Things to see and do in Maastricht

Maastricht is a delightful Dutch city on the river Meuse, offering a wealth of historic and cultural attractions. Maastricht is best known as the place where the treaty establishing the European Union was signed in 1992, and it certainly is a cosmopolitan city, very close to the borders of Belgium and Germany, and a melting pot of influences – most of them delicious! 

Is Maastricht worth a visit?

Yes, definitely! As the southernmost city in the Netherlands, and capital of the province of Limburg, Maastricht is less than four hours drive from the LeShuttle terminal at Calais. We highly recommend a weekend in Maastricht, or as a stop-off point if you are on a road trip to cities like Cologne, Aachen or Düsseldorf. A little like The Hague, Maastricht is a city with a slightly sober reputation because of its political associations, but the reality is very different. You’ll find a beautiful city full of historical charm, great shopping opportunities, a buzzing nightlife and fantastic bars and restaurants.  

The best things to do in Maastricht

Sint Janskerk and Sint Servaas basilica, Vrijthof Square

Historic landmarks and architecture

Stroll through Vrijthof Square

Vrijthof Square is the largest of Maastricht’s public piazzas, dominated by two churches, Sint Janskerk and Sint Servaas basilica. Every summer the square is the setting for a series of open air concerts by the Dutch violinist and conductor André Rieu, who was born in the city, and also hosts a popular annual food festival and ‘Magical Maastricht’, the city’s Christmas market. Cafés, restaurants and street food vendors line two sides of Vrijthof Square, making it an ideal spot for some lunch and all important people watching! 

Cross the St Servatius Bridge 

For centuries in Maastricht the only way to cross from one side of the river Meuse to the other was over the Sint-Servaasbrug, which dates from the late 13th century. Often called the oldest pedestrian bridge in the Netherlands, it was extensively rebuilt after World War II, but remains one of Maastricht’s most celebrated sights. Walk or cycle across the cobblestone bridge for a stunning view of the river and the spires of the old town. 

Explore Helpoort, the oldest city gate in the Netherlands

The Hellpoort gate tower

Maastricht has needed strong fortifications during its history, particularly during the medieval period when it was repeatedly besieged and fought over. The city was given permission to build a fortified wall in 1229 by the Duke of Brabant, and the Helpoort is one of those original city gates, the only one to survive nearly 800 years. It is the oldest city gate in the country. Inside the gates you can visit the Fortress Museum, and find out more about the history of the city wall and medieval Maastricht.

Take in the views from Fort Sint Pieter

Another tangible legacy of its more troubled times, Fort Sint Pieter is a pentagonal fortress built on Maastricht’s highest point, the St Pietersberg hill. Flying the flag of Maastricht, a white star on a red background, it has protected the city since the late 17th century. Visitors can walk the fort’s perimeter, looking out through its arches from where cannonballs were shot, and understand the role it has played in the defence of the city. Guided tours are available, which can be combined with a tour of the caves. 

Fort Sint Pieter

Take a guided tour of the Maastricht Caves

The Caves of Maastricht are an incredible series of underground limestone tunnels, originally dug in the 13th century for mining. With their high ceilings, they can easily be walked through, but you will need an official guide, as there are as many as 8,000 individual corridors! People have used the caves as a refuge for hundreds of years, and left their traces in artwork and inscriptions. It wasn’t just people that came here to hide either. During World War II Rembrandt’s masterpiece, The Night Watch, was rolled up and brought to the Zonneberg caves from the Rijksmuseum to save it from being looted by the Nazis.

Museums and cultural sites

Browse books inside Boekhandel Dominicanen

‘A bookshop made in heaven’: Boekhandel Dominicanen

Is this the most beautiful bookshop in the world? A few steps away from the Vrijthof Square you’ll be delighted to stumble on this former Dominican church, which was converted into a huge cathedral of books in 2006. Bibliophiles will feel like they have entered their own version of heaven as they wander the multi-level stacks, plus there is an extensive range of vinyl records to flick through, artwork to admire and a coffee shop serving snacks and light bites. Boekhandel Dominicanen is open 7 days a week, with late opening until 9pm on Thursdays. 

Discover art at the Bonnefanten Museum

Bonnefanten Museum – a design icon by the Meuse 

Looking a bit like a rocket, a bit like a classical dome, the Bonnefanten Museum displays an appropriate mix of old and new in its art collection. Combining both historic works and modern art, the museum’s exhibits include medieval sculpture, old masters from the Flemish and Dutch schools of painting, as well as contemporary and experimental art. Whatever your tastes in art, the Aldo Rossi-designed building on the Meuse waterfront is a Maastricht icon. The museum is open 6 days a week, and closed on Mondays. 

The best things to do in Maastricht with kids

Children will love visiting the Maastricht caves, with guided tours just for them! There are Children’s Cave Tours for children aged 4-7 and 8-12, with guides who tell exciting stories about the tunnels. It’s a real adventure, but make sure your kids bring a torch and wrap up warm. Elsewhere in Maastricht, visit the Stadspark (city park), where kids can let off steam and you can have a family picnic. The Natural History Museum in the university quarter is perfect for a rainy day, exhibiting fossils and life-size recreations of dinosaurs that roamed in Limburg 60 million years ago. 

Indulge in Maastricht’s culinary delights

Maastricht has a thriving food scene, full of fashionable restaurants in the trendy Wyck district, and eateries to suit every budget and palate in the old town. When in Maastricht you have to try ‘nonnevot’, the deep fried pastries coated in sugar and cinnamon which have been eaten in Limburg since the 17th century. Belgian and German influences are felt strongly in what people eat and drink here, so you’ll find plenty of meatballs, frites and mayonnaise and sauerkraut, but the city has a proud gastronomic tradition of its own, and is renowned for its Michelin star restaurants serving locally sourced dishes. 

Café and restaurant culture fills the streets of Maastricht 

Drive to Maastricht from Calais

As the most southerly city in the Netherlands, Maastricht is closer to Calais than most large cities in France. In fact it only takes around 3 hours 45 minutes to drive to Maastricht from the LeShuttle terminal at Calais. After leaving the terminal, take the A16 towards Dunkirk, and then continue on the E40 motorway. You’ll travel on the E40 west to east through Belgium, before picking up the E25 near Liège and crossing into the Netherlands on the A2. Maastricht is then only around half an hour’s drive from the border. You won’t pay tolls on this route – like Belgium and Germany, there are no general road tolls in the Netherlands. 

Plan your visit to Maastricht with LeShuttle

You don’t need a treaty to visit Maastricht – just a ticket for LeShuttle, a few hours behind the wheel and you’ll be there. Get the lowdown on driving in France, Belgium and the Netherlands before you go, and discover more about this Dutch gem.