My youngest sister, Jenna, is currently studying abroad at Maastricht University. I was lucky enough to visit her with my mom and sisters a couple weeks ago and was blown away by the town’s beauty. Maastricht is on the southern tip of the Netherlands and this charming cobblestone town is rich in history and full of medieval architecture. We spent two full days in Maastricht before making our way to Amsterdam for the weekend.
Highlights from Maastricht:
Hotel:
We stayed at Hotel Beaumont located in the elegant district of Wyck, in the center of Maastricht. The breakfast was really great there and we loved the location- an easy walk to the market, restaurants, and the train station.
Activities:
Hike Mount Sint Pieter and take the path to Fort Sint Pieter, a stone military fort built in 1702.
Walk around Market square. The farmer’s market goes on every Saturday with food trucks and local vendors selling produce, plants, and flea market items. The square is full of cute boutiques, restaurants, and coffee shops.
Coffee:
Jenna took us to her favorite local coffee shop, Alley Cat Bikes & Coffee. This place has the cutest interior, great selection of coffee, and a friendly staff.
Restaurants:
The Italian Restaurant, Il Giardino was one of our favorites. The staff was welcoming and fun and the food was family-style and delicious.
Come in to Burgerlijk for a trio of mini burgers and an aperol spritz.
Dessert:
Gelatoria Candiero had some of the best gelato I’ve ever had!
Stop by Pinky’s and order their waffles for breakfast, a sweet treat during the day, or dessert.
Highlights from Amsterdam:
Hotel:
We stayed at Hotel Sofitel Legend The Grand, right in the town center. The staff was friendly, rooms were great, and their breakfast was my favorite on the trip.
Activities:
The Van Gogh Museum, Rijksmuseum, and Moco are a few of many museums in Amsterdam worth checking out. I loved walking around in the Museum Quarter and seeing the tulip fields, local vendors, and sculptures outside the buildings. Schedule a tour to see Anne Frank’s house! This sells out weeks in advance and is worth booking ahead of time.
Satirical and political street art by Banksy inside the Moco.
Enjoy a beer in an igloo at the Ice Bar 🍻❄️
Book a Canal Tour with “Those Dam Boat Guys”. You will not regret it- one of my favorite parts of the entire trip!
Walk around the flower market and stop by the Delft shop- full of original, hand painted pottery.
Book a Heineken Experience tour and create your own personal label.
Restaurants:
Mappa- Favorite Italian restaurant in town.
Carstens- Local fare, delicious seafood.
Dessert: Pick up their famous stroopwafel from a street vendor.
