Tweet14-04-2010 om 10:12 by Amanda Potter

Spring has returned, and as I write this, I am sitting outside a cafe on the Vrijthof, sipping a cup of coffee and watching the world wander by on their way to work, shopping, or play.  The sun in shining, but even if it wasn’t, large practical umbrellas shade me and the other patrons from the inevitable Spring showers.  In other places in the world, we probably wouldn’t be out here so early in the season, but in Maastricht (and much of the Netherlands) it seems quite natural.

These outdoors cafe patios are one of my favorite features of the ubiquitous cafes and restaurants in the Netherlands. Nearly every Dutch-type cafe (and several other sorts of restaurants) in Maastricht has one. The indoor restaurant in the Brusselspoort even has a false “outdoor” seating area that is preferred by patrons over the regular "indoors" part of the restaurant. Maybe people feel that they should get the most enjoyment out of the nice days as possible. Having disappeared for a short while during the worst of the winter’s cold, outdoor seating was back as early as March.  And people were using it! Brrr...  Once summer comes around again, the patio spaces will be filled with local and tourists alike, and the inside of the cafes will be mostly empty again.

From an expat perspective, the outdoor seating offers a way to participate in a local custom while also providing a wonderful opportunity to people watch. I’ve caught more than one surprise (to me anyway) parade or small event while sitting along a square. Other times I’ve met and chatted a little with friendly individuals at neighboring tables. Since the patios are so popular with many Dutch people, you can eavesdrop a bit to improve your language skills or simply enjoy the casual atmosphere.


Valkenburg also has some lovely outdoor seating under the watchful eye of the castle ruins.

To enjoy your lunch outdoors, or just a beer, all you have to do is sit down and catch a passing waiter as he or she comes through. Menus are almost always available on the tables; making it very easy to decide if you want to eat there before you actually take a seat. Bring cash so you don’t have to go inside to pay by PIN card after your meal. Me? I’m looking forward to another summer of pilsje and vlaai outside, whatever the weather.

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