Maastricht Travel Forum

We are travelling from Australia to Maastricht to attend the first of Andre Rieu's concerts in July and would like to know about the eating arrangements. Are there arrangements for pre-concert meals at one location or do we book at a restaurant and if so, could someone please suggest some restaurants close to the Vrijthof. Thanks

Maastricht is full of (excellent) restaurants at walking distance from Vrijthof, but it is wise to make reservations for eating because the Maastricht people also love eating out. So on a busy Friday night, with a concert of the popular Rieu in town, it will be full.

A list of restaurants is at http://www.vvvmaastricht.nl/index2.php3
Or (in my opinion a better list) try http://www.iens.nl/english/restaurantsIn/Maastricht/?a=%2ACentrum
(the descriptions are in Dutch) where you can see restaurants on a scale of 1-10 rating and you can be sure the restaurants are in the center.

If your hotel is also in Maastricht it may be easiest to eat there if possible.
When you make reservations, say that you are going to the concert so that the kitchen can plan accordingly.

Have great fun!

The concert is at the Vrijthof and I think it's better to eat away from the crowd.
I suggest you pick a restaurant overlooking the Maas river.
There was a nice one at the East side of the Servaas bridge called Javaanse Jongens, but it's out of business.

Last time I ate at the Vrijthof it was at the Argentine restaurant Gauchos at the Northside of the square (http://www.gauchosgrill.nl/flash.html).

Have a great time.

PJ

Aw PJ, how can you recommend Gauchos (a chain restaurant) over the many lovely ones that are so local Maastricht?
Eating and nightlife is, in my opinion, by far the best in The Netherlands.

Actually, it being quite early still to make reservations, I'd prefer Vrijthof, simply because you can hop to your concert seats in a wink, and watch the crowds gathering which should be fun. In summer you can sit outside, people watching while eating and drinking.

Otherwise, look around Onzelievevrouwenplein (O.L.Vrouwe plein), a delightful square full of bars and restaurants and very walkable to Vrijthof.

Chain or no chain, the Maastricht Gauchos branch is a good restaurant.

Your iens.nl is the best option to go for, because it has an advanced search option with kitchen preference.

I still recommend a location with a view over water (even at the North side of the center, although it's 30 minutes walking).


BTW How are you guys travelling (plane, train or car)?

PJ

Gauchos is not bad at all. Didn't mean to imply that. But it's food you can eat anywhere. The typical Maastricht atmosphere is best experienced around Vrijthof and O.L. Vrouweplein, I think. And only a 1 to 10 minute walk from the concert. Let's see what our Australian guests want :-)

Thanks for your replies. We're flying into Amsterdam then training it to Maastricht. We're very excited about it all.

We'd really love to experience the true Maastricht cuisine and atmosphere if possible. Hopefully we'll be surrounded by locals - everyone seems very friendly and welcoming.

You'll be surrounded by locals alright.
It's generally accepted that Maastrichters are overall the best dressed people in the country.
But hey, judging by your latest post you've already been there? Or did you meet people from there?

You'll have a great night. I once attended a historical re-enactment about the history of the St. Servaas basilique, that big church that will be the backdrop of your concert as well. I expect it will be rather spectacular, with the lights and all.

No, haven't been there yet but the people I've spoken to seem very friendly & helpful (a lot like Aussies). We've decided, depending on being able to find accommodation, to stay for the other two concerts. It's a along way to go just for one concert (about 28 hrs in planes plus the train trip from Amsterdam) so we'll listen to the other concerts, hopefully from a cafe or restaurant, plus that will give us added time to see more of your beautiful city and surrounds.