Map of Mechelen, Belgium

🏞️ What to do in Mechelen

Explore the vibrant city of Mechelen with its exciting array of activities, from cultural experiences to outdoor adventures.

• Best Budget Activity in Mechelen:

  Visit to St. Rumbold's Tower: Climb the tower for panoramic views of Mechelen at an affordable price.

• Best Mid-Range Activity in Mechelen:

  Boat Tour on the Dijle River: Enjoy a leisurely boat tour along the scenic river, discovering Mechelen's charms from the water.

• Best Luxury Activity in Mechelen:

  Guided Tour of the Palace of Margaret of Austria: Step back in time with a guided tour of this beautifully preserved Renaissance palace.

🍴 Where to eat in Mechelen

Indulge in Mechelen's culinary delights and savor must-try foods like stoverij (beef stew) and rijstpap (rice pudding).

• Best Budget Restaurant in Mechelen:

  De Ultieme Hallucinatie•$$:

• Best Mid-Range Restaurant in Mechelen:

  Colombe d'Or•$$$:

• Best Luxury Restaurant in Mechelen:

  Het Anker•$$$$:

• Best Budget Bar in Mechelen:

  Cafe Belge•$:

  Belgian beer selection

• Best Mid-Range Bar in Mechelen:

  Gin Tonic Bar•$$:

  Signature gin cocktails

• Best Luxury Bar in Mechelen:

  Rooftop Bar Hotel Elisabeth•$$$:

  Premium wines with a view

🏰 What to see in Mechelen

Experience the historical charm of Mechelen through its iconic landmarks that showcase the city's rich heritage and cultural significance.

• St. Rumbold's Cathedral

  Admire the stunning Gothic architecture of this UNESCO World Heritage site and climb the tower for breathtaking views.

• Groot Begijnhof

  Wander through the picturesque Beguinage, a tranquil oasis with well-preserved historic buildings and serene courtyards.

• Hof van Busleyden

  Explore this Renaissance palace turned museum, housing impressive art collections and exhibitions on Mechelen's past.

• Kazerne Dossin - Memorial, Museum and Documentation Centre on Holocaust and Human Rights

  Learn about the poignant history of the Holocaust through exhibits and testimonies in this impactful museum.

• Mechelen Town Hall

  Marvel at the ornate facade and grand interiors of this architectural masterpiece, a symbol of Mechelen's civic pride.

🛍️ Where to go shopping in Mechelen

Discover the eclectic shopping scene in Mechelen, offering a mix of local boutiques, specialty stores, and renowned brands for every budget and style.

• Best Budget Shopping Place in Mechelen:

  Onze-Lieve-Vrouwstraat: Explore this charming street lined with quaint shops offering affordable fashion, accessories, and souvenirs.

• Best Mid-Range Shopping Place in Mechelen:

  Bruul: Stroll along Bruul, Mechelen's main shopping street, for a diverse selection of mid-range fashion stores, shoe shops, and cafes.

• Best Luxury Shopping Place in Mechelen:

  Guldenstraat: Indulge in a luxurious shopping experience at Guldenstraat, known for its upscale boutiques, designer stores, and exquisite jewelry shops.

🚌 Getting Around Mechelen

• Public Transport

  Mechelen has a well-connected public transportation system that includes buses, trains, and bicycles. De Lijn operates the bus network in Mechelen, with routes covering the city and surrounding areas. Visitors can purchase single journey tickets or opt for day passes for unlimited travel. The buses generally run from early morning until late at night, with frequency varying depending on the route. The train station in Mechelen provides convenient connections to major cities like Brussels, Antwerp, and Leuven. Visitors can use the national railway website or app to check schedules and book tickets in advance.

• Main Transportation Hubs

  Mechelen is home to Mechelen Railway Station, which serves as the primary hub for train travel in the city. The station offers easy access to both domestic and international destinations, making it a convenient starting point for exploring the region. Additionally, the nearby Brussels Airport provides air travel options for those arriving or departing from Mechelen.

• Rental Services

  🚗 Car Rental: Visitors looking to explore Mechelen and its surrounding areas at their own pace can opt for car rentals from companies like Europcar and Avis. Prices typically start at around €30 per day for a compact car. 🚲 Bicycle Rental: For a more eco-friendly and leisurely way to get around Mechelen, bicycle rentals are available from providers like Blue-Bike. Visitors can enjoy exploring the city on two wheels for as little as €3 for a 24-hour rental.