Maastricht at a glance
Most travelers heading to the Netherlands make a beeline for Amsterdam. Skip the usual route and take a look at Maastricht instead. It sits in the far south of the country and makes an easy destination for a long weekend.
A city known for a famous treaty
As one of the oldest cities in the Netherlands, Maastricht is best known worldwide as the birthplace of the Maastricht Treaty, which officially established the European Union. Most people only know the city for that political milestone. But Maastricht is far more than a political footnote or a museum piece. It is a lively, high-energy university town, with the Maastricht University campus bringing in students from all over Europe.
A great place to live and visit
Several neighborhoods stand out when you walk around. The university district draws crowds with its pubs, restaurants, bookstores, and shops. Outdoor seating spills onto the sidewalks, and the energy from students and locals gives the area a lively atmosphere, all within walking distance of the historic old town.
The Vrijthof square serves as the city's main hub, anchored by the twin spires of the Church of Saint Servatius and Saint John. You will see people wandering through the pedestrian streets, shopping, or stopping to grab a slice of vlaai, the local fruit tart from the Limburg region. If you want a quick local snack, grab some loose change and try a hot beef kroket from one of the automated FEBO wall machines.
Parks, woods, and walking paths
Maastricht is built for walking and biking, supported by a dense network of bike lanes. Head out to the Maastricht forest and visit the Margraten American Cemetery, or stay right in the center and explore Waldeckpark. There, you can see La fille et la girafe, a sculpture by Michel Huisman that highlights the plight of endangered wildlife. The ramparts walk offers another green escape right along the old city walls where locals like to hang out on weekends for a picnic.
When to go
You can visit Maastricht year-round, but late spring through early autumn from May to September gives you the best weather for walking the parks and narrow streets.
How to get there
If you are driving up from northern France, expect a drive of at least 4 hours from Paris.
Another option is to fly or take the train to Amsterdam, then connect by train down to Maastricht. That final train leg takes about 2.5 hours and costs between $23-$34*.
This authentic city has managed to preserve its old-world charm. While walking around, you discover some beautiful period buildings that are well maintained, along with fortifications. It is very pleasant to stroll along the water on the riverbanks when the weather is nice. It is a perfect city to spend the weekend.