Visiting Maastricht, Netherlands

hey Toytowners

if germany gets too much for you and you are looking for a quick weekend getaway, Maastticht, an hour train ride away frm Aachen is a great city to visit. we went there recently with the lufthansa special european fly deal to Köln and then hopped over the border. it certainly feels very different from Germany. it is very refreshing to have old grannies smiling and saying hello to you instead of frowning and cursing at you when you happen to cross paths with them. i find the amount of people amazing. thought it would be a sleepy little town but it is so not. it is buzzing with activities. the cafes serve some of the best cupuccinos (with liquor inside) and lots of nice restaurants everywhere. see some of the pictures we took here - http://www.travellingbazaar.com/maastricht%201.html

I agree, Maastricht is a beautiful city, though not much different, imo, than a lot of german cities.

Here's my pics from there (well, Maastricht and some from within 20 min of it): http://www.spike.10kegs.com/day6-8.html

Maastricht is great and has some interesting things, but I don't think there's a whole lot there.
Also, of course it'll feel diff. than Germany since it's not Germany.

Cute, cute, cute town! We went over the weekend, and they'd just put up their christmas/holiday decorations. Definitely worth a visit.

I agree, doesnt feel like a small german town, and again, I agree that it's not in germany and therefore not supposed to feel like a small german town. It's like a mini Amsterdam, and slightly larger Brugge. So if either of those towns appeal to you, you'll like Maastricht.

Has lots of shopping, good restaurants and bars, a river that cuts the town in half, cobblestone roads, pedestrian-only 'old town', churches turned bookstores, an outdoor market, nice people, etc.

Would also be a great 'romantic getaway' for anyone in the market.

My 'tip' is to eat at one of the many great restaurants on Rechtstraat (across the river from the city center).