Cultural must-sees in Maastricht according to local Renske Thomas

What are Maastricht's cultural must-sees according to a local? We asked Renske Thomas. She lives in Maastricht, studied cultural studies and worked for the cultural foundation Cultura Mosae for a long time. In her free time, she also likes to engage with art and culture. A true culture connoisseur therefore, who knows where to find the most beautiful spots in her Maastricht.

Meet Renske

Renske likes to travel, but is also a fan of the culture in her own city. 'I think Maastricht is aesthetically a very beautiful city, which is really different from other cities in the country. There is a calm, non-hurried atmosphere. Besides, you can eat well, enjoy the special culture and cosy meeting places.' Renske has a big heart for art and culture and loves the city of Maastricht. She likes to visit cultural events. And there are plenty of them in the city. According to her, there is always something beautiful to discover. To those beautiful places she likes to go looking.

Renske in 5 words: curious, sincere, optimistic, creative and a thinker/dreamer

renske thomas portrait series maastricht marketing
Lumière | Muziekgieterij | Marres | Festen | Idyllic little bridge | Café Zondag | The Little Meadow |

Lumière

Anyone who, like Renske, loves arthouse films should visit Lumière cinema, according to her. She often comes there to enjoy the latest films or classics on the big screen. Visitors have over three hundred films to choose from every year. 'It is a beautiful building with fine theatres. There is always a film on the programme I am curious about. Sometimes I miss not being allowed to bring popcorn into the auditorium. Fortunately, there is a restaurant and nice terrace by the water, where you can have a glass of wine or a nice plate of pasta before or after the film.'

  • renske thomas portrait series lumiere maastricht marketing
  • Lumiere Maastricht

  • Lumière Cinema

    With six theatres and an atmospheric Grand Café, Lumière Cinema is the place for the exceptional film in Maastricht. More info on Lumière Cinema

    Lumière Cinema

  • Lumière Grand Café

    On 't Bassin, with stunning views of the water, you will enjoy the most delicious dishes and drinks at Lumière. Located in the old power station of the Sphinx factories. More info on Lumière Grand Café

    Lumière Grand Café

Muziekgieterij

In Maastricht, Renske prefers to visit concerts at the Muziekgieterij. A wide variety of bands perform there, from pop-rock to indie and from emerging to well-known names. 'This music venue gives space to young musicians on singer/songwriter nights, for example. There are upcoming, surprising talents performing and big names, in the main hall. The Muziekgieterij has something raw and real, which makes it a nice place to experience music.' The Muziekgieterij was founded in 2004 and has since become a highlight for music lovers from home and abroad.

  • renske thomas portrait series muziekgieterij maastricht-marketing

Marres - & Marres Kitchen

For the most interesting exhibitions, Renske says you have to be at Marres, Huis voor Hedendaagse Cultuur. 'Each exhibition gives a totally different atmosphere and the special spaces feel very intimate. The makers are very diverse: young, old, collaborations between professionals and amateurs, et cetera.' The historical building also houses the Marres Kitchen restaurant with Mediterranean and Middle Eastern dishes. 'I like to come here in nice weather for lunch in the beautiful city garden. Having lunch here always gives a bit of a homely feeling.' At around 1,000 square metres, the green oasis is Maastricht's largest public garden. Enjoy your lunch!

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  • marres renske thomas portrait series interior maastricht marketing 2024

Festen

Anyone looking for a special gift for themselves or someone else should visit Festen, according to Renske. The shop was founded by locals in 2010. Thanks to its fast-changing range, you will be surprised again during every visit. Renske describes it as 'an authentic little shop with special products. It feels a bit fairy-like in there. You sometimes have to look carefully for the gems, because there are so many different things to find.'

  • Festen

    Colourful gift and home decoration shop with an ever-changing collection. More about Festen

    Festen

Idyllic little bridge - in the Stadspark (city park)

The little bridge near the Pesthuys is one of Renske's favourite spots. 'Here you really get an idyllic feeling: what a beautiful city I live in. I sometimes make a special detour by walking or cycling so that I pass this spot on my way to work'. From the little bridge you can take a city walk or a stroll through the green city park. In summer, she also likes to hang out in the city park for a picnic or festival, such as Borrel Noten.

Tip: keep an eye on the entertainment calendar for the best events!

  • renske thomas portrait series jekerkwartier pesthuys maastricht jeker bridge marketing

  • Pesthuys Podium

    The Pesthuys Podium is a small but charming theatre set in a unique location in Maastricht's old city centre. More info on Pesthuys Podium

    Pesthuys Podium

  • Stadspark (city park)

    A romantic picnic, a culinary event, sports activities or just a nice walk. Maastricht Stadspark (city park) has it all. More info on Stadspark

    Stadspark (city park)

  • Drinks Nuts '25

    Enjoy around 30 free concerts. From Jazz to Yiddish, Blues to Brass Band, Soul to Singer-songwriter & World to Latin. More info on Borrel Noten '25

    16 July to 10 August

    Drinks Nuts '25

Café Zondag

At Café Zondag, Renske loves coming. Whether for breakfast, lunch or drinks, she says this is the place to be thanks to the relaxed atmosphere, people and music. 'Here I always experience a Sunday feeling, mañana mañana. At the end of the day, the last rays of the sun still fall precisely on the terrace.' According to Renske, what you really have to try here are a glass of Kölsch or a Dark&Stormy cocktail. For lunch, the week's specials are highly recommended. This café in the Wyck district regularly hosts live performances, parties, exhibitions and other activities.

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  • renske thomas portrait series cafe sunday maastricht marketing

The Little Meadow

Renske enjoys visiting the Kleine Weerd nature reserve on the southern edge of Maastricht. 'This is where you come to relax after work or for an evening walk. This lovely place with beautiful nature is perfect for clearing your head.' Walking paths criss-cross the rugged nature reserve along the Maas. While walking, you look out on the rippling water, in which you might just spot a bever. You might also encounter 'wild' Konik horses along the way. Are your legs not tired yet? Then you can extend your walk to other subareas of the Maasbeemden nature reserve. Tip from Renske: 'the sunset in the Kleine Weerd is very beautiful.'

  • renske thomas portrait series de kleine weerd maastricht marketing

  • Kleine Weerd

    Nature reserve on the banks of the Maas with paved paths interspersed with rough vegetation where the most surprising diversity of flora and fauna can be found. More info on Kleine Weerd

    Kleine Weerd De Kleine Weerd Maastricht Renske Thomas

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