Maastricht can rightfully claim to be one of the oldest cities in the Netherlands. The city is a living and breathing outdoor museum, and the streets are full of reminders that the city once served as a Roman post, a city of pilgrimage, a medieval fortified city, and one of the first centres of the Dutch industrial revolution.
Maastricht is a city with a character all its own, and this is particularly evident in the specific characteristics of the various districts and neighbourhoods.
Each district has its own unique character – exemplified by its streets, shops, restaurants, cafés and other places of entertainment.
Markt
The Markt (Market) is the beating heart of Maastricht, surrounded by historic buildings such as the 17th century town hall as well as the elegantly modern Council offices. It offers everything a thriving city centre should – from authentic weekly markets to the hustle and bustle of shops, cafés and other enterprises – guarded by Minckeleers and his eternal flame.
Vrijthof
One of the best-known squares in the Netherlands, made famous by events such as the Preuvenemint (culinary extravaganza) and the André Rieu openair concert. Sit down at one of the many pavement cafés, relax and enjoy the view of the St. Servaas Basiliek (Basilica of St. Servatius) and the monumental St. Janskerk (Church of St. John), or let your eye wander over to the ‘Zaate Herremenie’, a fantastically colourful group of figures created by the local artists Han van Wetering as a tribute to Carnival.
Stokstraatkwartier
The Onze Lieve Vrouwebasiliek (Basilica) is located here, where hundreds of visitors light candles every day in honour of the Sterre der Zee (Stella Maris, Star of the Sea). Remains from the Roman period can still be found around the square and the surrounding streets that remind one of Paris. The district is named after the Stokstraat;formerly inhabited by the city’s poor and now the most exclusive shopping street in town.
Jekerkwartier
A lively part of town surrounded by the municipal park and the old city walls and containing much of the university, this district is characterised by the Jeker stream that winds its way, above as well as below ground, through the neighbourhood. The ambience is welcoming and traditional with a focus on the creative arts, as it is a popular meeting place for artists and students and also accommodates a great many galleries and art shops.
Belvédère
The historic inner harbour - ’t Bassin - is located here with its renovated warehouses and vaulted basements housing various shops and restaurants. Over the coming years, the rest of this area in the Northwest of Maastricht will be transformed into a global village with a bit of Manhattan, a touch of Milan, a dash of the Latin Quarter, a breath of Hyde Park, a taste of Hollywood Boulevard and an enormous English landscape garden …
Villapark and Sint Pieterberg
A primarily residential neighbourhood with a great deal of green, this district is bounded by the St. Pietersberg Hill, the Jeker valley and the municipal park. The 300 year old Fort St. Pieter and the famous marl caves are located on and in the hill. From the city centre, you can easily walk to this neighbourhood, over St. Pietersberg Hill, and on along the sloping vineyards into Belgium.
City limits and surroundings
The outer city limits and surroundings also have much to offer. Amidst a beautiful landscape characterised by vineyards and old-fashioned orchards, you’ll also find top-quality restaurants and hotels. The green hills offer great opportunities for golfing, and the banks of the Meuse River provide ample opportunity for water sports and other outdoor recreational activities
