If you're looking for an #idle style weekend getaway (read, one that has all the perks of the big city life such and great coffee bars and creative shops, without being too big, busy and overwhelming) Maastricht is definitely a go-to. I've visited it on numerous occasions and have really grown to love the place.
Now, this city guide was supposed to be divided into 3 neat categories. You know, the usual: 'eat/drink', 'shop', 'see/do'. But then it turned out Maastricht's best places aren't the kind you can easily put in boxes, and I do believe that that is actually what I like best about this pretty little city.
Le Marais Deux & Koffie
This nice place is a fusion between a store and a coffee bar. Le Marais Deux sells lovely stationary (the notebooks from Crisp Sheets are my faves) and great selection of sneakers (did you know that for every pair of Toms that you buy, a person in need receives a pair of shoes?) amongst other things. Koffie bij Joost en Maartje provides great coffee and super chai lattes in the adjoining room. The sturdy wooden tables make for a perfect breakfast nook, or a lovely setting to take a break in the afternoon.
Burgerlijk
I think it's safe to say that this place has the best burgers in town. So far I have tasted the lamb burger with feta and olives and the wagyu burger with onion compote and tarragon mayo. Both were over-the-top delicious.
We-ar vintage
At We-ar Vintage they offer a nice range of fur coats, denim jackets and croco purses. I spotted the most perfect red leather fringe jacket when I was last there, but was sadly on a shopping stop (and still am!), so no cowgirl jackets for me.
Bisschopsmolen
This local sourced bakery has its own water mill for grinding flour. Their spelt bread is yummy and so are their 'vlaaien' (a kind of fruitpie typical for the region).
Festen
Great stationary, lamps, small deco objects and jewellery are to be found at Festen. They also make a mighty good carrot cake and a pretty decent pot of earl grey tea. Don't forget to check out their second shop for more goodies, right across the street.
Traders Pop
Scandi style with a bit of a Hiphop vibe meets thrift shop is kind of the best way I can describe Traders Pop. Pop in here for a nice selection of arty magazines, Cheap Monday jeans, Fjällräven backpacks and sailor hats.
Dominicanen Boekhandel
Set in a former church, this bookstore is probably the prettiest one ever. No suprising book selection here, but the architecture and the second hand section on the second floor are definitely worth checking out.
Bonnefantenmuseum
The Bonnefantenmuseum exhibits a selection of old masters as well as modern and contemporary art. A lovely place to spend a Sunday morning!
Lumière
This old factory building turned arthouse cinema also houses a super cute bar (order the veggie croquettes if you're in for a greasy snack or appetiser) and a fabulous restaurant (I can strongly recommend the lamb köfte as a main dish and the french toast with poached figs and vanilla curd for dessert). Lumière is not exactly in the town center, but for the architecture and interior design alone this place is worth the detour.
Take five
If you're looking for the place m'as-tu vu to have a drink in the evening, Take five is where you wanna go. And on a plus: the cocktails are delicious!
