Travel & Hotspots
MAASTRICHT HOTSPOTS
My best friend is finally going to experience it this weekend: she is no longer in her twenties either. A reason to head south again. And since I'm in my beautiful Maastricht, I'll add an extra day to visit my favorite spots. Put that wine in the fridge, Stef, I'm on my way.
Are you also looking forward to getting away for a bit? Then I highly recommend you get in the car this weekend and hit the A2. I've ordered sunshine, and Maastricht is really the best place to be.
Where should you go? I'm going to tell you...
1. Sleep at hotel The Dutch
One of the newest and trendiest additions to the city. Brothers Jean-Marc and Christophe Beaumont (known from hotel Beaumont and restaurant Harry’s) recently opened this new and trendy hotel. The interior is a nod to the ’80s. And while you're here: Harry’s around the corner has the best Sunday brunch.
2. Restaurant Bijzonder
Are you looking for a nice spot to have breakfast, lunch, or dinner? Then you definitely need to check out Bijzonder in the lovely Sint Pieter neighborhood. The restaurant is just outside the city but is well worth the walk. The concept focuses on eating together, like the characteristic kitchen table at our grandma's. With a bit of luck, you might meet the local farmer delivering colorful beets, cabbage, or pumpkin. The menu is completely organic, and everything is delivered fresh. Make sure you don’t leave without trying the Bijzonder bread. Generously topped with smashed avocado and grilled halloumi. A piece of banana bread with homemade nut butter on the side, and I bet you won’t want to leave!
3. Marres Kitchen
Another lovely spot. At Marres Kitchen, it’s especially nice to sit in the beautiful large garden when the weather is good. The long tables combined with the designer chairs inside give Marres Kitchen a relaxed vibe. Besides the standard menu, there’s a table full of goodies next to the bar where you can create your own plate. Definitely try the Baba Ganoush, served with delicious bread and falafel. You’ll never want anything else.
4. Noir
A well-known name in Maastricht. With a huge following of fans, this cute boutique is also a hotspot for day-trippers. Affordable pieces with a Scandinavian twist. Feminine, edgy, and a touch vintage.
5. Nina’s
As May already hinted, you must go to Nina’s for good jeans and the perfect biker jacket. But you can also always find a nice gift here. Besides a collection of Marie-Stella-Maris, they sell cute little jewelry, scarves, and cool bags.
6. Via Mucca
Shopping makes you thirsty. Here I drink my favorite wines. Owner Stefanie won’t let you leave until you’ve tasted the perfect wine (for you).
The best part of all? No fuss with prices, you pay a standard price for a glass of wine and always get a warm snack with it. A little Chardonnay, May?
7. Teazone
Now I should really rave about the dozens of delicious types of tea that Teazone has on the menu, but secretly I go here for the delicious pastries. Everything on the table is homemade, and choosing is impossible. Celebrating something? Go for a high tea. Just remember to make a reservation.
8. Café Sjiek
When you say Maastricht, you say Café Sjiek. At Sjiek, classic café dishes like entrecôte and famous Limburg sour meat are on the menu. But you’re also at the right place for an oyster or a platter of antipasti. Unfortunately, reservations are not possible. After an evening of dining, you’ll probably leave with a bunch of stories and a few new friends. With a bit of luck, the terrace will still be open this weekend. Then you’ll be sitting here at its best.
Have I convinced you? Then I’ll see you on Saturday around five at Via Mucca!
