Right in our street (in the best neighbourhood of Maastricht) you will find Van Wijck. A cosy and comforting place where you can sit down to relax and rewind, work or socialize whilst enjoying the most delicious home baked goods. Doesn’t that sound nice? Van Wijck has become a true hotspot in Maastricht which you shouldn’t overlook. 

De Brandweerkantine, or the fire station canteen, is a truly unique location in Maastricht. The building used to function as a fire station up until the mid-90s. Nowadays you’ll find here a cosy restaurant, multiple flex working spaces and ateliers. You could spend the day here working or head to the restaurant for a delicious lunch or dinner. They even have a movie night on Wednesdays that you can join.

You can find Brasserie Tapijn in the city park. It is a lovely and jovial place where you can have a seat inside during winter and enjoy the sunny terrace during spring and summer. Hospitality and conviviality are of utmost importance for them. Tapijn serves responsible dishes. They know where the ingredients are from and work with fresh products.  

Get overwhelmed and impressed by the beautiful art pieces in the Bonnefanten art museum. The Bonnefantenmuseum is mainly known for its modern day art, medieval sculpture art, and the pictorial art from the Southern part of the Netherlands. The museum presents both a permanent collection as well as changing exhibitions from non-mainstream artists which will definitely surprise you. 

Bookstore Dominicanen is housed in a special place; the Dominican Church. A place you definitely want to see, even if you are not a book lover. The beautiful details and rich history of the church alone make it worth a visit. The church also functions as a cultural stage for lectures, debates, musical performances and exhibitions. Downstairs you can settle down for a good cup of coffee. 

Discover art in the broadest sense at Marres, House for Contemporary Culture. Marres not only cooperates with artists, but also with chefs, musicians, scientists and perfumers. Marvel at an international exhibition, indulge in a sensory workshop or set out on an art walk. Afterwards, stroll through the lovely city garden or settle down at the Mediterranean restaurant Marres Kitchen, next to the museum.

Perhaps the most well-known activity in Maastricht is a visit to St Pietersberg and the Marl Caves. Yet the locals love it here too, as it is a wonderful place to walk, enjoy the wide-open views or to check out André Rieu's famous castle! At Café Slavante, you can sit on the terrace with a feeling of contentment, unless you want to continue immediately with a guided tour of the mysterious marl caves or the ENCI quarry, of course. 

The Bisschopsmolen is a watermill located in the Jeker quarter and truly is a sight you won’t want to miss out on. Since 2005 the mill functions as a bakery. The miller grinds the grain which the baker uses to make the most delicious breads and pastries. Sit down for a good cup of coffee and an authentic piece of Limburgian vlaai! 

The gorgeous Vrijthof square is situated in the very heart of Maastricht. During the summer, multiple concerts are given. For the most part of the year you’re free to wander around and admire the views of the surrounding historic buildings. Or just sit down and relax at one of the many terraces and restaurants to be found at the square. 

Stadspark Maastricht is one of the three oldest parks in the Netherlands. The Designhotel Maastricht team enjoys coming here for a walk, a game of football or to lie in the sun on the grass. You can have a romantic picnic along the river Maas, go for a run or enjoy the peace and quiet. Nice detail: the old city wall runs right through the park, so that you can experience a piece of history as well. 

The Onze Lieve Vrouwenplein is the place where the "Mestreechtenere" (the locals) come together. The square is surrounded by various bars and restaurants, where there is something for everyone. In the summer, the whole square is filled with terraces and you can taste the real Burgundian atmosphere of the South. 

You will find out soon enough that there are more than enough nice shops in our neighbourhood in Wyck. There is also a lot to shop for in the centre. The Minckelersstraat, for example, is full of great interior design shops and other unique boutiques. While you're there, be sure to pop into Festen, Conflict Designmarket and Nolabel.

Kinsum Records is a record store in the neighbourhood of the hotel, Wyck. They have a large collection and you can look around for hours searching for the best records. A fun place to visit for the music lovers out there. 

In an old factory on the edge of Maastricht’s city centre you find pop podium Muziekgieterij. Muziekgieterij is one of the youngest end newest pop stages in the Netherlands. Concerts and dance events from both already well-known as well as upcoming talents are held. Throughout the week multiple events and performances are scheduled in the various rooms.  

Don’t we all love a touch of magic? Magisch Maastricht, or Magical Maastricht is a yearly winter event in the city. During the event the Vrijthof is being transformed into one huge Christmas market and party. It probably is one of the most well-known Christmas happenings in the country and a more than fun activity to add to your city trip to Maastricht!

The rich history of the Sphinx Quarter has been given a permanent place in the Sphinxpassage.

In this 120-meter long passage, almost 30,000 tiles bring the history of Maastricht ceramics to life. In 26 chapters you can walk through the history of the pottemennekes and pottevruikes and read more about the design and manufacturing process. The Sphinxpassage is accessible free of charge and open daily from 08.00 to sunset.

It hardly get more 'Instagrammable' than this place. Not only the dishes and shakes, but also the interior. Everything is black and white, except what's on the menu. On the menu you will find many colorful freak shakes, protein shakes, smoothies, crepes, waffles and wraps. 

When you think of Friet van Piet you might think of a standard snack bar, but many Groningers like to make a diversion for that one. You can enjoy fresh homemade fries and other snacks such as the egg ball. The "eierbal" is a local speciality that you really shouldn't miss. It looks like a large bitterball, but inside is a whole egg. The local pride is even included in UNESCO's list of Dutch intangible heritage.