8x Maastricht squares with terraces

Vrijthof is surrounded by the terraces of cafés and restaurants in distinctive buildings. At the tables, conversations with a soft G mingle with sounds from afar. On the terrace of the Netherlands' oldest café, In Den Ouden Vogelstruys, you have a view of Sint-Servaasbasiliek and the striking red tower of Saint John's Church. In the corner of the square, at Il Bacaro, imagine yourself in Italy: sunshine on the terrace and a fantastic Italian menu. Fancy a cocktail? At Luster, they serve top-notch cocktails and shared dining dishes. Not only on the terraces, the square itself is always lively too. Whether you let yourself be enchanted by the sounds of André Rieu during the summer concerts or by the thousands of lights of the winter event Magisch Maastricht.

Maastricht's stately City Hall stands in the middle of the Markt square. This square is named after the markets that have been held here for many centuries. One of the largest markets in the Netherlands is still held here every Friday. Stroll past the 400 stalls selling vegetables, nuts, fabrics, plants and other market goods. On Saturdays, there is an antiques and bric-a-brac market. Even on non-market days, the terraces around the square are pleasant. There is a terrace for every craving. Fancy a pizza? Take a seat at Al Mercato. Want to taste typical Maastricht sour meat? Join us at Café Minckelers. For special beers, go to Gouverneur and for a nice drink, find a spot on Capital's terrace. Have a good lunch at Café Local, which has been popular with locals for over a century. Tip: also visit the cosy pubs with terraces on the adjoining Boschstraat.

Onze Lieve Vrouwe square is located in the oldest part of Maastricht, within the former late Roman castellum (fortress). The square is named after the Basilica of Our Lady, a beautiful Romanesque building with ornate works of art and a treasury. Under the square's green trees are many cosy terraces belonging to brown city pubs. At De Lanteern, order meals with ingredients from Limburg soil. On the (heated) terrace of Bistro De Comedie, you order French classics and trendy, seasonal dishes. On Onze-Lieve-Vrouweplein you will find one of Maastricht's liveliest terrace streets: Koestraat. This narrow street is full of restaurants and reminiscent of a cosy French village street. Sample Portuguese tapas at Taverna La Vaca or discover a new favourite wine at wine bar Via Mucca.

Plein 1992 is in the modern residential and working district of Céramique. Here at walking distance from the central station are quieter terraces of restaurants not inferior to those in older parts of the city. From the square, admire the architectural bridge designed by the architects of Liège-based René Greisch. The terrace of Café Zuid is a nice place to sit by the water, overlooking the Maas and the green Charles Eyck Park. At Coffeelovers you can enjoy a fragrant cup of coffee with the sun on your head. On summer days, walk a short distance from the square to gelateria Luna Rossa, where you buy Italian refreshment in a cone.

The triangular Sint-Amorsplein in central Maastricht is small but nice. The square features a statue of Saint Amor, a hermit from Belgium who died while visiting the tomb of Saint Servatius. Along the edges and in the centre of this square, within walking distance of the Sint-Servaas bridge and the Vrijthof, there are many great places to plop down for a drink and a bite to eat. Discover new beers at café Falstaff, get a Liège waffle or fresh ice cream at 'TIES or enjoy dishes to share at Basta Gastrobar. Platielstraat connects Sint-Amorsplein with Vrijhof. This street is one of the city's best entertainment streets. In the evening, dance and drink here at Café Cliniq or Café van Bommel.

Without a (digital) map, you probably wouldn't just stumble upon this square. This relatively small terrace is hidden among the city buildings and is quite unknown to visitors. The square lies on the spot where a Roman thermal complex once stood. In 1840, the first excavations were carried out in the city and archaeologists were surprised by the remains of the ancient bath buildings. The square, along with the surrounding Stokstraat Quarter, was renovated in the mid-20th century. Since then, dark lines in the pavement indicate where the thermal walls used to stand. Near the square are good restaurants such as Rozemarijn and Petit Moriaan, the smallest café in the Netherlands, where you can enjoy a drink on the terrace in the shade of the vines.

Parallel to the banks of the river Maas and in the centre of Maastricht are the Kesselskade and Maasboulevard. From the terraces you look out over the river and the Sint-Servaas bridge. This iconic 13th-century stone arch bridge connects this side of the river with the Wyck district. The Kesselskade used to be the quay of the Liège-Maastricht Canal. After 1962, the canal was filled in and the Maasboulevard came into its place. In front of the old buildings of the former quay are terraces with good views. Like Sweet Coffee where you can go for coffee with a sweet treat.

The bustling Wyck district is not only home to good restaurants and unique boutiques, it is also home to Cörversplein. Known for its iconic arches, this square on the old Sint-Servaas Bridge overlooks the modern Hoge Brug bridge, called Hoeg Brök by the locals. On the terraces of Cörversplein, mingle with the locals. With a beer in your hand, and the sun reflecting in the Maas River, this is where you taste the good life of Wyck. Restobar Cinq has a relaxed atmosphere on the terrace. Order a French lunch and - as they do in France - have a glass of bubbles with it. Do you like locally brewed beers? Then Stadsbrouwerij Maastricht brewery is the place to be.