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 defined by one impressive structure: the Saint Rumbold's Tower . This Gothic tower belongs to the cathedral of the same name and is undoubtedly the city's most famous landmark. The tower is included on the UNESCO World Heritage List as part of the ' Belfries of Belgium and France '. A climb up this tower is practically a must during your city trip.

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 Skywalk . This glass viewing platform offers a panoramic view 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 has eight historic churches . One of the most striking is, of course, St. Rumbold's Cathedral . The cathedral is at least as impressive on the inside as it is on the outside. The high vaulted ceilings, the Baroque interior, and the work of Anthony van Dyck, among others, make a visit more than worthwhile. I combined my climb up the tower with a visit to the cathedral itself. This is very easy to do, as the entrance to the tower is located on the side of the cathedral.

The other churches in Mechelen are also worth discovering. For instance, the Church of Our Lady over the Dyle has one of the most beautiful stained-glass windows in the city, and you will find a magnificent altarpiece by Rubens in the Church of Saint John . The Church of Saint Catherine, on the other hand, is somewhat more austere.

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 onto the Grote Markt . This spacious square is surrounded by historic facades, cozy cafes, and restaurants. The weekly market is held here on Saturday mornings. Furthermore, events, concerts, and festivities are regularly organized here.

Not only is the cathedral a striking building on the square, but the imposing Mechelen City Hall is also a real eye-catcher. The complex consists of three parts: the Cloth Hall, the Belfry, and the Palace of the Great Council. The Belfry was never fully completed, yet it is on the UNESCO World Heritage List as part of the Belgian and French Belfries. Around the square, you can see various historic buildings, each with its own story. For example, there is De Beyaerd , recognizable by its stepped gable with four lion figures, and In het 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 Groot Begijnhof is a historic neighborhood with narrow cobblestone streets and whitewashed houses. Quietly tucked away in the city, this place has remarkably well 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 has not only a Great Beguinage, but also a Small Beguinage . This beguinage is somewhat more hidden within the city and is laid out on a smaller scale. The narrow streets, low facades, and well-kept front gardens give it a quiet and pleasant 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

Those wishing to escape the hustle and bustle of the city center for a moment can visit the Botanical Garden of Mechelen. This city park is located a short distance from the 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

Tucked away behind the Archbishop's Palace, you will find a surprising oasis of tranquility: the Garden of Silence. This inner courtyard is normally not open to the public, but from April to October, you can take a look every weekend. You enter through the entrance on Schoutestraat. The garden itself is simply laid out, with flowerbeds, trees, and a few benches. It is ideal for ending a walk in peace or simply enjoying the silence.

Dyle path

The Dijlepad is a boardwalk that runs partly over and partly alongside the small river Dijle . It starts at the Haverwerf and ends just past the Fonteinbrug, near the 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 Haverwerf . This small quay on the Dijle was formerly used for unloading ships carrying oats. For centuries, Mechelen held the staple right on grain. Ships had to present their cargo here before they were allowed to sail on. Nowadays, it is primarily a place where you pause for a moment to admire the facades.

Eye-catchers are the three historic houses from the 16th and 17th centuries: Het Paradijske , De Duiveltjes , and Sint-Jozef . Each building has its own style and story, ranging 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 child Jesus.

fish market

The Vismarkt is situated on the Dijle and is one of the coziest spots in Mechelen. As the name suggests, the square was formerly centered on trade and fish sales. Nowadays, it is primarily a popular meeting place with many bars and restaurants.

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

The IJzerenleen is a wide shopping street with a stately appearance, situated between the Grote Markt and the station. The beautiful historic facades are striking; they were rebuilt in the traditional style in the 20th century following destruction during the First World War. Chic shops, boutiques, and outdoor cafes line the street. In the middle, the former Melaan still flows, a covered waterway that was once open here. According to the people of Mechelen, this shopping street is the Champs-Élysées of Mechelen.

Het Anker brewery

Brewery Het Anker is one of the oldest breweries in Belgium . This city brewery has existed since the 15th century and is best known for Gouden Carolus beer. The city beer Maneblusser is also brewed here, named after the nickname of the people of Mechelen. Highly recommended for beer lovers, but also if you are 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 Mechelen is also an excellent place for a good glass of wine. Unwined , opposite the Sint-Rombout 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 gateways. Today, only one remains: the Brussels Gate . This imposing tower on the south side of the city is a silent witness to the medieval past. The original gate dates from 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 show how firmly Mechelen was able to protect itself in the past.

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

Covered 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 De Vleeshalle , a former market hall for meat vendors. Since 2019, this venue has been transformed into an atmospheric food hall with a varied selection.

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 is not 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 transit camp for Jews and Roma. More than 25.000 people were deported from here to Auschwitz-Birkenau, among other places. Only a fraction returned. Today, Kazerne Dossin is a memorial, museum , and documentation center on the Holocaust and human rights. One of the recent projects, *Every Name Counts *, brings the names of the deportees back to life, ensuring that not a single 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 readily pop into a library during a city trip, but I gladly made an exception for Het Predikheren . This city library is housed in a beautifully restored 17th-century Baroque monastery. Once inhabited by Dominican friars, it is now a place full of books, knowledge, and inspiration. The combination of historical architecture and a modern interpretation makes it a unique location. Even if you don't want to borrow a book, a visit to Het Predikheren is well worth it.

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.

LIEF is a charming coffee bar located near the Botanical Garden. You can go there for homemade granola, freshly baked banana bread, sourdough toast with toppings, and excellent coffee. I am a fan of the acai bowl. Lief is a lovely spot for a quiet start to the day.

WASBAR is located closer to the city center and has a trendier, slightly more playful concept. It is a combination of breakfast bar, lunch spot, and laundromat. Here, you sit amidst colorful design, with a menu full of classics such as pancakes, croissants, yogurt with fruit, and breakfast sets. Try the Queen Elizabeth Bagel here, 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 various snacks 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 cafés. They often serve regional cheeses, dry sausage, or hot snacks that go well with a robust 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.

De Vleeshalle is an indoor food hall housed 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 looked very tasty too. A good reason to return and try something new.

Funky Jungle, on the other hand, 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 here.

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. Look here for train tickets to Mechelen . From Utrecht Central, 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 regarding departure times. There is no direct FlixBus to Mechelen, but you can travel to Brussels and transfer to a train there. That is slightly more complicated, but can be a cost-effective option if you book well in advance.

By car, it takes about 1 hour and 40 minutes to get there from Utrecht, depending on traffic. You drive via the A27 and E19 towards Antwerp, and then south towards Mechelen. Parking in the city centre is possible, but is relatively pricey. There are also convenient alternatives such as peripheral car parks or P+Rs just outside the centre. I can recommend Parking Zandpoortvest . It costs €5 for a day, and parking is free on weekends.