At the final stop of our tour across the Netherlands, we decided to go as far south as possible to see another aspect of the country (and the next stop was France!) Maastricht is completely different from the rest of the Netherlands. The rest of the Netherlands! I arrived in town on a Sunday – Mother’s Day exactly – I found that much of the city was closed until 1pm due to Mother’s Day celebrations (at least that’s what the waiter told me). So I spent only half a day exploring before taking the train to St. Gerlach, a gorgeous chateau in the Dutch countryside. Here’s a quick guide from my short visit to the city!
Your Guide to Maastricht
Arrived at Maastricht
I arrived in Maastricht early in the morning to prepare for the big day of adventure around town. We quickly learned that the store wasn’t open until noon, as Dutch Sunday trading is a new concept only introduced last year. Over the course of time I began wandering through the cobblestone streets of the city, finding many cafes and shops to return to when the city opened.
The walk from the train station takes just 10 minutes and follows one road directly to the city centre (whatever comes out of the station). Along the way, stop by bread and delicious things for the most delicious macarons you can find in Europe for 1.10 euros!
Maastricht Guide: Visiting shops
Bookstore Dominican
This was the highlight of the city for me, a book worm I confessed to having already bought three books on this trip. The Dominican bookstore is housed in an old church and is considered one of the most beautiful bookstores in the world (you can certainly see why!)
Get directions
Coffee lovers bookstore
While you’re in the church/bookstore, grab a drink or a small sip at the “Coffee lovers,” a cafe inside the bookstore. The Yoghurt-Strawberry smoothie was a great pick, doubled as a half flanch!
Bread and delicious
When I began to expect this blog, I went to business looking for the best macarons in the city. You would have been happy to eat the whole tray of bread & delicious salted caramel macarons between the main train station and the town centre (conveniently, where I passed by at 10am and still loaded). Sadly, when I returned later that day (they closed at 1pm on Sunday), they closed again the following day (they also close on Monday). By the way, at the time of writing this blog, macarons cost 1.10 euros each. More reasons to stock up before Paris!!!
Main square
In the heart of the town is where you can find the vibrant atmosphere in the city. Many street vendors line up to showcase local produce, making the perfect excuse to try (and buy) cheese! From here you will notice that many locals and tourists enjoy the meal. I quickly realized that Dutch people love excuses going outdoors (Sunshine is sometimes unusual after all), and you’ll find some great cafes around here.
Koffie & The Design Route
A little outside the city centre is Koffie, perhaps the best coffee in town and part of Maastricht’s “design route.” The design route is full of galleries and concept stores that are quick to inspire.
Walking through the city of Maastricht
But of course, the city’s biggest draw is simply wandering around leisure and enjoying a relaxed lifestyle here in the South. Maastricht is close to France, Germany and Belgium, creating a unique blend of culture, language and people. If you have more time, rent a bike and explore the outer edge of the city, and perhaps even venture into the Dutch countryside!
Enjoy this guide from Maastricht. In the comments, let us know which recommendations will most help you in your visit!