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.

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.

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.

  • 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


    Stokstraat Quarter
  • 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


    Gelateria Luna Rossa Luna Rossa Wyck

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.

  • 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


    Stadspark (city park)
  • Helpoort gate

    The only city gate still standing in Maastricht and also the oldest city gate in the Netherlands. More info on Helpoort


    Helpoort gate

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.

  • 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


    Pesthuys Podium
  • De Leeuwenmolen

    De Leeuwenmolen, also known as Clemens Mill, is a middle-storey mill located on the Jeker river. More info on De Leeuwenmolen


    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.

  • 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


    Tapijnkazerne
  • 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


    Tapijn urban garden Tapijn urban garden greenhouse

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

  • 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


    Maison Blanche Dael

See the locations - on the map

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