Shining Maastricht: A Guide to the Tiny Roman City that Brightened Europe

About the Tour

Maastricht is best known for the Maastricht Treaty, the violinist and conductor Andre Rieu, and its university but, if you know where to look, it also has fascinating traditions and history. This walking tour offers a glimpse into how locals from Limburg Province have inhabited this city for centuries.

The tour starts at the statue of Jan Minckelers, which honors the academic from Maastricht who invented gas lighting. You’ll see the world-famous Book Store Dominicanen, located in a repurposed cathedral, and have an opportunity to immerse yourself in the small-city energy that Maastricht’s inhabitants cherish. At Vrijthof, one of the major squares in the city, you’ll hear about how the city comes together annually to enjoy classical music concerts.

You’ll walk on Sint Servaasbrug, the oldest bridge in the Netherlands, and pass Stokstraat’s high-end shops while salivating over great local foods. The tour ends with a view of Dinghuis, a tower that dates back to 1377 and was once guarded by a trumpeter who warned the city about fires.

Along the way, you’ll have a chance to:

Get to grips with Maastricht’s world-first inventions, and how it became the first city to move from an oil-based street lighting to a gas-based system
Trace the origins of the Limburgian dish, zuurvlees (sour meat), as far back as Roman times
Hear about ‘Problem-Based Learning’ and how it’s central to Maastricht University’s teaching
Guess where the city gates’ keys were stored in the Hoofdwacht during the 1700s
Find out which local pastry is always on the table at celebrations
Figure out how to identify a building’s function during Roman times

If you’re a local, a tourist, or a Maastricht student, your understanding of this remarkable, small Roman city will be enriched on this tour. I’ve also included optional stops to visit, so come during the day and the doors will be open for you to unlock Maastricht’s secrets.

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Average Tour Rating

4.6/5

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The starting point

Our journey begins on the north side of the central market square, known as “Maastricht Markt,” located at Markt 24, 6211 CJ Maastricht. Please note that this area falls within the low traffic zone.

Parking Options: If you’re arriving by car, we recommend using either “Parking Sphinx Frontensingel” at 6211 SC Maastricht or “Q-Park Mosae Forum” for your convenience.

Getting here by Train: For those arriving by train at the central station, you have two great options. You can enjoy a leisurely 15-minute walk along the scenic “Wilhelminasingel” and cross the oldest bridge in the Netherlands to reach central Maastricht. Alternatively, you’ll find numerous buses to the “Mosae Forum/Centrum” bus stop. Plan your public transport journey in advance using https://9292.nl/en for a smooth and hassle-free experience.

Tips

Places to stop along the way

“De Gouverneur” where the locals go for specialty beers
“Friture Reitz”. fried local food like “zuur vlees, Frikandel or bitterballen” since 1909
“Boek store Dominicanen” world famous for all book lovers
Premier theater of Limburg “Theater aan het Vrijthof”
Tower of the St. Jan
“Café Sjiek” for lunch or in summer a romantic diner under the trees.
“De Bisschopsmolen” is a water mill with local pastries and bread.
“Basiliek van Onze Lieve Vrouwe” main church where the locals go to light a candle and drink a beer on the square.
Find something special in the high-end shops of the “Stokstraat”
“Café ’t Pothuiske” warm cafe to hang out near the river. Tel +31 (0)043 321 6002
“Stiphout” in summer has a 3-hour tour that includes a visit to sandstone caves “grotten Zonneberg” Tel +31 (0)43 35 15 300

Best time of day

Any time of day and season is suitable, but I recommend taking this tour between Tuesday and Saturday during business hours. This way, you can freely enter cultural locations, shops, and cafes along the way!

Precautions

Most of the time we will be exploring the backstreets, where the pace is leisurely. it’s wise to bring a smartphone battery charger or an extra power bank, to avoid your battery running out of power. Of course, you can ask any waiter in a cozy bar or restaurant if you can charge your phone. Be aware It is the Netherlands, so keep an eye out for speedy bikes. When in doubt, wait before you cross a busy road, and it is usually best to go with everyone else.

To Visit in the Area

1. St. Pietersberg Caves

Explore the underground labyrinth of the St. Pietersberg Caves. These man-made tunnels have a rich history, having served as shelter during wars and as a storage place for valuable art during World War II. Guided tours are available to delve into their fascinating past.

2. Fort St. Pieter

Situated on the southern edge of Maastricht, Fort St. Pieter offers a fascinating look at the city’s military history. Built in the early 18th century, the fort provides stunning views over the Maas River and the surrounding landscape. Guided tours reveal its strategic importance and the role it played in defending the city.

3. Maastricht Natural History Museum

Discover the region’s natural history through fascinating exhibits, including fossils, minerals, and dioramas. The museum is located in a beautiful historic building with a charming garden that’s perfect for a relaxing stroll.

4. Helpoort (Hell’s Gate)

Step back in time at Helpoort, the oldest surviving city gate in the Netherlands. Built in the 13th century, it offers a glimpse into Maastricht’s medieval past. The small museum inside provides insights into the city’s fortifications and history.

5. Drie Landen Punt

Visit the unique Drie Landen Punt, the tripoint where the borders of the Netherlands, Belgium, and Germany meet. It’s a great spot for photos and offers panoramic views from the nearby observation tower. The area also features hiking trails and the city of Aachen to complete a fun day out.

6. Rolling Hills of South Limburg

Take a scenic drive or bike ride through the rolling hills of South Limburg. This picturesque region, just outside Maastricht, is known for its beautiful landscapes, charming villages, and vineyards. It’s an ideal escape for nature lovers and those looking to experience the tranquility of the Dutch countryside.

7. Bonnefanten Museum

To get out of the rain, visit the Bonnefanten Museum. This museum features a blend of permanent and temporary exhibitions showcasing non-mainstream art and artists. It’s an excellent place to explore contemporary and historical art in a stunning setting. For more information, call +31 (0)43 329 0190.