority of visitors go to Amsterdam or to see tulip fields. But there are many more places in the Netherlands to visit and enjoy 🙂
What an interesting place! I’ve never been to Maastricht (you’re right – at 2.5 hours away from Amsterdam, that’s “far” for the Netherlands hehe). But from your post it looks like it would be a very interesting place to visit. Bookshop in an old church? Yes!
Any food recommendations for Maastricht?? (let’s be real, this is what I really want to know!)
Haha 🙂 We also usually love to try local food when travelling!
In Maastricht we dined in Wall-Stock restaurant on the river-front with a nice view to the river and Sint Servaasbrug (it was warm and they have an outside seating area). Nice, fresh food and drinks, and the views! 🙂
We enjoyed your post and like seeing more of the Netherlands.
Happy to hear that! Thanks for reading 🙂
Oh I think I would love Maastricht. The architecture is right up my street.
I loved the architecture too!