Maastricht

Maastricht is probably best known as the backdrop for the creation of the European Union. For me it will be remembered as my introduction to the Netherlands.

I was drawn to Maastricht by its unique location and convergence of influences—Dutch, Belgian, German. I had read good things and with it essentially directly en route from Paris to Amsterdam, I thought, why not to stop for a day or two? I’m quite glad I did.

My quirky accommodations at The Dutch are a little bit of a hike to the center of town but that’s just opened up more of this quaint town to me. I walk down Wycker Brugstraat past the hip restaurants and trendy boutiques to the bridge across the Meuse river where the European fairy tale skyline of the Maastricht Centrum emerges before me. Its narrow cobblestone streets are lined with inviting restaurants and shops. The charm of Maastricht is found in getting lost in its labyrinth and then having it open up to you at places like the expansive Vrijthof square, magical Boekhandel Dominicanen or Stadspark, where you’ll find the Helpoort and old water mill.

Everywhere you turn there’s an inviting outdoor cafe or another alley to explore. I can imagine retiring here for a time. There’s just something wonderfully small yet endlessly discoverable about it.