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Aachen & Maastricht: A perfect duo for your short break
Staying in Aachen: a&o Aachen Hauptbahnhof as the perfect base
Those travelling to Aachen often look for central and affordable accommodation. The a&o Aachen Hauptbahnhof is exactly that: modern, straightforward and with an unbeatable location right at the station. From here you can reach not only the Old Town of Aachen with the world-famous Aachen Cathedral and the historic town hall, but also easily catch trains to the region. Particularly convenient: with just a few steps you're at the platform and ready for your excursion to Maastricht.
Discovering Aachen before or after your excursion
Before travelling to Maastricht, it's worth exploring Aachen itself. The city is known for its thermal baths and spas, its vibrant student scene and its special location in the three-country corner of Germany–Netherlands–Belgium. A stroll through the narrow lanes around the cathedral, a visit to the Couven Museum or a piece of Aachener Printen from the baker are part of the must-do programme.
When you return after a day in Maastricht, you can end the evening comfortably in Aachen – whether with a beer in the Pontviertel or in one of the numerous restaurants in the old town.
From Aachen to Maastricht: travel made easy
The connection from Aachen Hauptbahnhof to Maastricht is straightforward and ideal for day trips. Several times daily, trains cross the border, taking you to your destination in about an hour. Tickets are available from about 11–12 euros. Travelling by bus is also possible. Those travelling in Germany can use the Deutschlandticket for 58 € – however, it doesn't automatically apply to the Dutch section, so a surcharge applies.
Exploring Maastricht: from Sint-Servaas Bridge to Vrijthof
Once arrived in Maastricht, your walk usually begins at the Sint-Servaas Bridge, from which you can reach the historic old town directly. Here, cafés, small boutiques and churches line up one after another. Particularly impressive is the Vrijthof, a square full of life, history and culture.
A real highlight is the Boekhandel Dominicanen, a bookshop in a former church that is considered one of the most beautiful in the world. The Bonnefantenmuseum as well as the Grotten at Sint Pietersberg are also worthwhile destinations – whether art appreciation or underground adventure, Maastricht has something to offer for everyone.
Culinary delights: Maastricht and Aachen for food lovers
Both Aachen and Maastricht are exciting from a culinary perspective. In Maastricht you should definitely try Limburgse Vlaai, whilst in Aachen the famous Printen await you. Maastricht scores with regional specialities like Zoervleis, Aachen with cosy breweries and international cuisine in the old town.
A secret tip: combine both! A Printen breakfast in Aachen in the morning, Vlaai in Maastricht at lunchtime and a beer in Aachen's student quarter in the evening – this way you'll experience three culinary worlds in one day.
Extra tip: André Rieu live in Maastricht
A special experience is a summer concert by André Rieu on the Vrijthof. Thousands of visitors, a sea of music and lights – an evening you'll never forget. Tickets are in high demand, so secure them in good time. Aachen is perfect as accommodation if you don't want to travel back to Germany after the concert.
Two cities – double the experiences
A stay at the a&o Aachen Hauptbahnhof with a day trip to Maastricht combines the best of two worlds: German history and Dutch joie de vivre, affordable accommodation and boundless experiences. Whether cathedral and Printen in Aachen or bridges, Vlaai and concerts in Maastricht – this combination makes your short trip unforgettable.
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