10 Things to Do in Mechelen That You Shouldn't Miss

April 2, 2018 Renato Branum

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

Onder-den-Toren 12, Mechelen 2800, Belgium +32 15 29 40 30
Excellent
56%
Good
36%
Satisfactory
6%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 576 reviews

St. Rumbold's Cathedral

Reviewed By md1mm - Sheffield, UK

No visitor to Mechelen can miss this iconic building of the large Cathedral with the huge tower. I did not actually climb the tower but the Cathedral is beautiful with some great stained-glass windows and every visitor to Mechelen should pay a visit.

2. Brouwerij Het Anker

Guido Gezellelaan 49, Mechelen 2800, Belgium +32 15 28 71 41
Excellent
56%
Good
36%
Satisfactory
7%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 181 reviews

Brouwerij Het Anker

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 Fonzzemst - Zemst

in this family brewery the make one of the best beers in the world, Carolus Classic. For those who love dark beer this is it. Also blonde and amber beers are available. In the bar annex restaurant you can have nice meals acompanied with all the beers they produce in the on-site brewery. I highly recommend this place for lunch and dinner.

3. Kazerne Dossin

Goswin de Stassartstraat 153, Mechelen 2800, Belgium +32 15 29 06 60
Excellent
62%
Good
32%
Satisfactory
5%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 385 reviews

Kazerne Dossin

Reviewed By Anita D - Mechelen, Belgium

Very interesting museum about the holocaust and human rights. Has regularly special temporary exhibits. We had a very good guide who gave us a lot of insight in the events that led to the second WW and the holocaust.
You also have a very nice view over Mechelen from the Terrace on the top floor.

4. Provinciaal Groendomein Vrijbroekpark

Ridder Dessainlaan 65, Mechelen 2800, Belgium +32 15 45 13 80
Excellent
45%
Good
51%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 146 reviews

Provinciaal Groendomein Vrijbroekpark

Reviewed By RichT529 - Alexandria, VA

This botanical garden is about a 15-20 minute walk from the Mechelen’s town square, but well worth the excursion. The park is beautiful and well maintained. On weekends it can get a bit crowded. Despite this possibility there are many quiet and less-crowded areas in the park.

5. Grote Markt

Mechelen, Belgium
Excellent
45%
Good
46%
Satisfactory
7%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 176 reviews

Grote Markt

Reviewed By Katrien S - Ghent, Belgium

Although not located on the Grote Markt, you have a good view of the St Rombouts Cathedral and especially the tower from the square. The square also houses quite a few old and pittoresque buildings, well worth seeing. Quite a few of them now house restaurants. The other side of the Cathedral is the rather strange looking town hall, part of which is richly decorated and has an arcade on its side, with in the middle what must be the shortest belfry in Flandres. The remaining part is quite sober. The information centre is next to the town hall in Hallestraat, so a great place to start your tour of Mechelen (tip buy a little booklet with 3 self-guided walks).

6. Planckendael

Leuvensesteenweg 582, Mechelen 2812, Belgium +32 15 41 49 21
Excellent
52%
Good
40%
Satisfactory
6%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 912 reviews

Planckendael

Reviewed By verahenderickx - Mechelen, Belgium

It's always good to go back to Planckedael, because I have the feeling that the animals are very happy and in their comfortzone over there.
I try to visit Planckendael at least once a year. I went there ith my small children and still go there with them now they're adults.

7. Dijlepad

Havenwerf, Mechelen, Belgium +32 70 22 00 08
Excellent
37%
Good
53%
Satisfactory
10%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 277 reviews

Dijlepad

Reviewed By Amb_933 - Leuven, Belgium

This little wooden path allows you to see another side of Mechelen. It takes you away from the beautiful, yet somewhat bombastic, facades and literally takes you to the back side. It is really cosy at night. Some (younger) people actually use the path to sit on and enjoy drinks with friends at night. In the daytime it is both a short-cut and a relaxing walk.

8. Technopolis

Technologielaan, Mechelen 2800, Belgium +32 15 34 20 00
Excellent
52%
Good
37%
Satisfactory
6%
Poor
4%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 313 reviews

Technopolis

Reviewed By Albrecht R

I visited Technopolis with my kids on several occasions and it has always been a great experience! They can test and 'live' the different ins and outs of physics and chemistry.Hello Thank you very much for your reaction, it's always nice to read that you had a wonderfull time here, See you soon again !

9. Ijzerenleen

Mechelen 2800, Belgium
Excellent
31%
Good
58%
Satisfactory
9%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4 based on 165 reviews

Ijzerenleen

Reviewed By Ace28065 - Essex, United Kingdom

Lots of shops. Some very good beer, scotch and brandy shops. Lots of nice places to eat at nearby. Some you need to book in the evenings. People all round here are friendly.

10. Stadhuis

Grote Markt, Mechelen, Belgium
Excellent
64%
Good
36%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 30 reviews

Stadhuis

Reviewed By beppo81 - Antwerp, Belgium

An imposing building overlooking an imposing square, one of the biggest in Belgium. Inheritance of time of wealth now gone. Hope to come back and visiting the interiors, if possible, as I only have appreciated the facade.

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