5 days of adventure in lively Maastricht

Maastricht is a city that is alive. A new adventure awaits behind every corner. Be inspired by this five-day travel guide full of insider tips and discover your own itinerary. One thing is certain: you will never run out of things to do here. Ready to go?

Check-in - at The Dutch

Your adventure starts at The Dutch, a funky boutique hotel in Wyck where you immediately taste Maastricht's laid-back atmosphere. The colourful interior and retro vibes complete this place. The minibar is included and you get a Breakfast Bag with goodies to make your mornings easy. A good start, right? Check in, leave your luggage and get ready to dive into the city.

  • The Dutch Hotel Maastricht interior hangout
  • The Dutch

    Affordable comfort, creative design and Maastricht hospitality. Here you will enjoy a full-service hotel in a self-service manner. More about The Dutch


    The Dutch

Lunch and stroll - across town

At Café Zondag, enjoy a lunch that locals queue up for. Choose a toasted sandwich or a hearty salad, accompanied by good coffee, a homemade lemonade or a nice glass of wine. Then it's time to explore Wyck. This part of town is known for its many boutiques and concept stores. Stroll down Hoogbrugstraat and Rechtstraat, past various shops and studios.

  • Cafe Zondag Wyck Maastricht bar
  • Rechtstraat Wyck Maastricht shops window displays
  • Luna Rossa ice cream parlour Maastricht

Visit the Maastricht Store

Then cross the centuries-old Sint-Servaas bridge to head towards the city centre. In the city centre, you'll find all kinds of iconic monumental buildings and spots, think Vrijthof with the Sint-Janskerk and the Sint-Servaas Basilica, the Dinghuis, the city hall around the Markt and more. Make a stop at the Maastricht Store, in the Dinghuis, where you can find products from local makers, answer all your questions about the city, get tips, book tours and shop the cutest souvenirs. Then wander through the romantic Jeker Quarter, with its hidden courtyards, quaint streets and historic buildings.

  • Dinghuis Maastricht entrance Maastricht Store

Italian dinner and secret cocktails

At Prosciutto in the Jekerk Quarter, it feels like you're entering an Italian family osteria. Fresh pasta, good wine and a warm atmosphere make this a top choice. Feeling adventurous? Walk to the Vrijthof and head for Somewhere In The Middle, a hidden cocktail bar with a speakeasy concept. Here you tap on a secret door, and voila: an intimate spot with the best cocktails in town. Perfect to end your first day. Afterwards, get a good night's sleep at The Dutch.

Prosciutto restaurant Maastricht interior Prosciutto restaurant Maastricht dish
  • Somewhere In The Middle cocktail bar Maastricht pouring drinks
  • Somewhere In The Middle cocktail bar Maastricht interior bar
  • Prosciutto

    Prosciutto is a cosy place with fresh pasta, antipasti and wines. Authentic Italian enjoyment in a warm interior with welcoming atmosphere. More info on Prosciutto


    Prosciutto Prosciutto Maastricht
  • Somewhere In The Middle

    Hidden under the Vrijthof: an intimate cocktail bar with warm atmosphere, creative cocktails and surprising flavours in a stylish setting. More info on Somewhere In The Middle


    Somewhere In The Middle Somewhere In The Middle Maastricht interior

Day 2 - Cosy brunch at Livin’ Room

After a good night's sleep at The Dutch, it's time for a hearty brunch in the city centre. Livin’ Room feels like a warm living room, with dishes that are just that little bit different. Try the signature pancakes or go for the avocado toast: always a hit.

  • Livin’ Room

    Livin' Room is a cosy breakfast and lunch café in the heart of Maastricht, on Heggenstraat. With a homely atmosphere and a varied menu, including gluten-free options, it is a fine place to enjoy fresh and tasty dishes. More info on Livin’ Room


    Livin’ Room

Mount Saint Peter - and ENCI Quarry

A short walk will take you to St Peter's Mountain, a must-go for anyone who loves rugged nature. Follow the winding paths with panoramic views over the Meuse valley. Descend to the ENCI quarry, an abandoned limestone quarry that is now a unique nature reserve. The clear blue water and impressive rock formations are a feast for the eyes. Pause at Chalêt d'n Observant, a charming café for coffee or hot chocolate and homemade pastries.

  • Enci quarry Maastricht hiking trail
  • Chalet d'n Observant terrace La Trappe board

Culinary surprises and live music

Bistro Croquant is all about culinary innovation. The menu is an ode to croquettes, but with surprising ingredients such as mushroom truffle, rendang or vegetable curry. For the evening, the Muziekgieterij is the place to be. From rock and jazz to electronic beats, here you will experience the best live performances in an industrial setting. At the end of the evening, cross the bridge to spend the night at The Dutch.

Bistro Croquant Maastricht through window Bistro Croquant Maastricht table from above with dishes
  • Muziekgieterij Maastricht indoor hall concert
  • Muziekgieterij Maastricht outside two people walking

Day 3 - Slow breakfast

Enjoy breakfast in your room with The Dutch's Breakfast Bag, richly filled with yoghurt and granola, fruit, fresh orange juice and a daily changing pastry. Afterwards, hire a (electric) bike. Today you will discover the beautiful Meuse landscape around Maastricht.

  • The Dutch hotel Maastricht breakfast bag
  • Maastricht station Arriva bus and shared bikes

Bike ride to Eijsden

Cycle along the Meuse towards Eijsden, an idyllic village near the Belgian border. In nature reserve Eijsder Beemden, you spot wild horses, rugged nature and quiet ponds. Walk across the grassy plains and enjoy the silence. Enjoy lunch at Eetcafé Aon 't Bat by the water, where the view of the river Meuse makes the food even tastier. After a relaxing afternoon, cycle back to Maastricht.

Eijsder Beemden nature reserve pond Eijsder Beemden nature reserve hikers
  • Eijsder Beemden

    Nature reserve along the Meuse near Eijsden. You will find open grasslands, ponds and willow forests. Galloway cattle and Konik horses graze freely here. More information about Eijsder Beemden


    Eijsder Beemden Eijsder Beemden

Or will you take the STEP?

Are you a real sports enthusiast and want to challenge yourself a touch? Then don't hire a bike, but a scooter. At STEP Maastricht, you can have fun on the scooter. Set off on your own or follow one of the routes (routes for everyone, young and old). Take some snacks for the road, handy in the basket, and go on an adventure!

  • STEP Maastricht

    Would you like to rent a scooter in Maastricht? At Step Maastricht you can easily rent a scooter and combine a route with beautiful sights. More info about STEP Maastricht


    STEP Maastricht STEP Hire Maastricht

Citizens - and beers

Back in Maastricht, slide into Burgerlijk, where you'll find burgers of all shapes and sizes. Vegan, wagyu or classic? There is plenty of choice. Still fancy a last drink? Bar Brutal is the place to be. Trendy, cosy and a bit cheeky. It's just a short walk to your hotel The Dutch.

  • Civil restaurant Maastricht front entrance
  • Civil restaurant Maastricht dishes
  • Bar Brutal window entrance with logo
  • Bar Brutal interior bar
  • Burgerlijk Wyck

    Burgerlijk serves delicious burgers for everyone, from meat lovers to vegans. The restaurant exudes a cosy, homely atmosphere. More info on Burgerlijk Wyck


    Burgerlijk Wyck Civil Maastricht
  • Bar Brutal

    Bar Brutal in Wyck is the place for special beers and good food. Located near the train station, it offers a relaxed atmosphere. More info on Bar Brutal


    Bar Brutal Bar Brutal terrace

Day 4 - But first coffee

Start your day with sweet rolls from Bakkerij Koos and a coffee or tea to-go at neighbouring Coffeelovers in Céramique. Walk to the station and hop on the Drieland train towards Liege. It's time for a trip across the border.

  • Coffeelovers Maastricht barista behind bar pouring coffee
  • Coffeelovers Maastricht two glasses of toast
  • Liege station tri-land train Arriva
  • Coffeelovers

    Coffeelovers is the coffee café of coffee roaster Blanche Dael. The freshly roasted coffee is lovingly prepared by trained baristas. More about Coffeelovers


    Coffeelovers

Explore Liege

Liege is a city full of contrasts. Climb Montagne de Bueren, a staircase with 374 steps that rewards you with spectacular views. At the top, you will find Monument au 14ème Régiment de Ligne, the Citadel of Liège and Observation Platform: Belvédère Liège.

  • Liege Liege stairs panoramic view
  • Liege park red roses museum de La Boverie

Then visit La Boverie, a modern art museum in a beautiful park. Works by Picasso, Van Gogh and Monet are always on display here. For a break, Le Pot au Lait is highly recommended: an eclectic bar full of vintage furniture and creative chaos. You'll really feast your eyes there!

  • Montagne de Bueren

    An impressive staircase with 374 steps. Once built for soldiers as a quick route to the citadel, now a popular attraction. More info on Montagne de Bueren


    Montagne de Bueren Montagne de Bueren
  • La Boverie

    Discover La Boverie in Liège: art by Picasso and Monet among others, temporary exhibitions and a beautiful park on the Meuse for a nice walk. More about La Boverie


    La Boverie Parc de la Boverie Liège
  • Le Pot Au Lait

    Le Pot au Lait in Liège is a bar with a psychedelic atmosphere, live music, DJs and a wide selection of Belgian beers for a diverse crowd. More info on Le Pot Au Lait


    Le Pot Au Lait Hatch terrace street evening

Georgian-Belgian dinner

Cabale, in the centre of Liège, is a gem for those who love original flavours. Chef-couple Yann and Tina bring together Belgian and Georgian cuisines in creative dishes such as salsify with coffee vinegar and scallops with black pudding. Their zero-waste philosophy makes every plate sustainable as well as thoughtful. The atmosphere is warm and casual, the Georgian wines sublime. Cabale is the place where culinary innovation and tradition go hand in hand.

  • Cabale

    Cabale in Liège offers a unique blend of Georgian and Belgian cuisine in a cosy atmosphere. Read more about Cabale


    Cabale Liege view evening

One more drink then

After a delicious meal, take the train back to Maastricht. Finish with a drink at The Dutch s Honesty Bar and enjoy your last night.

The Dutch hotel Maastricht bar two-person cocktail shaking

Day 5 - COFFEE at Joost and Maartje's place

Your last day in Maastricht starts relaxed at KOFFIE bij Joost & Maartje. At this cosy coffee bar in the heart of the Jeker Quarter, you will enjoy the tastiest morning cappuccino and homemade pastries. Here you can wake up in peace. Take in the atmosphere while locals walk in for their caffeine shots.

  • KOFFIE at Joost and Maartje interior bar
  • KOFFIE At Joost and Maartje Maastricht interior long table

Strolling through - the Jeker Quarter

After breakfast, it's time to get lost in the narrow streets of the Jeker Quarter. Start with a walk through the Stadspark, an oasis of green through which the old city wall winds like a reminder of the past. Follow the wall to the historic Tapijnkazerne, a former military base now bustling with creativity.

  • Stadspark (city park) Maastricht piece of city wall to pond
  • Tapijnkazerne Maastricht site behind garages

Stylish lunch

Around lunchtime, slide into Avant Garden, a plant-based restaurant on Koestraat. Enjoy pure vegan dishes that are as creative as the restaurant's atmosphere. Think seasonal ingredients and a presentation that is almost too pretty to eat. This is the perfect place to end your journey culinarily.

  • Avant Garden

    Plant-based restaurant serving delicious brunch and lunch dishes. There is also a lifestyle shop with sustainable products. More info on Avant Garden


    Avant Garden Koestraat Maastricht

Guided tour - with a guide

City tour Heart of Maastricht

For your last day in Maastricht, this tour is a must. You start at the Dinghuis and walk past everything you still need to see: old walls, beautiful churches, hidden alleys and cosy squares. The guide tells stories you won't hear anywhere else. It is a relaxed, atmospheric walk, ideal to end your trip. Enjoy Maastricht one last time before heading back home.

Koestraat Maastricht group guided city walk Helpoort gate Maastricht group guided city tour

With a head full of stories and a heart full of memories, you say goodbye to this beautiful city. You reflect for a while on everything you experienced. Maybe you are already making plans to come back. Because honestly, Maastricht has something magical that won't let you go.

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