Maastricht claims to be one of the oldest cities in Holland. With inhabitants dating back more than 2,000 years, this Dutch city brings history alive for travelers. Maastricht is on a much smaller scale than Amsterdam or other major Dutch cities, but if you knows where to look, adequate budget travel options can still be found.

Accommodation

Maastricht does hold a few good options for cheap accommodation. Once such place is the International Guest House, located on Kaoenstraat in the center of Maastricht. Prices start at approximately $38 US per night. The rooms are clean, small and comfortable. Guests have their own televisions and telephones available to them. A small bar and restaurant are also located in the hotel, which guests are welcome to use.

Food

For a night out that won't cost a fortune, La Bodega Tapas bar comes highly recommended. It's a Spanish style theme a wide variety of dishes on offer. The service is of the highest quality, along with the selection of wines and beers. Reservations are highly recommended, because La Bodega gets crowded quickly.

For those looking to trim the budget even further, Maastricht offers a series of low budget pubs called brown cafes. De Bobbel is one such place, located at Wolfstraat 32. The interior is dark and plain, with wood paneling about the extent of their decorating budget. There are 6 to 8 tables for guests. However, travelers will be pleasantly surprised at the value for money. Dishes typically cost less than 8 euros and the portion sizes are generous. Food is only served until 5pm, so get there early.

Transportation

Maastricht offers several options to get around the city. The bus system is vast, taking you to every corner and beyond. Price depends on the distance traveled but most tickets cost less than 1 euro. Seeing Maastricht by boat is another possibility. For less than 7 euros, travelers will get an hour long tour that takes them from the city center to the Belgian border and back. Departures are every hour, with many of the main attractions of Maastricht included in the ride.

VVV Maastricht

The tourist information center is an excellent resource for those new to Maastricht. They have all the current available information on budget accommodation, tours, restaurants and transport. For a small fee they will even help you find a room in Maastricht, making the reservation for you. For those looking to save some money they are an essential resource. They are located at Klein Staat 1, Maastricht and can be reached at 043 3252121. They are also available online at www.vvvmaastricht.nl.