Discover Maastricht

Maastricht can be explored through a wide range of themes: underground traces of its history as a fortified city, art in historic buildings, and green spaces with views of the quarry and surrounding landscape. During your stay, you can use these highlights to decide what interests you most about the city. The following places each offer a distinct way to experience history, culture or nature.

Underground history and fortifications

At the Sint Pietersberg Caves, visitors can descend up to 30 metres underground with an official Maastricht Guide. The oldest inscription in these caves dates from 1554. The Zonneberg Caves at Sint-Pietersberg are a draw in their own right: this extensive, intricate cave system has cathedral-like passages. The oldest inscription there dates from 1551, and the caves also contain a life-size charcoal drawing.

The Maastricht Kazematten tell another chapter in the city’s defensive history. This 12-kilometre-long underground network of defensive passages dates from 1771. Visitors can take a guided tour of the Kazematten. These underground sites offer a choice of different historical experiences: cave systems with old inscriptions and an extensive network of defensive passages.

Views and nature in the city

The viewpoint at Sint-Pietersberg offers views over the quarry and the surrounding area. It is accessible between sunrise and sunset. Fort Sint Pieter offers a different vista, with panoramic views across Maastricht and the Jeker Valley as far as Belgium. Tours of the fort take visitors through well-preserved underground passages; there is also a free exhibition in the caponier.

The De Kiekoet birdwatching site is located on Van Schaikweg. You can try to spot the rare eagle owl there. The Sint-Pietersberg bij Maastricht circular walk, by contrast, passes through a cross-border nature area with varied, rare nature and a rich cultural history around the quarry and d'n Observant. Red arrows mark the route. The two options offer different highlights: De Kiekoet focuses on the chance to spot an eagle owl, while the circular walk brings nature and cultural history together in one landscape.

The Jeker, centuries-old fortifications and several historic park areas come together in Stadspark. The park is a place to stroll, relax, exercise and meet up. On the edge of the Sphinxkwartier, Frontenpark combines urban nature, the history of the fortifications and industrial heritage. Narrow paths, bridges and old fortifications open up ever-changing views.

Art, architecture and cultural venues

The Schatkamer Basiliek van Sint Servaas is housed in the medieval double chapel at the Sint-Servaasbasiliek. Boekhandel Dominicanen offers another combination of historic architecture and culture: since autumn 2006, it has been located in the centuries-old Dominicanenkerk. It is also a cultural venue, hosting regular readings, debates and music performances, as well as exhibitions.

The Bonnefanten presents Old Masters alongside modern and contemporary art in an iconic building designed by Aldo Rossi. The museum offers changing exhibitions, guided tours, special lectures and activities for children. For art in public spaces, the Maastricht Street Art Route offers another way to explore: it leads to iconic artworks in public places, including tags, stickers and graffiti that tell the story of the city.

The Catholic Heiligdomsvaart is also part of cultural life in Maastricht; it takes place every seven years. When planning your stay, you can first consider whether you are more interested in underground heritage and architecture, art and events, or nature and viewpoints. These different highlights offer a practical guide when looking for a hotel in Maastricht.

For the broader travel overview: Maastricht.