Things to do in Maastricht
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Ginger
As carefully arranged as a bento box, Ginger takes inspiration from Thailand to Japan, China to Bali. The menu bursts with goodness and authentic Asian flavours – hence the name.
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Sint Janskerk
Sint Janskerk is a small 17th-century Gothic church, one of the most beautiful in the Netherlands. A remarkable red colour, it photographs beautifully. Climb to the top (€2) for sweeping views.
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Sint Pietersberg Tunnels
Much of Maastricht is riddled with defensive tunnels dug into the soft sandstone over the centuries. The best place to see old tunnels is Sint Pietersberg, a Roman fort 2km south of Helpoort. This is a really beautiful area, pastoral and peaceful - the fort is an arresting sight peeking over the charming hillside - and it's a very relaxing walk from town. If you must, take bus 29, which goes past the fort from Vrijthof.
The Romans built the Northern Corridor System Tunnels throughout the hills over a period of 2000 years; at one stage, the tunnels extended under the Netherlands-Belgium border. Thirteen species of bats have been found living below the surface.
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Fort Sint Pieter
Much of Maastricht is riddled with defensive tunnels dug into the soft sandstone over the centuries. The best place to see the tunnels is Fort Sint Pieter, which dates to Roman times and has now been restored to its appearance in 1701. It’s 2km south of Helpoort. This is a really beautiful area, pastoral despite the ominous walls – the fort is an arresting sight looming over the charming hillside – and it’s a fine walk from town.
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Bonnefantenmuseum
The Bonnefantenmuseum features a 28m tower that’s a local landmark. Designed by Aldo Rossi, the museum opened in 1995, and is well laid-out with collections divided into departments, each on its own floor: Old Masters and medieval sculpture are on one floor, contemporary art by Limburg artists on the next. A dramatic sweep of stairs beckons visitors to both floors. Make time for the world-class Neuteling collection of medieval art.
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Beluga
With two Michelin stars, Beluga leads the pack. This sleek, angular, elegant designer restaurant not far from the Maas features excellent service and Frenchified cuisine that never fails to impress with its attention to detail. A recent menu sample included lightly steamed sole with pan-fried langoustines and pommes à la tsarine filled with caviar, butter asparagus and a sour cream and black pepper sauce.
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Bisschopsmolen
How cool is this? A working water wheel powers a vintage flour mill that supplies an adjoining bakery. The loaves come in many forms and are joined by other tasty treats (direct from the ovens that are on view out the back). The cafe has sandwiches and other house-made creations. Finally, you can self-tour the mill and see how flour’s been made for eons.
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Vrijthof
Vrijthof is the heart of the city, a large square surrounded by lively cafes and photogenic churches. It's dominated by Sint Servaasbasiliek (Basilica of St Servatius), a pastiche of architecture dating from the 11th century. Sint Janskerk, a small 17th-century Gothic church, is one of the most beautiful in the country. Climb to the top for gorgeous views.
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In Den Ouden Vogelstruys
Overlooking the cathedral across the square, this antique bar is a little bit naughty and a little bit nice. The entrance has big, old, heavy, red curtains, while inside the bar there are photos of big, old, heavy men on the wall, big, old, heavy light fittings, and big, old, heavy Trappist beer. (But the local cheese is light and creamy…)
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Mestizo
Need a break from French and Dutch cuisine? Try Mestizo, a very inspired Latin restaurant serving up terrific Spanish and Mexican food. Now, exactly who among us can resist marinated lamb steaks roasted with garlic and chilli? Well, vegetarians, obviously - but there's a reasonable selection for them, too.
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Take One
Cramped and narrow from the outside, this 1930s’ tavern has well over 100 beers from the most obscure parts of the Benelux. It’s run by a husband-and-wife team who help you select the beer most appropriate to your taste. The Bink Blonde is sweet, tangy and very good.
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Restaurant O
This (mainly) seafood restaurant wins us over with striking, stylish decor, and ever-present, ever-tasty aquatic meals. Lobster soup with mussels and shrimps, anyone? Pan-roasted moonfish? There's even a separate fruits-de-mer (seafood) menu - grand! Fresh and delightful.
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Bar Rock
A fun joint with old LPs hanging in the window (that would be large vinyl records, not guidebooks…). You never know what you’ll hear at night as the payment policy for bands is a crate of beer. There’s also darts and a classic merry Dutch drinking vibe.
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Sjieke
This cosy corner spot turns out traditional Dutch fare, including hearty stews, roasts, fresh fish and more, with colour and flair. In summer there’s a mess of tables in the park across the street. Have a red beer and pick out the stars through the trees. Glorious.
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Zondag
Funky mellow tunes through the day segue to jazzier, harder sounds at night. It’s light, airy, beautifully tiled and the food couldn’t be fresher. Choose from a huge range of sandwiches and baked goods by day. The creative drinks list is long.
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Maastricht Underground
Maastricht Underground, which operates the fort, runs spooky, thrilling, amusing and fascinating tours throughout the year on a constantly shifting schedule. At least one a day is often in English; the entrance is near Fort Sint Pieter.
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John Mullins
This superfriendly Irish pub features a very popular but challenging quiz night on Tuesdays. Sample questions might include this: 'What was the first to feature seat belts: cars or planes?' The collective groans can be heard for streets around.
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Cave Tours
The tourist office leads spooky, thrilling, and educational Cave Tours - this experience is highly recommended. Although tours are supposed to be conducted in Dutch, ask for Kitty, an extremely knowledgeable, English-speaking guide.
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Spanish Government Museum
The 16th-century Spanish Government Museum is where Philip II outlawed his former lieutenant Willem the Silent at the start of the Eighty Years’ War. The exhibits feature statues and 17th-century paintings.
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Onze Lieve Vrouwebasiliek
This church has parts dating from before 1000 and may well be built on the foundations of a Roman cathedral. There is a separate treasury area that houses gaudy jewels and riches; these you can see for a small and worthwhile fee.
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Take Five
Situated on a quiet street parallel to the cramped terraces of heaving Platielstraat, Take Five combines fusion cooking with a stark interior, chill-out music and engaging staff. Expect live jazz on many nights.
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Gadjah Mas
This small, lovely Indonesian bistro has rijsttafels (array of spicy dishes served with rice) that break with the clichéd norm. Flavours are bright and spices are not skimped on.
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Restaurant Jean La Brouche
This is classic cuisine in a quiet, lovely part of town. Think white tablecloths and cutlery with a bit of heft to it. If you're a fan of old-style French cooking, give this place a whirl.
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Sint Servaasbasiliek
The large square of Vrijthof is surrounded by lively cafés and cultural institutions. It's dominated by Sint Servaasbasiliek, a pastiche of architecture dating from 1000.
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