There’s never enough time when visiting Amsterdam. With so many choices to fill a busy itinerary, it can be hard to justify leaving city limits. But all it takes is a quick walk through its cobblestone streets and you’ll be glad you made time for a daytrip to Maastricht.
Maastricht’s Vrijthof Square
The oldest fortified city in Holland, life in Maastricht is a bit different than in other parts of the country known best for tulips and canals. Located in the southernmost part of the Netherlands, tucked in between Belgium and Germany, it’s a place where the cultures of three countries come together. Even with a mix of many languages, English is widely spoken, so communication is simple.
TEFAF Maastricht
Though maybe not well-known to the average visitor, the city has a devoted following that returns year after year for TEFAF Maastricht. Held every March, The European Fine Arts Fair is regarded as one of the world’s biggest and most exclusive art fairs. Hundreds of art dealers come from around the world with their best pieces to sell. VanGogh, Picasso, and Chagall are common sights mixed among antiques, jewelry and books.
Museums buyers and private collectors come to TEFAF to add to their collection, but the community and visitors can also buy a ticket to the fair. It offers art lovers a unique twist on the typical museum art viewing experience. Many of the pieces for sale aren’t typically seen in public and there’s simply something different about standing in front of a VanGogh, when you know it’s for sale.
Maastricht City Walls
You don’t need a plan to explore Maastricht; it’s wonderfully designed for wandering and winging it. An added bonus, you get a history lesson while walking without even realizing it. The old city walls outline Maastricht’s interesting past. The historic city center is almost entirely limited to pedestrians, which makes exploring even better, but wear good shoes, cobblestones can be tough on the feet.
Two hotels are worth checking out, even if you’re not checking in. Hotel Derlon was digging to put in a pool when they unearthed Roman ruins estimated to be more than 2500 years old. The idea for the pool got axed and now a modern breakfast area wraps around the excavation site.
Roman Ruins at Hotel Derlon
Maastricht also has an amazing way of making something old, new again. The 15th century Kruisherenklooster was originally constructed and served as a monastery. Now known as the KruisherenHotel Maastricht, over the centuries it housed French soldiers and stored copper requisitioned by the Germans before opening its doors in 2000 as a designer hotel.
The Dominikanerkerk, a 13th century former Dominican church is now the Boekhandel Dominicanen bookshop and café. Don’t try to say it. If you need directions ask for the church that’s a bookstore and folks will know exactly where to send you. It’s a popular spot with visitors and locals alike.
Bishop’s Mill & Bakery
Shopping is big in Maastricht. A market takes place almost every day in the main square, but just like the bookstore church there are a number of modern day shops with a story to tell. The Bishops Mill might look and smell like an ordinary bakery when you first walk in the door, but head through the café and out the side door to see the grain mill powered by a water wheel dating back to the mid 1400s. Sit down and have snack. The Bisschopsmolen or Bishop’s Mill, just like many businesses in Maastricht, is cash only. There’s free Wi-Fi if you want to be in touch with the modern world.
Thiessen Wine Caves
After a long day of exploring, raise a toast to Maastricht at Thiessen wine merchants. Pouring since 1717, wine-tasting sessions are a delicious education. Be sure to take time to see the wine cellar before you leave. Amsterdam will still be there when you get back. Cheers!
-Dana Rebmann
Dana’s trip to Maastricht was organized by the Netherlands Board of Tourism and Conventions, but as always her thoughts and opinions are her own.
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