Maastricht City Guide

Try local dishes like zoervleis, Limburgse vlaai, and seasonal asparagus. There is good international variety including Italian, Asian, and Middle Eastern food. Vegetarian and vegan options are growing. Late-night eats are mostly fast food.

Nightlife centers around Vrijthof and Markt squares with bars, pubs, and some clubs.

Strong coffee culture blending Dutch coziness with specialty coffee shops.

Tipping is not required. Rounding up bills or 5-10% is appreciated in restaurants. Rounding up is common for taxis.

SIM cards are sold at phone shops (KPN, Vodafone, T-Mobile), electronics stores, and some supermarkets. KPN, Vodafone, and T-Mobile have good coverage. eSIMs are also available. ID registration is required for prepaid SIM cards.

City is very clean with efficient waste and recycling systems.

Limited 24/7 services. Some pharmacies on call, few minimarts open late, emergency rooms 24/7.

Supermarkets like Albert Heijn, Jumbo, Plus, Lidl, and Aldi are common. Weekly markets offer fresh produce. Shops usually open 8 AM to 8 or 9 PM, many open on Sundays from noon to 6 PM. Prices are fixed; no bargaining.

Card payments like Visa, Mastercard, Maestro, and V Pay are widely accepted. Cash is rarely needed.

ATMs from ING, Rabobank, and ABN AMRO are easy to find. European cards usually avoid fees, but international cards might have charges from your bank.

Local schools teach in Dutch. The United World College Maastricht offers an IB program in English. Admissions vary and international schools may have waitlists.

Growing but small digital nomad scene. Some meetups and supportive cafés.

Plenty of green areas including Stadspark and Frontenpark, plus paths along the Meuse River.

Popular routes along the river and in parks; generally safe with good air quality.

Several gyms offering varied facilities, including university sports center.

Several tennis clubs with courts and equipment rental.

Padel courts are gaining popularity with club bookings available.

Multiple yoga studios offer various styles with English-speaking instructors.

Options include BJJ, Judo, Karate, Taekwondo, boxing and kickboxing. English-speaking instructors common.

No nearby ski resorts.

Kayaking, paddleboarding, and sailing available on Meuse River and nearby lakes.

No surfing due to distance from ocean.

Limited local diving options in lakes and quarries.

Maastricht University Medical Center+ has English-speaking staff. The healthcare system is high quality with mandatory insurance. Pharmacies have normal hours and some offer on-call service. Common OTC meds are easily found.

Tap water is safe and good quality.

Many playgrounds and parks. Family-friendly cafés exist, some with play areas. Baby supplies are easy to find. Kid-appropriate attractions include the Natuurhistorisch Museum and Centre Ceramique.

High acceptance and legal protections. Safe spaces across city.

Pet-friendly city with many parks allowing dogs on leash. Veterinary clinics available. Some accommodations and restaurants accept pets.