Walk | Jeker Quarter, Stokstraat Quarter and Inner City
Distance: 3.8 km | Duration: 45 minutes
In the Jeker and Stokstraat quarters, you walk (almost) everywhere on the traditional 'kinderköpkes'; the small paving stones that are so characteristic of Maastricht. The walk takes you past the well-known sights, while you stroll through the characteristic little streets of the Jeker Quarter and the upmarket shopping streets of the Stokstraat Quarter.
Start route
Start your walk at the Maastricht Store, an ideal place to start for those who want to learn more about the city and its rich history. From here, walk towards the iconic Sint Servaasbrug, the oldest stone bridge in the Netherlands, which has connected the city of Maastricht with the other side of the Maas River for centuries.
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Dinghuis - Maastricht Store
The Maastricht Store is located in the Dinghuis, a building with a long history. More info on Dinghuis - Maastricht Store
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Saint Servatius Bridge
The icon of Maastricht, named after the 4th bishop of Maastricht: Saint Servatius. More information about Saint Servatius Bridge
Along cosy cafés - and historical sites
Before the bridge, turn right, where you walk past the cosy café Het Pothuiske, an atmospheric café perfect for a short break. Here you enter the Morenstraat, a street that invites you to explore. Along the road you pass Petit Café Moriaan, Maastricht's smallest café, ideal for a quick coffee or a drink. You arrive at Thermenplein, where remains of Roman habitation have been discovered. The city was once an important Roman settlement, and here you can feel history come alive.
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Petit Café Moriaan
Experience the charm of Maastricht at Petit Café De Moriaan, the city's smallest café. More info on Petit Café Moriaan
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Op de Thermen square
Op de Thermen is an intimate, quiet square in Maastricht, with a historical reference to a Roman bathhouse. More info on Op de Thermen
Stokstraat: Shops - and refreshments
You follow the street to the left and then turn right into Stokstraat. This street is known for its charming shops and restaurants. If it is a hot day, it is definitely worth stopping in at ice cream parlour Luna Ross for a refreshing ice cream, located on the corner of Stokstraat.
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Stokstraat Quarter
Extravagant fashion lovers will enjoy the bustling Stokstraat Quarter. Shop in Maastricht's oldest streets and be seduced by luxury and exclusivity. More info on Stokstraat Quarter
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Gelateria Luna Rossa
Luna Rossa Gelateria has a branch in Wyck and in the Stokstraat Quarter. Here you can enjoy artisanally prepared gelato in a variety of delicious flavours. More info on Gelateria Luna Rossa
Stadspark (city park) and - the Helpoort gate
From here, you can choose to walk through the Stadspark (city park) or along the old city wall, which once protected the city. Both routes lead you to the Helpoort, the oldest city gate in the Netherlands. This imposing monument is a must-see and an important part of the city's history.
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Stadspark (city park)
A romantic picnic, a culinary event, sports activities or just a nice walk. Maastricht Stadspark (city park) has it all. More info on Stadspark
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Helpoort gate
The only city gate still standing in Maastricht and also the oldest city gate in the Netherlands. More info on Helpoort
De Leeuwenmolen - and Carpet Park
From the Helpoort gate, walk past the old Pesthuis, a building with a sinister history from the time of the plague, and cross Begijnenstraat to Molenhofpad. Here you can turn right and follow de Leeuwenmolen, a picturesque mill along the water. Continuing along, you'll come out on Sint Pietersstraat, where you turn left.
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Pesthuys Podium
The Pesthuys Podium is a small but charming theatre set in a unique location in Maastricht's old city centre. More info on Pesthuys Podium
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De Leeuwenmolen
De Leeuwenmolen, also known as Clemens Mill, is a middle-storey mill located on the Jeker river. More info on De Leeuwenmolen
Along the route, you can see the Tapijnpark, which was once a military site but is now a green oasis in the city, where you can stroll and enjoy the greenery. On the right is the Tapijnkazerne, a building now used by Maastricht University, among others.
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Tapijnkazerne
Tapijnkazerne is a unique place where history meets modern use. The former barracks site is now a lively environment with parks, catering and education, ideal for exploring and relaxing. More info on Tapijnkazerne
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Tapijn urban garden
The Tapijntuin is a cosy and peaceful garden in Maastricht, perfect for a leisurely stroll or to unwind in the greenery. More info on Tapijntuin
Natural History Museum - and historic streets
Cross Nieuwenhofstraat and continue walking towards the Natural History Museum, an interesting place to visit, where you will learn more about the natural history of the region.
Then turn into Kleine Looierstraat, where you cross the Jeker again. Then turn right into Bouillonstraat and immediately left onto Sint Servaasklooster. This street leads you past the Sint-Janskerk and at the end you reach the Keizer Karelplein. Here you will find the impressive Saint Servatius Basilica, one of the city's most important religious buildings.
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Natural History Museum Maastricht
Take a journey through time, from the Stone Age and the Cretaceous Sea with the Mosasaurus to the animals living in Limburg today. More info on Natural History Museum Of Maastricht
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Sint Janskerk (St. John's Church)
Protestant church on the Vrijthof square. The red tower is a landmark on the Maastricht skyline. More info on Sint-Janskerk
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Basilica Of Saint Servatius
This oldest basilica in the Netherlands has one of the richest treasuries in Europe. More info on Saint Servatius Basilica
Vrijthof square and - Boekhandel Dominicanen
From here, walk straight to Vrijthof, one of Maastricht's most famous squares. This square is surrounded by historic buildings, and a nice touch is the Dominican Church on the side of the Vrijthof, which now houses the popular Boekhandel Dominicanen. It is one of the most beautiful bookshops in the world, so definitely worth a stop for book lovers.
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Vrijthof square
This romantic and historic square is Maastricht's largest. More info on Het Vrijthof
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Boekhandel Dominicanen
A stroll through the Dominican Church is an experience in itself, and people don't call it the most beautiful bookstore in the world for nothing! More info on Boekhandel Dominicanen
Regional Historisch Centrum Limburg archives
Continuing on, you return to Vrijthof and walk down Kapoenstraat. This street leads you via Achter de Molens and Grote Looierstraat to the Lang Grachtje, where you once again encounter the city wall. Here you will find the Regional Historisch Centrum Limburg archives, a place where you can learn more about the history of the city and the region. The facade of the building contains a marker of Maastricht's first city wall.
Via Faliezuster Park - to Onze Lieve Vrouwe square
Walk right around the building and back to the Helpoort gate via Faliezuster Park. You can walk through the gate and take the first left. Here you will pass de Bisschopsmolen, a historic mill that now also serves as a restaurant and café, and eventually come out on Koestraat.
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Faliezusterspark
This park contains historical monuments and commemorates the medieval Faliezusters. More info on Faliezusterspark
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De Bisschopsmolen
This water mill was owned by Godfrey of Bouillon in the 11th century and by the Prince-Bishop of Liège after his death. More info on De Bisschopsmolen
If de Bisschopsmolen is closed, you can continue walking via Ridderstraat to Onze Lieve Vrouweplein, an atmospheric square with the Basilica of Our Lady, whose chapel of Mary, also called Sterre der Zee, is particularly popular. Here you can enjoy a terrace overlooking the basilica.
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Basilica of Our Lady
Religious and non-religious visitors and residents alike often light a candle here. More info on Basilica of Our Lady
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Onze Lieve Vrouwe square
Attractive square in the oldest part of the city within the late Roman castellum. More info on Onze Lieve Vrouwe square
End point: Maison Blanche Dael
You finish the route by walking straight ahead along Wolfstraat back to your starting point. If you like coffee, you can stop at the artisanal coffee roastery Maison Blanche Dael along the way to enjoy a delicious coffee or tea.
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Maison Blanche Dael
Maison Blanche Dael is the oldest artisanal coffee roastery and tea bakery in Limburg. Since 1878, Maison Blanche Dael has been roasting fresh coffee and over the years the company has specialised in tea specialities. More about Maison Blanche Dael