Maastricht walking tour & city guide
A burgundian city on the Maas, with a bookshop in a church.
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Maastricht, in the far south of the Netherlands near Belgium and Germany, is one of the oldest cities in the country. It feels different from the rest of the Netherlands: hilly countryside, stone buildings, a love of good food and wine, and a relaxed, almost French atmosphere that the Dutch call 'Burgundian'.
The Vrijthof and the old town
The Vrijthof is Maastricht's grand central square, lined with café terraces and framed by two churches: the Romanesque Basilica of Saint Servatius and the red-towered St John's Church. Nearby, the Onze Lieve Vrouweplein is a cozy square shaded by trees.
One of the city's most famous sights is the Dominicanen bookshop, set inside a 13th-century gothic church. Parts of the medieval city walls survive, including the Helpoort, the oldest city gate in the Netherlands.
The river and the caves
The Sint Servaasbrug, a stone bridge from the 13th century, crosses the Maas to Wyck, a charming district of boutiques and restaurants. Further south, the Sint-Pietersberg hill is riddled with caves and tunnels dug over centuries for limestone, which you can explore on guided tours.
Visiting tips
Maastricht is famous for its carnival in February and the European Fine Art Fair in March. The Christmas market on the Vrijthof is popular in winter. The Limburg countryside around the city is great for cycling and vineyard visits.
Top sights in Maastricht
- 1
Vrijthof
The main square with two great churches.
- 2
Basilica of Saint Servatius
One of the oldest churches in the country.
- 3
Dominicanen bookshop
A bookshop in a gothic church.
- 4
Helpoort
The oldest city gate in the Netherlands.
- 5
Sint Servaasbrug
A medieval stone bridge over the Maas.
- 6
Sint-Pietersberg caves
Underground limestone tunnels.
Food markets & where to eat in Maastricht
Vrijthof terraces
Cafés around the main square.
Markt
The Wednesday and Friday market by the City Hall.
Wyck
A district of restaurants and food shops.
Onze Lieve Vrouweplein
A leafy square of cafés.
Food to try in Maastricht
Limburgse vlaai
A fruit tart, the region's famous pastry.
Zuurvlees
A sweet and sour beef stew, often with fries.
Limburg wine
From vineyards in the hills around the city.
Local beer
Southern Dutch and Belgian-style beers.
Opening hours and prices change often. Please check with each place before you visit.
Plan your trip to Maastricht
Enjoyed the walk? Here is everything you need to see it for real.
- Hotels in MaastrichtCompare places to stay and prices.
- Tours & ticketsWalking tours, museums and day trips in Maastricht.
- eSIM for NetherlandsStay online from the moment you land.
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