It’s hard to go out and see the city of Maastricht when the kids are enjoying their time with other children at the camping site (Days 17 & 18 on our second summer camping road trip). But to see Maastricht, we must! Even if we care less that the treaty that founded the European Union was signed here. Or that it is the birthplace of the euro currency. Or that it is the city of a well-known contemporary musician called Andre Rieu.
It is simply an enjoyable city to see on foot. A city of cosmopolitan people who seem to have mastered the art of chilling. A walking city–not too large, not too small. Just right. So if you have only a day in Maastricht, all you need to do is walk it! Besides, parking near the city center could be challenging.
Go for a walk over Sint Servaasbrug (Saint Servatius) Bridge—a stone footbridge and arguably the “oldest” bridge in Netherlands.
Head to Helpoort (The Gate of Hell)–the imposing oldest city gate in the Netherlands.
Visit its museum for FREE (or donation) and get a glimpse of the city’s history since Roman times.
“Fire!,” Karol commands. “Fuego,” Kay responds. The canons surrounding the defensive walls around the old city of Maastricht, within the gate of hell (Helport). Dine or drink at a nearby pub (D’n Hiemel) with angels on its doors and walls, and with an outdoor cafe and inside “beach” deck/patio bar.
Walk around and get lost! Stop by one of the many sidewalk cafes or the busier plazas/squares. Here, K+K are looking pretty tired to meet the rest of Europe.
Maastricht, the city of Andre Rieu. Would have been nice to see the usually lively concert. We just missed it by a day. . . but then, it’s likely too expensive for us anyway.
It’s “Andre Rieu” everywhere in this city!
Head to the aptly solemn Basilica of Our Lady. Enjoy the quiet. Pray, if you pray. Or light a candle in memory of those who are no longer with us…
Kaj cares less while Karol mocks De Mestreechter Geis at Stokstraat (Kleine Stokstraat) square. It symbolizes the Maastricht Spirit: playful, charming and elegant (mestreechtersteerke.nl). Browse or buy a book at the former Dominican-monastery-converted bookstore.For a mandatory beer break, we recommend crossing over to the more quiet northern part of Sint Servaasbrug (Saint Servatius) Bridge. There’s a nice quiet and solitary pub along the river that brews its own brewskis: De Maastrichter Maltezer. Yum-Yum. Gimme some!View from Sint Servaasbrug (Saint Servatius) Bridge; in the distance (through the bridge), the buildings where the treaty that founded the European Union was signed. . . Yeah, yeah. . . the kids could care less and too far too walk.
Next stop (7/18): The highest point of the Netherlands. Moers and overnight camping in Desutschland.
As it goes these days, “SHARING IS CARING!” Thanks for sharing your time with us. Big Smile!
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