Maastricht

International, Yet Unique

One of the oldest cities in the Netherlands, picturesque Maastricht has an international feel. Not only can you walk to Belgium and bike to Germany, this town also gave birth to the European Union and euro currency following the 1992 Maastricht Treaty.

Its largest square – Vrijthof – houses the twin churches of St. Jan and St. Servaas, a theater and several sidewalk cafes. Various festivals and the Magic Maastricht Christmas markets are also held here. Markt square is home to the Flemish-style town hall, a twice-weekly market and even more restaurants and bars offering great nightlife.

The excellent shopping options in Maastricht include unique shops on the cobbled Old Town streets, exclusive boutiques on Stokstraat, and the Entre Deux and Mosae Forum shopping centers. Dotted among these is Booking.com’s wide range of Maastricht accommodations.

Well-preserved city walls surround the Old Town and run close to the Maas River where boat trips are available. Underground are the Casemates, a visitable maze of defensive tunnels used in times of siege, while on the city’s outskirts are the St. Pietersberg Caves, former World War II shelters with intriguing wall art.

Before flying out of Maastricht Aachen Airport, don’t miss the fine art by Rubens and Van Dyck in the Bonnefanten Museum, a modern building reflecting the area’s pottery heritage.