Culture & Leisure
The Maastricht Region is known both nationally and internationally for its 'bourgondische' lifestyle, which means a rich enjoyment of all life has to offer, good food, good company and good times. Hollanders (Dutch visitors from the north of the Netherlands) often feel as though they are abroad when they visit the Maastricht Region, while visitors from other countries are quick to feel at home. The reason for this is the vast multitude of events, extensive cultural offerings and choice of restaurants and cuisine all within a 20 km radius.
The Maastricht Region plays host to events that draw visitors and famous artists from all across the planet: Pinkpop is the world’s first and longest running annual music festival; Cultura Nova boasts unconventional forms of theatre, dance, music, film and visual arts and TEFAF is the world's largest art fair.
There are an incredible number of high-quality restaurants in the Maastricht region, we boast a number of restaurants who have been awarded the Bib Gourmand, and for those with a few more euros to spend we’re not short on Michelin starred restaurants either. There are many culinary festivals throughout the year culminating in Preuvenemint which is the annual culinary highlight of the region. Not forgetting more down to earth tastes, we’re also famous for our “zuurvlees/ zoervleis” – a rich meaty sauce which is piled onto servings of frites (hot chips) and topped with a dollop of mayonnaise – available from the corner frituur (chip shop) in every neighbourhood.
For more information on events and locations of interest in the Maastricht, visit the respective Vereniging voor Vreemdelingenverkeer – VVV (tourist information office) and independent tourist websites:
Heerlen
VVV Heerlen (in Dutch)
VVV Zuid Limburg (in English)
EropUitinLimburg – Heerlen (in English)
Maastricht
VVV Maastricht (in English)
VVV Zuid Limburg (in English)
Meet Maastricht (in English)
Sittard-Geleen
VVV Sittard-Geleen (in Dutch)
VVV Zuid Limburg (in English)
InSittard-Geleen (in English)
Related Partners
Bonnefantenmuseum
Centre Céramique
Lumière
Muziekgieterij
philharmonie zuidnederland
Theater aan het Vrijthof
News in English – RTV Maastricht
Meuse-Rhine Gazette