The Dutch city of Maasticht is well situated within Holland, on the border of Belgium, and near the border of Germany. Considered perhaps the oldest city in the Netherlands, Maastrict is not only popular for shopping, but also as an historical location.

Fortifications and Ruins

Forts and ruins can be interesting to the whole family, and the city fortifications of Maastricht provide such an opportunity. Within the fortifications, travelers can see the thirteenth century town gate and fragments of the medieval city walls, as well as Fort Willem, a fortress from the early eighteen hundreds.

An especially entertaining tour for families is the guided tour of the casemates, underground tunnels which were built to house weaponry such as cannons.

Sint-Pietersberg, south of the city, is a location of similar interest. Fort Sint-Pieter, dating from the seventeen hundreds was extensively restored in the past year, and the ruins of a medieval castle have also been preserved in the area.

Culture and Museums

Within Maastricht, there are museums to satisfy many varied tastes, but although the Bonnefanten is the most prominent of the museums of Maastricht, other museums are more wide-ranging in their appeal.

The Spanish Government Museum, containing several furnished rooms from the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries is more absorbing to all ages, and the Derlon Hotel Museum is perhaps the most unusual, housing Roman ruins in the basement beneath the hotel.

Shop Hopping

Although the city center is the main shopping destination, the newly rebuilt shopping center, Entre Deux, has been praised for containing several beautiful or unusual stores, including a bookstore built into a former church.

It is also possible to combine retail hunting with sightseeing by visiting the market square, which includes both a new shopping center and historical venues such as the seventeenth century town hall.

Activities and Days Out

As a restored harbor, Bassin, littered with restaurants and cafes can be a pleasant and relaxed atmosphere for families. Alternatively, families may prefer to take a picnic to one of the many parks, and Griendpark, on the river, features a course for skating and skateboarding.

Belgium is also within walking distance, and depending on family interests, it is worth exploring some of the nearby area.