Bordered by Germany to the east and Belgium to the west, the Dutch city of Maastricht is the capital of the Limburg region of the Netherlands and is one of the country’s oldest spots. Packed full of history and culture, it boasts two picturesque town squares, medieval-era architecture and an extensive collection of religious art in the 11th-century Basilica of Saint Servatius. There’s also a lively culinary and nightlife scene, a student-friendly atmosphere and some beautiful areas for hiking and cycling within easy reach.
One thing you can’t miss when you’re in Maastricht is the stunning architecture found here. To get a taste of the different types of buildings here, grab a coffee or glass of wine in the Vrijthof – a large urban square that is surrounded by a range of important heritage buildings. The star of the show is arguably the Romanesque Basilica of Saint Servatius with its imposing towers and domed south portal. Other sites include the Gothic Saint Jans Church – from whose tower you can admire panoramic views of the city – the medieval Helpoort city gate and the striking Basilica of Our Lady Church.
There’s plenty to do in Maastricht for all kinds of travellers, whether you are looking to shop until you drop in the high-end boutiques of Stokstraat, grab a beer or two in the traditional Bosch Brewery or wander through the cobblestone streets of the old town ‘Vestigingswerken’. Other sites include the Maastricht Caves Zonneberg – an artifical network of caves dating back to World War II – Fort St Pieter, the Natural History Museum and the Bonnefantenmuseum – showcasing fine art in an intriguing dome-shaped building.