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Mechelen, België / Belgique / Belgien - Things to Do in Mechelen

Things to Do in Mechelen

Mechelen, België / Belgique / Belgien - Complete Travel Guide

Mechelen, a charming medieval city situated between Brussels and Antwerp, is one of Belgium's best-kept secrets. This compact historic gem boasts an impressive collection of Gothic and Renaissance architecture, centered around the magnificent St. Rumbold's Cathedral with its soaring tower that dominates the skyline. Once the capital of the Low Countries under Margaret of Austria in the early 16th century, Mechelen retains an aristocratic elegance while maintaining an authentic, lived-in atmosphere that larger tourist destinations often lack. Today, Mechelen seamlessly blends its rich historical heritage with modern Belgian culture. The city is renowned for its exceptional museums, including the unique Kazerne Dossin memorial and the fascinating Toy Museum, while its compact old town is perfect for leisurely exploration on foot. With excellent transportation links, outstanding local cuisine, and a vibrant cultural scene that includes everything from carillon concerts to contemporary art exhibitions, Mechelen offers visitors an intimate yet comprehensive Belgian experience.

Top Things to Do in Mechelen

Climb St. Rumbold's Cathedral Tower

Ascend the 538 steps of this UNESCO World Heritage tower for breathtaking panoramic views over Mechelen and the surrounding Flemish countryside. The Gothic cathedral itself houses remarkable artwork and serves as the city's spiritual heart. The tower climb includes stops at various levels where you can learn about the famous carillon and the tower's history.

Booking Tip: Entry costs around €8 for adults, with combination tickets available for multiple attractions. Visit early morning or late afternoon for the best lighting and fewer crowds. Check opening times as they vary seasonally, and note that the climb requires moderate fitness levels.

Explore Kazerne Dossin Museum

This powerful memorial museum and documentation center chronicles the Holocaust and human rights, located at the former transit camp from which Belgian Jews and Roma were deported during WWII. The museum combines historical artifacts with interactive displays and personal testimonies. It's considered one of Europe's most important Holocaust museums and offers profound insights into this dark chapter of history.

Booking Tip: Admission is €10 for adults with discounts for students and seniors. Allow at least 2-3 hours for a thorough visit. Audio guides are available in multiple languages and highly recommended. Book online to guarantee entry, especially during peak tourist seasons.

Discover the Toy Museum

House in a beautiful historic building, this delightful museum showcases toys from different eras, offering nostalgic journeys through childhood memories. The collection includes everything from antique dolls and model trains to modern electronic games. Interactive exhibits allow visitors to play with certain toys, making it perfect for families with children.

Booking Tip: Entry fees are around €7 for adults and €5 for children. The museum is relatively small, so 1-2 hours is sufficient for most visitors. Check for special temporary exhibitions which often feature themed toy collections. Family tickets offer good value for groups.

Stroll Through Grote Markt and Historic Center

Wander through Mechelen's picturesque main square surrounded by guild houses, cafes, and the imposing cathedral. The cobblestone streets lead to hidden courtyards, historic churches, and charming shopping areas. The architecture represents various periods from medieval to Art Nouveau, creating a living museum of Flemish urban development.

Booking Tip: Free to explore on your own, though guided walking tours cost around €10-15 per person. Saturday mornings feature a local market with fresh produce and crafts. Visit during weekday evenings for a more peaceful experience when the golden hour lighting enhances the historic facades.

Experience Local Beer Culture

Discover Mechelen's brewing heritage through visits to traditional pubs and beer cafes that serve local specialties like Het Anker brewery's famous Gouden Carolus beers. Many establishments offer guided tastings and food pairings that showcase the sophisticated Belgian beer culture. The brewery itself offers tours showing the traditional brewing process.

Booking Tip: Brewery tours cost approximately €12-15 including tastings. Book in advance, especially for weekend tours. Many pubs offer beer flights for €15-20, perfect for sampling multiple varieties. Look for establishments that provide knowledgeable staff who can explain the brewing process and beer characteristics.

Getting There

Mechelen is exceptionally well-connected by train, located just 20 minutes from Brussels and 25 minutes from Antwerp on the main railway line between these major cities. The train station is a short 10-minute walk from the historic center. By car, Mechelen is easily accessible via the E19 motorway, with several parking areas near the city center. Brussels Airport is about 30 minutes away by car or train connection. For international visitors, the most convenient approach is flying into Brussels Airport and taking the train directly to Mechelen.

Getting Around

Mechelen's compact historic center is best explored on foot, with most major attractions within a 15-minute walk of each other. The city offers an excellent bike-sharing system and rental shops for those who prefer cycling on the well-maintained bike paths. Local buses connect the center with residential areas and nearby attractions, though most visitors find walking sufficient. Taxis are available but rarely necessary given the city's walkable size. Free city maps are available at the tourist office near the cathedral, and most streets are clearly marked with multilingual signs.

Where to Stay

Historic City Center
Near Train Station
Grote Markt Area
Dijlepark District
Haverwerf Quarter
Brusselsesteenweg

Food & Dining

Mechelen's culinary scene perfectly represents authentic Flemish cuisine alongside modern gastronomy. Traditional restaurants serve classic dishes like carbonade flamande (Flemish stew) and fresh North Sea fish, while contemporary establishments experiment with local ingredients and international influences. The city is famous for its asparagus in spring and has several Michelin-recommended restaurants despite its modest size. Cozy brown cafes (bruine kroegen) offer casual dining with excellent local beers, while the weekly market provides fresh regional produce. Many restaurants are family-run establishments that have been serving the community for generations, ensuring authentic flavors and warm hospitality.

Top-Rated Restaurants in Belgium

Highly-rated dining options based on Google reviews (4.5+ stars, 100+ reviews)

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Pasta Divina

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Pasta Factory

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La Mamma

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When to Visit

The ideal time to visit Mechelen is from late spring through early autumn (May to September) when the weather is mild and outdoor exploration is most comfortable. Summer brings longer daylight hours perfect for climbing the cathedral tower and strolling through the historic streets, though this is also the busiest tourist season. Spring (April-May) offers the added bonus of famous white asparagus season and fewer crowds. Winter visits have their own charm with Christmas markets and cozy pub atmospheres, though some attractions may have reduced hours and weather can be unpredictable.

Insider Tips

Visit on Thursday evenings when many shops stay open late and the atmosphere is particularly lively with locals out for dinner and drinks
The Mechelen city card offers significant discounts on attractions and includes public transport - worthwhile if visiting multiple museums
Don't miss the Saturday morning market at Grote Markt for fresh local produce, flowers, and the chance to mingle with locals in an authentic setting

Explore Activities in Mechelen