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Maastricht, it's not only history!

"The history and culture of Maastricht really do make it an exceptional place to study. There are many charming medieval buildings and beautiful old architecture in the city centre, where there is always something “new” to discover!" 

Hi everyone! I'm Luan, I have an Italian-Brazilian background and passion for bartending! I'm currently a student at Hotel Management School Maastricht.  I was always interested in the hospitality sector, but thinking about moving to the Netherlands from Portugal, where I used to live, made me scared at first. I was afraid of getting a huge cultural shock, but I soon understood I made the right decision. I immediately felt like I belonged in this city, with its warm and welcoming atmosphere, and most importantly, all the essentials you need to thrive!

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Working and studying in historic Maastricht

For starters I managed to find a job in one of the most renown 5* hotels in Maastricht, the Kruisherenhotel. It’s not every day that you can get the possibility to work inside a 15th century monastery! And I also got the chance to develop my passion, being the barkeeper and making some of the signature drinks of the location! The Hotel School really helped me in this aspect, giving me  the knowledge on how different taste types can make a great combination together.

The history and culture of Maastricht really do make it an exceptional place to study. There are many charming medieval buildings and beautiful old architecture in the city centre, where there is always something “new” to discover. One of my favourite spots in the city is Tapijn Park - a beautiful place full of blossoming flowers in the springtime. My favourite spot is specifically on the city walls by the park, here you can relax on a bench, enjoy the sound of a nearby water stream and bask in the sun.

Great student life

But Maastricht isn't just about the historical charm. The nightlife here is amazing too! With a wide selection of bars and pubs, there's something for everyone. If you're a beer lover, you'll be in heaven - there are many varieties to choose from, local, Belgian or German, you name it! One of my favourite bars is De Gouverneur. The atmosphere is perfect for a night out with friends or just a casual drink after a long day at school, and with its huge variety of more than 300 beers, you could spend hours just obsessing with the different flavour profiles. A great way to stimulate your palate and fantasise about possible food pairings!

And if it’s a party you’re looking for, just wait a little bit longer after your beer. On Fridays the terraces get full of students that, like you, want to unwind from the heavy studying week. At night many bars convert to dancing spaces with a different variety of music, from pop to Dutch-Folk music! If something more underground is your vibe, there are also parties at the LBB (Landbouwbelang), the city’s non-profit Cultural Centre, that offers techno from local DJs on a regular basis.

The city that has it all

And let's not forget about Carnival. It's an experience like no other. As a Brazilian, I'm used to big Carnival parades, but the Dutch know how to party just as hard! This is the time of year when the city comes alive with bright colours and cheerful music all over the streets. People wear costumes and everyone is as friendly as it can get, reminding me a lot of what we have in Rio, but with more blonde people!

All in all, Maastricht has everything you could want in a city. From the history and culture to the nightlife and parties! No need to be scared, you’ll find what you want here!

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