Life@UM
About living in Maastricht
Thinking about studying or working in Maastricht?
We have listed a few things for you, so that you will get a better picture of life in Maastricht.
Below you will find more information about what living in Maastricht is like. In addition, you can visit the mymaastricht website to get an overview of all things surrounding life in Maastricht.
Fast facts
- Population: 123,164
- 10 theatres and theatre companies
- 10 museums and art institutions
- 3 cinemas
- 100+ cafés and coffee houses
- 300+ restaurants and eateries
Treaty of Maastricht
For many people in Europe Maastricht is the city where, on 7 February 1992, the Treaty of Maastricht was signed.
The treaty, officially the ‘Treaty on European Union’ was signed by the twelve member states at that time. The treaty led to the name change of the European Community in European Union. It also concerned among others the establishment of the Economic and Monetary Union (EMU), which in turn led to the introduction of one common currency – the euro.
Maastricht in a bird’s eye view
Industrial heritage: the Bassin
Surrounded by robust 19th century warehouses, the Bassin is now an inner harbour for pleasure crafts, but once it was the centre of the Maastricht production industry. It is located in the Sphinx quarter where in 2017 a Student Hotel, an arthouse cinema and the International Students’ Club open their doors.
Culture: the Bonnefantenmuseum
Culture is high on the Maastricht agenda! You will find ten museums and presentation institutes, and numerous galleries. Moreover, Maastricht not only has a Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences, but also the conservatory, the Academy of Fine Arts & Design, the Maastricht Academy of Architecture and more and more creative incubators, for example the Landbouwbelang. But the true eye-catcher is of course the Bonnefantenmuseum, designed by Aldo Rossi.
Lighting a candle…
Maastricht has a rich, Catholic history and counts many churches and chapels. Now that over 100 different nationalities live in the city, there are many more religions. Still, traditions from the past play an important role in Maastricht. Think of Carnaval, but also of ‘lighting a candle for someone’s happiness and health’, a tradition that is cherished by young and old.
French fries on the Market
The people from Maastricht like to eat out. There are numerous eateries, restaurants – some crowned with Michelin stars -, bars and caterers where you can find French, Italian, Japanese, Chinese, Korean or Arab dishes. Also the Preuvenemint and the Food Truck Festival – two extraordinary culinary events – can count on large numbers of visitors. But you can also simply go the Market and eat Belgian fries with your fingers… There is something for everyone.
Haute culture: the TEFAF
Since 1975 already, a world famous art and antique fair is held in Maastricht. The most beautiful and famous works of art are each year shown and traded during The European Fine Art Fair (TEFAF). From Rembrandt to Damien Hirst, from thousand years old art works from the Far East to contemporary modern masterpieces. For ten days each year, Maastricht is the centre of the international art world.
Amstel Gold Race
The Amstel Gold Race is one of the cycling races that are organised each year in and around Maastricht. The Limburg hills are of course extremely suitable for a tough race. But not just professional cyclists cruise through the hills; each weekend many amateurs cycle from Maastricht through the Belgian Voer region to the Ardennes. And back.
Festival summer
Just a stone’s throw away from Pinkpop, one of the oldest and largest pop festivals in Europa, Maastricht also organises many music festivals and events. The annual Bruis Festival, Jeker Jazz, Musica Sacra, the Jazz Festival during TEFAF, the Tearjerker Song Festival, Holi Fusion Festival and Dance Tour are just a few of them. And don’t be surprised about the many fanfares and brass bands in the city that cruise through town on summer days and give mini-concerts in the city park or in the kiosk on the Vrijthof.
Exhibitions in industrial heritage
Petrus Regout, the first captain of industry in the Netherlands established around 1850 a series of factories where for many years ceramics, sanitary equipment and nails were produced. The former factory buildings are now, after a long time of vacancy, used again. In the Sphinx quarter a pop platform, an arthouse cinema, a presentation institute and the International Students’ Club will be accommodated. The former fire station has found a new destination, and in other former factory buildings a FashionLab and student hotel will be accommodated; many creative entrepreneurs will find a great studio in the Eiffel building.
Eating (with the) stars
Many call Maastricht the most exuberant city of the Netherlands. Maastricht locals love to take a stroll, sit on a terrace in the sun, and enjoy the goods things in life. It is therefore not surprising that in this city and its direct surroundings you will find several top restaurants crowned with one or even two Michelin stars. Restaurants that offer the finest dining and most special wines. A guarantee for an unforgettable evening.
Book heaven
Boutiques, lifestyle shops, concept stores, a luxury department store, you find it all in Maastricht. Plus one of the most beautiful book stores in the world: Dominicanen. Located in a former church, this book store not only attracts book lovers, but also many tourists and design lovers to buy a book or drink a lovely cappuccino.