A day out in Maastricht? 17 local things to do in Maastricht

The area of Maastricht is where people have been living for over 20 centuries and a popular destination for day trips for more than just the endless shopping opportunities.

Also the city offers an impressive list of sights to see that take you back in time into the rich history of the city. Below you find a number of these that definitely deserve a spot on your must-see list.

Basilica of Our Dear Lady

At the Onze Lieve Vrouweplein (Square of Our Dear Lady) in Maastricht you find the Basilica of Our Dear Lady. This Roman style church has a turbulent history and has even served as a horse stable and a cannon forge. Walk in when your around [...] Continue reading about Basilica of Our Dear Lady.

Basilica of Saint Servatius

Welcome to the oldest still existing church in the Netherlands, the Basilica of Saint Servatius at the Vrijthof. On this exact location there have been no less than four churches over the course of the previous centuries, with this being the last. Starting with the [...] Continue reading about Basilica of Saint Servatius.

Helpoort

The Helpoort (Hells Gate) used to be a prison and is the oldest still existing city gate in the Netherlands that to the day of today is home to an interesting historical collection. During the centuries a multitude of fortifications have been added to the [...] Continue reading about Helpoort.

Sint Janskerk

When strolling around the Vrijthof in Maastricht, be sure to visit the 80 meter high tower of the Sint Janskerk to enjoy an amazing view over the city. For sure you won't be able to miss this church from the 14th century, thanks to the [...] Continue reading about Sint Janskerk.

Sint Pietersberg

What many visitors of Maastricht don't know is that there are many defense tunnels below the city that were dug underground over time. The best example of this can be viewed at the Sint Pietersberg (Mount Saint Peter, two kilometers south of the Helpoort). The [...] Continue reading about Sint Pietersberg.

Wall of Our Dear Lady

Like the remaining gate at the Helpoort, the city walls of Maastricht provide a glimpse of the history around the 13th centry when the city got permission to build these. A great spot to have a look at the walls is around the Wall of [...] Continue reading about Wall of Our Dear Lady.

Maastricht definitely owes part of its beauty to the many squares scattered across the city, both large and small. The Vrijthof being the most famous one, but there are plenty more.

Markt

Welcome to the Markt (Market Square) in Maastricht with its 17th century city hall and dozens of national heritage monuments like the various mansions that surround the square and make it a sight itself. Remarkable is the Mosae Forum on the side of the Maas [...] Continue reading about Markt.

Square of Our Dear Lady

The Square of Our Dear Lady, named after the church at the square, has in the past been chosen as the most beautiful square of the Netherlands and today remains a sight to see while visiting Maastricht. Besides a great place to relax on one [...] Continue reading about Square of Our Dear Lady.

Vrijthof

The Vrijthof is definitely the most famous square in Maastricht, where many terraces and restaurants invite you to enjoy the more frequent beautiful weather. Next to that, the Vrijthof is the location for carnivals and events like the Preuvenement (last week of August) which turns [...] Continue reading about Vrijthof.

Both around the Maas river and in the rest of the city center of Maastricht you’ll find quite a bit of green to enjoy in the city parks. A nice way to briefly relax while shopping during your trip to Maastricht.

Hoge Fronten

The Hoge Fronten (High Fronts) is more a landscape than just a park, despite it being found close to the city center of Maastricht. The almost 40 acres of the protected natural monument are definitely worth exploring with the city walls that are scattered throughout [...] Continue reading about Hoge Fronten.

Stadspark Maastricht

The Stadspark (City Park) in Maastricht is a widely known area as inhabitants of the city refer to the entire green strip from the Maas river up to the Prins Bisschopsingel. Part of this large area are, among others, the Faliezusterspark, the Henri Hermanspark and [...] Continue reading about Stadspark Maastricht.

Given the rich history of the city of Maastricht, the excellent museums you’ll find there shouldn’t come as a surprise. To get an idea of what to expect, have a look at the examples below.

Bonnefantenmuseum

At the Bonnefantenmuseum (name originating from the french 'bons enfants') in Maastricht you find masterpieces of both old masteres, like Rubens and Van Dyck, as contemporary art. In the presentation of the works the museum collaborates with various private collections making the variety of the [...] Continue reading about Bonnefantenmuseum.

Centre Céramique

The Centre Céramique is where visitors are welcomed to explore the diversity in collections that are owned by the city of Maastricht. Like ceramics and glass collections that contain items from times that have long gone, like those of the Romans and the Middle ages. [...] Continue reading about Centre Céramique.

Museum at the Vrijthof

Curious about what Maastricht was like throughout the centuries? Come and visit the Museum at the Vrijthof and you're sure to discover it. Assisted by the latest in audio and projection techniques the museum lets you see history through the eyes of an authentic historical [...] Continue reading about Museum at the Vrijthof.

Natuurhistorisch Museum

In the Natuurhistorisch Museum (Natural History Museum) in Maastricht there's actually a real Kids Museum during your day out. Like you can find on the website, it's an interactive museum with many fun puzzles and searches for kids between 8 and 12 years old. Here [...] Continue reading about Natuurhistorisch Museum.

While planning to visit Maastricht, keep an eye out for the events on the city’s event calendar. Ranging from jazz festivals to culinary highlights, they’re sure to make your trip even more worthwhile.