Cultural highlights in Maastricht according to local Peggy

At Bonnefanten, Peggy also tips the Museum Shop. You are welcome there even if you don't visit the rest of the museum. 'We highlight the work of regional makers here. We also offer a special collection of art books and merchandise from the artists whose work can be admired at the museum. We also have a great offer for the little ones, including children's books with a focus on art.' From bags to jewellery and cards to vases; the museum is the perfect place to buy a unique gift. Want to bring the museum's beautiful art into your home? 'We are the only art museum in the Netherlands that lends art.' In summer, enjoy a snack and a drink on the Ipanema terrace overlooking the river Meuse after your visit to the museum shop.

In her free time, Peggy enjoys walking around the city. Her favourite route leads along the Hoge Brug and the city wall and through the Jeker Quarter (Quartier Latin). 'The Hoge Brug bridge is a nice connection between Bonnefanten and the Jeker Quarter. If you walk from the museum towards the Hoge Brug, you have a beautiful view of that bridge and the Oude Brug. Here you can clearly see the combination of tradition and innovation, which I find so typically Maastricht. Classic and modern go hand in hand in this city.' Via the bicycle and pedestrian bridge over the river Meuse, she often walks towards the city wall, which is part of Maastricht's old defences. She continues her walk past the historic buildings of the Jeker Quarter, where you discover authentic Maastricht. Along the way, she enjoys a cup of coffee at Koffie bij Joost en Maartje, picking up olives at Taib and bread and cheese at Le Salonard, or shopping at Muchachas and Traders Pop.

The Toneelacademie Maastricht has trained many well-known Dutch actors. 'Very good I think is Toneelgroep Maastricht,'led by Servé Hermans and Michel Sluysmans since 2015. The Bordenhal is home to the group, which performs across the country. 'They are very innovative and perform classics and new works. From 'The Cherry Garden' to 'Diary of a Shepherd's Dog'.' Each season, the group creates four to five new productions, so you don't get bored easily. According to Peggy, the toneelacademie is a good place for those who want to become actors. 'You can really make a career in Maastricht. Start studying at the toneelacademie and grow into a successful actor in the theatre company.'

Centre Céramique is the city library designed by architect Jo Coenen. The modern, angular building is the only cultural place with free access. Not only will you find many books in this library, but you will also learn a lot about Maastricht's history, according to Peggy. There are archaeological objects, historical books, Japanese prints and Maastricht ceramics, among other things. 'It is also a nice space where young people can study or where you can read a newspaper with a cup of coffee from the indoor Coffeelovers.'

Peggy also likes to enjoy culinary delights at Sjiek Kookpunt. This accessible, nice place is not yet known to everyone. It doesn't really matter how you enter, everyone is welcome. I love coming here for a quick bite to eat or an evening out with an Italian-style dinner. They have good wines, tasty snacks and delicious pasta there.' The dishes are made as much as possible with fresh ingredients and self-selected and -imported Italian specialities. Can't choose from all the goodies on the menu? The Tuna Antiboise is Peggy's favourite. Did you enjoy the wine? You can order a bottle to take home.

Peggy is a fan of theatre, dance and Jazz and enjoys visiting performances at the Theater aan het Vrijthof. 'They are welcoming here and you can find something for everyone. Moreover, they organise festivals like Musica Sacra, the Dance Days and Composer's Days.' Peggy also finds the look of the theatre artful. It is partly in a city palace from 1805, built on the foundations of an even older monastery. For a taste of the atmospheric halls, you can follow the virtual tour. Of course, the halls come into their own even better during a performance.

Visit the annual art fair TEFAF, which turns Maastricht into a top-class museum for a fortnight. 'People from all over the world come to Maastricht then to admire and buy art. What that does for this city is priceless. It really plays to our attention and keeps us on our toes to keep quality high on all fronts. Various activities are planned throughout the city around this period. Be sure to check out Bonnefanten, as there is always something fun to do there. If you want to get some fresh air in between looking at art, Peggy says you should walk to the Hoge Fronten via Lumière. 'A stone's throw from the beautiful film house, you will find yourself in the middle of nature and experience the city's history.'