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

For first-time visitors, staying in the Old Town (Stadshart) area of Maastricht is ideal. This historic district offers easy access to landmarks like the Cathedral of St. Servatius and the Vrijthof Square, where charming cafés and boutique shops line the cobbled streets. Many guests prefer Hotel de Grote Halle, a 17th-century building with modern amenities, located just steps from the city’s cultural heart. Alternatively, Bij de Pauw offers a cozy B&B experience with authentic Dutch hospitality. These neighborhoods provide excellent walking access to museums, restaurants, and scenic riverside paths along the Meuse River.

For stunning views of the Meuse River, stay at Hotel De Kruisberg, located just a short walk from the riverbank. This boutique hotel features large windows overlooking the tranquil waters and lush greenery, perfect for morning coffee with a panoramic vista. The outdoor terrace is ideal for evening relaxation, especially during summer months when local events take place along the riverfront. Alternatively, Bij de Pauw offers a quiet retreat with private garden access near the river, combining peaceful ambiance with elegant Dutch design.

In Maastricht, enjoy a guided tour of the St. Paul's Abbey Ruins, one of the oldest Benedictine monasteries in the Netherlands, offering insight into medieval religious life. Attend the annual Maastricht Festival, featuring open-air concerts, art exhibitions, and street performances across the city center. Don’t miss a hands-on Dutch pastry workshop at a local bakery, where you’ll learn to make traditional treats like poffertjes and stroopwafels. These immersive experiences provide authentic connections to the region’s heritage and culinary traditions.

The top breakfast spot in Maastricht is De Kromme Kade, a cozy café tucked away in a historic alleyway. Known for its fresh-baked bread, house-made jams, and premium Dutch coffee, it serves a signature dish: Limburg-style scrambled eggs with local ham, made with free-range pork from nearby farms. The industrial-chic interior features local artwork and warm lighting, creating a relaxed, artistic vibe. For a healthier option, visit Bakkerij de Vliegende Zand, famous for whole-grain toast, dark chocolate muffins, and expertly brewed pour-over coffee—perfect for starting your day with authenticity and flavor.

Near Maastricht, Kinderland Limburg is a must-visit family attraction—a playful, interactive theme park designed for children with mini trains, climbing nets, and themed play zones. It also hosts regular parent-child workshops on nature and creativity. Another great option is the Botanische Tuin Maastricht, a serene botanical garden featuring a maze, children’s discovery zone, and animal feeding areas, ideal for educational outdoor fun. Along the Meuse River, scenic walking paths offer benches, slides, and picnic spots, making them perfect for family strolls and casual bonding time in nature.

Maastricht’s nightlife stands out for its intimate jazz bars and literary-inspired cafés. Visit Jazz & Wine Bar De Kromme Kade, a hidden gem in a centuries-old building, where live jazz bands perform every Friday and Saturday night alongside curated wines and tapas. Another favorite is Taverne de Wijnkelder, a subterranean wine cellar with 150-year-old stone walls, hosting themed beer tastings and Dutch gourmet dinners. For a relaxed evening, stroll through Vrijthof Square, where outdoor terraces stay open late, offering perfect views of the illuminated cathedral and a vibrant atmosphere for socializing under the stars.