Maybe you’ve been to Amsterdam. Or Rotterdam. Or even *gasp* Eindhoven.
But when it comes to visiting the Netherlands, the real question is… have you been in the crevice?
😮
Don’t worry, this question is perfectly safe for work! I’m talking about the narrow crevice of the Netherlands that’s wedged right in between Germany and Belgium.
You might think there’s not much going on in this area, and for the most part, you’d be right. But the main exception is a small and charming city called Maastricht.
Why should you visit Maastricht?
The area around Maastricht was once known for limestone quarries and zinc mining. The city itself was one of the first to industralize in the Netherlands, and ceramics, glass, paper, and cement industries thrived there in the 19th century.
But by the 1970s, these industries were already in decline. The closure of local coal mines was the final nail in the coffin for primary and secondary sector jobs in the Limburg region.
So the local government needed a plan. In 1976, they decided to found a new university in Maastricht to stimulate the economy and create jobs.
And it worked! Today, Maastricht University is a major economic driver that attracts talent to the south of the Netherlands.
It’s also my boyfriend Will’s alma mater. So I joined him and his friend Flupke for a trip down memory lane.
Without further ado, here’s what you can do to while away a day in Maastricht:
Things to do in Maastricht
Eat breakfast at HEMA
It may sound strange to say that breakfast at a department store is one of Maastricht’s tourist attractions. And… fair enough, it is pretty strange.
Still, the HEMA breakfast is notable, mainly for its price. I’m told that once upon a time, you could get a basic breakfast here with a croissant, bacon and egg baguette, jam, and a tea or coffee, all for €1!
These days, it’s more like €3-€4, but still a good value. Be sure to join the HEMA Breakfast Club group on Facebook and post your pictures for the ultimate breakfast experience!
Visit the Boekhandel Dominicanen
You may notice something unusual about this medieval Dominican church: it’s filled with books!
The church was founded in the 13th century. After being deconsecrated under French rule in the 18th century, it was used for many secular purposes, including as a horse stable, bicycle shed, and warehouse.
In 2006, a Dutch bookstore chain bought the space and gave it new life as an epic three-story bookstore, which has been named one of the most beautiful in the world.
So do check this place out if you’re looking to add to your literary collection.
Wander around the campus of Maastricht University
As mentioned, the street life and economy of Maastricht revolves in large part around the university. It would be remiss to visit the city and not have a look. Some buildings are publicly accessible, especially during special events.
Many of the university buildings are historic. The Faculty of Law and Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences are both housed in former monasteries, while the buildings of the School of Business and Economics were once 18th and 19th century bourgeois homes.
Stop by the main town square, Vrijthof
In Maastricht’s central square, you’ll find historic landmarks like the Basilica of Saint Servatius. This ancient basilica has origins dating back to as early as the 4th century, although the current structure dates from the 11th or 12th century.
In the square, you may also find activities going on. When we visited, there was a fair with rides offering a view of the city, plus food stands where you could try Dutch sweets like Oliebollen, a type of deep-fried doughnut.
Grab a picnic lunch at Albert Heijn
Ahhh yes… another supermarket. So what’s so special about Albert Heijn?
Living in Spain, which doesn’t have much of a prepared food culture, I’m not used to a wide selection of premade foods in supermarkets. But Albert Heijn delivers. It offers an amazing range of fresh salads and cold foods, including many vegetarian options. This makes it the perfect place to stop before a picnic.
And Maastricht is full of green spaces, such as the Stadspark by the river, where you can sit and eat your lunch.
Cross the famous Sint Servaasbrug
Sint Servaasbrug (Saint Servatius’ Bridge) was built in the 13th century and is considered the oldest bridge in the Netherlands, even though large parts of it have been rebuilt over the years.
This is Maastricht’s most famous bridge, and is connected to a modern steel drawbridge. You can watch the drawbridge go up and down from the nearby Hoge Brug.
Enjoy the nightlife
Do you remember your student days? Maybe parts of them were a blur. Wherever there are students you’ll find plenty of bars and restaurants to serve them, and Maastricht is no exception.
There are many food choices in town, including Thai, Vietnamese, Indian, and Middle Eastern restaurants. After dinner, if you want to get the full student experience, you should definitely head to an Irish pub!
You’ll find several Irish pubs in Maastricht. We went to a few classics that Will and Flupke remembered from their university days in the early 2010s. Ahhh, the good times…
First, we visited Peter’s Irish Pub. A “hash brown stack” was listed on their menu, which Will somehow misinterpreted as a “hash brown tower.” After hearing from the confused waiter that there was in fact no such thing, he was very disappointed. But, in an incredible example of above-and-beyond customer service… they created a hash brown tower just for us!
Next, we headed to another pub called the Shamrock, which is a popular student haunt at night but quiet in the early evenings. We played a few rounds of pool on their coin-operated table and then called it a day. After all, we’re old now.
Special note: Maastricht Carnival
If you visit Maastricht in the middle of February, you may have the opportunity to attend the city’s Carnival celebration. The Carnival, called “Vastelaovend” in the regional language of Limburgish, is a three-day street festival that’s held just before Lent.
Participants wear humorous costumes and masks, and the celebration features parades, music, and a symbolic “Carnival Prince.”
So if you’re willing to brave the cold and plan a trip to Maastricht in February, this is what you might see.
Enjoy your travels!