Sightseeing in Maastricht - what to see. Complete travel guide
Even though Maastricht is a relatively small town (its population is approximately 122,000 and its area is almost 60 square kilometers), the city is distinguished by the atmosphere of a capital and a large international center. Dutch, French and German, along with the local dialect are the leading languages here. The city is rich in culture, history, monuments, folklore and traditions.
The majority of popular tourist shops in Maastricht are located close to Vrijthof Square. You can find many popular clothes stores with frequent sales and various promotions, as well as … Open
In Maastricht, travelers with children will find many wonderful entertainments. They can walk in mysterious caves, relax in beautiful gardens, and visit many interesting museums. Start your … Open
Do not forget to visit the basilica itself, , as well as its treasury. This is the place where the history of Maastricht is kept, embodied in jewelry. The Shrine of St. Servatius, the first bishop of the Netherlands, as well as the golden tomb that keeps the remains of this patron saint of the city. All the items here are directly or indirectly connected to this historically important figure. The basilica is the place where you can see the holy cup of Saint Servatius, his belt, crosier and key. Besides this, the basilica stores a unique collection of silk and lots of wonderful paintings and drawings. The basilica and the treasure vault are open at the same time. However, during the divine service the entrance to the treasury is closed. Visitors are welcome to visit the basilica throughout a year. From May to October here are organized guided excursions to the church, and tourists don’t have to pay extra for an opportunity to hear interesting stories about this place.
Vrijthof.
In Dutch Vrijthof means "enclosure" or "a courtyard outside a church". In Maastricht Vrijthof Square has the second meaning. It is located in front of the Basilica of Saint Servatius and is often called the heart of the city. This is the place where you can get acquainted with the province of Limburg just like it is, and, probably, like it always will be. There are nice restaurants and cafes around the square, where you can taste the most delicious local food and drinks. The route of the city tram also starts from Vrijthof Square. Here visitors can make a 45-minute tour to the historical center of the city and see many wonderful places of interest. The tram is fully closed, equipped with heating and it has 35 seats. By the way, this is the only tram that can be seen on the streets of Maastricht. Besides the tram, the square is the location of Vrijthof Theatre. Almost every day the theatre hosts performances of the highest quality - opera, cabaret, musicals and dance shows - the stage of the theatre has seen all kinds of performances.
In Dutch Vrijthof means "enclosure" or "a courtyard outside a church". In Maastricht Vrijthof Square has the second meaning. It is located in front of the Basilica of Saint Servatius and is often called the heart of the city. This is the place where you can get acquainted with the province of Limburg just like it is, and, probably, like it always will be. There are nice restaurants and cafes around the square, where you can taste the most delicious local food and drinks. The route of the city tram also starts from Vrijthof Square. Here visitors can make a 45-minute tour to the historical center of the city and see many wonderful places of interest. The tram is fully closed, equipped with heating and it has 35 seats. By the way, this is the only tram that can be seen on the streets of Maastricht. Besides the tram, the square is the location of Vrijthof Theatre. Almost every day the theatre hosts performances of the highest quality - opera, cabaret, musicals and dance shows - the stage of the theatre has seen all kinds of performances.
While walking around the city, you can discover most unusual and original gastronomic facilities. For example, Pakhoes restaurant offers to its guests most popular dishes from Dutch, French … Open
This church has appeared on the site of the baptismal chapel of XIV century in front of the Basilica of St. Servatius. Over the years the church has grown and expanded. In 1632, the church became the property of Dutch Reformed Community. The 70 meter tall tower painted in red color is the most striking element of the church. Do not forget to go inside the church to see the pulpit created by Conrad Perkins and a wonderful organ.
Dominican Church.
Dominican Church was built in the end of the XIII century. The church is built in gothic architectural style, but there are also elements of romance. The northern part of the church is the place where you can see wonderful arches decorated with frescoes of the XIV century. You will be certainly amazed by frescoes made by Thomas Aquinas. These are the oldest murals in the Netherlands and oldest works by Thomas Aquinas. During last 200 years, the church was used for a variety of purposes, and some of them were really unexpected – the church was a banquet hall, and even a terrarium... Nowadays, the church has been restored and now it houses the Selexyz bookshop.
Dominican Church was built in the end of the XIII century. The church is built in gothic architectural style, but there are also elements of romance. The northern part of the church is the place where you can see wonderful arches decorated with frescoes of the XIV century. You will be certainly amazed by frescoes made by Thomas Aquinas. These are the oldest murals in the Netherlands and oldest works by Thomas Aquinas. During last 200 years, the church was used for a variety of purposes, and some of them were really unexpected – the church was a banquet hall, and even a terrarium... Nowadays, the church has been restored and now it houses the Selexyz bookshop.
Of course, the southernmost city of Holland is distinguished by special national features. Its residents cherish the traditions and customs of their ancestors. You will understand this if … Open
Markt van Maastricht, which is located alongside Vrijthof, is one of the most important squares in the city. The beautiful Maastricht Town Hall is located here. The square appeared at the time when the town hall was built - in the XVII century. Nowadays, Market Square is the location of a great number of restaurants and cafes. Every week a market is open here on Wednesday and Friday. On Fridays, the market is especially great.
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City tours, excursions and tickets in Maastricht and surroundings
Reference information
Shopping streets in Maastricht
♥ Shopping area ' Stokstraat' Maastricht, 0.2 km from the center. On the map Photo
♥ Shopping area ' Wycker Brugstraat' Maastricht, 0.2 km from the center. On the map Photo
♥ Shopping area ' Kleine Staat' Maastricht, 0.3 km from the center. On the map Photo
♥ Shopping area ' Grote Staat' Maastricht, 0.4 km from the center. On the map Photo
♥ Shopping area ' Stokstraat' Maastricht, 0.2 km from the center. On the map Photo
♥ Shopping area ' Wycker Brugstraat' Maastricht, 0.2 km from the center. On the map Photo
♥ Shopping area ' Kleine Staat' Maastricht, 0.3 km from the center. On the map Photo
♥ Shopping area ' Grote Staat' Maastricht, 0.4 km from the center. On the map Photo
Survived castles around Maastricht
♥ Castle 'Valkenburg castle' , 9.6 km from the center. On the map Photo
♥ Castle 'Alden Biesen Castle' , 12.3 km from the center. On the map Photo
♥ Castle 'Jansgeleen Castle' , 15 km from the center. On the map Photo
♥ Castle 'Hoensbroek Castle' , 17.3 km from the center. On the map Photo
♥ Castle 'Landsfort Heerlen' , 20.3 km from the center. On the map Photo
♥ Castle 'Valkenburg castle' , 9.6 km from the center. On the map Photo
♥ Castle 'Alden Biesen Castle' , 12.3 km from the center. On the map Photo
♥ Castle 'Jansgeleen Castle' , 15 km from the center. On the map Photo
♥ Castle 'Hoensbroek Castle' , 17.3 km from the center. On the map Photo
♥ Castle 'Landsfort Heerlen' , 20.3 km from the center. On the map Photo
National and city parks around Maastricht
♥ National Park 'De Meinweg' , 43.6 km from the center. On the map Photo
♥ National Park 'De Groote Peel' , 53.5 km from the center. On the map Photo
♥ National Park 'De Maasduinen' , 86.3 km from the center. On the map Photo
♥ National Park 'De Loonse en Drunense Duinen' , 97.7 km from the center. On the map Photo
♥ National Park 'Grenspark de Zoom - Kalmthoutse Heide' , 108.8 km from the center. On the map Photo
♥ National Park 'De Meinweg' , 43.6 km from the center. On the map Photo
♥ National Park 'De Groote Peel' , 53.5 km from the center. On the map Photo
♥ National Park 'De Maasduinen' , 86.3 km from the center. On the map Photo
♥ National Park 'De Loonse en Drunense Duinen' , 97.7 km from the center. On the map Photo
♥ National Park 'Grenspark de Zoom - Kalmthoutse Heide' , 108.8 km from the center. On the map Photo
Art galleries in Maastricht and around
♥ Art museum 'Bonnefanten Museum' Maastricht, 0.9 km from the center. On the map Photo
♥ Art museum 'Bonnefanten Museum' Maastricht, 0.9 km from the center. On the map Photo
Sights around Maastricht from our guide 'Extreme places on Earth'
Abteiberg Museum
From the series “Famous buildings of Postmodern architecture”
Check on the map: Distance from Maastricht center - 64.1 km.
The year 1901 is considered the official date of the museum's foundation. It occupied several rooms in the city hall building for the first three years of its existence. The museum moved to the former Protestant school building in 1904. It was located there until 1925. The museum was moved to the Karl-Brandt House in 1926. It stayed there until 1944. This historic building was destroyed during the Second World War. So the museum had to find a new location. It was located in the Oskar-Kühlen-Haus building until 1982. The museum building is an outstanding architectural landmark of Monchengladbach today. …
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Aachen Cathedral
From the series “Top 15 Unesco Sites in Europe”
Check on the map: Distance from Maastricht center - 28.4 km.
A lot of amazing legends relate to the cathedral. According to one of them, the money for the construction was donated by the Devil himself. In exchange, he wanted to take the soul of the first creature who will come to the finished cathedral. Local residents managed to outwit the devil. When the cathedral was completed, they let a wolf come first. A number of outstanding historical events are associated with the place. Here, 35 kings and 14 queens of the German Empire were enthroned. Today, the Aachen Cathedral is as majestic as hundreds of years ago. Once inside, it’s impossible to look away from artistic colorful stained-glass windows, marble walls and ceilings, incredible painting, and other items of decor. …
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Thailand Relaxes Its COVID-19 Policy
New Year events in Thailand are likely to bring more people this year because everyone is tired of lockdowns and craving normal life. Many tourists, who book hotels in Pattaya, Krabi, or Phuket for the holiday season, also want to participate. As champagne has become an essential drink for New Year celebrations, the question regarding alcohol consumption comes to mind. The government allowed serving alcoholic drinks during the New Year countdown but only open-air cafes and restaurants with good ventilation will be permitted to do this until 1 am on 1 January 2022. This rule is nationwide. Read this
28.03.2024
New Year events in Thailand are likely to bring more people this year because everyone is tired of lockdowns and craving normal life. Many tourists, who book hotels in Pattaya, Krabi, or Phuket for the holiday season, also want to participate. As champagne has become an essential drink for New Year celebrations, the question regarding alcohol consumption comes to mind. The government allowed serving alcoholic drinks during the New Year countdown but only open-air cafes and restaurants with good ventilation will be permitted to do this until 1 am on 1 January 2022. This rule is nationwide. Read this
28.03.2024
Search touristic sites on the map of Maastricht
All about Maastricht, Netherlands - sightseeings, attractions, touristic spots, architecture, history, culture and cuisine. Prepare your trip together with OrangeSmile.com - find out the 'must see' things in Maastricht, which places to visit, which excursions to take, where the breathtaking views are waiting for you. Planning your trip with this travel guide will help your to get the most out of Maastricht in few days.