Mechelen: The Complete Guide

Mechelen is a charming and compact city in the Flanders region of Belgium, conveniently located between Brussels and Antwerp. Its size makes it ideal for exploring on foot, with picturesque streets, welcoming squares, and canals weaving through the old town. The skyline is dominated by the majestic St. Rumbold’s Tower, which offers sweeping views of the surrounding area for those willing to tackle the climb. Mechelen is less crowded than Belgium’s larger cities but just as rich in atmosphere and architectural beauty.

The city is especially appealing to those interested in art, culture, and family-friendly activities. The Toy Museum (Speelgoedmuseum) and Technopolis, a hands-on science centre, are great for travellers with children, while the Hof van Busleyden Museum provides a deep dive into Mechelen’s Renaissance heritage. The Grote Markt is the social and cultural heart of the city, surrounded by cafés and historic buildings where you can relax with a Belgian beer or coffee. From spring through autumn, the city regularly hosts festivals, open-air concerts, and market events that bring extra vibrancy to the streets.

Food and drink in Mechelen reflect the best of Flemish tradition, with hearty cuisine and an excellent local beer scene. It’s worth trying the regional beers brewed by Het Anker, one of the oldest breweries in Belgium. Their brewery tour is a favourite with visitors, ending with tastings in a cosy setting. Mechelen also makes a great base for short train trips to other cities in Flanders, given its strategic location. Whether you stay for a night or a few days, Mechelen offers a rewarding mix of heritage, creativity, and everyday Flemish life.

History of Mechelen

Mechelen in the Early Middle Ages

Mechelen began as a small settlement in the early medieval period, with Christian missionaries such as Saint Rumbold laying the foundations for religious importance in the 7th century. Over time, the city developed around the site of his tomb, which later became St. Rumbold’s Cathedral. During this period, Mechelen was under the influence of various regional powers and slowly grew into a significant ecclesiastical centre, aided by its strategic location along trade routes.

Mechelen in the Burgundian and Habsburg Periods

The 15th and 16th centuries marked Mechelen’s golden age. Under the rule of the Dukes of Burgundy and later the Habsburgs, the city became a key political and administrative centre. Margaret of Austria made Mechelen the seat of her court in the early 1500s, bringing with her a flourishing of art, culture, and diplomacy. The Great Council of Mechelen, the highest court in the Netherlands, was also established during this time, underscoring the city’s influence in the region.

Mechelen from the 17th Century to Modern Times

After its golden age, Mechelen’s influence declined, especially during periods of war and shifting political landscapes in the 17th and 18th centuries. However, the city retained its religious importance, remaining the seat of the Archbishop of Belgium. In the 19th century, Mechelen played a role in the early stages of Belgium’s railway system, as it was the terminus of the country’s first railway line. During the 20th century, the city suffered damage in both World Wars, but much of its historic architecture survived or was restored. In recent decades, Mechelen has focused on cultural revival and urban regeneration, blending its rich heritage with a modern identity.

Visiting Mechelen for the first time and wondering what are the top places to see in the city? In this complete guide, I share the best things to do in Mechelen on the first visit. To help you plan your trip, I have also included an interactive map and practical tips for visiting!

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1. Mechelen St. Rumbold’s Cathedral

Dominating the skyline of Mechelen, St. Rumbold’s Cathedral is one of Belgium’s most striking Gothic landmarks. Its unfinished tower stands at 97 meters, and visitors can climb over 500 steps to reach the Skywalk at the top, which offers panoramic views across Mechelen and, on a clear day, even to Brussels and Antwerp. The interior is equally impressive, housing art treasures, stained-glass windows, and a majestic organ.

The cathedral is open daily, and entry to the cathedral itself is usually free, while climbing the tower has an admission fee of around €8. It’s worth visiting early in the day if you plan to climb the tower, as the stairs can get busy in peak hours.

2. Mechelen Toy Museum

The Toy Museum (Speelgoedmuseum) in Mechelen is one of the largest of its kind in Europe and delights both children and adults. Its extensive collection spans traditional wooden toys, board games, dolls, model trains, and even a hands-on play area. The museum regularly hosts themed exhibitions and creative workshops.

Open Tuesday to Sunday, the museum charges around €12 for adults and €9 for children. It’s a perfect rainy-day activity or a nostalgic journey into the toys of the past, especially if you’re travelling with younger visitors.

3. Planckendael Zoo

Located in the Muizen suburb just outside Mechelen, Planckendael Zoo is a spacious and well-designed animal park managed by the same organisation as Antwerp Zoo. It features animals from five continents, including elephants, koalas, giraffes, and penguins, all housed in large, themed environments.

The zoo is open daily, with adult tickets priced around €30. It’s a full-day experience and includes plenty of walking paths, interactive exhibits, picnic areas, and even treetop adventure zones for kids.

4. Hof van Busleyden Museum

Housed in a grand Renaissance palace, the Hof van Busleyden Museum explores Mechelen’s role in the Burgundian Netherlands and the early modern period. Its rich collection features paintings, manuscripts, and historical artefacts, and the building itself is a masterpiece of 16th-century architecture.

The museum is open from Tuesday to Sunday, with admission typically around €12. It’s ideal for those interested in history and culture, providing context for the city’s golden era under Margaret of Austria’s court.

5. Kazerne Dossin Memorial

This memorial, museum, and documentation centre stands on the site of the former Dossin Barracks, used during World War II as a transit camp for Jews and Roma before their deportation to Auschwitz. The exhibition explores themes of human rights, discrimination, and remembrance.

Open daily except Wednesdays, general admission is about €10. It’s a sobering but essential visit, offering historical insight into a dark chapter in Belgian history.

6. Grote Markt and Town Hall of Mechelen

The Grote Markt is the heart of Mechelen’s historic centre, surrounded by gabled houses and lively cafés. At its centre stands the Gothic-Renaissance Town Hall, an impressive building with a picturesque belfry that forms part of a UNESCO World Heritage site.

It’s free to stroll the square and enjoy the architecture, but guided tours of the Town Hall are also available. The area is especially vibrant on market days or during seasonal festivals and events.

7. Mechelen Brewery Tours – Het Anker

Het Anker Brewery is one of the oldest in Belgium, dating back to the 15th century, and is still located in the historic beguinage district. The brewery is renowned for its Gouden Carolus beers, and guided tours include a look at the brewing process followed by tastings.

Tours are available in multiple languages and typically cost around €12, including tastings. There’s also a brewery café and shop, and for a unique stay, Het Anker also runs a hotel onsite.

8. Botanical Garden (Kruidtuin Mechelen)

This serene walled garden, close to the city centre, is a local favourite for a quiet stroll or picnic. It features a wide variety of plants, walking paths, benches, and seasonal flower displays, with parts laid out in a classical French style and others more naturalistic.

Entry is free, and it’s open year-round. It’s especially lovely in spring and summer when the rose garden and herbaceous borders are in full bloom, making it a great stop for some tranquillity amidst city exploration.

9. Vrijbroekpark

Just a short walk south of the centre, Vrijbroekpark is a large green space offering a mix of formal gardens, woodland paths, and open fields. It’s ideal for jogging, cycling, or simply enjoying nature. There’s also a playground, a rose garden, and seasonal exhibitions in the orangerie.

The park is free to enter and open daily. It’s particularly beautiful in late spring and early summer when the gardens are at their most colourful.

10. St. John’s Church (Sint-Janskerk)

This lesser-known gem features stunning Baroque art, including a magnificent Rubens altarpiece—The Adoration of the Magi—commissioned specifically for the church. The interior also boasts rich woodwork, ornate sculptures, and ceiling frescoes.

Open most days with free entry, it’s a peaceful and culturally rich detour from the main tourist route. The church reflects Mechelen’s religious heritage and is ideal for visitors with an interest in Flemish art.