Maastricht in 1 Day for Friends - Self-guided Qula City Trail — solve riddles and compete with friends
In Collaboration with Qula. Updated on February 2, 2026.
Self-guided, app-driven city trail for a group of 2–6 friends. Follow riddles and mini-challenges on your smartphone while exploring Maastricht’s best squares, bridges and hidden corners. Start whenever you like — this suggested plan fits into a relaxed 3‑hour late‑morning slot in May (spring).
This itinerary was created in collaboration with Qula, inspired by the tour e-Scavenger hunt Maastricht: Explore the city at your own pace. Please check the tour information during your booking process.
Highlights
- Self-guided Qula City Trail — solve riddles and compete with friends
- Stops at Maastricht icons: Sint Servaasbrug, Vrijthof, Onze Lieve Vrouweplein and the Markt
- After-play terrace drinks and local bites — celebrate your score
Itinerary
Day 1
Suggested 3-hour self-guided route using Qula's City Trail app. Start at Keizer Karelplein and follow the in-app clues to each listed stop; times below are paced for groups of friends who want photos and a terrace break.
Meet & set up: Keizer Karelplein — start point
Gather, create/login to your Qula account, check phones and data, and start the trail from Keizer Karelplein.
Tips from local experts:
- Create your Qula account before arrival using the vendor link so you can start instantly.
- Find a bench or café terrace on the square to set up the group and take a team selfie before you begin.
- Check phone battery and enable mobile data — bring a power bank for group photos and app use.
First leg: Play toward Sint Servaasbrug (St Servatius Bridge)
Follow the first set of riddles and small photo-assignments that lead you across the medieval Sint Servaasbrug over the Maas — great for team photos with the river.
Tips from local experts:
- Split into pairs for timed puzzles then regroup to compare answers — faster teams can trade hints for snacks!
- On the bridge look for plaques and statue details mentioned in clues — they often contain the answers.
- Keep one phone on photo burst mode to capture action shots for the leaderboard and social sharing.
Quick stop: Vrijthof — square challenge & photos
Arrive at Vrijthof square and complete a location-based puzzle near the church/terraces. Use this lively square for group photos and street-performance spotting.
Tips from local experts:
- Vrijthof fills with terraces — use a quick terrace stop (stand-up coffee) if you need a caffeine boost during play.
- Look for the basilica and theatre details referenced in the game; they’re commonly used puzzle anchors.
- If a street performer is present, film a short clip to earn bonus points on some challenges — and tip performers fairly.
Cultural clue: Onze Lieve Vrouweplein & Basilica quick visit
Solve a clue that leads to the Onze Lieve Vrouweplein area and the Basilica (light exterior visit / photos). Short cultural pause without a full museum tour.
Tips from local experts:
- This stop is great for wide-angle photos of the basilica — golden-hour light in spring is flattering for group portraits.
- If anyone wants to go inside the Basilica, allow an extra 15–20 minutes (keep the rest of the group informed).
- The square has step-free areas and benches — useful for regrouping and for any friends who prefer to rest.
Shopping-street puzzles: Kleine Staat — mini-challenges & local snacks
Head down Kleine Staat for boutique-window clues and an optional quick local snack (waffle/coffee). Great street for unbeatable group photos.
Tips from local experts:
- Kleine Staat is narrow — form a single-file line while reading clues so you don’t block shop fronts.
- Try local sweet snacks (stroopwafel/Belgian waffle) from nearby stalls as a quick energy top-up between puzzles.
- If the group wants competitive edge, appoint one 'runner' to check answers at the next clue while others continue solving.
Local flavor: Sint Bernardusstraat area — photo-assignments & hidden corners
Explore the charming lanes near Sint Bernardusstraat for a few neighborhood riddles that point out murals, plaques and local cafés.
Tips from local experts:
- This area is perfect for quirky group photos — use narrow alleyways for fun perspective shots.
- If someone needs a restroom or seating, local cafés on Sint Bernardusstraat typically welcome groups mid-morning.
- Watch the time: keep this stop snappy (15–20 min) so you still have time to finish the final puzzles at the Markt.
Finish line: Markt (Markt 78 area) — final puzzles & celebratory drink
Complete the last challenges at the Markt, compare scores, and celebrate with drinks or a casual group lunch terrace near Markt 78.
Tips from local experts:
- Reserve a table on a terrace near the Markt if you’re a group of 4–6 (popular on sunny spring days).
- Use this final time block to screenshot your final score and share it to your social channels — many groups post a boomerang at the finish.
- If you want a more lively finish, pick a bar terrace on the Markt; for a quieter wind‑down try a café on an adjacent side street.
Itinerary Attributes
| Days | 1 |
| Highlights | 3 |
| Season | - |
| Month | - |
| Persona | Friends |
| Transfers | - |
| Restaurants | - |
| Total Activities | 7 |
| Total Places | 7 |
| Activities Types | Neighborhood, Experience, Attraction, Culture, Outdoor |