Discover Maastricht

Are you curious about Maastricht?

Be amazed by the history, stories and atmosphere of the different neighbourhoods.

The tastiest aperitifs are served here

Maastricht is known for its excellent hospitality industry. It is bursting with cosy pubs, lunch spots and good restaurants. But it is also the place to be for a cosy drink or chic cocktail. Here is our list of favourites.

Then walk across the bridge to Wijck. Close to the station, you will find Bar Brutal. A relaxed bar with freshly made cocktails (and the best Spotify playlists). These are shaken and mixed with care, especially for you. Can't decide? Ask the bartender for advice. Feeling hungry? Take a look at the menu for delicious bites with an Indonesian twist.

Walk from the market to the Bold Rooftop Bar. This bar is located above the student hotel. You can go there for lunch, dinner or a drink. Throughout the year, you can enjoy a panoramic view of Maastricht from here.

For a good glass of wine, head to Via Mucca. It's no surprise that this bar has been named Maastricht's number one wine bar. Located on Koestraat, the cosiest street in the Jekerkwartier neighbourhood, this wine bar serves wines from all corners of the globe, from Italy to the New World.

Take a look at De Kaasbar. This is the first cheese bar in the Benelux. As a cheese lover, you won't want to go home after this visit. Not sure what to order because of the wide selection? Ask the cheese masters for tips or order a tasting platter.

The Burgundian lifestyle in Maastricht

When you think of Maastricht, you think of the Burgundian lifestyle. But what do the people of Maastricht actually mean by that? Extensive dining, good company and a relaxed atmosphere, all while enjoying a bite to eat and a drink.

The three large squares form the heart of Maastricht's hospitality industry: the Vrijthof, the Market Square, and the Onze Lieve Vrouweplein. Each of these is a place you should not miss when visiting the city.

But if you venture beyond the well-known routes, you will discover even more. For example, take a detour to Wyck, a lively neighbourhood full of character. Here you will find nice bars such as Bar Brutal, Mr. Smith and Wycker Cabinet. Be surprised by the creative seasonal cocktails and enjoy the relaxed atmosphere. And while you're there, take a look at the menu for the tastiest snacks.

You'll find plenty of those in Wyck. Harry's, Onglet, Studio, Les Deux, Haricot, TUUR are all excellent options if you enjoy good food, long dinners and fine wines. Don't forget to book well in advance at these restaurants.

We conclude this list in Wijck with the most delicious Italian restaurant, not just any Italian restaurant with the usual pizzas and pastas, but one where you can enjoy delicious fish and meat dishes. The owners have a passion for Italy, and this is reflected in the food at Sjieke Kookpunt in Hoogbrugstraat.

Close to our Chambres d'hôtes is perhaps the cosiest street in Maastricht: Koestraat-Stenenbrug. This charming street is mentioned in almost every blog about the city. It is full of cosy restaurants and cafés with lovely terraces.

If you are looking for French cuisine, pop into Café Manger Le Fernand or reserve a table at Le Virage. In addition to the cosy atmosphere, the food is always good. If you fancy delicious Italian cuisine, reserve a table at Tomato. This is Maastricht's pizza and pasta bar. Can't make a choice or not specifically in the mood for one cuisine? Then enjoy the delicious shared dining dishes at La Vaca.

Before or after dinner, you can also enjoy a drink in this street. Here you will find the famous Kaasbar. They occasionally play live LP records here, and you can indulge yourself if you love a delicious snack platter. Across the street, at Via Mucca, you can enjoy a good glass of wine.

Try a slice of Limburg flan from Peter Lemmens or Mathieu Hermans. For lunch or dinner, pop into Café Sjiek, Pieke Potloed or Eetcafe Minckelers for the famous Zoervleisj, a delicious stew served with chips and apple sauce.

Shopping in the city of the south

Shopping in Maastricht is an experience in itself. Whether you are looking for fashion, interior design, art or unique gifts, the city has it all. From major international brands to authentic boutiques, shopping in Maastricht is full of surprises.

Start your day in Wyck, on the other side of the Maas, near Central Station. This trendy neighbourhood is bursting with unique shops and boutiques, each with its own character. Looking for jewellery or accessories? Visit Biezoe for a complete set of jewellery. For stylish interior items and gifts, head to Foodies in Heels. You'll find timeless eye-catchers for your home at Pantine.

Continue along Wycker Brugstraat and discover fashion shops such as Noir, Moustache, No Label and Hunters. Be sure not to miss Rechtstraat, with boutiques such as Nina’s Boutique, MAX, La Neuvième and By Duut.
In the old town centre – between the Vrijthof, the Market Square and Onze Lieve Vrouweplein – you will find well-known and large retail chains such as Zara, H&M, Pull&Bear, Massimo Dutti and De Bijenkorf. Popular lifestyle and fashion chains such as Sissy-Boy, 10DAYS, Omoda, Prufomo, Marie Stella-Maris and Samsoe Samsoe also have a place here.

Explore the intimate streets of the Stokstraatkwartier and Jekerkwartier neighbourhoods, where you will find stylish boutiques for young and old alike. A selection of what's on offer: Follies, Le Marais, Van Daan, Kiki Niesten, Monfrance Schoenmode, PL-Line, Sketch, De 13 Jongens, Depeche Mode, Festen, Grail, Confetti, Maxime children's footwear, Aqua nova, Montulet and Monchou Kids.

Shopping in Maastricht is more than just shopping. What makes Maastricht truly unique is the combination of shopping and atmosphere. You will find yourself in monumental buildings, stroll through historic streets, and discover the most pleasant terraces in the neighbourhood. Take a coffee break, enjoy a glass of wine, or have lunch between purchases. This creates the authentic Maastricht shopping experience.

Take a look at De Kaasbar. This is the first cheese bar in the Benelux. As a cheese lover, you won't want to go home after this visit. Not sure what to order because of the wide selection? Ask the cheese masters for tips or order a tasting platter.

Here you can get the most delicious vlaai

A Limburg vlaai is a traditional type of pastry originating from the Limburg region. This region is home to many artisan vlaai bakers with secret family recipes. Since the Middle Ages, vlaai have often been eaten on public holidays and special occasions. In January 2024, Limburg vlaai even received official recognition, giving it heritage status.

Patisserie Peter Lemmens is the undisputed number one. With over 40 years of experience in the trade, they know how to surprise everyone with delicious vlaai and cakes. They use butter, fresh eggs and local fruit. Try a slice of apricot flan with whipped cream and white flakes or the lentil vlaai. You can also enjoy a cup of coffee here, which comes with a small slice of vlaai on the house.

Bakery Mathieu Hermans is a household name in Maastricht and the surrounding area. The vlaaien are baked according to an old family recipe. They are unique in the wide variety of rice vlaai they offer. Choose the Cherise vlaai, the macaroon variant or the famous rice cream. They certainly won't disappoint.

Looking for a modern Maastricht bakery with a rich family history? Then Bakkerij Paulissen is the place for you. Every day, they prepare a variety of delicacies with passion, craftsmanship and expertise. Located in the heart of Maastricht in the bustling Wyck district, you can visit here seven days a week.

When you walk through Koestraat-Stenenbrug, you can smell the craftsmanship from afar. The Bisschopsmolen is worth a visit in itself. This watermill is still in operation. Here, grains from the Limburg countryside are processed into the most delicious products. Would you like to learn more? You can participate in various workshops, guided tours, and tastings.

Mestreech's dictionary

Shopping in Maastricht is an experience in itself. Whether you are looking for fashion, interior design, art or unique gifts, the city has it all. During your visit, you will notice that Maastricht has its own dialect. It is a language of its own that the locals are proud of. To help you find your way around, here are a few typical but useful words. Why not give them a try? From international brands to authentic boutiques, shopping in Maastricht is full of surprises.