Culture & Leisure
The Maastricht Region is different from other parts of the Netherlands. The Maastricht Region is different from other parts of the Netherlands. French and German are commonly heard due to the proximity of neighbouring countries Germany and Belgium. Visitors from other countries are quick to feel at home. The reason for this is the vast multitude of events, extensive cultural offerings and a variety of restaurants and cuisine.
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
The leading art museum of Limburg and the Euregion. It presents both permanent collections of old masters and contemporary art, as well as temporary exhibitions of influential artists.
Centre Céramique
Libraries, exhibitions and cultural heritage, Kumulus School of Arts and the Natural History Museum of Maastricht together form one organization and are part of the municipality of Maastricht.
De bibliotheek Maastricht
Maastricht has three libraries: Centrum, Heer and Malpertuis. The Library has an extensive English-language collection and you can also borrow e-books.
Lumière
Lumière is known for it’s high quality selection of movies, inviting atmosphere, and international orientation. The ideal place for tasty lunches and dinners surrounded by the beautifully refurbished industrial interior.
Maastricht Museum
On the 1st floor of Centre Céramique, the hidden stories of this special city are told. This is done in Dutch and English, but also in Maastrichts.
Muziekgieterij
Muziekgieterij is a music venue located in Maastricht and offers a weekly program with (inter)national big names, new talents and some fine dancing.
Natuur Historisch Museum Maastricht
Travel through time and through the nature of the beautiful province of Limburg. Check out the big mosasaur, take a walk in the lovely garden, watch how fossils are being prepared in the Science Lab or visit exhibitions.
News in English – RTV Maastricht
A reliable source of news, current affairs, cultural event coverage and local information relevant to the Maastricht Region’s “not-yet-Dutch-speaking” residents as they adjust to life in their new home.
South Netherlands Philharmonic
Is a worthy and flexible symphony orchestra that has been lauded for its quality, its tight ensemble play and the radiant enthusiasm of its musicians.
Theater aan het Vrijthof
As one of the leading theatres in the Netherlands, Theater aan het Vrijthof is Maastricht’s cultural hub to stimulate cultural debate by presenting (inter)national companies from all genres.
WeekinWeekuit
What to do today, tomorrow or this week? weekinweekuit.info is a simple and clear cultural calendar for Maastricht. Check the website and social media channels to stay informed of all cultural activities in and around Maastricht.