Macharen(Netherlands) Travel 2026: Cheap Flights, Hotels & Top Attractions

For first-time visitors, staying in the Old Town (Stadskern) of Maastricht is ideal. This historic district offers walkable access to landmarks like the St. Paulus Church, Vrijthof Square, and the Maastricht City Hall. The area is filled with charming cafés, boutique shops, and cozy B&Bs.

Top stays include Hotel De L'Europe, a luxury hotel housed in a former 18th-century mansion, and B&B De Vrije Wijze, a stylish, eco-friendly guesthouse near the city's green belt. These accommodations blend heritage charm with modern comfort, making them perfect for exploring the city’s rich cultural scene and scenic riverside paths.

Yes, several family-friendly hotels in Maastricht offer spacious outdoor areas. Hotel De L'Europe features a beautifully landscaped garden with shaded seating and a children’s play zone. It also provides family suites and babysitting services.

Another excellent choice is B&B De Vrije Wijze, which has a large private courtyard with a vegetable garden and a small pond—perfect for kids to explore. The property emphasizes sustainability and hosts seasonal family workshops, such as baking local bread or crafting from natural materials. Both options ensure a relaxed, engaging experience for families seeking nature and comfort.

During summer, Maastricht hosts several unique cultural events. The most renowned is the Maastricht Festival, a month-long celebration featuring open-air concerts, theatre performances, and street art installations across the Old Town.

Another highlight is the Cathedral Music Festival, held at the St. Paulus Church, where international classical ensembles perform in the historic cathedral’s acoustically rich space. Additionally, the Marktplaats Market on Saturdays transforms into a vibrant hub of local crafts, organic produce, and traditional Dutch snacks like stroopwafels and bitterballen. These events offer authentic insights into Maastricht’s artistic spirit and community life.

Yes, several hotels in Maastricht offer hands-on cooking classes using regional ingredients. Hotel De L'Europe hosts monthly "Dutch Kitchen Nights," where guests learn to prepare classic dishes like Stoofvlees (slow-cooked beef stew) and herring with onions, guided by their head chef.

Meanwhile, B&B De Vrije Wijze partners with nearby farms to organize "From Farm to Fork" workshops. Participants harvest vegetables, craft local cheeses, and cook a full meal in the garden kitchen. These immersive experiences emphasize sustainability and tradition, allowing travelers to taste authentic Dutch cuisine while connecting with the region’s agricultural roots.

Yes, Maastricht is highly bike-friendly for tourists. The city boasts over 300 km of dedicated cycling paths, including the scenic Meuse River Greenway, which runs along the riverbank with minimal traffic and stunning views.

Many hotels, such as Hotel De L'Europe and B&B De Vrije Wijze, offer free bicycle rentals and even provide GPS-guided route maps. Cyclists can easily explore nearby villages like Sint Pietersberg and Beek. With flat terrain, well-marked routes, and ample rest stops, biking is one of the best ways to experience Maastricht’s blend of history, nature, and charm at your own pace.

The most photogenic spots near hotels in Maastricht include Vrijthof Square, with its cobblestone pavement and elegant 17th-century facades, especially beautiful at golden hour. The St. Paulus Church offers dramatic Gothic architecture and stained-glass windows that create striking light effects.

B&B De Oude Molen’s windmill and surrounding garden are perfect for candid and artistic shots, particularly in early morning mist. For nature lovers, the Lindebeek Forest trails provide lush greenery, dappled sunlight, and serene streams—ideal for landscape and portrait photography. These locations combine history, beauty, and tranquility, making them favorites among travel photographers.