32 Affordable Cities That Offer More Than Expensive Tourist Traps
22. Maastricht, Netherlands
While Amsterdam gets all the fame, Maastricht offers a more relaxed, picturesque alternative in the southern tip of the Netherlands. Influenced by both Belgian and German culture, the city feels uniquely European, with medieval architecture, leafy squares, and lively student energy. It’s one of the Netherlands' oldest cities, and its charming cafes and boutiques feel refreshingly undiscovered. Why visit: Cross-cultural charm, bike-friendly beauty, hidden European flair.