Day trips: Maastricht, Limburg NL

Far in the south of the Netherlands, in a corner bordering Belgium and Germany is a city built along the river Maas, called Maastricht. Generally, a 2-2.5 hr train or car journey from the Randstad south, will take you there. 

It has one of the oldest bridges in NL and along with its main square, cobbled stoned medieval streets, winding alleys and cathedral, a lovely day trip.  

The city is divided into different quarters and every quarter has something to offer. The ‘binnenstad’ is the area between the Servaas bridge, Markt and Vrijthof. This is the ideal quarter for an afternoon shopping. The ‘Wyck’ is very characteristic for Maastricht with historical buildings, local shops and little cafes and pubs with a relaxed atmosphere.

Up market shopping is in the Stokstraat quarter and the Céramique quarter is ‘the new Maastricht’ with interesting modern architecture. The Jeker quarter got its name from the little river that flows through Maastricht, which when strolling feels quite Parisian quarter. Sint Pieter is a beautiful part of Maastricht that leads to the Sint Pieter mountain. 

Walking directly from the station along Stationstreet, you will cross the stone bridge  on foot and your options are to go left, right or straight. The Station-street is welcoming as scented bubbles blow out of a “Rituals” store through the air which drifts along as you walk. 

A straight walk past will lead you to many charming  inner squares with terraces of restaurants and cafes, reasonably priced and selling all kinds of Limburg tart. The area is famous for its diversity in them. There are also plenty of artisan shops. I noticed immediately being in the south that it was a little more French. People tended to be well dressed and smelling good. 

The right hand turn takes you first to the main square “Markt” where they were holding a large antique market and the famous city hall.  Turn back towards the centering line of the  bridge and you will reach another part of the old Town, a huge square on which are the  Sint Janskerk, Gothic-style and the Romanesque Basilica of St.  Servatius next to each other. 

 This main Vrijthof square also holds the museum and the grand space is used for the classical concerts of world famous Andre Rieu, who was born here. He brings his Johann Strauss Orchestra to Vrijthof Square in summer. 

  The Bonnefantenmuseum (derived from the French ‘bon enfants’) is a modern art museum in the quarter Céramique. With its rocket-shaped form, it is one of Maastricht’s most prominent modern buildings. But as it was good weather, I did not visit. 

Vrijthof square 

Wandering small alleys and streets …..

An interesting piece on a main street wall. Donated by the Russia Tsar to Maastricht. Remember, St Petersburg was modelled on Amsterdam waterways by Peter the Great, who visited often to learn how to design St Petersburg. 

Just as Den Bosch, an hour north, just out of the station, you are greeted by a tall statue. 

The town hall on the main square 

Interesting architecture….

Ambling along the river Maas

The antique market.  As Maastricht is also a university town, it is a young vibrant and lively city, all built around the Maas which like Amsterdam on the Amstel, provides the charm.  Just 14 mins by train is an even more charming city, Valkenburg  so if travelling south to Limburg, plan an overnight stay or two to make it worth your while.  More in the next blog!