A Weekend Trip to Maastricht

Friday Morning Departure: Excitement in the Air ✈️

Friday, October 18, 2024
Early Friday morning, we headed to Lisbon Airport with excitement in the air, wondering if this weekend might be the start of something big! It’s about a 2-hour and 45-minute flight from Lisbon to Brussels, making it perfect for a relaxed long weekend.

As we flew, we started planning our weekend: Which neighborhoods would we like? Would the food surprise us? And, what if Maastricht became our new hometown?

Arriving in Brussels and Taking the Train to Maastricht 🚆

Landing in Brussels, we bought our tickets for the short train ride to Maastricht, which takes under two hours. The train offered views of fields, forests, and charming villages, giving us a glimpse of life in this part of Europe.

With so many exciting places to see in Maastricht, the train ride felt like the perfect moment to dive deeper into our plans and start exploring online the best spots to visit.

First Impressions of Maastricht: Peaceful and Welcoming 🌷

When we arrived, Maastricht greeted us with cool, fresh air – quite different from the warmth of Lisbon! But the city’s relaxed, welcoming atmosphere made us feel at home immediately.

Our hotel was in the lively Wyck neighborhood, known for its historic buildings, cobbled streets, and riverside views, putting us right in the heart of everything.

Breakfast in Wyck: Discovering Dutch Treats ☕🥐

Our first stop was a cozy café in Wyck, where we tasted some authentic Dutch treats. The aroma of fresh bread and coffee filled the air – a perfect introduction to our new surroundings.

We also tried vlaai, a traditional Dutch fruit tart, which was a delicious way to get a taste of the city. Wyck, with its creative, lively feel, seemed like a fantastic start to our weekend!

Exploring the Old Town: History at Every Corner 🏰

After breakfast, we set out to explore Maastricht’s historic center. The narrow streets, grand buildings, and charming squares are packed with history. We visited the Basilica of Saint Servatius, one of the oldest churches in the Netherlands, and the stunning Sint Janskerk with its iconic red tower.

A Must-See: Boekhandel Dominicanen 📚
One of the highlights was Boekhandel Dominicanen, a spectacular bookstore inside an old Gothic church, famous as one of the world’s most beautiful bookshops. Surrounded by high ceilings and stained-glass windows, we spent hours browsing books in this truly magical place.

The balance between Maastricht’s history and its modern vibes makes it feel like a place we could settle into.

House Hunting in Maastricht: Finding the Perfect Spot 🏠

Curious about living in Maastricht, we lined up a few apartment viewings to see what the housing market offered. Our first stop was in the Statenkwartier neighborhood. This area, known for its peaceful residential streets, was home to a bright apartment with a balcony overlooking a canal – the perfect spot for relaxing evenings!

Next, we visited Céramique, a more modern area with parks and plenty of green spaces near the Maas river. The neighborhood combines urban energy with nature, offering another style of living we could enjoy.

Maastricht’s variety of neighborhoods made us feel like we’d find a place we could truly call home here.

Dinner in the Old Town: A Taste of Maastricht’s Dutch Cuisine 🍽️

After a day filled with impressions, we treated ourselves to a traditional Dutch meal in a cozy Old Town restaurant. The menu offered local specialties like stamppot (a warm dish with potatoes and vegetables) and bitterballen (fried meatballs) – hearty, comforting, and absolutely delicious!

Maastricht’s cuisine, with influences from Belgium and France, is simple but flavorful – an unexpected delight!

Maastricht’s Nightlife: Pubs and Rooftop Bars 🎉

We ended our day by exploring Maastricht’s nightlife, with both classic pubs and stylish rooftop bars to choose from.

We started with a local beer at “Take One,” a beloved pub among locals. The warm, relaxed vibe was just what we needed. Later, we headed to a rooftop bar overlooking Maastricht’s sparkling lights – a picture-perfect moment for celebrating the idea that this could soon be home.

A Sunday Walk Along the Maas: Peaceful and Scenic 🌳

Sunday morning, we strolled along the Maas river, watching as the sunlight shimmered on the water. The countryside around Maastricht is beautiful, with plenty of space to relax, making it ideal for finding balance after busy days.

Living here would mean having easy access to nature, something we both value deeply.

Final Thoughts: Could Maastricht Be Our New Home? 🏡

After a weekend of discovery, new experiences, and delicious food, we left Maastricht with more than just a few fond memories. The city has everything we’re looking for – culture, nature, and an open, friendly vibe.

Could Maastricht become our next home? That depends on a few things, but it feels like we already belong here.

Tips for a Maastricht Visit:
If you’re planning a trip to Maastricht, make sure to visit Wyck, sample a traditional vlaai, stop by the incredible Boekhandel Dominicanen, and enjoy the friendly Dutch atmosphere. It’s a hidden gem that you’ll want to revisit.