A 3-day work experience in Maastricht

Sometimes you just need a change of scenery to get really motivated again. So grab your laptop, book a hotel and head to Maastricht for three days for a mini work station. In between cappuccinos, cosy lunch spots and inspiring working hours, you will discover how the city works as a workplace and city trip all in one. In this blog we show you what a workation in Maastricht can look like.

Day 1 | Day 2 | Day 3

Preparation for your work station

A good workation starts with good preparation. First, choose where you want to stay and plan your stay carefully: find a hotel or accommodation that offers both peace to work and inspiration to relax.

Time to pack: laptop, chargers, notebook, but practical things like a power bank or noise-cancelling headphones can also come in handy. Finally, it is useful to plan your trip in advance. Are you going by public transport? Then find out what the timetable is. Going by car? Then it might be useful to reserve a parking space in advance. Find out more about accessibility here.

Day 1 - Arrival & focus

Let's go! On workation to Maastricht. You have a reservation at The Social Hub. A hotel where you have all the facilities you need to be productive. Fine hotel rooms, a cosy lobby and several workstations to sit at. Time to check in and unpack your things.

Settle down

The first thing you do is discover the surroundings. A light walk through the Sphinx Quarter, where the hotel is located, and on to the city centre. That way you'll get your first impressions of Maastricht, with the iconic City Hall on the market square and the famous Vrijthof with the Sint-Janskerk and the Sint-Servaas Basilica. Not far from there, you have the most beautiful bookshop in the world (literally, as they won the '1000 Libraries Awards 2025'). We are of course talking about Boekhandel Dominicanen. Step inside this special location. Browse the books, magazines and music records and take time to study the details of this church. Fancy a cup of coffee? Walk forward to the former presbytery, where Coffeelovers sits. Order a coffee or tea and sit back and relax. A good start to your workation.

Lunch

In the afternoon, you have your first work block planned, just at the hotel. But not before you have a good lunch. 't Bassin is home to Lumière Cinema, a film house, but also a place where you can settle down in the café for a meal. There is plenty of choice: soup, a bouncer, flammkuchen, burgers, salads and more.

First work block

OK, now it's time to be productive. Choose a nice spot in The Social Hub to sit. Flip open your laptop and get to work. Start with the most important tasks and get focused.

Evening

So, the first productive step has been made. Close the laptop and head to your room to relax and freshen up.

La Tranca

You'll probably be hungry. Not far from the hotel is a cosy tapas bar where you can dine well, ideal if you are alone. At La Tranca, imagine yourself in Spanish spheres for a while, with authentic tapas dishes. Meat, fish, vegetarian dishes, platters... pure enjoyment!

  • La Tranca

    Enjoy authentic Spanish tapas, freshly prepared by an experienced chef, in an atmospheric taverna near the Vrijthof. Small, cosy and full of Mediterranean charm. Pura cocina Española! More information about La Tranca

    La Tranca

Time to head back to the hotel. Fancy a last drink before going to bed? Then you don't have to go far. On the top floor of the Eiffel Building is BOLD Rooftopbar. A cool location with views over the whole city. Sit somewhere by the window or cosy up at the bar for a cocktail.

After a successful first day, it's time to get some sleep.

Bold Rooftopbar Maastricht interior

Day 2 - Productive & relaxed

After a good night's sleep, get up early. Ready to work! Get ready for the day and pack your work bag. Also think about a magazine or book for relaxation. Have breakfast outside the door. Take the bus or walk to the Wyck district, across the Meuse. Sit down at Café Zondag, a place with a casual atmosphere where many locals can also be found. Order a coffee, a fresh tea or a juice. There is also plenty of choice in breakfast dishes, with a variety of croissants, eggs, yoghurt, bagels and full menus. A good breakfast is a good start to your working day.

Second work block

After breakfast, walk on to Plein 1992, a 5-minute walk away. Here you will find the City Library, in Centre Céramique. Here you can work undisturbed. Choose a nice place to sit and get to work.

  • Centre Céramique

    On the border of Wyck and Céramique, Centre Céramique is located at Plein 1992. There is always something going on! More info on Centre Céramique

    Centre Céramique

Time for lunch - and a break

After several hours of intensive work, it's already time for lunch. If you walk towards the river Meuse, the Charles Eyck Park is there on your left. At the park is Café Zuid. You eat a sandwich, panini, salad or richly filled sandwich there.

After lunch, it's time to unwind in the park. Find a nice spot in the grass or on a bench by the water and grab your book or magazine. A moment to relax, overlooking the Meuse, the bridges and the city.

  • Café Zuid

    Café Zuid is in a beautiful spot. The terrace on the east side of the Meuse where the sun shines until after dinner. More info on Café Zuid

    Café Zuid
  • Charles Eyckpark Maastricht Ceramique cycle path from bordenhal

Walk through the Jeker Quarter

Walk over the Hoge Brug towards the Jeker Quarter. A district where the city's history is clearly visible, with places like the Helpoort, the Faliezusterpark and the city wall. Wander the centuries-old streets and enjoy the special atmosphere felt in this quarter.

Third work block

In the Jeker Quarter you will find the coffee café KOFFIE, where there is also space to work. In the morning you had a work block where you did productive work, now it's time to relax a bit. A good place to be creative. Order a coffee or matcha and treat yourself to a delicious homemade pastry.

Get ready - for fun evening plans

Enough work for the day. You've earned some relaxation. Walk back to the hotel where you can relax and get ready for dinner. This time at Café de Bòbbel. A cosy place where you can eat well, sit nicely at the bar or at the window, where you can spot people. The restaurant is known for their mussels, so if you are a fan of those, this is a must. Other dishes you can enjoy include steak tartare, boeuf bourguignon, bouillabaisse, lobster, pasta and even burgers. Treat yourself to a fine glass of wine or a cocktail. A culinary feast!

Movietime!

Walk back to the Sphinx Quarter, where you can catch another film at the cinema. At Lumière Cinema, the latest Hollywood Busters are playing, as well as arthouse, documentaries and international films. Pick one, sit down in the theatre and immerse yourself in the moment. Afterwards, you can have one last drink in the café or head straight to the hotel to get into bed.

  • maastricht sphinxkwartier lumiere cinema hall hugo thomassen

  • 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

Day 3 - wrap up & reflect

The last day is already here. Let's make it another productive day, but above all make time to relax and discover. Have breakfast at Piece of Cake. A nice place not far from the hotel. As the name suggests, you can go here for all your sweet cravings, but you can also have a good breakfast there. A full breakfast with coffee or tea, orange juice, a croissant, an egg, yoghurt with granola and fruit. Or do you opt for the American Pancakes? For lovers of savoury dishes, there is toast with avocado or a delicious omelette. Plenty of choice!

  • Piece of Cake Maastricht interior tables and chairs
  • Piece of Cake Maastricht exterior entrance

  • Piece of Cake

    An artisanal lunchroom with a flood of sweet. High tea, cupcakes, cakes, breakfasts, salads and delicious sandwiches, it's all available. More info on Piece of Cake

    Piece of Cake

Fourth work block

Just a little work today before your workation is almost over. An ideal place for this is Livin’ Room. A place where you can sit relaxed and enjoy a good cup of coffee or tea. Pick a spot and get to work productively for the last time until lunchtime.

Lunch

For lunch, feel free to stay at Livin’ Room. Order the fresh goat cheese salad with pickled fennel and dried figs or the 'Goodies Club' sandwich which is very filling. One thing is for sure: you can eat tasty food here.

After lunch, walk back to the hotel to drop your stuff and get ready for the rest of the day: time to head out into nature!

  • 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

To the Mount Saint Peter

You can take the bus or a (shared) bike to the Mount Saint Peter. Time to switch off completely in nature and look back on the great days you've had. Walk around the nature reserve and through the ENCI Quarry, a unique piece of nature with a special history. Did you know that the Mount Saint Peter also houses the Fort Sint Pieter and you can visit the caves? If you feel like delving into this, join one of the guided tours. You can book a ticket in advance or buy one on the spot at the Maastricht Underground ticket shop. We recommend a combo ticket, with two tours in one.

  • Grotten Noord Mount Saint Peter group tour Maastricht Underground
  • Fort Sint Pieter overview

Afterwards, have a drink at Van Wijck and slowly make your way back to the hotel to pack your things and finish the trip. On your journey home, you will look back on these productive but, most importantly, relaxing days!

See the locations - on the map

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More inspiration - for your workstation

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