City Tour Mechelen

Mechelen may not be very large, but it is beautiful, cozy, and ideal for a short city trip.

This beautiful city boasts a treasure trove of sights and a lovely historic center. I have already created a route that will highlight the most unforgettable attractions; it's up to you to discover them.

Shopping in Mechelen is cozy and convenient, as the shopping area is compact and easily accessible.

What could be more wonderful than exploring the city on foot with your children, colleagues, friends, and family through the eyes of a local?

The most beautiful sights of Mechelen

Mechelen is known as the city of churches in Flanders: The historic site between Antwerp and Brussels boasts no fewer than eight churches. This, combined with a cozy center and interesting museums, makes Mechelen an excellent destination for a weekend. Here are the most beautiful sights of Mechelen.

What can you do in Mechelen?

Mechelen is not as famous as Brussels, Antwerp, and Bruges. Nevertheless, this historic city holds its own against Belgium's "Big Three." Be sure to visit one or more of the eight churches in the center during your weekend trip. One of the most beautiful sights in Mechelen is a walk along the floating path on the Dijle River. Mechelen is also known for its many terraces, which you can find, for example, on the Grote Markt. Let yourself be impressed by the buildings from the Renaissance and Rococo periods. Towering above all the beauty of Mechelen is the Sint-Romboutskathedraal, the city's landmark.

The most beautiful town hall in Flanders

The town hall of Mechelen on the Grote Markt has a unique appearance. It consists of not one, but three buildings constructed in different architectural styles. The gothic belfry from the 14th century in the middle is the oldest. To its right, you see the Lakenhal from the 14th century, a mix of architectural styles. On the left stands the neo-gothic Palace of the Great Council (1526).

The belfry was never actually completed. The cloth trade declined in the 14th century, leading to a lack of funds to finish the building. In the 16th century, the belfry received a provisional roof, which still exists today. Meanwhile, the belfry is part of the UNESCO World Heritage.

The symbol of Mechelen: Sint-Romboutskathedraal

You can't miss the Sint-Romboutskathedraal from the 13th century: this iconic building towers high above the city. Go inside to admire the numerous artworks, including the main altar (1665) by local sculptor Lucas Faydherbe. The climb up the 538 steps of the tower is also popular. From the glass skywalk at the top, you can see the port of Antwerp to the north and the Atomium of Brussels to the south on clear days.

An amusing folk tale is associated with the Sint-Rombousturm. The residents of Mechelen owe their nickname "Maneblussers" to a funny incident. In 1687, a local thought the moonlight was a fire in the cathedral tower. In no time, the city was in an uproar. Before the first buckets of water reached the top of the tower, the residents realized their mistake.

Enjoying a pint at the Grote Markt

A historic square full of coziness: On a summer day, the Grote Markt in Mechelen quickly fills up. Enjoy a pint on one of the terraces and admire the surrounding buildings in various styles, including Renaissance (16th century) and Rococo (18th century). Among the most beautiful sights of Mechelen are "De Beyeard" with its stepped gable (built before 1383) and "In het Haentien" (1773) with a gilded rooster on its facade.

In 2004, various archaeological finds were uncovered while constructing an underground parking garage. The most significant were an old well and a path from the 13th century. Archaeologists discovered that market stalls stood along this path. A tradition that has endured: every Saturday morning, a market with fresh produce takes place in this location (now the Grote Markt).

Brusselpoort: the only remaining city gate

In the past, there was a fortress wall with twelve city gates around Mechelen. This wall from the 13th century was later demolished to expand the city. One of the few remaining remnants is the Brusselpoort. This castle-like building is made of Doornik stone and belongs to Scheldegotik.

Less known is that a section of the city wall escaped the demolition hammer: the so-called "Centjesmuur," which served as a closing wall for the Groot Begijnhof. The special name comes from the fact that the Begijnen had to pay a weekly "oordje" (quarter-stube) to build the wall. With the conversion of the money, the name changed from "oordjesmuur" to "centjesmuur."

Boating or hiking on the Dijle

The Dijlepad is one of the most extraordinary hiking trails in Flanders: the path actually floats on the Dijle River. This allows you to see Mechelen while walking over the water. The Dijlepad runs from Haverwerf at the Vismarkt to the Kruidtuin. Since 2021, the 620-meter-long path is romantically illuminated with LED lights.

Combine your walk along the Dijlepad with a boat ride on the Binnendijle. You start at Haverwerf and pass the Grootbrug from the 13th century during the boat ride, the oldest stone bridge in Belgium. You can also see the old trading buildings that once housed small shipyards and the Volmolen, the only remaining mill (1470) of the watermill complex at the Kruidtuin.

Vleeshall transformed into a trendy food hall

The Vleeshalle (1881) has transformed from a warehouse where meat sellers sold their meat into a trendy food hall with about fourteen restaurants. The industrial character of the hall has been preserved. Here you can enjoy handmade fries or a cup of freshly roasted coffee. "Passion for craftsmanship" is what unites the stalls.

Keep an eye on events in the Vleeshalle. From music nights with live performances to cocktail parties. Especially during the summer months, many events are organized. A great idea for your weekend trip to Mechelen.

Mechelen: the city of churches in Flanders

It's a luxury problem: The city center of Mechelen has so many churches that you can't visit them all. The eight historic churches each have their own character: small or large, Gothic or Baroque, Rubens or Van Dijck. Be aware that most churches are only open in the afternoon and closed on Wednesdays.

Be sure to visit the 17th-century O-L-V. from Hanswijk basilica, a Baroque pilgrimage church (with a sacred image of Mary) and one of the first dome churches in the Netherlands during your weekend trip. The 14th-century O-L-V-Over-the-Dijle church is also worth recommending due to its many art treasures, such as the painting The Miraculous Fishing by Peter Paul Rubens. The 15th-century Sint-Janskerk is notable for its triptych The Adoration of the Magi by Rubens. Here, the richly decorated church benches are remarkable.

Relaxing in Vrijbroekpark or Kruidtuin

The two most popular parks in Mechelen are Vrijbroekpark and Kruidtuin. The 50-hectare Vrijbroekpark lies on the outskirts and is referred to as "the green lung" of Mechelen. It is an excellent place to relax and enjoy the beautiful rose garden with a hundred different varieties, including Queen Fabiola, Snow White, and Fairy Queen.

Prefer to stay in the city center? The Kruidtuin is the largest public park in the center and a green oasis amidst the tourist bustle. There is a playground for children. In the middle of the garden stands the statue of scientist Rembert Dodoens. He wrote the Cruydenboek in the 16th century, the first work on medicinal plants and herbs.

The most beautiful houses of Mechelen: IJzerenleen and Vismarkt

For the most beautiful historical buildings in Mechelen, take a look at the IJzerenleen and Vismarkt. Besides beautiful classical facades, you will find terraces by the water on the IJzerenleen. The Vismarkt also has historical buildings and is the social heart of the city filled with pubs and restaurants.

It hasn't smelled like fish on the IJzerenleen for a long time. In 1531, the fishmongers of Mechelen left the IJzerenleen because the residents complained about the stench. They moved to the Vismarkt, where you can still find many fish shops today.

Three special houses on Haverwerf

The attraction of Haverwerf are three special houses from the 16th and 17th centuries. They stand side by side, each with its own unique style and color. The corner house is called Het Paradijske, in the middle is De Duiveltjes, and on the left, you will find Sint-Jozef. Reliefs on the facade explain the extraordinary names.

De Duiveltjes from around 1550 has one of the most beautiful wooden gables in Flanders. It was previously called De Verloren Zoon, as this parable from the New Testament is depicted above the entrance door. Now, the building is named after the little devils serving as columns.

Street art in Mechelen

You wouldn't expect it in a centuries-old city, but Mechelen is ideal for viewing street art during your weekend trip. Local artist Gijs Vanhee started the project "Mechelen Muurt," where international artists have adorned walls in the city center with original artworks.

Fans can join a street art tour that leads to beautiful and special places in Mechelen. This includes a stop in Langestraat and the Pelikaan in Lekkernijstraatje.

The Closed Courtyards of the Hof van Busleyden Museum

In the 16th century, many palaces were built in Mechelen, of which the Hof van Busleyden is one of the best-preserved examples. It is the oldest Renaissance building in the city. The first owner, Hiëronymus van Busleyden, was a humanist and a good friend of Erasmus. A visit to the museum is often combined with a stroll in the garden.

Among the main works of the museum are “The Closed Courtyards.” These are very richly decorated altarpieces (altar boxes) created by the hospital sisters Augustine of Mechelen in the first half of the 16th century. They are still the owners of the artworks and have entrusted them to the museum for long-term use.