Optimal enjoyment in Maastricht around the holidays

Want to make the most of Maastricht's cosy winter atmosphere? Then visit the city during relatively quiet times, such as in the month of November or during the week. There are several convenient and surprising ways to reach the city centre. Have you arrived? Then explore the city via one of the three magical light routes. Will you join us?

From modern to historic | From Wyck to Vrijthof | Industrial Sphinx |

From modern to historic

Coming to Maastricht by car? Then it is useful to find out in advance where you can park. Check out the options outside the most well-known car parks. These will be busier than usual and we can imagine you will want to avoid that. What can we recommend? Parking at the Bonnefanten. Underneath the museum is a Q-park garage where it is usually quieter than in the city centre. And our tip: reserve your spot in advance. That way you are guaranteed to be able to park your car and start your visit in peace and quiet.

This is also the starting point of the light route 'From modern to historic'. You walk along the Meuse through Charles Eyck Park with beautiful views of the city, via the modern Céramique district towards the historic Onze-Lieve-Vrouwenplein. Turn right before the first (bicycle and pedestrian) bridge to reach Plein 1992. Here you will find various catering establishments and the Centre Céramique, a striking building that houses the city library and the Maastricht Museum, among others.

From the square, you reach the city park via the Hoge Brug bridge. The towers of the Helpoort gate and Basilica of Our Lady tower over the city. This is a place where several historical elements come together. Turn right, walk along the city wall with cannons and then turn left twice. You will then emerge onto St Bernardusstraat. Walk down this atmospheric little street until you can turn right again. Here you walk along the side of the Church of the Recollects. At the end of the street you will find the entrance to the church and several lovely shops in the Maastrichter Heidenstraat. Walk straight ahead until you reach another imposing building, the former Jesuit monastery church. If you turn right here, into Bredestraat, you'll end up at Onze-Lieve-Vrouweplein.

From late November, the city's mood lighting is on, with the orbs in the trees in Onze Lieve Vrouwe square as one of the absolute highlights. Take a seat at one of the cosy restaurants for a hot chocolate or dinner. Highly recommended: visit the chapel at the 'Slevrouwe' basilica. This is freely accessible. It is a ritual for many locals and visitors to light a candle here, a nice gesture in keeping with the Christmas spirit.

  • Magical Maastricht lighting Our Lady's Square
  • spark plug candle lighting slevrouw our dear lady basilica notretouch

From Wyck to Vrijthof

Are you visiting Maastricht by train or bus in the near future? Then you have the luxury of not having to look for a parking space and your visit to the city can begin immediately! Ideal isn't it? And if you come to the city centre actively by bike, we advise you to park your bike in the underground and guarded bike park near the station. However you get there, with the station as the starting point of your visit, you can walk straight through the cosy Wyck district. This is where the light route 'From Wyck to Vrijthof' starts. In this part of town, you'll find numerous restaurants and boutiques. The decoration of the streets is also impressive in the run-up to the holidays. Twinkling lights, Christmas trees and stylish shop windows make this part of Maastricht definitely worth a visit. Don't forget the side streets!

  • Christmas tree wyck magical maastricht light routes notretouch

Stroll down Wycker Grachtstraat and Rechtstraat towards the bridge. There is so much beauty to discover here. Then cross the Sint-Servaas Bridge to reach the city centre and, for a quick turnaround, stroll along Kesselskade, Hoenderstraat and Grote Gracht towards Vrijthof. There is the winter event of the year, Magical Maastricht Vrijthof. The ultimate Christmas décor to take a ride on the Ferris wheel, skate and enjoy a hot or cold snack. Of course, you can also choose to take a seat around the Vrijthof at one of the restaurants and experience the magical atmosphere from there.

Industrial Sphinx

Another way to reach Maastricht if you come by car is to park at Q-park Frontenpark. This car park is on the other side of town, but still within walking distance of the city centre. Coming to Maastricht in the evening specifically to admire the lights? An evening rate applies here in the evening. Nice touch! Tip: should there be no space here, the Fort Willem car park is also a good option. The city route 'Industrieel Sphinx' starts from here, in the Sphinx Quarter.

This area is home to several stories about the former pottery and plumbing factory. Today, the factory building houses a hotel with rooftop bar and an organic shop, among others. At the bottom of the building, you can relive history in the Sphinxpassage.

  • The Social Hub

    If you think every journey should be inspiring, then you've come to the right place at The Social Hub. Find out more about The Social Hub

    The Social Hub

  • Sphinxpassage

    A 120-metre-long covered tile passage between the Eiffel Building and Pathé. Almost 30,000 tiles bring Maastricht's Sphinx past to life. More information about Sphinxpassage

    Sphinxpassage

  • Bold Rooftopbar

    Come and enjoy breathtaking views, delicious cocktails and a relaxed atmosphere. More info on Bold Rooftopbar

    Bold Rooftopbar Bold Rooftopbar interior

  • Gedeelde Weelde

    At Gedeelde Weelde in Maastricht, you can taste the power of local, sustainable and honest products - a place where community and taste come together. More info on Gedeelde Weelde

    Gedeelde Weelde Gedeelde Weelde

The area also comprises a vast (Fronten) park, local coffee roastery and several other surprising businesses. Across from the Sphinx building, in the Bassin, you will find, among other things, an arthouse cinema with restaurant. The history of the area is clearly reflected there too. From the Sphinx Quarter, you walk along the beautifully lit Boschstraat to the Markt. There stands the beautiful City Hall with Mosae Forum shopping centre behind it. In the second week of December, a magnificent Christmas tree is decorated here on the side of the Meuse. Fun to admire or photograph!

  • Accessibility

    Want some extra tips on how best to reach the city, where to park and how to use public transport or a shared bike? Then check out the tips from Maastricht Bereikbaar.

    Maastricht Bereikbaar
    Share bike from Arriva

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