Located near the southernmost tip of The Netherlands, is one of the oldest cities in the country – Maastricht. Maastricht is the capital city in the province of Limburg, and is situated near the German and Belgian borders. It is also located about...more
Located near the southernmost tip of The Netherlands, is one of the oldest cities in the country – Maastricht. Maastricht is the capital city in the province of Limburg, and is situated near the German and Belgian borders. It is also located about 2 hours away from Amsterdam. This ancient city is home to numerous attractions which will keep the entire family entertained and occupied. It is a great place to relax and unwind and is a definite must-visit when in The Netherlands. Muslim visitors will be please to know that they will be able to find Muslim-friendly facilities in Maastricht. The city is home to a sizeable population of Muslims, making it possible to find a mosque and Halal restaurants in Maastricht.
While here, tourists must take a walking tour of the city. Most tours take visitors past famous must-see sites and landmarks. There are numerous old buildings and houses, as well as churches and cathedrals that are perfect reminders of the city’s history. Since Maastricht is best discovered on foot, a walking tour is probably the most ideal way to learn more about the city.
Apart from the numerous museums found in Maastricht, the Town Hall is another must-visit.
Another great way to enjoy the surroundings, to see its attractions and to learn more about the city is to take a cruise down the Meuse River. It is also said to be one of the most popular ways to spend a day in the city.
A visit to Maastricht is not complete without a visit to the Maastricht Underground; which includes the Fort St. Pieter, the Casemates the North Caves, the Zonneberg Caves, and the ENCI quarry. It is the ideal destination for those seeking adventure and excitement, as well as for those with kids. There are guided tours provided for visitors to learn more about the fascinating Maastricht Underground, including the marlstone mine which has more than 20,000 passages dug out over centuries. These passages were used as shelter from air-raids during the Second World War and the Cold War.
Tourists must also make it a point to visit the markets in Maastricht, which are held almost every day. At these colorful markets, visitors will be able to find items ranging from vegetable to fruits, flowers, fabrics and seasonal produce. They will find numerous stalls with vendors selling a selection of local specialties and much more. Visiting the markets in Maastricht is also a fabulous way to observe the locals and to find out more about their culture and traditions.
The closest airport to Maastricht is Maastricht Aachen Airport, which has international flights and is located about 14 kilometres from the center of Maastricht. Tourists could also use the services offered at the Eindhoven Airport, which is situated approximately 103 kilometres from Maastricht. Because Maastricht is located close to the Belgian border, visitors could also use the Belgian airports.
There are a couple of Halal restaurants in Maastricht. Lezzet Grill, Capadokia and Spice of India are a few restaurants which are said to serve Halal food in Maastricht. Muslim tourists must however make sure the food served at any of these restaurants is Halal before dining. They must also be aware that some of these restaurants do serve alcohol.
There is one prominent mosque in Maastricht, namely the El Fath Mosque. All five prayers, including Jumu’ah are conducted here. Muslim tourists can also make inquiries regarding other prayer facilities in Maastricht while here.