Location: Mechelen
Top Things to do in Mechelen
Top Restaurants in Mechelen
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10 Tours 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. Bus day trip to Antwerp & Mechelen from Brussels + Atomium stop
Overall Ratings
4.9 based on 8 reviews
Make the most of your time in Belgium during this full-day excursion to Antwerp and Mechelen + Atomium from Brussels. Don’t worry about time-consuming public transit; instead, benefit from round-trip transfers, as well as the insight of a local guide who can share context you might not have discovered alone, before exploring independently at your own pace.
Inclusions: Professional English-speaking guide, Round-trip with A/C, City tips, Discounts (discounts at restaurants, chocolate shops, museums etc.), We keep your suitcases on the bus
Exclusions: Food and drinks, Gratuities, Museum entrance, Hotel pickup and drop-off
Reviewed By Levesqme
As a family with teenagers, it is always a challenge to find an activity that will be entertaining for all. Although they are not history enthusiasts, my kids said that this tour was the best day of our stay in Belgium (1 week). They especially liked the tour guide, Jamal and his dry sense of humour. Jamal was able to point out funny historical details, do little games with the group and make recommendations on restaurants and activities. He made all the difference. Thanks Jamal for this wonderful (rainy) day! Things to be improved: we should have taken a tour for only 1 city. If you like to stroll in leisurely in the city, visit museums, etc., the tour is a bit fast paced and won't allow you to shop, visit independently museums and historic buildings. Also, you'll be paired with Spanish groups going on the bus. Not the best logistical arrangements. However, the price is well worth it. 10/10 would do again.
2. Walk & Explore Mechelen with the interactive Qula City Trail
Overall Ratings
3.5 based on 2 reviews
Price per group of 2-6 people. Within 2 hours the Qula Mechelen City Trail will guide you along the best spots in Mechelen, while playing fun riddles and assignments on your smartphone. Try to set a top score with family or friends and explore the city. There are no fixed starting times or reservations, you pick your own day and time. The Trail is available 24/7 and there is no time limit - you can start, pause and stop whenever it suits you! It's offered in multiple languages (Eng, Ger, Fr, Ned, Sp, It and more). The Qula City Trail is great fun and the most affordable outing for families and groups of friends. How does it work? With your booking, you will receive an e-mail with instructions on how to play the Trail on your smartphone. Android or IPhone compatible. Once at the starting point, you begin your quest through the city, it's that easy!
Inclusions: A super exciting City Trail for a team of max. 6 people!
Exclusions: Smartphone & Data
3. Old Historical Flemish Towns Surrounding Brussels
No visit to Brussels could be complete without taking some time out to tour a few of charming historical Flemish villages. Away from the typical tourist routes, these enchanting towns give you a chance to really immerse yourself in history and legend as you enjoy a private guided tour to three nearby locations: Leuven, Mechelen and Lier. A private tour of these historical Flemish towns is a pleasant excursion that everyone who participates also enjoys. The tour begins with a visit to the town of Leuven and its magnificent Town Hall, an elaborate Gothic structure that dominates the Grote Market. Next stop is picturesque Mechelen, where we'll take a guided walking tour to see fairy tale palaces and intriguing public buildings. Lier is the final town on the itinerary for your private tour of historical Flemish towns. This intriguing walled village boasts magnificent construction, most notably its spectacular Town Hall adjoining a 14th century Gothic medieval siege tower.
Inclusions: Private transportation
Exclusions:
Reviewed By jimsZ2896HZ
Thankfully, the battlefield is largely as it appeared in 1815. Rolling hills, farm fields, the wooded and walled Hougoumont (well-restored) and la Haye Saint (not so much). Still, the vibe and the atmosphere is evocative of the crucial Napoleonic struggle that took place here. The museum is excellent. Creative displays, lots of artifacts. The great Lions mound is a bit of a distraction. But it does afford spectacular views of the entire battlefield. Two downsides: the busy road that runs right through the field, north to south, is a little offputting. And Napoleon’s command position was overgrown with shrubs when I was there.
4. Full Day Antwerp & Mechelen
The combination of these two cities shows the true spirith of the Flamish people. Very commited to work and creative. Both cities have a lot to offer in terms of painting, architecture, diamonds and history. The park of Antwerp, is probably the only park in the world, where both Muslims and Jew are playing together: a gift of tolerance and mutual respect.
Inclusions: Air-conditioned vehicle
Exclusions: Use of bicycle
Reviewed By DrSuz1
With lots of knowledge and energy. He clearly loves what he does and does it well. He has passion and lots of enthusiasm for the history of sites, churches and art. Be prepared for a wonderful tour experience!
5. Private 6-hour Tour to Mechelen from Brussels with driver & guide (in Mechelen)
Mechelen is a city between Brussels and Antwerp in northern Belgium. Inside the 13th-century St. Rumbold’s Cathedral is an imposing altar and a work by Flemish artist Anthony van Dyck. The attached St. Rumbold’s Tower offers 360-degree views of the city. Deportees to WWII concentration camps were held at Kazerne Dossin military barracks, where a museum and memorial commemorate the Jews and Gypsies who passed through.
Inclusions: Private vehicle with chauffeur for 6 hours, Private offcial tour guide for 2 hours in Mechelen, Private tour, Taxes
Exclusions: Entrance fees, Food and drinks
Reviewed By Tasty_Tipper
It was a great day to visit the city since there was not so many people in the city - the architecture in this student city is very gothic and intense. This was a day trip and I hope to visit again some day to take more stunning architecture photos.
6. Private 8-hour excursion to Mechelen and Leuven from Brussels with Hotel Pick Up
Leuven is a city east of Brussels, Belgium, known for its breweries. On a central square is the 15th-century town hall, with its tall spires. The building is decorated with hundreds of statues of local figures, biblical characters and saints. Opposite, the late Gothic St. Peter’s Church houses a “Last Supper” by the Flemish Primitive painter Dieric Bouts. Nearby, Oude Markt is a long square lined with bars and cafes. Mechelen is a city between Brussels and Antwerp in northern Belgium. Inside the 13th-century St. Rumbold’s Cathedral is an imposing altar and a work by Flemish artist Anthony van Dyck. The attached St. Rumbold’s Tower offers 360-degree views of the city. Deportees to WWII concentration camps were held at Kazerne Dossin military barracks, where a museum and memorial commemorate the Jews and Gypsies who passed through.
Inclusions: Private vehicle with chauffeur 8 hours, Private official tour guide for 8 hours, Private tour, Taxes, Pick up and drop off in your hotel or place of choice in Brussels
Exclusions: Entrance fees, Food and drinks
Reviewed By Tasty_Tipper
It was a great day to visit the city since there was not so many people in the city - the architecture in this student city is very gothic and intense. This was a day trip and I hope to visit again some day to take more stunning architecture photos.
7. Mechelen Small-Group Running Tour
We love Mechelen and love to share it with the world. Still a hidden gem, it is very accessible from both Antwerp, Brussels and Ghent. It is quieter than the bigger cities, but has more charm in our opinion. Our tours are small groups only. For safety, but also because we like to know the people we guide. We hope that you will enjoy touring with us and ready to work up some sweat!
Inclusions: A local guide, Mechelen sightseeing run
Exclusions: Transport, Gratuities, Water
8. Guided Small-Group Cycling Tour of Mechelen
We love Mechelen and love to share it with the world. Still a hidden gem, it is very accessible from both Antwerp, Brussels and Ghent. It is quieter than the bigger cities, but has more charm in our opinion. Our tours are small groups only. For safety, but also because we like to know the people we guide. We hope that you will enjoy touring with us.
Inclusions: A local guide, Mechelen sightseeing tour by bike, Bike or e-bike (only upon availability)
Exclusions: Transport, Gratuities
9. Small-Group Mechelen City Guided Walking Tour
We love Mechelen and love to share it with the world. Still a hidden gem, it is very accessible from both Antwerp, Brussels and Ghent. It is quieter than the bigger cities, but has more charm in our opinion. Our tours are small groups only. For safety, but also because we like to know the people we guide. We hope that you will enjoy touring with us.
Inclusions: A local guide, Mechelen sightseeing walk
Exclusions: Gratuities, Water, Transport
10. Mechelen Small-Group Walking Tour with Lunch or Dinner
We love Mechelen and love to share it with the world. Still a hidden gem, it is very accessible from both Antwerp, Brussels and Ghent. It is quieter than the bigger cities, but has more charm in our opinion. Our tours are small groups only. For safety, but also because we like to know the people we guide. As there are so many eateries and restaurants, we combine sightseeing with a nice meal, so you get to feel like a local. We hope that you will enjoy touring with us.
Inclusions: A local guide, Mechelen sightseeing walk, Lunch (10 am tour) or dinner (1.30 pm tour)
Exclusions: Gratuities, Transport, Water
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