Maastricht: Historic city with Roman roots

Visitor Fee

Maastricht is an open city with no general entry fee, but some attractions and historical sites require an admission fee:

• St. Pietersberg Caves & Fort – €9.00 for adults, €7.50 for children
• Basilica of St. Servatius – €5.50
• Basilica of Our Lady (Onze Lieve Vrouwe) – Free to enter, but donations are appreciated
• Vrijthof Museum – €9.50
• Natural History Museum Maastricht – €9.00
• Helpoort (Old City Gate) – Free to admire from the outside
• Boat Tours on the Maas River – Prices vary, starting from around €15.00

Transportation

Maastricht is well-connected to the Netherlands and neighboring countries:

• By Train – Maastricht Central Station has direct connections to Amsterdam, Eindhoven, Utrecht, and Brussels. The train from Amsterdam to Maastricht takes about 2.5 hours.
• By Bus – Regional and international buses connect Maastricht to Belgium and Germany.
• By Car – Well connected by highways (A2 from Amsterdam, A79 to Heerlen and Germany). Parking is available, but limited in the city center.
• By Bicycle – The city is bike-friendly, and cycling is a great way to explore.
• By Air – Maastricht Aachen Airport is 10 km from the city center.

Things to Do in Maastricht

1. Explore the St. Pietersberg Caves – A network of over 20,000 underground tunnels.
2. Visit the Basilica of St. Servatius – A Romanesque church and the oldest church in the Netherlands.
3. Walk Through the Vrijthof Square – Maastricht’s main square, surrounded by cafes, museums, and churches.
4. Admire the Basilica of Our Lady – A beautiful medieval church known for its candle-lit interior.
5. Stroll Along the Maas River – A scenic riverside walk with great views of the city.
6. Discover the Old City Walls & Helpoort – The oldest city gate in the Netherlands, dating back to 1229.
7. Visit the Bonnefanten Museum – A famous art museum with Dutch and Flemish masterpieces.
8. Experience the Dominicanen Bookstore – A stunning bookstore inside a 13th-century church.
9. Enjoy Local Food & Drinks – Try Limburgse vlaai (local pie), Dutch beer, and Maastricht’s famous coffee culture.
10. Take a Boat Tour on the Maas River – See the city from the water.

Why People Enjoy Visiting Maastricht

• Historic Charm – A mix of Roman, medieval, and modern influences.
• Lively Café Culture – Maastricht is known for its cozy cafes, terraces, and great food.
• Unique Underground Experience – The St. Pietersberg Caves are a fascinating maze of tunnels.
• Shopping & Fashion – The city has boutiques, designer stores, and local markets.
• Cultural Diversity – Maastricht is close to Belgium and Germany, giving it a European feel.
• Relaxed Atmosphere – A laid-back city, different from busier Dutch cities like Amsterdam or Rotterdam.

How Old is This Place?

Maastricht is one of the oldest cities in the Netherlands, dating back to Roman times (1st century BC). The Romans built a bridge over the Maas River, making it an important trade and military route. By the Middle Ages, Maastricht had grown into a religious and cultural center. Today, the city is over 2,000 years old.

List of Activities

• Explore Medieval Churches & Fortresses – Visit the Basilica of St. Servatius and Fort St. Pieter.
• Underground Cave Tours – Discover the vast network of tunnels beneath the city.
• Shopping & Markets – Enjoy boutique shopping and weekly markets in the city center.
• Wine & Beer Tasting – Maastricht is close to Dutch and Belgian vineyards.
• Boat Tours on the Maas River – Experience the city from the water.
• Cultural Festivals & Events – Attend events like TEFAF (world-famous art fair) and André Rieu’s concerts.
• Cycling & Walking Tours – Explore the countryside, vineyards, and nearby castles.

Additional Nearby Attractions

1. Valkenburg – A charming town with castle ruins, caves, and a spa resort.
2. Aachen, Germany – Famous for its cathedral and hot springs, just 30 km away.
3. Liège, Belgium – A lively Belgian city with great food and cultural attractions.
4. Hoge Kempen National Park (Belgium) – A beautiful natural reserve for hiking and cycling.
5. Margraten American Cemetery – A WWII memorial site just outside Maastricht.
6. Gulpen & Vaals – Home to Dutch vineyards and the highest point in the Netherlands.
7. Hasselt, Belgium – Known for its gin museum and shopping streets.

Maastricht is a historic, cultural, and scenic city offering a perfect mix of heritage, food, and European charm, making it a great destination for both history lovers and leisure travelers.