The centre: Vrijthof, Markt and the bookshop
Vrijthof and Markt are different squares. Vrijthof is the one beside Saint Servatius and the red tower of Saint John; Markt surrounds the town hall. Dominicanen sits between them, making the three a useful first circuit.
On market days, put Markt earlier in your route. The council lists the main weekly markets on Wednesday and Friday; check its calendar for holiday changes. On other days, use the square as a navigation point and spend more time in the streets around it.
The main shopping routes can be busy. For a lunch break, look at the menu and the table before sitting down: a sunny square, a fast snack and a quiet conversation are three different things to shop for. West of Vrijthof, Brusselsestraat gives you an easy evening continuation; Shamrock is a good stop for a Kofi Anan.
Vrijthof and the two churches
The square gives you the familiar view of Saint Servatius and Saint John's red tower. Walk around before choosing a terrace: the experience changes depending on whether the square is open, hosting an event or busy with visitors.
Keep the two churches distinct when looking up visits and tickets. If an interior or tower climb is important to you, check that particular venue's opening arrangements. Looking at the buildings from the square is a worthwhile stop in itself.
Continue south towards the Jekerkwartier if you want old streets and walls, or north towards Dominicanen and Markt if you are following the central circuit.
Between the squares
Dominicanen is the useful stop between Markt and Vrijthof. Go inside for the former church interior and a browse through the books. The café is in the choir, so you can combine the building with a break rather than returning for a separate visit.
After the shops close
From Vrijthof, head west towards Brusselsestraat if you want a casual bar stop. Shamrock is a good address for a Kofi Anan. For dinner first, Sporenstraat is close by; Pieke Potloed has a regional menu and takes reservations.
For a different evening, walk north from Markt to the Bassin and Lumière. The distance is manageable, but booking a film gives you a fixed time to work dinner around.