Orientation

Maastricht is divided into two sections by the river Maas, which flows directly through the center of the city. The main pedestrian bridge is St. Servaasbrug, which connects the train station with the old center; from the train station, Stationstraat runs westward into Wycker Burgstraat and across the bridge to the promenade. This bridge leads to both Maasboulevard, which runs to the south of the city, and the Promenade, which runs to the north. The east side of the river by the station hosts some good bars, convenient hotels, and some more upscale establishments, including the Crowne Plaza hotel and restaurant. A little further south on this side of the river is Céramique area, which is comprised of the Centre Céramique, a small park, and some cafes. The Bonnedantenmuseum and Province House are further south.

The west side of the river is the location of Maastricht’s three main squares: the Markt, Vrijthof, and O.L. Vrouwe. It is also home to the main shopping street, Grote Straat, and the Tourist Information Office (VVV) at the bottom of Grote Straat. The Markt is located in the north of the city, and serves as a point of intersection for several of Maastricht’s main thoroughfares: Boschstraat to the north, Hoenstraat to the east, Neuwstraat and Spilstraat to the south, and Grote Gracht to the west. From the Markt, Grote Gracht runs to Vrijthof, which is full of restaurants and bars, and also houses the Basilica St. Servatius. To the south east of the city center is the small square of O.L Vrouwe, which is just off of Maasboulevard via Plankstraat.