Things To Do
in Mechelen
Mechelen is a city located in the Flemish region of Belgium, midway between Brussels and Antwerp. It is known for its well-preserved medieval architecture, including the imposing St. Rumbold's Cathedral with its iconic tower. Mechelen is also home to several museums, such as the Toy Museum and the Museum Hof van Busleyden.
The city has a rich history as a prominent trading center and was once the seat of the Archbishop of Mechelen.
- "Bonjour" - Hello
- "Merci" - Thank you
- "S'il vous plaît" - Please
- "Comment ça va?" - How are you?
- "Excusez-moi" - Excuse me
Prices
- 🏠 Accommodation (per night): $80 - $150
- 🍽️ Meal at a Restaurant: $15 - $40
- ☕ Coffee: $2 - $5
- 🚌 Public transport ticket (single journey): $2 - $3
- 🛒 Grocery shopping (per week): $50 - $100
- 🏋️♂️ Gym Membership: $30 - $60
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a delicious breakfast at a local café. Afterward, take a leisurely stroll through the charming streets of Mechelen, admiring its historical architecture.
Visit the stunning St. Rumbold's Cathedral and climb the tower for breathtaking views of the city. Enjoy a traditional Belgian lunch at one of the local bistros.
Relax at a cozy restaurant and savor some Belgian specialties. Take a walk along the river to enjoy the evening atmosphere.
Visit the Kazerne complex for an insight into contemporary art exhibitions. Spend some time at the Mechelen City Museum to learn about the city's rich history.
Join a guided tour of the Mechelen Toy Museum, showcasing a vast collection of toys. Enjoy lunch at a nearby cafe with an eclectic menu.
Attend a local theater performance or a cultural event happening in town. Finish the night by trying some local beers at a trendy bar.
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Rich historical heritage with beautiful architecture and cultural landmarks.
- Central location in Belgium, making it easy to reach major cities like Brussels, Antwerp, and Ghent.
- Vibrant local community and a sense of belonging for residents.
- Good public transport connections, including trains and buses.
- Family-friendly city with parks, schools, and recreational activities.
- Smaller city with limited nightlife and entertainment options compared to larger cities.
- Potential for a lack of job opportunities in certain sectors.
- Public transport can be less frequent during off-peak hours.
- Weather can be unpredictable, with a lot of rain throughout the year.
- Higher cost of living compared to surrounding areas, especially in terms of housing.
Best Activities in Mechelen
Outdoor fun you shouldn't miss!
Explore Mechelen and its surrounding areas through guided or self-guided bicycle tours, offering a scenic and leisurely way to experience the city and its natural beauty.
Enjoy a peaceful and scenic kayak trip along the Dijle River, providing a unique perspective of Mechelen's landscapes and historic landmarks from the water.
Embark on walking tours to discover Mechelen's architecture, parks, and hidden gems, while learning about its rich history and cultural heritage.
Tours
Uncover the best of Mechelen with these unforgettable tours.
Places to Visit in Mechelen
Visit one of these nice places.
Offers panoramic views of Mechelen and the surrounding area
Scenic spot by the river with picturesque views
Historic neighborhood with charming architecture and scenic walking paths
Food in Mechelen
Mechelen Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A classic Flemish beef and onion stew served with crispy Belgian fries. You can savor this dish at De Ultieme Hallucinatie, a charming restaurant in the heart of Mechelen.
Must-Try!
Mussels steamed in white wine or beer, accompanied by golden fries. Head to De Gouden Vis, a renowned seafood restaurant, to relish this Belgian favorite.
Spiced shortcrust biscuit, often enjoyed with a cup of coffee or tea. Visit the local bakeries like Biscuiterie Thijs to sample authentic speculaas.
Unique Experiences
Get to know Mechelen better with these unique experiences.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
The bustling Grote Markt hosts a weekly market where you can explore an array of fresh produce, local cheeses, and artisanal snacks. Don't miss the mouthwatering waffles available from street vendors around the square.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
In Mechelen, it is important to respect personal space and avoid standing too close to others, especially when having conversations or queuing in lines.
When meeting someone for the first time in a business or social setting, it is customary to greet them with a handshake. It is a sign of respect and courtesy.
When dining in Mechelen, it is polite to wait for the host to start eating before you begin. Also, keeping your hands visible on the table, rather than on your lap, is considered good manners.
Hidden Gems
Discover the hidden gems of Mechelen with these exclusive activities.
Safety
Tipping in Mechelen
Ensure a smooth experience
In Mechelen, Belgium, tipping is not obligatory, but it is common to leave a small tip for good service at restaurants, bars, and cafes. A tip of 5-10% of the total bill is considered generous.
Cash is widely accepted in Mechelen, but credit and debit cards are also commonly used for payments. ATMs are easily accessible for withdrawing cash, and contactless payment methods are increasingly popular in the city.
Top Things To Do
Engage in these activities to dive deeper into Mechelen.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Best time to visit Mechelen, with pleasant weather, blooming flowers, and various outdoor events and festivals.
Ideal for exploring Mechelen's outdoor parks, enjoying the warm weather, and attending music and cultural festivals.
Great for experiencing the beautiful fall foliage in Mechelen's parks and enjoying the cooler weather.
Perfect for indulging in Mechelen's cozy cafes and exploring the festive Christmas markets.
Mechelen at Night
Hiking in Mechelen
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A vast green space within the city, perfect for leisurely walks and connecting with nature.
A botanical garden featuring walking paths among diverse flora, ideal for a relaxing hike.
A spacious park located on the outskirts of Mechelen, offering trails for walking and hiking.
A nature reserve near Mechelen with various walking trails among wetlands and wildlife.
An area with scenic walking paths and views of natural landscapes, suitable for hiking enthusiasts.
Unforgettable Journeys
Delve deeper into Mechelen through these rare and unique activities.
Aiports
How to reach Mechelen by plane.
The main international airport serving Brussels and located approximately 20 km from Mechelen, Brussels Airport is one of the busiest airports in Europe.
Located about 45 km from Mechelen, Antwerp International Airport serves domestic and some international flights, mainly catering to business travelers.
Situated around 55 km from Mechelen, this airport is known for low-cost carriers and serves numerous European destinations.
Approximately 85 km from Mechelen, Liège Airport is a significant cargo airport and also offers passenger services, mainly focusing on international flights.
Around 120 km from Mechelen, it serves both Rotterdam and The Hague and offers flights to various European destinations.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The majority of the population in Mechelen is composed of Belgian nationals, reflecting the national heritage and culture.
A significant demographic group consisting of people of Moroccan descent, often involved in various local businesses and cultural activities.
A notable group with Turkish roots, contributing to the city's multicultural landscape through cuisine and festivals.
Residents from various other European countries, adding to the city's diversity and economic dynamism.
This group includes individuals from various Sub-Saharan African countries, enriching the cultural fabric of the city.
A smaller yet significant population, primarily from South and East Asia, involved in the local economy.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Soccer is one of the most popular sports in Mechelen, with local clubs and a strong community following. The city is home to the famous KV Mechelen football club.
Cycling is a favored pastime in Mechelen, with many cycling paths and events, attracting both recreational cyclists and competitive teams.
Basketball has gained popularity in Mechelen, with several clubs and an active youth program contributing to its growth in the area.
Athletics has a solid presence in Mechelen, with local clubs offering training and competitions in various track and field events.
Volleyball is also popular in Mechelen, with clubs participating in regional leagues and tournaments.
Paddle tennis is emerging as a popular sport in Mechelen, with increasing numbers of facilities and players participating in this fast-growing sport.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Mechelen.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Mechelen provides a wide range of vegetarian and vegan options, with many restaurants and cafes offering dedicated menus or adaptable dishes to accommodate these preferences.
Visitors with gluten intolerances can explore cafes like Noen or communicate their dietary needs to most restaurants, which are generally accommodating and understanding of gluten-free requirements.