Maastricht: spend a fun day shopping at the market
The weekly markets held on Markt square in Maastricht create a certain vibe in the city. The square is abuzz with a vibrant atmosphere as the vendors come together to sell their best wares. On the market are the best fishmonger from the port city of Ijmuiden, local bakers selling their finest vlaais (traditional Limburg sweet tarts), farmers advertising their regional organic products, and antiques collectors with a passion for antiques and collectibles. These vendors introduce you to all the delicious things and beautiful items that they bring to the market every week with love and passion.
The Wednesday and Friday market
The Market square in Maastricht, also home to the town hall, hosts a weekly fresh-produce and general-goods market on Wednesdays and Fridays. Here you'll find regional specialities, organic food and drinks, and numerous stalls with the latest fashion. The general-goods market on Wednesday is open between 9:00 AM and 3:00 PM. The fishmonger calls you over for freshly fried fish. You have a quick chat about the beauty of Maastricht. You might even take home some fresh fish for dinner. Just a little further on you go and pick up some flowers for your friend. As you browse the stalls, you treat yourself to a bag of freshly roasted nuts to snack on. With so much variety and the many friendly vendors, it comes as no surprise that the Wednesday market received the prize for best medium-sized market in the Netherlands in 2017. The Wednesday market is definitely worth a visit!
If you happen to be in Maastricht on a Friday, you're in luck! The Friday goods market on Markt square is also open from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM. This market is a larger-scale version of the Wednesday market. When you approach from the side of the Meuse, a beautiful textiles stall is the first thing you see. Velvets, silks, and beautiful buttons create an opulent explosion of colours and textures. This textiles stall is a unique part of the Maastricht market. You'll experience this for yourself when you stop to browse. The friendly vendors will do their very best to make sure that you leave a satisfied customer. The Friday market is also an award-winning market. In 2014, this market was voted the best large market in the Netherlands. With over 400 stalls being part of this success, this award was jovially celebrated by all the vendors. And this enthusiasm has remained and is still palpable on the market.
You'll probably need to take a break from all that shopping, so head on over to one of the café terraces surrounding the square and rest your tired feet. With a good cup of coffee and delicious piece of Limburg vlaai you'll be ready for round two of shopping in no time. Maastricht welcomes you!
The organic market
If you're a fan of organic products, then the organic market in Wyck is a must. This district is famous for its many local businesses with a passion for their trade and is always worth a visit. The organic market on De Percée square is open between 1:30 PM and 6:30 PM on Thursdays. Here you can find local and organic products, locally made with love and care. This quaint little square with its proud clock overlooking the street is situated just a few streets across from the Maastricht train station. At this organic market it's all about thinking global and buying local. And that's better for the planet too, so shop for the most beautiful products with a clear conscience.
Antiques and collectibles market & flea market
Buying vintage clothes or second-hand clothes is not only trendy, it is also a sustainable choice. And a visit to the Saturday flea market in Maastricht is always bound to be great fun. Many visitors return home with quirky purchases and vintage items. The Saturday flea market is open from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM, unless a different event has been planned. Every Sunday, there is an antique furniture market on Markt square until 5:30 PM with a large variety of collectibles on offer. Here, art experts and amateur artists offer their most beautiful wares. This market is held on Markt square in front of the town hall.
All the information about the markets in Maastricht can be found here