Two itineraries for Magical Maastricht
Go on a winter adventure and explore the city during Magical Maastricht. The most beautiful lights and Christmas decorations make the city glow, sparkle, and shine. If you’re planning to visit Magical Maastricht in December, we’d like to share two of our favourite itineraries with you. We get off to a practical start – finding a place to park! – and then show you two cool neighbourhoods in the city, with hidden gems and fun activities. Have fun!
Itinerary for Wyck
Visit the museum
Park at Q-Park Bonnefantenmuseum, located between the Provincial Government building (Gouvernement) and Bonnefantenmuseum. Many people don’t know about this multistorey car park, even though it’s ideally located just a short walk from the city centre. This is also where you’ll be able to see the iconic red star – be sure to take a photo! Start your day with an inspiring visit to the museum. Explore various exhibitions, from modern art to early masterpieces. You could easily spend hours here!
Bonnefanten
Avenue Ceramique 250 | Céramique
A hot drink and a tasty bite to eat
After visiting the museum, we recommend a walk along the Meuse towards Plein 1992 square via Charles Eyck Park, following the strings of lights. From here, you can enjoy breathtaking views of the city, with Hoge Brug bridge, Saint Servatius bridge, and the towers of the Onze Lieve Vrouwebasiliek (Basilica of Our Lady) on one side and the Sint Pietersberg hill on the other. Walk on to Plein 1992 square. Fancy a warming drink like a coffee, tea, or hot chocolate? Head to Café Zuid or Coffeelovers. If you’re feeling a bit more peckish and in the mood for lunch, walk a little further to BIKKE – a fantastic, Scandi-inspired restaurant with a cool and modern interior design.
Coffeelovers
Ruiterij 2 en Centre Ceramique | Plein 1992
BIKKE
Hoogbrugstraat 43 a | Wyck
Time to shop!
Wyck is home to unique concept stores and boutiques. Rechtstraat in particular has something for everyone: vintage shops, jewellers, art galleries, children’s toys and clothes shops, men’s and women’s fashion stores – you name it! Wyck is the place to find your fantastic outfits for the end-of-year parties as well as gifts for loved ones. Take your time strolling through the charming streets and soak up the area’s laid-back vibes.
Itinerary for Markt - Sphinxkwartier
Panorama of the city
Another car park we’d recommend is the spacious Q-Park De Griend, right along the River Meuse. Once again, be sure to look out for the big, red star! Found it? Then walk under Wilhelminabrug bridge and pass by NOON! This is the place to enjoy a panoramic view of Saint Servatius bridge and the city. Depending on your time of arrival, you can stop at the very chic NOON to grab a bite to eat, lunch, dinner or a quick drink before exploring the city.
NOON
Griend 6-7 | Wyck
Optical illusions and bustling Markt square
Go up the stairs in front of NOON to reach Wilhelminabrug bridge. Walk along the bridge to get to Mosae Forum, a shopping centre and experience centre thanks to the ‘Museum of Illusions’. Explore a world of illusions, holograms, puzzles, and unusual spaces. The museum is a right next to Markt square. If there’s a market, browse the stalls and look for fresh fruit and vegetables, vintage treasures, or beautiful gifts.
Museum of Illusions
Mosae Forum 12 | Mosae Forum
Explore the Sphinxkwartier neighbourhood
Markt square is a short walk away from the Sphinxkwartier neighbourhood, a vibrant and innovative part of the city with a more industrial feel. This is the cultural hub of Maastricht, with films at Lumière Cinema, music at Muziekgieterij, and exhibitions at Bureau Europa.
The Sphinxkwartier neighbourhood is a unique, vibrant part of the city that’s definitely worth exploring during Magical Maastricht. Shop for home décor and interior design pieces at Loods5 or delicious organic produce at De Gedeelde Weelde, take a tour of Blanche Dael Roastery, and enjoy delicious food and great views of the city at BOLD.
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