Down South:
A self-guided audio tour of Maastricht
Price:
Duration:
Distance:
€8.49
1.5 hours
2 km
Maastricht is best known for the Maastricht Treaty, the violinist and conductor Andre Rieu, and its university. But, if you know where to look, it also has fascinating traditions and history. This tour offers a glimpse into how locals from Limburg have inhabited this city for centuries.
How does it work?
- Find a tour that you like
- Download the tour on VoiceMap
- Go to the starting location and enjoy your tour
Audio plays at the right time & moment, using GPS. It does not require an internet connection.
Advantages
See the city at your own pace
Life-time access to the audio tour
Keep your phone in your pocket, just listen
Fascinating stories about Utrecht from a local guide
Tour description
The tour starts at the statue of Jan Minckelers, which honors the academic from Maastricht who invented gas lighting. You’ll see the world-famous Book Store Dominicanen, located in a repurposed cathedral, and have an opportunity to immerse yourself in the small-city energy that Maastricht’s inhabitants cherish. At Vrijthof, one of the major squares in the city, you’ll hear about how the city comes together annually to enjoy classical music concerts.
You’ll walk on Sint Servaasbrug, the oldest bridge in the Netherlands, and pass Stokstraat’s high-end shops while salivating over great local foods. The tour ends with a view of Dinghuis, a tower that dates back to 1377 and was once guarded by a trumpeter who warned the city about fires.
Tour Highlights
- Find out which local pastry is always present at Limburg celebrations
- Hear stories about the city gates and the Hoofdwacht in the 18th century
- Trace the origins of the Limburgian classic zuurvlees back to Roman times
- Learn how Problem-Based Learning shapes education at Maastricht University
- Discover Maastricht’s pioneering innovations, including its early switch from oil to gas street lighting
Frequently asked questions
How do the audio tours work?
After booking, you download the free VoiceMap app (available for iOS and Android).
Once you’ve downloaded your tour, simply go to the starting point. The app uses GPS to trigger stories automatically as you walk so you don’t need to constantly look at your screen or press buttons.
It feels like having a guide walking beside you.
Do I need an internet connection during the tour?
No.
After downloading the tour over Wi-Fi, everything works completely offline. This means no roaming charges and no worries about losing signal during your walk.
Is this written and recorded by a real human guide?
Don’t worry: It’s not an AI voice reading out a Wikipedia page.
This tour is written and recorded by a real local guide.
You’ll hear natural storytelling, personal insights, and carefully researched historical context.
Can I start the tour anywhere?
Each tour has a designated starting point and a carefully designed route.
This ensures the directions and stories play at exactly the right moment. If you pause for coffee or step off the route, you can simply resume where you left off.
Can I pause the tour whenever I want?
Yes.
You are completely in control. You can pause the tour at any time to take photos, visit a shop, sit down for coffee, or explore something in more detail.
When you’re ready to continue, simply press play. The app will continue guiding you from where you stopped.
Can I listen to the tour at home?
Yes.
After downloading the tour, you can select “Virtual Mode” in the app and listen from home. This is ideal for preparing your trip or revisiting the experience afterwards.
How long do I have access to the tour?
Forever.
Once purchased, the tour is yours to enjoy as often as you like. There is no expiration date.
Do I need to buy the tour for each person?
One purchase works on a single device.
If you are exploring together, many couples simply share one phone and use a headphone splitter or share wireless earbuds. For larger groups, we recommend one purchase per device for the best experience.
Is the app easy to use for first-time users?
Yes.
The installation takes only a few minutes, and clear on-screen instructions guide you step by step. The interface is straightforward and designed for travelers of all ages.
What should I bring?
A fully charged smartphone, headphones or earbuds, and comfortable shoes. That’s it.
What if something goes wrong?
You can always contact VoiceMap’s in-app support directly.
And you are also welcome to contact Holland City Tours. We are happy to assist and make sure you can continue your experience without stress.
