Under $100: Maastricht, The Netherlands

Developed from a Roman settlement into a medieval religious community, a garrison town and early industrial center, Maastricht has since become a thriving Netherlands cultural hub.

Situated in the southeast of The Netherlands on both sides of the Meuse River, Maastricht is home to 1,677 national heritage sites — the second-highest for a Dutch town after Amsterdam. It is known as the birthplace of the European Union and a member of the Most Ancient European Towns Network.

Exploring this northern European gem on a budget is simple, as the city itself is comprised of lively squares, peaceful parks, narrow streets and historic buildings — most can be seen for free. Stroll the parks and promenades along the river, and admire the 13^th-century Sint Servaasbrug bridge. See the remnants of the medieval city walls, well preserved throughout the city, and the iconic Helpoort gate, built in 1230.

Hoge Fronten is a massive collection of 17^th– and 18^th-century fortifications and battlements, which can be seen for free. Underneath Hoge Fronten is a network of tunnels and caves carved out over decades as barrack space for soldiers and hideaways for civilians. There are paid tours of the tunnels — well worth it for history lovers.

Most of the main sights in Maastricht, as well as cafés, restaurants and pubs, are centered on three main squares: Vrijthof, Onze Lieve Vrouweplein and Markt.

In the Vrijthof neighborhood, see the Basilica of Saint Servatius, a Romanesque church; Sint-Janskerk, a Gothic church dedicated to Saint John the Baptist; and Spaan Gouvernement, a 16^th-century former canon’s house, home to the Museum aan het Vrijthof. It’s free to explore the churches, and the museum’s entrance fee is only around €8.

Onze Lieve Vrouweplein is a picturesque, tree-lined square with several outdoor cafés, home to Basilica of Our Lady, a stunning 11^th-century church. Markt, the town’s market square, is a pedestrian-only area, home to the Town Hall, built in the 17^th century, and Entre Deux, a Postmodern-style shopping center. There’s also a must-visit bookshop located in a former 13^th-century Dominican church within Entre Deux.

For even more sights, visit Jekerwartier, a neighborhood surrounded by remnants of fortification walls, home to a number of beautiful churches and monasteries from the Gothic period, as well as the Maastricht Natural History Museum, only €6 to explore.

While there are several affordable international dining options like With Love Burrito, Piano B and Hamburgeria, there are also plenty of traditional Dutch spots worth checking out. Stop in Livin’ Room for sandwiches and vegetarian dishes, Café Local for the classic Dutch pub vibe or De Preuverij for authentic Dutch comfort food.

Getting around won’t cost much, as public transportation is a great option in Maastricht. The train and bus stations are easily accessible and simple to use. Buy an OV chip card for the bus, and hop on and off all day for around €7, or take the train, which runs four times per hour, across the city for only around €2.20. Maastricht is also a pedestrian-friendly city, with beautiful winding streets and expansive bustling squares. There are thousands of bikes in the city available for rent.