The capital city of the southern province of Limburg, Maastricht is not like the rest of the Netherlands. The flatlands recede into rolling green hills, and then into mountains and networks of caves; soft-core drug use is decidedly less in your face, and the local cuisine has a definite Belgian and German feel to it. In fact, Limburg shares more borders with more European countries than it does with other provinces of the Netherlands, and it’s little wonder that the city was once so well fortified. Though cut in two by the river Maas, Maastricht was once encompassed by some formidable city walls. Today, the city still features well-preserved fortifications which date back to the 13th century.

Despite its differences from other cities in the Netherlands, Maastricht still retains the beauty that is associated with the country. Towering buildings and cobbled streets run throughout the city, and the center of town and its three main squares overflow with history. The laid back locals seem to not notice the tourists who flock to Maastricht on the weekends, and that’s because a lot of them are Dutch themselves and blend into the Limburg crowd. The city is less crowded during the week, but during summer weekends Maastricht becomes a hub of activity, as bars and restaurants pour into outdoor seating areas and onto the promenade by the river. Expect a chill bar scene and small traditional kaffees dominating the scene, rather than thumping dance clubs. If you’re looking to have a relaxing few days away from the rest of the Netherlands or even Belgium, then Maastricht is the ideal place.