Lying on the far southern side of the Netherlands and bordered by Belgium and Germany, Maastricht escaped war damage in the 1940s and is therefore rich in history and culture. However, a number of different invasions over the years have contributed greatly to the Maastricht of today, creating a distinctive pan-European character, strongly reflected in its restaurants and their many flavours.Maastricht University is home to around 12,000 students, injecting a noticeable youthful presence in the city. Central Maastricht is fairly compact and divided into two individual areas by the River Meuse (Maas), known as Céramique and Wyck.
Vrijthof Square has long been the cultural heart of Maastricht, while the Markt (Market Square) is another prominent plaza and was greatly reconstructed at the turn of the century. Tourism advice is readily available at the Maastricht Tourist Information Office, on the Kleine Staat, where visitors will be pleased to find plenty of English language information about the city and its various surroundings.
Maastricht Tourist Information and Tourism: Top SightsThe St. Servaas Basilica (Sint Servaasbasiliek) proudly presides over the Vrijthof Square and this beautiful Catholic Church is now the most historical basilica of its kind in the Netherlands. Close by, the Helpoort (Hell's Gate) is another historical landmark and the past fortifications have shaped much of the present day city of Maastricht. Stretches of the medieval city walls can be viewed by taking a relaxing river cruise along the Maas, or by exploring the hidden tunnels within the St. Pietersberg area. Those wishing to learn a little more information about Maastricht can enjoy summer walking tours around the city, led by English-speaking guides. More information about Maastricht Tourist Attractions and Landmarks.
With a tall tower dominating its structure, the Bonnefanten Museum of Art is both an important cultural attraction and prominent local landmark. Collections at the Bonnefanten have been grouped together, including Old Masters, medieval sculptures and modern art by native Limburg artists. The Natural History Museum in Maastricht contains much more than just fossils and animal information illustrated with stuffed creatures, being popular with all ages, as are the archaeological artefacts at the Derlon Museum Cellar. More information about Maastricht Museums and Art Galleries.
Eindhoven is conveniently close to Maastricht and makes for a great place to visit if you have time. Cities such as Amsterdam, Den Haag and Rotterdam are all a little further from Maastricht, but day trips to these popular tourist destinations are eminently possible if you are prepared for an early start. Far closer to the city is Valkenburg, a small and easterly town with a surprisingly booming tourism industry. Valkenburg may be a little over commercialised for many, but does contain an interesting network of sandstone caves and nature trails. More information about Maastricht Attractions Nearby.More Maastricht Information / Fast Facts and Orientation
- Country: Netherlands
- Location: Noord Brabant / Province of Limburg
- Status: city / provincial capital
- Area: approximately 23 square miles / 60 square kilometres
- Population: approximately 125,000
- Language: Dutch
- Currency: Euro (EUR)
- Time zone: GMT / UTC +1
- Country dialing code: +31
- Telephone area code: 043
- Average daily Maastricht January temperature: 5°C / 41°F
- Average daily Maastricht July temperature: 22°C / 72°F
