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This historic district is filled with cobblestone streets, old buildings, and plenty of shops and restaurants to explore. Here are 10 of the best things to do in The Old Town (Oude Stad) Mechelen, Belgium. 1. Visit the Town Hall (Stadhuis) The Town Hall (Stadhuis) is one of the most iconic buildings in Mechelen.
Jun 10, 2019 · Mechelen! One of Flander’s most charming cities! Located right in between Antwerpen and Brussels is the lovely Flanders town of Mechelen, what to do there?
- 1 – Climb St Rumbold’s Tower
- 2 – Wander in Awe at The Hof Van Busleyden Museum
- 3 – Beer Tasting at The Het Anker Brewery
- 4 – Understand Holocaust Impact at Kazerne Dossin
- 5 – Walk The Dyle Path from Havenwerf to The Botanical Gardens
- 6 – Discover Hidden Ruben’s in The Church Over The River
- 7 – Visit The Predikheren Library
- 8 – Take in Some Backstreets on A Muurt Walking Tour
- 9 – Dine at The Converted Hangout de Vleeshalle
- Where to Stay in Mechelen
Throughout its history, St Rumbold’s Cathedralhas weathered every storm thrown at it. In the 16th century, religious conflicts saw precious items plundered mercilessly like the machinations of a messy divorce. During the 17th century, Calvinist rule stripped the building of any hints of its Catholic roots. Later, in the 20th century, the Second Wor...
Archduchess Margaret of Austria had a successful royal career. She was Duchess of Savoy, Princess of Asturia and regent of the Low Countries. Under her watch, Mechelen became a flourishing renaissance capital and a hotbed of intellectual progress. In the early 16th century influential thinkers flocked to Margaret’s capital, including humanist Hiëro...
It’s the wee hours of January 27, 1687. An inn on Grote Markt is buzzing with winter hubbub. The chatter of 17th-century politics fills the congenial space. Belgium beer is flowing freely. With creamy foam still stuck to his nose, a Mechelenian looks up from his beer and sees the unfinished tower of St Rumbold’s through the mist, enveloped in flame...
After the German invasion on 10 May 1940, the Belgian state of law collapsed. The sentiment swiftly moved from defeatism to enthusiasm – proactively identifying Jews for deportation by the Nazis. 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 n...
With so many interesting historical sights and interesting museums in Mechelen, it’s easy to forget one of the main sweeteners of this pint-sized Belgian treasure: it’s beautiful. A stroll along the Dyle path is a great way to discover some interesting architecture. Peek at unique houses. Amble through the 13th-century commercial hub. Enjoy a quiet...
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, then by allied bombing in the second. R...
Belgium has a reputation for re-purposing old buildings which previous generations had fallen out of love with and. The Predikheren library is one of the finest. It started life as a Dominican monastery in 1650. But throughout the 19th and 20th centuries, it was mainly used for military purposes before being abandoned in 1975. Over the last few yea...
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 great walking tour outside the picturesque centre. To visit all 10 murals, pick up a map from the Visitor Information Cen...
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...
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 common hotel chains near the river, but you’re probably looking for something with a bit more character, an Airbnb could be a good idea. Otherwise, here are some hotels we love in Mechelen.
Jan 26, 2020 · 15 Best Things to do in Mechelen (Belgium): Admire the St-Romboutskathedraal; Explore Begijnhof; Take cover in Fort Breendonk; Marvel at the Stadhuis; Learn at the Technopolis; Play at the Speelgoedmuseum; Visit Lady Hanswijk; See a world-famous tapestry workshop; Discover the fate of 25,500 Jews; Go to court; See some of Mechelen’s finest ...
Nov 1, 2022 · A visit to the historic city of Mechelen, Flanders. Climb Mechelen’s St Rumbold Tower, discover its fascinating history & join a brewery tour at Het Anker.
Mar 19, 2024 · There is plenty to see and do in Mechelen, from climbing St Rumbold’s towering Belfry to the Skywalk above, heading off on a calming boat trip, sampling the local brew at Het Anker Brewery or a little culture at the Het Kunstuur. Why not Pin it for later?
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Aug 22, 2020 · Located in the Flanders region between Brussels and Antwerp, a visit to Mechelen makes for a perfect day trip! This guide provides historical context and ‘must-see’ recommendations for visitors interested in not only seeing Mechelen’s romantic Renaissance architecture, but gaining a deeper understanding of the city’s historical context.
