Mechelen is a charming and often overlooked destination for a city break in Belgium. In its compact historic centre, you’ll find impressive churches, lively squares and colourful street art. It’s also a great city for shopping, with independent boutiques, creative concept stores and plenty of inviting cafés and restaurants. We explored Mechelen ourselves and are sharing our favourite things to do, the best shops and places to eat, plus tips for unique places to stay. Here’s how to make the most of your visit to this welcoming Belgian city.
Why Mechelen Is Worth a Visit
Mechelen might not be the first city that comes to mind for a city break in Belgium, but that’s exactly what makes this destination so enjoyable. In Mechelen’s compact historic centre, you’ll find charming squares, impressive churches and colourful street art. Browse independent boutiques, discover creative shops and settle into one of the many inviting restaurants for a delicious meal. Mechelen combines the charm of a historic Belgian city with a more relaxed atmosphere than some of Belgium’s busier destinations. And with most attractions within walking distance, you can discover plenty in just one day. Prefer to stay a little longer? You’ll have more time to explore the shops at your own pace, enjoy a leisurely lunch and admire the city from the water on a boat trip along the Dijle.
The most beautiful sights in Mechelen
Mechelen is also known as the city of churches, with eight historic churches, each boasting its own architectural style and character. They’re just some of the many sights worth discovering in this Belgian city. From impressive religious landmarks to historic squares and hidden gems, there’s plenty to explore. Here are the most beautiful sights and best things to see in Mechelen.
1. Explore The Grote Markt
The Grote Markt is the main square in the heart of Mechelen’s historic city centre. Surrounded by beautiful historic buildings from different periods, it’s a lovely place to start exploring the city. The architecture ranges from Renaissance to Rococo, with the impressive Gothic-style City Hall standing out as one of the square’s most iconic landmarks. Many of the characterful buildings now house cafés and restaurants, making the Grote Markt a great spot to stop for a drink or a bite to eat. On sunny days, the outdoor terraces quickly fill up with locals and visitors enjoying the lively atmosphere.
Every Saturday, a market takes place on the Grote Markt. One of the most enjoyable local traditions to experience is stopping for fresh oysters and a glass of bubbly while browsing the market. It’s a popular way to spend a Saturday morning in Mechelen and something you’ll also come across in other Belgian cities. We loved this combination of local market life and a little culinary indulgence, so it’s a lovely addition to your visit. Just make sure you arrive in time, as the market on the Grote Markt wraps up by 2 pm.
2. Climb the Saint Rumbold's Cathedral
One of Mechelen’s main attractions is St. Rumbold’s Cathedral, located on the Grote Markt. From every corner of the city, you’ll see its 97-meter-high tower rising above the buildings—a handy landmark. From the top—also known as the skywalk—you can enjoy a panoramic view of the city and its surroundings. On clear days, you can even see Brussels. To reach the top, though, you’ll first have to climb 538 steps. On your way up, you can take a break on several floors to catch your breath. And trust us, the view is worth it!
Climbing St Rumbold’s Tower costs €8 per adult, while children and young people aged 4 to 27 pay €3 per person. From Sunday to Friday, the tower is open for climbs between 1 pm and 6 pm. On Saturdays, you can climb between 10 am and 6 pm. The last climb starts at 5 pm, so make sure you arrive in time to enjoy the panoramic views from the top.
3. Discover the city with 'Mechelen Muurt'
Scattered throughout the city of Mechelen, you'll find several beautiful murals. The best way to see these works of art by national and international artists is to follow the Mechelen Muurt walking tour. You can view the route at the Visit Mechelen app. The various murals are fairly close together and are all accessible on foot. Each mural is more beautiful than the next. Want to learn more about a specific mural? Then you can click on the location in the app after which all kinds of information will appear on your screen.
4. Take a walk along the floating Dijlepad
One of the highlights of a visit to Mechelen is taking a walk along the floating Dijlepad. The path runs from the Haverwerf to the Kruidtuin, two more beautiful sights in the city. A walk along the Dijlepad is enjoyable because it lets you admire the city from a different perspective. A good tip is to turn off the Dijlepad into a side street every now and then—that way, you’ll end up in the most charming little streets.
5. Take a boat ride on the Binnendijle River
A fun alternative to a walk along the Dijlepad is a boat tour on the Binnendijle. From the water, you can see Mechelen from a different perspective and cruise past historic buildings and charming spots in the city. The boats depart from the Haverwerf, across from the Vismarkt, and the tour lasts about 45 minutes. We highly recommend Shipping company Malinska, where you can take a 100% electric boat ride. A relaxing way to explore Mechelen from the water!
Nice stores in Mechelen
One of the reasons we traveled from the Netherlands to Mechelen was to go shopping there. We had already heard many enthusiastic stories about the shops in this Belgian city, and we weren’t disappointed. In the historic center, you’ll find plenty of unique boutiques, creative concept stores, and trendy shops, each with its own distinct character. That’s what makes shopping in Mechelen so much fun! We’re sharing our favorite shops and addresses so you’ll know exactly where to go during your visit.
- Sneak: to buy cool sneakers;
- My Ex Boyfriend: the perfect store for buying unique gifts;
- Butik Moose: for trendy women's clothing;
- Anne Crauwels: a beautiful home decor store in the Vleeshalle (by appointment)
Shopping routes in Mechelen
Want to discover the best shops in Mechelen during your city trip? Then Visit Mechelen’s shopping routes are a great tip. These mapped-out routes take you past unique boutiques, original concept stores, and other surprising shopping spots. There are various themes, ranging from ‘Treat Yourself’ to ‘Girls’ Day Out‘ and ’Experience Mechelen with Your Kids.” This makes it easy to choose a route that suits your interests and discover new spots in the city right away. Check out all shopping routes from Visit Mechelen.
Good to know: The stores in downtown Mechelen are closed on Sundays, except for the first Sunday of every month. On those Sundays, the stores are open from 1:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. This is perfect if you want to combine a city trip with an afternoon of shopping.
The Best Restaurants and Coffee Shops in Mechelen
A day of shopping in Mechelen is sure to leave you thirsty and hungry. So it’s high time we shared our favorite spots in Mechelen with you. Aside from the three spots we’re sharing below, it’s always a good idea to settle down at one of the sunny patios on the Grote Markt for a refreshing drink.
Kaffee-ine: a great espresso bar in Mechelen
As true coffee lovers, it is only natural that we look for the ultimate espresso bar in any city. So too in Mechelen. And we are sure to have found a great coffee bar. Kaffee-Ine It's a somewhat alternative bar, but you can get really good coffee there.
Lief: A Delicious Lunch in Mechelen
For a healthy and tasty lunch, you are at the hot spot Dear to the right place. At this cozy hot spot, they serve delicious breakfast and lunch dishes made from pure ingredients. There are also vegan options on the menu. Lief is the ideal place in Mechelen for a responsible lunch!
De Vleeshalle: Mechelen's Culinary Hotspot
A nice place to eat in Mechelen is The Meat Hall, a former market hall dating back to 1881 that has now been transformed into a lively food hall. At this culinary hotspot, you’ll find a variety of dining concepts featuring dishes from all corners of the world, from Vietnam to Mexico. De Vleeshalle is located on the edge of the historic center and is popular with both locals and visitors. On sunny days, you can settle in at one of the outdoor picnic tables, but it’s also a cozy spot indoors to discover a variety of flavors.
Unique Places to Stay in Mechelen
A day trip to Mechelen is fun, but we recommend staying overnight. That way, you won’t have to cram everything into a single day, and you’ll have plenty of time to explore the historic city center, enjoy a leisurely lunch, or relax on a cozy outdoor terrace. What’s more, Mechelen has unique hotels that’ll add that little something extra to your city trip. We’ve got two great recommendations for you!
Martin’s Patershof: Staying in a Former Franciscan Church
Are you looking for a unique place to stay in Mechelen? Then Martin's Patershof A fantastic choice. This hotel is located in a former Franciscan church and part of a monastery. We stayed here ourselves and found it to be a truly special experience. The historic architecture, high ceilings, and authentic details give the hotel a unique atmosphere. The stained-glass windows and the distinctive interior design, in particular, make this a place you won’t soon forget. It’s a great base if you enjoy staying in a building full of character and want to explore the city on foot.
Hotel Vé: a beautiful boutique hotel in Mechelen
Would you prefer a hotel with a modern design and wellness facilities? Then Hotel Vé A nice option. The hotel is housed in a former fish smokehouse and cigar factory dating back to 1923, right in the heart of Mechelen and close to the Dijle River. Its industrial history blends with contemporary décor, and some rooms offer views of St. Rumbold’s Cathedral. An added bonus is the wellness center, which includes a pool, sauna, and hammam—where you can relax for a fee. Thanks to its central location, you’re also just a short walk from the Grote Markt and the main attractions.
Martin's Patershof
Stay overnight in a former church with unique stained-glass windows and charming rooms.
Hotel Vé
A stylish design hotel in a former factory, with a view of the Dijle River and wellness facilities.
Visiting Mechelen: Transportation and Practical Tips
Mechelen is a compact Belgian city that’s perfect for exploring on foot. Most attractions, shops, and restaurants are within walking distance of each other, so you won’t need much transportation during a day trip or weekend getaway. Mechelen is also easily accessible by train. If you’re coming by car, it’s a good idea to check in advance where you can park. With these practical tips, you can easily plan your visit to Mechelen.
Mechelen by Train
Mechelen is easily accessible by train, including from the Netherlands. From the central station, it’s about a 15-minute walk to the Grote Markt, and you’ll come across several nice spots along the way. Check out the train connections and tickets for your trip to Mechelen via NS International.
When is the best time to visit Mechelen?
Mechelen is a great destination for a day trip or a weekend getaway all year round. In the spring and summer, you can relax on a patio and explore the city from the water. Fall is also a great time for a city trip, with plenty of time to stroll through the historic streets, visit shops, and enjoy a leisurely lunch. Would you like to go shopping? If so, consider planning your visit for the first Sunday of the month. The shops in the city center are open from 1:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. on that day.
Combine a visit to Mechelen with other Belgian cities
Want to explore more during your trip to Belgium? Then combine a visit to Mechelen with another Belgian city. Here are our favorite spots for a city trip in Belgium:
