10 Best Things To Do In Mechelen, Belgium (+ Map + Tips)

The under-visited Belgian city of Mechelen is a historic gem with world-class museums, award-winning beer and canal-side charm. Here’s our pick of the best things to do in Mechelen.

What we loved about Mechelen was enjoying Belgian culture without the crowds: medieval streets, world-class museums, Belgium’s most important cathedral, and the brewery that produces one of the world’s most acclaimed dark beers.

Mechelen’s UNESCO World Heritage cathedral tower dominates the skyline, while the historic centre reveals layers of architectural history from Gothic churches to Art Nouveau facades.

The city has skillfully balanced preservation with innovation, transforming old buildings into contemporary cultural spaces while maintaining its genuine character.

At just 20 minutes by train from both Brussels and Antwerp, Mechelen makes an ideal day trip or a peaceful base for exploring Flanders.

Here’s what makes this underrated city special.

MAP: MECHELEN

Use the map below to help you plan your trip to Mechelen.

USING OUR MAPS. Click on the top right corner to open in the Google Maps app. Click on the star to save to your Google account.  

THINGS TO DO IN MECHELEN, BELGIUM

1. ADMIRE GROTE MARKT

Grote Markt is the central square in the historic centre of Mechelen. It’s a great way to appreciate the architecture of the city from different eras and styles.

The Town Hall (Stadhuis) is at one end of the square with its incomplete bell tower, a testament to the decline of Mechelen’s cloth tower, which was funding the construction.

The other end has St Rumbold’s Cathedral, one of the iconic features of Mechelen.

Like most charming European squares, Grote Market is lined with cafes and restaurants, and it’s a great place to get your bearings in the city.

2. CLIMB ST RUMBOLD’S TOWER

St Rumbold’s is the cathedral church of the Archdiocese of Mechelen-Brussels and one of the city’s most impressive Gothic monuments.

The original plans included a 130-metre tower, but it was never completed, so the current 97-metre tower was left with an unusually flat roof.

You can climb the 538 steps to the top of the tower for the skywalk experience and take in magnificent views over Mechelen.

On the way up, stop at the Crane Chamber, which houses a massive human-powered wheel and the Carillon Chamber with its 49 melodic bells.

The views from the modern glass skywalk at the top provide the perfect vantage point to take in the scenic old town of this delightful city.

Tickets & Details – Check opening times and book your tickets at Visit Mechelen.

3. WANDER THE HOF VAN BUSLEYDEN MUSEUM

The Hof van Busleyden was built by Hiëronymus van Busleyden, a humanist and art patron, in the early 16th century.

His new Renaissance residence was the centre of influence in the Low Countries, regularly visited by important minds of his time, including Thomas More and the child who would later become Charles V, Holy Roman Emperor.

Today, the Hof van Busleyden Museum has a permanent collection called At Home in Burgundian Mechelen. It showcases the culture, politics and craftsmanship of 16th-century Mechelen.

There are regular temporary exhibitions and lovely gardens which have been designed around Renaissance gardens.

Tickets & Details – Buy tickets and check opening times at Hof van Busleyden.

4. TAKE A BEER TASTING TOUR

Het Anker is a historic brewery in Mechelen, best known for its Gouden Carolus, voted as the best dark beer in the world.

They run daily tours where you can learn about the traditional brewing techniques used in what is one of Belgium’s oldest breweries.

We found the tour fascinating and learnt so much about what goes into crafting beer and why it’s so important to Belgium.

During a tour, try the Maneblusser – the beer named in honour of the town’s “Moon Extinguishers,” who, one drunken night, thought St Rumbold’s tower was on fire, when in fact it was just the mood behind some mist.

Tickets & Details – Book a tour at Het Anker Brewery.

5. VISIT THE KAZERNE DOSSIN MEMORIAL

Kazerne Dossin (Dossin Barracks) is the site of a former military barracks which was used as a transit camp during WWII.

Between 1942 and 1944, 25,484 Jews and 352 gypsies were processed at the Dossin Barracks in preparation for deportation to Auschwitz.

These barracks are now a memorial and museum which tells the story surrounding the tragic events of the Holocaust.

In chronological order, the Kazerne Dossin Museum recounts the socio-economic and political factors framing the events around the Second World War.

From the Treaty of Versailles, which undermined the German economy, to long-held anti-Semitic roots in the Catholic tradition, it’s a sombre look at how history has shaped this small city.

As discrimination didn’t end with the war, the museum follows the path of the small proportion of Jews who returned from the concentration camps.

The Belgian government demanded unpaid land tax from those deported between 1942 and 1944, and legal proceedings were often required to reclaim confiscated property.

The Kazerne Dossin Museum looks broadly at what happens when the state begins to discriminate and confronts the holocaust in a brutally honest way.

Tickets & Details – Buy tickets and check opening times at Kazerine Dossin Memorial.

6. WALK THE DYLE PATH

A stroll along the Dyle path is a great way to discover the interesting architecture in Mechelen.

Start at Haverwerf, the historic port, before going to the trio of colourful houses near the bridge.

Reliefs on the corner house depict scenes of “Earthly Paradise.” The middle one carries images of the devil, while the third celebrates the baby Jesus.

Continue along the floating wooden bridge towards the Botanical Gardens.

Admire the interesting mix of new and old houses on the river.

Check out the 13th-century Hoogbrug Bridge. It’s equipped with battlements from its heyday when it served as part of the city’s defence.

Just past Hoogbrug, at Zoutwerf (established when the town acquired the right to stack salt), you’ll find the former guildhall of the fishmongers, In den Grooten Zalm. Its sumptuous Renaissance façade, rich ornamentation and bold design demonstrate the wealth and influence of the fishmongers in the 14th century.

7. DISCOVER THE HIDDEN RUBENS

While many of Mechelen’s sights are centred around the old town, Our Lady across the Dyle is well worth crossing the Dyle for.

Built in the 14th and 15th centuries, it’s an imposing blend of Gothic architecture with a modern patch-up.

The church was badly damaged by the German invasion in the First World War and then by Allied bombing in the Second.

Renovations in the 1960s gave the church its current appearance.

Its contemporary stained glass windows, fitted into existing Gothic openings, fill the nave with glittering light and a trendy splash of colour.

However, the main reason for visiting Our Lady over the River is to witness the wealth and influence of the fishmongers from the 16th century who used their wealth to commission Peter Paul Rubens to create the Miraculous Draught of Fishes.

Our Lady Over the River is free to enter.

8. CHILL IN THE PREDIKHEREN LIBRARY

Belgium has a reputation for re-purposing old buildings, which previous generations had fallen out of love with. The Predikheren Library is one of the finest.

It started life as a Dominican monastery in 1650. However, throughout the 19th and 20th centuries, it was mainly used for military purposes before being abandoned in 1975.

Over the last few years, a new lease of life has been bestowed on this 17th-century building.

Inside, there are cool collaborative spaces with exposed elements from previous incarnations, including a fantastic attic, which makes a great reading nook.

The combination of art, culture and literature means you can work the mind, or hang out and relax.

The Predikheren Library is free to enter, but check opening times on their website.

9. TAKE A MUURT WALKING TOUR

Mechelen Muurt is a project by street artist Gijs Vanhee, who invited 10 international artists to make their mark on the city walls.

They’ve done so with a vibrant splash of colour that brightens up the back streets and creates a fantastic walking tour outside the picturesque centre.

To visit all 10 murals, pick up a map from the Visitor Information Centre or download it from Visit Mechelen.

They are all close together, and it’s a leisurely 1-hour stroll to see them all. Some of our favourites were:

• Floral Skull Ball (number 5) by a London-based graphic designer is a bold splash of colour.
• The Freeway (6) by Sam Scarpulla is a monochrome abstract graphic.
• De Pelikaan (2) by classically trained Belgian artist Dzia is an amazingly detailed, huge, colourful pelican.

We also loved a new piece that crept in on De Langhestraat between numbers 8 and 9, which you can see in the image below.

10. EAT AT DE VLEESHALLE

Continuing the theme of repurposing old buildings that have lost their lustre, De Vleeshalle is another freshly cut diamond in Mechelen.

De Vleeshalle was the old meat market since 1881. It spent years as an industrial wasteland and a brief period as the unemployment benefit office.

Today, De Vleeshalle is the coolest place to grab a bite to eat in a warehouse-style food market.

There are 12 permanent stalls plus pop-ups, which serve everything from Vietnamese pho to Spanish tapas.

Bar & Brood puts together two of the world’s staples: bread and wine. Hunter’s Out of Ireland is good for traditional Irish fish and chips.

LOGISTICS & PLANNING

WHEN TO GO?

The best time to visit Mechelen is during the shoulder seasons: April-June and September-October.

From April to June, the weather is mild, the historic gardens are in bloom, and the crowds are manageable. In September and October, you’ll enjoy clear, crisp days perfect for climbing St. Rumbold’s Tower, and visitor numbers are lower.

Mechelen has a magical atmosphere during the Christmas market season, but expect cold, damp weather and busier attractions.

Peak season is July-August when temperatures reach 15-23°C (59-73°F). While warmer, this period sees the highest accommodation prices and tourist numbers, though Mechelen never feels as overwhelmed as larger Belgian cities like Brussels.

HOW LONG DO YOU NEED?

One full day is enough to see Mechelen’s main attractions, including Grote Markt, St. Rumbold’s Cathedral tower climb, and the key museums. The compact historic centre makes it perfect for a focused day trip from Antwerp or Brussels.

If you have two days, you can explore more leisurely, visit additional museums like Kazerne Dossin, take time for local brewery tours, and enjoy longer meals at traditional restaurants without feeling rushed.

HOW TO GET THERE?

Mechelen’s central location makes it one of Belgium’s most accessible cities by train. The Belgian rail network provides excellent connections from major European cities.

Most common train routes to Mechelen:

• From Brussels: Direct trains every 15 minutes, journey time 20 minutes
• From Antwerp: Direct trains every 15 minutes, journey time 20 minutes
• From London: Eurostar to Brussels (3.5 hours), then connecting train (total 4 hours)
• From Amsterdam: Direct EuroCity trains via Antwerp (2.5-3 hours)
• From Paris: Thalys to Brussels, then connecting train (total 3.5-4 hours)

All train journeys can be booked via thetrainline.com or omio.com. Both platforms accept international cards.

From Brussels Airport (Zaventem): Take the airport train to Brussels, then connect to Mechelen (total journey 45 minutes).

GETTING AROUND?

Mechelen has two train stations: Mechelen Central (closer to the historic centre) and Mechelen-Nekkerspoel. Mechelen Central is about 10 minutes’ walk from Grote Markt.

The historic centre is extremely compact and entirely walkable. All major attractions are within a 15-minute walk of each other, making it one of Belgium’s most pedestrian-friendly cities.

Local buses connect the stations to the city centre if needed. A single bus trip costs €3, payable by contactless card.

Cycling is popular with locals, and bike rentals are available near the train station if you want to explore the surrounding countryside.

WHERE TO STAY IN MECHELEN?

The historical centre of Mechelen is compact. Most accommodation options skirt close to the road that circles the old town.

There are a couple of standard hotel chains near the river, but you’re probably looking for something with a bit more character. Here are a few we recommend.

Hotel Brouwerij Het Anker – For a quirky stay in a unique space in Mechelen, it’s hard to go past the Het Anker Brewery.

Martin’s Patershof – Up-market choice in Mechelen with original features from its life as a former church.

Value Stay Residence – For a quality, economical stay close to the centre of Mechelen.

PRACTICAL TIPS

• Language: Dutch/Flemish is the official language, but English is widely spoken in tourist areas. Most restaurant staff speak multiple languages.
• Currency: Euro (€). Contactless payment is accepted everywhere, including small cafés and shops. You rarely need cash.
• Weather: Pack layers and waterproof clothing. Belgian weather can change quickly – you might experience sun and rain in the same day.
• Walking: Wear comfortable shoes for cobblestone streets and the 500+ steps up St. Rumbold’s Tower.
• Tower Climb: Book St. Rumbold’s Tower tickets in advance, especially during peak season. The climb is strenuous but rewarding.
• Opening Hours: Many attractions close on Mondays. Check individual museum websites before visiting.
• Tipping: Not mandatory, but 5-10% is appreciated for good service in restaurants.

MORE BELGIUM GUIDES

• We’ve covered all the best things to do in Bruges on our 1 or 2 day itinerary.
• Discover the best things to do in Antwerp with our comprehensive guide.
• Our guide to visiting Mechelen has a few hidden gems.
• Here’s what you need to know to visit Ghent on a day trip.
• Our guide to Leuven, Belgium.
• The best things to do in Brussels, Belgium’s gritty capital.