Although I was only in Maastricht for a short period of time, I was determined to become very familiar with my host city! There is so much to do in this quant town, it was hard to even pick my top 10 favorite things to do! Here is a small list to get you familiar with the cutest city in the Netherlands and to make you feel like a local in a short amount of time!

#1:Get to know the city!

Rent a bike at the train station and bike through the cobblestone streets on your day off. While Maastricht is smaller and walkable, it can get tiring to walk all those steps during your stay. Renting bikes for the time you are there with your study abroad friends is a great way to get to know the city as well as an easy mode of transportation.

#2. Try “vlaai!”

It sounds like pie, it looks like pie, but it’s vlaai. This pastry is regional to Limburg (where Maastricht is located in the Netherlands). It is filled with different fruit or cheese and is a delicious snack that is a must try while in Maastricht.

#3. One word…Pinkies!

This is a one of the best, most vibrant restaurants in the square to get a delicious plate of waffles which can be filled with Nutella and/or topped with your choice of delicious ice cream.

#4. Reitz

Trying local food is on everyone’s to-do list, right? After you go to Pinkies, the next stop should be Reitz for their fries. They are located in the Market Square. Trust me when I say these will be the best fries you’ve ever had!

#5. Visit the Boekhandel Dominicanen bookstore!

This was previously a church in the city center and was transformed into one of the most beautiful bookstores in Maastricht!

#6. Fabric Markets

Do you try to find a market in every city you visit like I do? If so, you need to check out the fabric markets in the Market Square! They have flowers, food trucks, jewelry, and fabric of course, as well as so many other cute items! This is a great place to find some souvenirs for the family.

#7. Visit a cat cafe!

What better way to relax during a study break than sipping on a latte while petting a furry friend? I can’t think of one!

#8. Visit the Keukenhof tulip gardens!

I do believe that they are as beautiful as everyone says they are, so this is a must on the Maastricht to do list!

#9. Climb Sint Janskerk

Climb the tower of Sint Janskerk for a beautiful panoramic view of the city!

#10. Carnival

And last, if you are lucky enough to be in Maastricht during Carnival, this is the first activity I would recommend to anyone! Missing Carnival is not a choice in Maastricht. It is almost mandatory to go to the Vrijthof Square during the day for the parade and at night for the music and dancing! This had to be my best memory when I was abroad!