Maastricht
City districts
Vrijthof
The Vrijthof is among the most famous city squares in the Netherlands – a status partially thanks to events such as the ‘Preuvenemint’ (a truly impressive culinary festival) , and the open air concerts of the renowned violinist and orchestra leader André Rieu. Here one can enjoy sitting on one of the many terraces with a view at the Saint Servaas Basilica and the majestic Saint Jans Church. On the edge of the square The ‘Zaate Herremenie’ (the 'Drunken Band) can be found, a tribute to the carnival by the artist Han van Wetering from Maastricht. The Vrijthof is just a two minutes walk from both hotels.
Jekerkwartier
A vibrant part of town, surrounded by the city gardens, and the old inner walls, host to the Maastricht University. This quarter is characterized by the small river the Jeker, which meanders through it, both above and underground. The atmosphere is friendly and artisanal – a creative part of town where artists and students get together, with many galleries and art shops. Boutique Hotel Sint Jacob is right next to this part of town.
In here resides the ‘Onze Lieve Vrouwe Basilica’, where each day hundreds of visitors light a candle in honour of the Sterre der Zee. Traces of the Roman past can still be found here and in the French like alleys. The district is named after the well known Stokstraat; in the old days a street where the impoverished lived, nowadays the place for exclusive shopping.
Wyck
Those who arrive in Maastricht using public transportation will first find themselves in the trendy district Wyck. No better place to enter the city, for those who love contemporary flair in a historic setting. In, for example, the Stationstraat, the Wycker Brugstraat, the Rechtstraat, and the Hoogbrugstraat, one can funshop indefinitely; many things can be found here, from fashion, accessories and design to antiquarian and the most trendy must-have goodies!
Stokstaartkwartier
Gastronomic diversity is offered at the trendiest spots, creativity can be found in galleries and interior design stores. Centre Céramique, Toneelgroep Maastricht, NAiMBureau Europa and the Bonnefantenmuseum are all at your fingertips.
Markt
The vivid heart of Maastricht – with historic buildings such as the 17th century town hall, and the modern architecture like the municipal office. In this car free area, you’ll experience the feel of the inner city: ranging from the cozy weekly market, to the business crowds - the place where the statue Minckeleers stands guard with his ever burning flame. From Boutique Hotel Grote Gracht it’s just a two minute walk to the Markt.
Sint Pieter
Sint Pieter, that’s the villa neighbourhood of Maastricht. In this district, surrounded by the Sint Pieterberg, the Jeker Valley, and the city gardens, one can find the three centuries old fort Sint Pieter, and the famous marl caves. From the middle of town, it’s easy to walk to and through this neighbourhood, over the Sint Pietersberg, along the vineyards straight into Belgium.
Belvédère
This is Maastricht’s international, lively part of town with a 24 hourly knowledge and culture economy. Here lies the historic inland port, ‘t Bassin. This yacht harbour has over 70 moorings and is opened from April the first, until November the first.
Shopping
Maastricht has a broad range of special shops and boutiques, and excellent restaurants as well.
We recommend Stokstaartkwartier and Wyck!
The shops in the city centre of Maastricht are opened until 6:00 PM at weekdays, however, on Saturdays and Sunday shopping days they’re opened until either 5:00 PM, or 6:00 PM. Many stores won’t open until 1:00 PM on Mondays. Take note however, most barbers, bakeries and butchers are closed all day on Mondays. Most shops open between 9:00 AM and 10:00 AM at Tuesday to Saturday. The weekly shopping night is at Thursday, until 9:00 PM.