Things to Do in Mechelen: Belgium’s Hidden Gem
Want to know what the best things to do in Mechelen, Belgium are? Keep reading because this is Belgium’s best kept secret! Just minutes after arriving to this town, I’ve fallen in love with all the cute facades.
It reminds me of a miniature Amsterdam. The streets are lively with so many cute cafes. There are many people riding their bikes all around.
And the food is truly amazing. I would even call it a foodie town because there is much more variety outside of Belgium food and it seems pretty top notch.
Many people come for Brussels, Bruges, or Ghent not knowing that a charming and lesser known town is just around the corner!
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Is Mechelen Worth Visiting?
Absolutely! It Mechelen is one of the most beautiful cities in Belgium. What makes it so special is that it is not well-known. This hidden gem is less frequented than nearby towns such as Brussels, Bruges, and Antwerp.
It reminds me of a mini Amsterdam with it’s gorgeous facades but without the crowds. Everyone rides their bikes everywhere and the cafe and food scene is amazing. I highly recommend a visit to this underrated town in Belgium.
How to Get to Mechelen Belgium?
Getting to Mechelen is actually super easy and makes for a perfect day trip if you’re already in Belgium. It’s just about 20 minutes by train from either Brussels or Antwerp, with frequent direct trains running all day.
Pro-tip: If you’re coming from London, you can get a direct train to Brussels in only 2 hours! I use the platform Omio to book my trains ahead of time.
In addition, the closest airport to Mechelen is Brussels Airport. From here, you can get on a train and be there in just 15 minutes.
If you’re coming by car, it’s around 30–40 minutes from Brussels, but keep in mind the city center is pedestrian-friendly, so you might need to park a little outside and walk in.
Where to Stay in Mechelen
$$ Martin’s Patershof: A hotel housed in a former church in the city center.
$ Hotel Vé: Located right next to the river in a bustling area.
$$ Hotel Brouwerij Het Anker: Set in a 15th century brewery and near to the Beguinage streets. Located a 10 minute walk to the city center.
Best Things to do in Mechelen, Belgium
1. Climb St. Rumbold’s Tower
If you want to find the best view of Mechelen, then climb up St. Rumbold’s Tower. It is 538 steps to the top and you will pass through six historic chambers along the way. At the top, you will reach a glass-and-steel platform with panoramic views of the city. On a clear day, you might even see distant landmarks like the Atomium in Brussels and Antwerp Cathedral.
The tower is open daily from 1:00 PM to 6:00 PM, and tickets cost €8 for adults and €3 for children.
2. Admire the architecture at Grote Markt
One of the first things that caught my eye in Mechelen was the Grote Markt — the main square. The buildings here are so beautiful and full of character, from the Gothic Town Hall to all the cute facades lining the square. It honestly feels like stepping into a fairytale (with way fewer crowds than Bruges!).
Right in the center, you’ll spot a statue of Margaret of Austria, who once ruled over the area. She played a big role in putting Mechelen on the map back in the day, and it’s pretty cool to stand where so much history happened.
Plus, it’s the perfect spot to grab a coffee and do a bit of people-watching while soaking up all that gorgeous architecture.
If you want to learn more about Mechelen and discover hidden corners, I’d highly recommend this walking tour across the city.
3. Have brunch at Coffice
Coffice is such a cute spot for brunch — it has a bright, minimal interior that makes you want to linger a little longer. It’s part café, part co-working space, so it’s got a chill and relaxed vibe. The menu is simple but really well done, with fresh ingredients and great coffee. I loved starting my morning here before heading out to explore more of Mechelen.
4. Stay in a Stunning Converted Church Hotel
If you’re looking for a unique place to stay in Mechelen, then stay at Martin’s Patershof. This former 13th-century neo-Gothic church has been transformed into a hotel. There are 79 rooms and many of them have original features like vaulted ceilings and stunning stained-glass windows. It is also located centrally so you can explore Mechelen with ease.
5. Check out the street art & shops
Mechelen has some surprisingly cool street art, and one of my favorites is a mural of a girl holding a rose. It’s tucked away near the city center and totally worth finding (location here). There’s actually many more street art murals and you can find the locations here. It’s part of a street art project called ‘Mechelen Muurt’ launched by artist, Gijs Vanhee.
I just love the creative vibe of this city. As you wander around, you’ll spot tons of little artistic touches on walls and hidden corners. Plus, the area is full of cute boutiques and independent shops, so it’s the perfect spot to do a bit of shopping while you explore.
6. Take a boat ride along Dijle River
One of the best things to do in Mechelen is taking a scenic boat ride along the Dijle River. You will go past all the charming bridges, historic buildings, and even spot the famous colorful houses from the water. The ride is just 45 minutes long, but it’s such a peaceful journey. You can bring drinks along and it’s perfect for a sunny afternoon!
7. Take a photo at the most instagrammable houses in Mechelen
One of the most Instagrammable spots in Mechelen has to be the colorful houses along Haverwerf. You can find the exact location here.
These three historic homes date all the way back to the 16th and 17th centuries. Each house is styled with Gothic to Baroque architecture.
The first house is called Het Paradijske (Little Paradise) and is decorated with carvings from the Garden of Eden. Next to it is De Duiveltjes (The Little Devils), with a quirky wooden façade. And finally Sint-Jozef, named after Saint Joseph.
Experiment with photos from a boat tour along Dijle River or across the bridge!
8. Stroll the riverside square at Vismarkt
Vismarkt is a lively riverside square lined with cute cafés and restaurants. You’ll find so many people outside enjoying a drink by the water. Back in the day, it was actually Mechelen’s old fish market. I loved wandering through here in the early evening when the lights start to turn on and the whole area feels like such a vibe.
If you want to stay in this area, I’d recommend Hotel Vé which is right along the riverfront and is super affordable.
9. Be a foodie as Mechelen has the best food
The food scene in Mechelen is actually really great. I’d even call it a foodie city! And you won’t just find Belgium food, but all cuisines really. If you want to try it all, I’d recommend this food tour. They take you to all the best spots around Mechelen.
Or, if you’re after a casual meal then head over to De Vleeshalle.
This food hall is set in a beautifully restored 1881 meat market. With a variety of food stalls – you’ll find Belgium food, Italian sandwiches, the most delicous croquettes, and more.
10. Have a beer at Het Anker Brewery
If you’re a beer lover (or even just beer-curious), you’ve got to stop by Het Anker Brewery while in Mechelen. It’s one of the oldest breweries in Belgium, dating all the way back to the 15th century. They still brew everything right on site!
You can take a tour to learn all about the brewing process, but honestly, my favorite part was just relaxing in the tasting room and trying Gouden Carolus — their signature beer.
11. Admire the quaint Beguinage Streets
Another one of the best things to do in Mechelen is adming the the Beguinage streets. These narrow streets are super picturesque. Plus, the Large Beguinage was declared a UNESCO world heritage site. You can find the location here.
These were once home to beguines, women who lived in a religious community without taking formal vows. The houses are small and quaint with cobblestone streets and hidden gardens.
I visited the Large Beguinage, and it felt like a secret village tucked away from the rest of the city.
It’s such a lovely place for a slow walk, especially if you’re into history or just want a break from the busier parts of town.
12. See the Winter Garden
A short trip from Mechelen, the Winter Garden of the Ursuline Nuns is a must-see. You can take a 15 minute bus from Mechelen’s city center to reach this hidden gem. Find the exact location here.
It was built in 1900 in Art Nouveau style and features a stunning stained-glass dome, which is the Winter Garden. The space is filled with greenery and ornate statues.
It’s part of a former girls’ boarding school in Onze-Lieve-Vrouw-Waver, now a heritage site that tells stories of educational innovation and strong women from the late 19th and early 20th centuries .
Don’t miss the rooms upstairs, the School Museum. This gorgeous room is filled with preserved taxidermy animals. Everything from exotic birds to small mammals are displayed in wooden cabinets.
This collection was curated by the Ursuline nuns themselves and reflects their dedication to education and the natural sciences. You will even hear the animals making noises in the room!
The cost is €13 to visit and it is open from March to November yearly. Be sure to buy tickets ahead here as it does sell out and there are limited tickets available.
Hopefully, this list of best things to do in Mechelen, Belgium was useful and you enjoy your visit! Let me know in the comments what you thought!
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