Explore hidden Maastricht in 2 days

In Maastricht, the most beautiful stories lurk behind every corner. During this two-day stay, you will discover the hidden places at a leisurely pace. Leave the hustle and bustle behind and immerse yourself in a city full of surprises.

Arrival at the hotel

On arrival in Maastricht, check in at Hotel Les Charmes, a boutique gem in the quiet Jekerkwartier district. This charming hotel is the ideal base for your exploration of the city.

  • Hotel Les Charmes Maastricht reception
  • Tafelstraat Maastricht no persons
  • Lange Grachtje Maastricht
  • Hotel Les Charmes interior room

Lunch with a view

Head to the rolling slopes of Sint-Pietersberg (St. Pietersberg hill) (Saint Peter's Mountain) for lunch at Buitengoed Slavante. This historic 1846 estate offers stunning panoramic views over the Maas River, where you can take a breather. Take a short walk past the marl caves to further explore the area.

Buitengoed Slavante road and terrace Buitengoed Slavante view of Maas river and campsite Enci quarry marl Buitengoed Slavante overlooking Maas with boat

  • Buitengoed Slavante

    Romantic 1846 location on the slope of Sint-Pietersberg (St. Pietersberg hill) (Saint Peter's Mountain) with stunning views of the Maas and the Meuse valley. More info on Buitengoed Slavante

    Buitengoed Slavante

Wander through - natural history

At a leisurely pace, walk back towards the city and visit theNatural History Museum Maastricht in the Jekerk Quarter. Here, fossils millions of years old take you into the geological history of the region. Unique stories tell you more about the extinct animals, such as the Mosasaurus from the ENCI quarry, that once lived in this area. Take your time to admire the excavated past.

  • Natuurhistorisch museum Maastricht door entrance
  • Natuurhistorisch museum Maastricht bot exhibition treasure dig

French charm

For dinner, walk to Petit Bonheur, a romantic French restaurant tucked away in an intimate street. Here you will enjoy refined dishes, where the ambiance fits perfectly with the quiet atmosphere of the Jeker Quarter. It is the ideal place to let the impressions of the day sink in.

Petit Bonheur restaurant Maastricht outdoors Petit Bonheur restaurant Maastricht interior Petit Bonheur restaurant Maastricht interior Petit Bonheur restaurant Maastricht dish

  • Le Petit Bonheur

    Behind the gate of this old city farmhouse, you immediately realise why people here speak of Le Petit Bonheur, the little happiness. Everything here looks and smells like France. The menu offers a wide choice and the restaurant has an atmospheric wine cellar. More info on Le Petit Bonheur

    Le Petit Bonheur

Magical evening walk

After dinner, the Stokstraat Quarter invites you for a leisurely evening stroll. The narrow cobbled streets, lit by evening lights and surrounded by historic facades, create a magical atmosphere. Stroll past the Basilica of Our Lady and through the Helpoort gate and experience the Maastricht of days gone by in the silence of the evening.

Stokstraat Maastricht shop windows Basilica of Our Lady Maastricht front end Basilica of Our Lady entrance door Helpoort gate Maastricht front street

Wake up to a fresh breakfast

Your second day starts quietly with a delicious local breakfast at Hotel Les Charmes. The relaxed atmosphere of the hotel will prepare you for a day full of art and culture.

Hotel Les Charmes Maastricht breakfast room

Let's find some art

Now walk to the other side of the Maas via the high bridge to the modern district of Céramique, where you will visit the Maastricht Museum. This museum combines modern art and historical exhibitions highlighting the city's rich history. An artistic place where culture and creativity meet, ideal for an inspiring morning.

  • Maastricht Museum bones horses mass grave
  • Maastricht Museum exhibition corridor
  • Maastricht Museum ceramics display case
  • Maastricht Museum showcase with model

Lunch at a Maastricht icon

Walk along the Maas to the Sint Servaas bridge. Via the city centre, you reach the lively Vrijthof. Here, enjoy lunch at Café In Den Ouden Vogelstruys, one of Maastricht's oldest cafés. Take your time to soak up the authentic atmosphere and imagine how generations of Maastricht people came together here.

  • In Den Ouden Vogelstruys cafe Vrijthof Maastricht terrace
  • In Den Ouden Vogelstuys Vrijthof Maastricht interior café

  • In den Ouden Vogelstruys

    In the 'hoeskamer' vaan Mestreech, everyone is welcome. Young, old, Sjeng or tourist: drop in. With us, you will find hospitality as it is meant to be: warm and attentive. More about In den Ouden Vogelstruys

    In den Ouden Vogelstruys

A dip into military history

After lunch, leave the city centre and take a short walk to Sint-Pietersberg (St. Pietersberg hill) (Saint Peter's Mountain) to visit Fort Sint Pieter. This imposing defensive structure offers not only spectacular views over Maastricht, but also a fascinating glimpse into the city's military history. Explore the cool, dark underground passages on a guided tour and learn more about the strategic significance of this place.

Fort Sint Pieter tour within group Fort Sint Pieter Maastricht side from grass Fort Sint Pieter view gate

Stylish dining

You will end your two-day adventure with a cosy dinner at Witloof, a Belgian restaurant in the Jekerk Quarter. Here you will taste authentic Flemish dishes in a welcoming, casual atmosphere. It is the perfect place to round off your stay in Maastricht in style.

  • Witloof restaurant Maastricht interior special beer wall
  • Witloof restaurant Maastricht interior cellar

  • Witloof

    At Restaurant Witloof in Maastricht, you can enjoy seasonal dishes, with a modern twist, in a warm and intimate setting. More info on Witloof

    Witloof Witloof interior

For two days, Maastricht took you past its hidden gems and rich history, away from the hustle and bustle. You will return home with new insights, a fresh mind and the feeling that you were able to truly unwind. This is the Maastricht that awaits the traveller who looks beyond. And you won't run out!

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