Maastricht

Commonly known as the Star of the Sea, after an old title for the Virgin Mary, this Romanesque church was largely built in the 11th and 12th century.

Avenue Céramique 250· Cheap

The museum is the foremost museum of Old Masters and contemporary art in the province of Limburg. The contemporary art collection contains works by an international group of artists, including Sol LeWitt.

This basilica is believed to be built on top of the grave of Saint Servatius. The first known bishop of the Netherlands, he is said to have died here in the 4th century.

The fairly large market square has been the stage for markets for centuries, and still houses goods markets on Wednesdays and Fridays. It's a lively square, surrounded by cafés, shops and eateries, but also home to the 17th century Town…

South of the town centre, the wall includes the Helpoort (Hell's Gate), the oldest city gate in the Netherlands.

Bogaardenstraat 40b

Art house cinema - ticketsunless you're eligible for a discount

Vrijthof 47

For tickets to almost any cultural event.

Kakeberg 6

If you are really hungry, but don't want luxury food then visit this place. Try the Vesserslatien sandwich (cock-and-bull story sandwich). At night it is a popular drinking venue with students of Maastricht University.

from Vrijthof, follow Bredestraat and Hondstraat for about 300 m· Cheap

Serving quick and filling international cuisine, this place is very popular with students.

Grote Staat 57

Good place in the centre to get a reasonable priced baguette and hot drink.

Markt 75

Great fries with selections of sources on the menu. Take-away and seating.

Onze Lieve Vrouweplein 24

Excellent food. Good seating in the square in the summer.

Wijcker Brugstraat 41

Great fries and local take-away specialities

Maasboulevard 101

This hostel opened its doors in 2007 and offers 38 rooms. It has a deck looking over the Maas river and is a delightful place to have a beer in the evening.

Boschstraat 27

Part of a Dutch chain of four star hotels at sub-four star prices. If you are used to the full four-star service this will be a disappointment, but it is only a five-minute walk into the city centre and provides free wireless internet…

Stationsstraat 40

If you're bored with identi-kit hotel rooms, Design Hotel Eden will be a breath of fresh air. All the rooms are comfortably furnished in a variety of modern styles. You'll appreciate a philosophy that doesn't put a desk in your room.

Hertogsingel 28

Hotel Iban is a small hip 'boutique hotel' with 7 rooms. Every room has its own warm character and the atmosphere is very warm and personal.

Maasboulevard 95· Pricey

This hostel is on a boat on the river Maas, next to the city center. Breakfast is optional during weekdays and obligatory on weekends.

Kleine Gracht 24

Just off the market place, must be owned by a group of dentists. Little jars of sweets are everywhere in the public spaces.