Experience a digital detox at Magical Maastricht

The end of the year is the perfect time to slow down and really live in the present. We challenge you to plan your visit to Maastricht in advance and then let the city surprise you when you arrive. Are you up for this unique challenge? If so, keep reading.

First things first: which arrangements should you make online before you leave? If you plan to stay a night or two, finding a comfortable place to sleep is a good idea. Check this overview for the best hotels, B&Bs, and resorts and book your stay in a few short steps. If you're planning a day trip, you just have to decide how to get here and where to park. All done? Great! Then you're ready for your offline experience in Maastricht.

The nice thing about the city is that it leads you pretty much everywhere you need to go. The city centre is compact (which means you never have to walk too far) and diverse (which means there's something for everyone). So switch off your phone or leave it in your hotel room safe and experience total tranquillity during your visit to Magical Maastricht – entirely offline. Trust us, you'll love it and your travel companions will too!

The city will be transformed into a magical winter wonderland from 29 November to 31 December. Discover the magic of Maastricht by following the twinkling lights along the Magical Light Route. Shop windows and restaurants along this route invite you to take a short break and enjoy a bowl of traditional onion soup, a slice of Limburg vlaai (sweet tart), or a good glass of wine. When you're all warmed up, you can head back out into the city. A basilica is the perfect place to experience total serenity. Many locals regularly light a candle in the Onze Lieve Vrouwebasiliek (Basilica of Our Lady) or the Sint Servaasbasiliek (Basilica of St. Servatius), both for religious and non-religious reasons. So light your own candle and let the dark hush of the basilica wash over you as you contemplate all that life has to offer.

In need of some extra inspiration? Stop by the Maastricht Visitor Center!

The team would be happy to share the very best activities the city has to offer. This is also the place to be for traditional Maastricht souvenirs and Christmas ornaments, adventurous walking maps, and a useful city guide for information on the go. This guide contains fun facts and figures about Maastricht, has a great map of the city (subdivided into neighbourhoods), and has an overview of all the shops and restaurants.