Maastricht is one of Europe's most charming cities, a place where Roman history, medieval architecture, and a vibrant café culture meet in one compact, walkable city centre. But if you're the kind of traveller who prefers exploring at your own pace over joining a guided tour group, City Detective Maastricht might just be the perfect way to experience it.

No guide. No fixed schedule. No waiting for the slowest person in the group. Just you, your smartphone, and a gripping detective story set in the heart of the city.

The story: a violinist has gone missing

The night before his audition with a world-famous orchestra, a talented violinist vanishes without a trace. Chief Inspector Camila of the City Detective Corps needs your help — and fast.

With 15 suspects on the list, it's up to you to interview witnesses, verify alibis, and piece together the clues. Every correct decision brings you closer to unmasking the culprit. But only the sharpest detective will crack the case.

What makes City Detective different from a regular city tour

Most guided tours in Maastricht follow the same route, hit the same landmarks, and move at the same pace. City Detective turns that formula on its head.

Instead of passively listening to a guide, you're actively solving a mystery. The game takes you past Maastricht's iconic sights — the Vrijthof square, the Sint Servaas Basilica, the medieval Helpoort gate — but also leads you to hidden corners and lesser-known spots that most tourists walk straight past.

You're not a tourist following a script. You're a detective following the evidence.

And because the game is entirely self-guided, you decide when to start, when to take a break for coffee on a sun-drenched terrace, and when to pick up where you left off. The route covers about 3.6 km and takes roughly 2 hours — but there's no rule that says you can't pause halfway for a glass of Burgundian wine.

Perfect for the independent traveller

City Detective was built with self-guided travellers in mind. There's no tour operator to call, no meeting point at a fixed time, and no group of strangers to keep up with.

You book your ticket online, receive your login credentials by email, download the free Qugato app, and you're ready to go. Start from wherever suits you best in the city center — the Vrijthof, the Markt, or Onze Lieve Vrouweplein are all great starting points with plenty of cafés and restaurants nearby.

For couples, it's an ideal way to explore a new city together — combining the thrill of solving puzzles with the pleasure of discovering Maastricht at your own pace.

For groups of friends, the game brings a natural competitive edge. One ticket covers up to 6 players, making it surprisingly good value compared to most city activities. You can even split into two teams and race each other to the finish.

For solo travelers, City Detective is one of the rare activities that genuinely works alone. There's something oddly satisfying about navigating a city's hidden corners on your own terms, armed with nothing but your wits and a good story.

Practical information

• DurationApprox. 2 hoursDistanceApprox. 3.6 kmPlayers1–6 per ticketLanguageEnglish & DutchMinimum age10+ (younger children can join)Start timeAny time — fully flexibleValidityStart within 1 year of booking
• The game is played entirely outdoors in the historic city center of Maastricht. All you need is a charged smartphone with the Qugato app installed and a mobile data connection. A power bank is recommended for longer playing sessions.
• Free cancellation up to 24 hours before your start date. Date changes are always free.

How to book

1. Click the booking button below
2. Choose your team size and preferred date
3. Receive your login credentials instantly by email
4. Download the Qugato app and head to Maastricht
5. Start your investigation whenever you're ready

Ready to crack the case? Maastricht is waiting.