Tips for a city trip to Mechelen

Looking for the best things to do in Mechelen? I've visited the city twice now and discovered how diverse and atmospheric it is. These are my favorite tips for a successful city break.

Climb the St. Rumbold's Tower

The cityscape of Mechelen is determined by one impressive building: the St. Rumbold's TowerThis Gothic tower belongs to the cathedral of the same name and is without a doubt the city's most famous landmark. The tower is part of the UNESCO World Heritage List as part of the 'Belfries of Belgium and FranceDuring your city trip, you really shouldn't miss climbing this tower.

The tower is 97 meters high and has 538 steps. It might sound like a tough challenge, but the climb is easily manageable. You can take several breaks along the way, as you'll pass various historic rooms along the way, such as the Crane Room, the Carillon Rooms, and the Old Forge. These rooms offer a fascinating glimpse into the tower's workings over the centuries.

Once at the top, one of Mechelen's highlights awaits: the SkywalkThis glass viewing platform offers panoramic views of the city and the surrounding area. On a clear day, you can even see the Atomium in Brussels and the port of Antwerp.

The churches of Mechelen

Mechelen counts eight historic churches. One of the most striking is of course the St. Rumbold's CathedralThe cathedral is at least as impressive inside as it is outside. The high vaults, the Baroque interior, and the work of artists like Anthony van Dyck make a visit more than worthwhile. I combined my climb up the tower with a visit to the cathedral itself. This is easy, as the entrance to the tower is on the side of the cathedral.

The other churches in Mechelen are also worth discovering. For example, the Church of Our Lady across the Dijle one of the most beautiful stained glass windows in the city and can be found in the St. John's Church a beautiful altarpiece by Rubens. The St. Catherine's Church is again a bit more sober.

I'm not particularly fond of churches myself, but I still enjoy popping in to take a look. Each of Mechelen's churches tells something about the city's history, art, and character. If you see an open church door while you're out and about, just pop in.

Grote Markt

After your visit to St. Rumbold's Cathedral, you can walk straight on Grote Markt This spacious square is surrounded by historic facades, charming cafés, and restaurants. The weekly market is held here on Saturday mornings. Events, concerts, and festivities are also regularly held here.

Not only the cathedral is a striking building on the square, but also the imposing town hall of Mechelen is a real eye-catcher. The complex consists of three parts: the Cloth Hall, the belfry, and the Palace of the Grand Council. The belfry was never fully completed, but is still on the UNESCO World Heritage List as part of the Belgian and French belfries. Around the square, you'll see various historic buildings, each with its own story. For example, The Beyaerd, recognizable by its stepped gable with four lion figures, and In the Haentien, a building from 1773 with a Louis XV-style facade.

The Grote Markt is a great starting point for exploring Mechelen, but also a lovely place to take a break. Especially on sunny days, it's wonderful to sit at one of the many terraces.

Great Beguinage

The program Great Beguinage is a historic neighborhood with narrow cobblestone streets and whitewashed houses. Quietly tucked away in the city, this place has remarkably preserved its medieval character.

The origins of the beguinage date back to the 13th century. For centuries, beguines lived here: single women who lived together in a community, without fully committing themselves to a monastic order. Although the beguines are long gone, their neighborhood remains intact. Today, ordinary Mechelen residents live there, but the historic atmosphere remains. The neighborhood is small, but it gives you a glimpse of Mechelen in the past.

Small Beguinage

Mechelen not only has a Grand Beguinage, but also a Small BeguinageThis beguinage is somewhat hidden within the city and is smaller in scale. The narrow streets, low facades, and well-maintained front gardens give it a peaceful and inviting atmosphere.

The Small Beguinage was founded as early as the 13th century, making it one of the oldest in Flanders. Compared to the Large Beguinage, this section feels a little less open and organized, with more small passageways and nooks. You can easily walk through it, but it's definitely worth a visit if you're in the area.

Herb garden

Anyone who wants to escape the city center street scene for a while can go to the Herb garden Mechelen. This city park is located a short distance from the city center and is popular with both residents and visitors.

The garden originally began as a botanical garden, but today it's primarily a green space for strolling, sitting on a bench, or simply taking a break. You'll find spacious lawns, mature trees, flowerbeds, and a playground. On sunny days, the park is frequently used by people who come to picnic, read, or simply relax. It's a beautiful place to find some peace and quiet.

Silent Garden of the Archbishop's Palace

Hidden behind the Archbishop's Palace You'll find a surprising sense of tranquility: the silent garden. This courtyard is normally closed to the public, but from April to October, you can visit it every weekend. Enter through the entrance on Schoutestraat. The garden itself is simply laid out, with flowerbeds, trees, and a few benches. It's the perfect place to end a peaceful walk or simply enjoy the silence.

Dyle path

The program Dyle path is a walking path on boardwalks, which runs partly over and partly along the river Dyle It runs. It starts at the Haverwerf and ends just past the Fonteinbrug, near the Kruidtuin (Botanical Garden).

Along the way, you'll literally walk above the water, past facades and under bridges. You'll pass the Zoutwerf and the Hoogbrug bridge, among other buildings, and get a glimpse of the backs of buildings you'd never see from the street. The walk is short, but the views of the water and the city make it a pleasant change of pace. In the evening, the path is beautifully lit, creating a slightly different atmosphere.

Haverwerf

At the beginning of the Dijlepad lies one of the most photogenic spots in Mechelen: the HaverwerfThis small quay on the Dyle River was once used for unloading ships carrying oats. For centuries, Mechelen held the staple rights to grain. Ships had to unload their cargo here before they could sail any further. Today, it's primarily a place to pause and admire the facades.

Eye-catchers are the three historic houses from the 16th and 17th centuries: The Paradise, The Little Devils en Saint JosephEach building has its own style and story, from late Gothic to Baroque. Het Paradijske displays reliefs of the earthly paradise. De Duiveltjes has one of the most beautiful wooden facades in Belgium with devil figures as columns. In Sint-Jozef, you can see a relief of the saint with the infant Jesus.

fish market

De fish market Located on the Dijle River, it's one of the most charming spots in Mechelen. As the name suggests, the square used to be a hub for trade and fish sales. Today, it's primarily a popular meeting place with many restaurants and cafes.

Cafés, restaurants, and wine bars surround the square, many with waterfront terraces. During the day, you can enjoy coffee or lunch here, and in the evenings, it's a popular spot for dinner or drinks. Its waterfront location and diverse offerings make the Vismarkt popular with both locals and visitors.

Iron Loan

De Iron Loan is a wide, stately shopping street located between the Grote Markt and the train station. Its beautiful historic facades, rebuilt in the 20th century in traditional style after destruction during the First World War, are striking. Chic shops, boutiques, and terraces line the street. The former Melaan, a covered waterway that once opened here, still flows through its center. Mechelen residents consider this shopping street the Champs-Élysées of Mechelen.

Het Anker brewery

Brewery Het Anker is one of the oldest breweries in BelgiumThis city brewery has existed since the 15th century and is best known for its Gouden Carolus beer. The city beer mane extinguisher Brewed here, it's named after the nickname of the Mechelen residents. Highly recommended for beer lovers, but also if you're interested in local traditions.

If a city has a brewery to visit, I love to stop by. And if you can also take a tour, that's always a bonus. During the tour, you'll learn more about the brewery's history, the brewing process, and their own whisky production. At the end of the tour, there's a small tasting, of course, and you'll receive a nice gift. Don't feel like taking a tour? You can also just pop into the brasserie for a snack and a matching drink.

Drinking wine at Unwined

Belgium is known for its beers, but in Mechelen you can also enjoy a good glass of wine. Unwined, opposite the St. Rumbold's Tower, is a cozy wine bar with a relaxed atmosphere, friendly service and a surprisingly extensive menu.

You'll find wines by the glass and bottle, from both classic and lesser-known wine regions. There are always a few suggested wines on the board, which change regularly. Feel free to ask for advice on choosing a suitable pairing with a snack or dish. The menu includes cheese boards, charcuterie, and bruschetta. I'm more of a beer person myself, but I'm starting to appreciate a good glass of white wine more and more, especially when accompanied by a delicious cheese board.

Brussels Gate

Mechelen was once a walled city with twelve entrance gates. Today, only one gate remains: the Brussels GateThis imposing tower on the south side of the city is a silent witness to its medieval past. The original gate dates back to the 13th century, but was thoroughly rebuilt in the 15th century. It served not only as an entrance to the city but also as a defensive tower and watchtower. The thick walls and massive towers clearly demonstrate how robustly Mechelen once protected itself.

You can't visit the Brussels Gate from the inside, but from the outside it's still an impressive structure. Especially considering that this was once the southern entrance to the city for travelers, merchants, and soldiers.

The Meat Hall

Indoor food halls have become increasingly popular in recent years, partly inspired by the success of similar concepts in Southern Europe and Asia. In Mechelen, you have The Meat Hall, a former market hall for meat vendors. Since 2019, this space has been transformed into an atmospheric food hall with a varied offering.

At various stands, you can choose from small dishes: from global flavors and appetizers to refined bites and desserts. You order your food directly from the stalls. In the center is a central bar where you can enjoy a glass of wine, a beer, or a cocktail. Simply a great place to grab a bite.

Kazerne Dossin

A visit to Mechelen isn't complete without reflecting on one of the darkest chapters in the city's history. Between 1942 and 1944, the Nazis used Kazerne Dossin as a collection camp for Jews and Roma. More than 25.000 people were deported from here to destinations including Auschwitz-Birkenau. Only a fraction returned. Today, Kazerne Dossin serves as a memorial, museum and documentation center on the Holocaust and human rights. One of the recent projects, Every name counts, revives the names of the deportees, so that no victim is forgotten.

The museum offers a compelling overview of the persecution of Jews in Belgium. In addition to the permanent exhibition, there are temporary exhibits on current human rights themes. The memorial opposite the museum is a quiet place where you can take a moment to reflect on the victims of the Holocaust.

During my visit, I was able to participate in the "Every Name Counts" project. I recorded the name of one of the victims deported from Mechelen. Later in 2025, all the recorded names will be played at the memorial, so that the victims can have their names restored. In this way, I have contributed in my own way to restoring their names and voices.

Kazerne Dossin is open Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday from 09:00 AM to 17:00 PM, and Saturday and Sunday from 09:30 AM to 17:00 PM. The museum is closed on Wednesdays.

Discover more museums in Mechelen?

Besides Kazerne Dossin, there are a few other interesting museums you can visit:

• Museum Hof ​​van Busleyden – Immerse yourself in Mechelen’s Burgundian past in a beautiful city palace.
• The Art Hour – Experience top Belgian art from the period 1887–1938 in a unique setting with music and stories.
• The Crazy Art Cabinet Discover satirical paintings full of bizarre scenes in Mayken Verhulst's birthplace.

The Predikheren, the city library of Mechelen

Normally I wouldn't quickly walk into a library during a city trip, but for The Predikheren I was happy to make an exception. This city library is housed in a beautifully restored 17th-century Baroque monastery. Once inhabited by Dominican friars, it's now a place brimming with books, knowledge, and inspiration. The combination of historic architecture and modern design makes it a truly special place. Even if you don't want to borrow a book, a visit to Het Predikheren is worthwhile.

What makes this place extra special is the former monastery church that borders the complex. After years of restoration, the church has reopened and now serves as a cultural space for lectures, exhibitions, and events. The original Baroque elements, such as the ceiling and columns, have been preserved and give the space a unique atmosphere.

Having breakfast

Start your day in Mechelen off right with breakfast at one of the city's cozy hotspots. I had breakfast at LIEF and WASBAR, two different but both great places to start your day in a relaxed way.

RAN Lief is a charming coffee bar near the Kruidtuin (Botanical Garden). They serve homemade granola, freshly baked banana bread, sourdough toast with toppings, and excellent coffee. I'm a fan of the acai bowl. Lief is a great place for a relaxing start to the day.

WASHING BAR Located closer to the city center, this place has a hipper, more playful concept. It combines a breakfast bar, lunch spot, and laundry service. You'll find yourself surrounded by colorful design, with a menu full of classics like pancakes, croissants, yogurt with fruit, and breakfast options. Try the Queen Elizabeth Bagel, for example.

In between or drinks

In Mechelen, you don't necessarily have to have a long lunch to enjoy a delicious meal. You can stop by various wine and beer cafés any time of day for a delicious snack platter. Perfect for a quick bite.

At Unwined, which I mentioned earlier, you can choose from a variety of appetizers that pair perfectly with their wine selection. Think charcuterie, Belgian cheeses, olives, and bruschetta. A platter is also never far away at one of the local beer bars. They often serve regional cheeses, cured sausage, or hot snacks that pair well with a strong Gouden Carolus beer or one of the other local beers.

To dine

In the evening, Mechelen offers plenty of choices for those looking for a good meal in a pleasant atmosphere. I've eaten at De Vleeshalle and Funky Jungle, two very different places that are both worth a visit.

The Meat Hall is an indoor food hall in a beautifully restored building. Inside, you'll find a mix of small kitchens where you can sample global flavors, from street food to refined bites. I sat down at Burgers & Grapes, where I ordered a Chili Cheese Burger with Hot Belgian Fries. But the dishes at Currykimchi also looked delicious. A good reason to return and try something new.

Funky Jungle is a cozy bistro with a colorful interior and a menu full of vegetarian and vegan dishes. Everything here revolves around plant-based food. Think curries, burgers, falafel, and surprising daily specials. I went for a vegetarian kapsalon.

Mechelen is centrally located in Flanders, roughly halfway between Antwerp and Brussels. The city is easily accessible from the Netherlands, both by train and car.

The train is a comfortable choice. Check here for train tickets to MechelenFrom Utrecht Central Station, the journey to Mechelen takes an average of 2,5 hours, usually with a transfer in Rotterdam or Antwerp. The fastest connections take just under 2 hours. There are multiple connections daily, so you have plenty of flexibility with departure times. There's no direct FlixBus service to Mechelen, but you can travel to Brussels and transfer there. This is a bit more time-consuming, but can be a cost-effective option if you book well in advance.

By car, you can get there from Utrecht in about 1 hour and 40 minutes, depending on traffic. Take the A27 and E19 towards Antwerp, and then south towards Mechelen. Parking in the city center is possible, but relatively expensive. There are also convenient alternatives such as peripheral parking lots or P+Rs just outside the city center. I can Parking Zandpoortvest Highly recommended. Parking costs €5 per day, and on weekends, it's even free.