Maastricht is renowned for its wide variety of bars and cafes. With over 300 bars and cafes, visitors have plenty of choices. Unfortunately, these bars and cafes have to adhere to strict laws. Visitors cannot access the bars and cafes after 2:00 a.m. On Fridays and Saturdays however, the revelry can go on till 3:00 a.m. Here are a few favorite bars and cafes in this buzzing town.

Take Five

Located in the Bredestraat, Take Five is one of the most hippy cafés in Maastricht. The café has several live jazz performances and sports a relaxed, comfortable and laid back atmosphere that is perfect for an evening out with friends accompanied by lots of fresh brews and conversation.

Café Zuid

Café Zuid is slightly different from other bars and cafes in Maastricht in terms of the interiors that are very spacious with exceptional Italian style furnishings. In summers, enjoy the airy terrace and enjoy a stunning view of the Maas River.

Ipanema

Situated inside the popular Rossi-designed Zeppelin-like tower near the Bonnefanten Museum, Ipanema is the place to be if you are looking for costly drinks. With an elegant, eye-catching ambiance, Ipanema hosts jazz concerts and dance parties on a regular basis. 

Shamrock

If you happen to be a student and are interested in interacting with the young people of the region, then the Irish bar Shamrock is the place to be. You can share beer pitchers with a largely teeny bopper crowd in addition to enjoying sessions on the dart boards and a pool table. Being a rather narrow bar in size, the feel at Shamrock is more personal and intimate.

The Highlander

The Highlander is basically a Scottish pub which offers drinks at an affordable price, more notably during 10 p.m. to 11 p.m.  This "once upon a time" quaint pub has suddenly acquired a more boisterous identity and the emphasis is now on the music and dance events held every few days to keep visitors on their toes.

El Phyton

The El Phyton is an upscale bar located in the town center, where visitors can enjoy a drink with world class music. To give its patrons a more personalized feel, the interiors are ingeniously designed by experts using mirrors and glass furniture. Other specialties of the hip El Phyton are the small hot lunches and assortment of sandwiches they provide.

Edd’s

Situated in the Heggenstraat, this is one of the best bars in Maastricht. What makes Edd’s different from other bars and cafes in Maastricht is the fact that it does live jazz on weekends.  Visitors can also participate in various contests related to sports, music and dance.   

Ranging from elegantly designed artistic cafes to social bars, Maastricht is the place to be if you are looking to spend quality time with friends during evening hours.