Location: Mechelen
Top Things to do in Mechelen
Top Restaurants in Mechelen
10 Things to do in Mechelen That You Shouldn't Miss
The picturesque town of Mechelen, a hidden Flemish gem, sits between Brussels and Antwerp. Students of the world-renowned Carillon bell-ringing school provide an atmospheric soundtrack for sipping coffee at a sidewalk café in one of the town's charming squares. Many pedestrian areas make this a delightful town to promenade about, admiring hundreds of listed buildings and monuments, many dating back to 16th century. Highlights include Gothic and Baroque churches and the famed St Rumbold's Tower.
Restaurants in Mechelen
1. St. Rumbold's Cathedral
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 822 reviews
Reviewed By Trekker2020 - Washington DC, United States
The cathedral can be seen from miles! It is truly an amazing tall building dominating Mechelen’s skyline. At one end of the main square, the church rises above the splendid architecture of both private and public buildings, including the city hall and others. The interior is equally impressive with a number of chapels decorated with wonderful paintings and sculptures. Mechelen is not as visited as other Belgian cities, but it is truly one of the most beautiful towns in Europe but without the hordes of travelers and visitors. When we visited St. Rumbold, there was a haunting exhibition of the stations of the cross juxtaposed with pictures of WWI. Truly moving. When in Mechelen, I highly recommend a visit to the cathedral and if you have time, go up the tower and enjoy the views.
2. ZOO Planckendael
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,084 reviews
3. Brouwerij Het Anker
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 328 reviews
With roots going back to 1471, Het Anker is one of Belgium’s oldest breweries, a harmonious blend of old and new in an authentic, historic building. At the same time, visitors can discover the maturing stocks of Gouden Carolus Single Malt, Belgium’s only brewery whiskey. You can visit the brewery as a group or on one of the guided tours: a) Groups of minimum 10 and maximum 25 people upon reservation. b) Guided tours, every Friday, Saturday and Sunday at 11am; up to 4 persons you do not need to book in advance. Price: €7,20 per person, which includes the guided tour and a tasting of2 Gouden Carolus beers.
Reviewed By tourist_rambler
We did both the brewery and distillery tours, about 3 hours together, and both guides were fun and knowledgeable. Fascinating insight into the processes and history of beer and whiskey made here, and to taste some of them was nice! Prices in the gift shop and restaurant are reasonable too, so we stopped for a beer and bought some to take home. Had a great time visiting this!
4. Kazerne Dossin
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 511 reviews
Reviewed By AndersK531 - Leuven, Belgium
Kazerne Dossin is a modern museum next to the actual building in which jews and other minorities were detained before being transported to concentration camps. The museum has a very broad explanation of the events which happened in Belgium and the rest of Europe. There is a lot of text, so make sure you have a couple of hours in order to read. You will probably recognize something, but you will most likely learn something. The stories presented in the exhibition are sad and brutal. On the top floor you can walk out on the balcony for a view of Mechelen.
5. Provinciaal Groendomein Vrijbroekpark
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 183 reviews
Reviewed By marcusaurelius2015 - Mechelen, Belgium
Has recently been enlarged. Lot of variety. Two nice restaurants with a terrace if you want to relax after a walk. Playground for children as well.
6. Grote Markt
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 314 reviews
Reviewed By 374jimmyp - Mechelen, Belgium
When you enter the Central Place(Grote Markt) in Mechelen, you seem to be walking into history. In the shadow of the old St-Rombouts Tower(Cathedral), you will notice immediately the ancient buildings that breathe nostalgy. You can enjoy the nice restaurants or visit the cit hall with a guided Tour. Of course, this tour is not limited to the Centre only. Climbing the Cathedral's stairs and enjoying the whole City of Mechelen is a ream pleasure. Mechelen is ranked top 10 worldwide in the "Best Future Cities".
7. Ijzerenleen
8. Technopolis
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 390 reviews
Reviewed By rubeng236 - Gistel, Belgium
Spent an afternoon there (12h30 to 17h) and only saw half of whatever they have to offer! Both children (age 6 and 11) had a great time experimenting and exploring all these exhibits. This is a real hands on experience for all ages. All actions you do are recorded on a RFID bracelet so you can check your results from home. So take a day out of your schedule to enjoy these most of this and discover things you didn't know. Parents, do all these activities too!
9. Dijlepad
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 388 reviews
Reviewed By 935katjad - Leiden, The Netherlands
Absolutely must do in Mechelen: walking by the water, looking at the buildings from another angle, passing through some low bridges :)))
10. Museum Hof van Busleyden
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 88 reviews
Museum Hof van Busleyden Burgundian Citypalace Mechelen Relive the history of the Burgundian Netherlands in the new museum Hof van Busleyden in Mechelen Discover how Burgundian court culture left its mark on the contemporary city in a stately sixteenth-century city palace. Learn more about this crucial cultural and political period in the history of Mechelen and the Netherlands, admire masterpieces by Flemish and other masters, explore the heritage of famous people of this era, including Peter Brueghel, Charles the Bold, Margaret of Austria, Gerard Mercator and Rembert Dodoens. Museum Hof van Busleyden is a place for encounters, discoveries and admiration.
Reviewed By Knotwilg71 - Ghent, Belgium
Overview of the family chronicle of the Habsburg family, which had their children raised and educated in Mechelen, mostly to be readily married into the other European houses of power.
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