We are planning a 10 day trip in April to Amsterdam, Belgium and Luxembourg. We will mostly likely be flying in and out of Amsterdam and taking the train between cities.
I’m debating whether to stop in Maastricht or Cologne for one night when we leave Luxembourg and head back toward Amsterdam. Any suggestions on which has more to do and see? Thanks in advance for your input. Elaine
Posted by
Wyckoff, NJ, USA
8085 posts
There is a very important commercial Contemporary Art fair in Maastricht, but I think it may be in March. I have not been there. I absolutely love Cologne, and it is very well connected to Brussels and Amsterdam. Cologne is much more than the Cathedral, and cannot be seen in one day. There are over 6 must-see museums. April may be too early for the botanical garden. Cologne also has a surprising number of Roman traces (and an excellent Roman museum which recently had a renovation closure-check on that.)
https://community.ricksteves.com/travel-forum/germany/can-i-see-enough-of-cologne
You didn't say you are interested in Contemporary Art, but I should point out that very nearby Duesseldorf is noted for Contemporary Art, including a number of regular private galleries open all year. It also has excellent beer and food. I had the pleasure of chancing on their monthly "Fish Market", which is actually a beer and sausage oriented riverfront festival, held once a month.
Posted by
OP
7 posts
Tim, thanks for the reply and the article on Cologne. I’m traveling with my dad who is not really into Art galleries so we will probably skip Düsseldorf.
Posted by
Chico, CA USA
246 posts
This is my pat answer for this kind of question, but go to the one that is more convenient and easy to get to and from.
Each city is fantastic and has more than a day's worth of worthwhile sites, so don't knock yourself out if getting to one is more difficult than the other.
Posted by
Uppsala, Sweden
7262 posts
This is not what you're asking about, but don't overlook Aachen as an option if you are in the area.