How to spend top weekend in Maastricht - ideas on extraordinary attractions and sites

Maastricht is the least “Dutch” city in the Netherlands. Close proximity to Belgium and Germany has made a significant impact, so Maastricht differs in nearly everything when compared to other Dutch cities. It is clearly seen in architecture, gastronomic habits, lifestyle, and thoughts about an ideal vacation. Do you want to see a creative side of Maastricht? If so, head to Selexyz Dominicanen bookstore. Here you won’t find traditional halls with endless bookshelves because the unique shop is open in a former Dominican church that was built more than 700 years ago. The church stopped working yet in the 18th century. It stood abandoned for some time and was destroying slowly. The historical landmark was saved from complete demolishing by members of the architecture company Merkx + Girod Architecten. Starting from 2006, the popular bookstore has been open in the old church. Besides books, Selexyz Dominicanen sells interesting souvenirs and brochures.

Having enjoyed the historical atmosphere and purchased interesting books, do not hurry to leave the picturesque district as there is a magnificent café nearby, LUNA Rossa. According to experienced sweet tooths, the best ice cream in the city can be found in this café. The choice of flavors of the all-time favorite dessert is simply striking. While seating on the charming terrace of the café, you can try all flavors one by one, but, in that case, it’s better not to make any plans for that day. Vanilla with raisins or nuts, signature pistachio, fragrant strawberry or savory ice cream with lime – even locals from distant parts of the city come to LUNA Rossa to enjoy their favorite dessert.

If you like walking and observing historical landmarks, you will see a suggestion to visit Fort Sint Pieter in every Maastricht guide. Built more than 300 years ago, the fort is located within the borders of the city. At a glance, an excursion to this landmark looks like a standard one, but do not neglect it. There is one more amazing landmark close to the port – the old St. Pietersberg Caves. The mine, which was once used to get marl, is now abandoned. The caves are well seen from the fort’s observation deck. Having enjoyed the surroundings from above, head to the mysterious caves to explore them and see a beautiful lake that is located nearby. A walk in the underground passages can easily replace a visit to a modern art gallery – the stone walls have always lured fans of graffiti. By the way, first drawings appeared in the caves decades ago and they were made by workers. Be careful while walking in the caves as some passages are winding and it’s simple to get lost there. Copyright www.orangesmile.com

Maastricht is a Dutch city, so it’s not completely deprived of peculiarities of this country. One of them can be seen near the main railway station. There is a large bicycle parking near the station, and some bikes seem to have been waiting for their owners for many months. If you look closer, you’d notice that some bicycles have parts missing. A photo session near the big parking is a fun way to diversify your stay in the city.

There are traditional coffee shops in the city with Mississippi being one of the most creative. It is open on a small pleasure craft. The floating coffee shop is quite popular with locals.

Don’t forget to make a tram ride in the historical district of Maastricht. This type of public transport, which is so typical for many cities, is not well-developed in Maastricht. Actually, there is only one route. The tram makes a full circle in 45 minutes, during which it reaches the most picturesque parts of the city.