The ultimate treat: Maastricht during the festive period
Keen to soak up the cosy winter atmosphere in Maastricht? Visit the city at quieter times, such as in November or on a weekday. There are various practical ways to get to the city centre, some of which might surprise you! We'll run you through three magical light routes below.
From modern to historic
If you are travelling to Maastricht by car, it's a good idea to research in advance where to park. Make sure to explore the options away from the major car parks too. These will be busier than normal, and we're sure you’d prefer to avoid any hassle! Here's what we recommend instead: park at the Bonnefanten. There is a Q-Park car park right underneath the museum that is generally quieter than the car parks in the city centre. As an extra tip, why not book your space in advance? That way, you're guaranteed a space, and you can start your visit in peace and quiet.
In fact, the Bonnefanten is also the start of our 'From modern to historic' city walk. This guided walk will take you along the Meuse river, through Charles Eyckpark with its stunning views over the city, through the contemporary Céramique quarter, and toward the authentic Onze Lieve Vrouwenplein. Turn right before the first pedestrian/cycling bridge to get to Plein 1992, where you'll find a range of cafes and restaurants, as well as Centre Céramique, a striking building that houses the city library and Maastricht museum, among other things.
From the square, you can get to the city park via the Hoge Brug bridge, where you'll see the spires of Helpoort and Onze Lieve Vrouwebasiliek rise proud above the city skyline. This is a place where various historical elements converge. Turn right, walk along the city wall with its cannons, then turn left and left again. This will take you to Sint Bernardusstraat. Walk down this atmospheric street until you reach the next right. You'll now find yourself walking along the side of Minderbroederskerk. At the end of this street, you'll be surrounded by a lively atmosphere, the entrance to the church and a range of great boutiques in Maastrichter Heidenstraat. Keep going straight on until you reach yet another impressive building: Jezuïtenkloosterkerk. If you turn right here, down Bredestraat, you'll eventually get to Onze Lieve Vrouwenplein.
From 20 November, illuminations will adorn the city, with the illuminated baubles in the trees on Onze Lieve Vrouwenplein serving as one of the absolute highlights. Find a spot at one of the cosy restaurants for a hot chocolate or dinner. And that brings us to another tip: make sure to visit the chapel at 'Slevrouwe' basilica (as the locals call Onze Lieve Vrouwebasiliek). It's free to access. Many residents and visitors to the city burn a candle here as a ritual — a nice gesture in keeping with the Christmas spirit.
From Wyck to Vrijthof
Visiting Maastricht soon by train or bus? If so, you've got the luxury of not having to search for a spot to park, and you can start your visit to the city straightaway! How convenient is that? And if you decide to go down the active route and travel to the city centre by bike, we recommend that you park your bike in the secure underground bicycle parking facility at the station. However you arrive, when you begin your visit at the station, you'll instantly find yourself in the intimate Wyck neighbourhood: the starting point of our 'From Wyck to Vrijthof' city walk. This neighbourhood is home to countless cafes, restaurants, boutiques and so much more. And the street decorations in the runup to the festive season are really impressive. Sparkling lights, Christmas trees and stylish shop windows make this piece of Maastricht definitely worth a visit. Oh, and don't forget to explore the side streets!
Walk down toward the bridge via Wycker Grachtstraat and Rechtstraat. You're bound to find something interesting! Next, cross the Sint Servaasbrug bridge to get to the city centre and walk down Kesselskade, Hoenderstraat and Grote Gracht to get to Vrijthof the quick way. From 28 November, this is where you'll find Magical Maastricht Vrijthof: the ultimate festive setting for a ride on the Ferris wheel, to pull on your ice skates or indulge in a delightful hot or cold treat. Of course, you can always choose a spot at one of the restaurants surrounding the square and take in the magical atmosphere from there.
Industrial Sphinx
Parking at Q-park Frontenpark is another option when you travel to Maastricht by car. This car park is on the other side of the city but is also within easy walking distance of the centre. If you're visiting Maastricht in the evening to marvel at the illuminations in the dark, just remember that an evening rate applies at this car park. Just so you know! Tip: if there's no space here, the Fort Willem car park is another good option. This area marks the start of the 'Industrial Sphinx' city walk, in the Sphinx quarter of the same name. Here, you'll find all kinds of stories about the former ceramic and bathroom furniture factory, which has since been converted into The Social Hub with a rooftop bar. On the ground floor of the building, you can walk back in time at the Sphinxpassage.
Elsewhere in the area, you'll find a vast park (Frontenpark), a local coffee roastery and various other businesses you might not have expected to see. Opposite the Sphinx building, in Bassin, there's an arthouse cinema with a restaurant to explore, among other things. Once again, you can genuinely sense the history of this quarter here. From the Sphinx quarter, you can walk to the city centre via the stunningly illuminated Boschstraat. In fact, this is where you'll find the stately City Hall, situated in front of the Mosae Forum shopping centre. In the second week of December, a magnificent Christmas tree will take pride of place here on the banks of the Meuse. An amazing sight — and a great spot for photography!
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