Exploring Maastricht beyond the tourist sites

Many times when I am asked the question "where do you study?", my answer brings a certain surprise on the faces of the people in front of me. Inherently followed by a raised eyebrow and curiosity: "where?". Today I set out to take your imagination on a tour of my city of love - Maastricht, also known as the Pearl of the South.

To give you a first impression of Maastricht, I'll share with you something one of the children I mentored this year told me. Trying to describe the city he was still discovering step by step, the analogy that made its way into his mind was Disneyland. Honestly, until this moment, I couldn't find words that better capture the energy that Maastricht - a small city with many historical influences - conveys.

Of course, I'm not here to show you sights you can find in five minutes on the internet - although I'll sneak a few in, just because they're very dear to me. This article is meant to capture Maastricht through the eyes of a student who has found his new home here.

1. Stadspark 

Whether you want to organise a picnic with friends, visit the street food festival, take part in a spontaneous outdoor party or simply clear your head with a walk, Stadspark is the perfect place. The hub of student activities, this park hides thousands of stories tucked away in every green corner, every bridge, catching colour with every new student passing through for the first time.

If you've ever passed through Maastricht, you're probably used to finding... anything but churches in old buildings that look like churches from the outside. It may seem like a strange idea, but whether it's sports halls, libraries or event halls, all of these buildings carry a special air. Below we highlight a few of them 🙂

2. Dominicanenkerk - Boekhandel Dominicanen

An old church, stained glass windows and vaulted ceilings, now one of the most special bookshops. Finding itself mentioned in all the bookshop charts you must explore once in your life, Dominicanen elicits smiles no matter what your age - from puppet theatre to lots of books and fresh coffee, this bookshop has become more than just a shop.

3. Rebel

Rebelle is a unique and vibrant venue that preserves the architectural beauty of the former church while providing a contemporary and versatile space for various events. The location of my faculty gala held last academic year, Rebelle blends history, elegance and modernity, creating an unforgettable experience for all visitors.

4. Sint-Pietersberg and the Blue Lake

By far one of the best places to watch the sunset in Maastricht, Sint-Pietersberg is among the highest hills in the Netherlands. With its rich history, picturesque scenery and varied flora and fauna, this place offers a unique experience for all who visit. For history buffs, deep within the hill is an extensive network of underground galleries. Away from the crowds, steeped in mystery, the Kazematten caves, fort and tunnels are literally the foundations of Maastricht and can be visited on a tour for just €9.50.

5. Sphinxpassage

Although Maastricht is a growing city, the past is cherished, visible in the historic air that sets Maastricht apart from other Dutch cities. The Sphinxpassage is more than just a passage - the longest ceramic painting in the Netherlands is a way to explore and understand the fascinating past of Maastricht and the Sphinx brand. With each step through this passage, visitors can travel back in time, discovering the story and evolution of the pottery company, an important part of local history.

6. Lumière Cinema

Another renovated historic building, the Lumière Cinema Maastricht is an iconic cinema in the heart of Maastricht, a landmark for cinephiles and film lovers in the region. For me, the Lumière is more than just a cinema, it also serves as a vibrant cultural space hosting film festivals, filmmaker debates and conferences. A true platform for exploring the world of cinema, this place stole my heart the first time I stepped inside.

7. St. Servaas Fair

For amusement park fans, myself included, the annual 'fair' in the centre of Maastricht is the main attraction of May - adventure, fun and cotton candy. Whether you want to push your limits, experience unique sensations or simply enjoy the stalls and atmosphere, during this event, the city centre comes alive and everyday worries seem to fade away.

8. Maasmechelen Village Outlet

Just a stone's throw from Maastricht - more precisely, a 63 bus ride away - is an outdoor shopping destination that brings together the world's leading luxury brands. At the 'border triangle' between the Netherlands, Belgium and Germany, Maasmechelen Village manages to combine shopping with a fairytale atmosphere shaped by exquisitely decorated boutiques, picturesque alleyways and, not least, the Terhills hotel and the bluest lake I've ever seen.

9. Heugem aan de Maas - the "beach" in Maastricht

A recent discovery - Grindgat Lake Oost-Maarland offers a beach, albeit small, with sand, shells and smiles. Surrounded by green spaces, this beach is the perfect place to cool off when your phone shows, seemingly puzzled, that it's over 30 degrees in the Netherlands. Whether you want to listen to music, play volleyball with friends or take a dip in the lake, you can confidently put this place on your list of destinations if you're in Maastricht for the summer.

I finally reveal my favourite places in Maastricht, because every memorable day ends with a delicious meal or a refreshing cocktail.

10. Rosé Coffee

Café Rosé is a place I found by pure chance during my first year studying in Maastricht. Although small in size, it's a place whose walls have heard thousands of life stories - founded many years ago, Café Rosé is a flagship venue for the LGBTQIA+ community, but anyone can enjoy a relaxed and friendly atmosphere where they are encouraged to be themselves and feel free to express their identity.

11. CaNaToneta

Located in the city's central square, this restaurant projects an unparalleled Mediterranean experience through its Italian and Spanish-influenced menu. The first time we sat on the terrace of this restaurant was at the end of my first session, when we were greeted by an extremely friendly team, enjoying the best dishes with 20% student discount 🙂

12. BOLD: "see you at the top!"

Located on the rooftop of the Social Hub building, the former Student Hotel, the BOLD Rooftop Bar welcomes you with delicious drinks and stunning panoramic views and is the perfect place to relax with friends watching the sunset. The whole place is shaped around the motto 'see you at the top': looking down from above, the world is yours.

13. Mr. Smith Speakeasy - the "hidden" bar

A mysterious and sophisticated venue, Mr. Smith brings with it a flavour of adventure and an air of elegance, drawing visitors into an intimate and charming space. This place is perfect for those in constant search of unique experiences, offering an unparalleled experience in the heart of Maastricht.

Article and photos by Miruna-Cristina Cotfas.

Miruna is a second year student at Maastricht University, studying Data Science and Artificial Intelligence. She joined the Rompro team because she wants to present the Netherlands from her own perspective - a once unknown, intimidating world that has now become 'home'. Although her undergraduate profile inherently suggests a person who always relies on reason, Miruna also likes to let go at times, to live every moment to its fullest intensity and leave her mark wherever she goes, through volunteering and content creation.