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TOP 10 REASONS
TOP 10 REASONS
TOP 10 REASONS
Why travel to Mechelen: Find out the top 10 reasons to visit
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01
A SNEAK PEAK
A SNEAK PEAK
A SNEAK PEAK
A Sneak Peek into Mechelen
- Mechelen is a Belgian city located between Brussels and Antwerp.
- An enormous altar and a masterpiece by Flemish artist Anthony van Dyck may be seen within the 13th-century St. Rumbold's Cathedral. St. Rumbold's Tower, which is attached, provides 360-degree views of the city.
- Deportees to WWII concentration camps were kept at the military barracks at Kazerne Dossin, which now houses a museum and monument to the Jews and Gypsies who went through.
- Mechelen is a mediaeval Belgian city located between the more well-known cities of Brussels and Antwerp.
- This little Flemish town is jam-packed with arts, culture, churches, breweries, magnificent architecture, and gastronomic treasures to keep you entertained throughout your holiday.
- Mechelen, Belgium, has so many amazing things to do that you could easily spend several days visiting this charming city.
- Exploring Mechelen makes you feel you've stumbled into an unknown city.
- Unlike touristic Brussels, this vastly underappreciated Belgian city is serene. Mainly if you go during the off-season.
- Capital: Belgium
- International Airport: Brussels Airport
- Population: 86,911
- Currency: Euro
- Time: GMT + 1
- Driving Side: Right
- Main Electricity: 230V - 50Hz
- Official Language: French
- Religion: Roman Catholic
02
HIGHLIGHTS
HIGHLIGHTS
HIGHLIGHTS
Top Tourist Attractions in Mechelen
- The charm of the cobblestone streets, the Grote Markt in the city centre, and its typical Flemish architecture.
- The Dyle river quays, which are pleasant to walk along, and the alleys of the small and large Beguinages, which were once home to the beguines, women who lived in a community and provided for their needs together, will all be discovered.
- Take a walk around the city to begin your visit to Mechelen. It's a tiny city, so don't bother with maps or GPS; walk where you want and be fine!
- Continue your exploration of Mechelen by looking down from above! Visit the Saint Rombaut Church, whose 97-meter-high tower provides a beautiful perspective of the surrounding area. You can even see Brussels from up there!
- The cathedral is free to see even though the entrance to the tower is not. Take the time to wander around it; it is breathtaking.
- After a strenuous climb, relax by heading for a drink on the Dyle's charming quays.
- This museum is housed in a historic Busleyden court mansion. Here you may learn about the artistic legacy of Flanders' golden period. A journey through the city's past!
- This brewery has been producing the Golden Carolus for generations, a beer that was a favourite of Charles V in the 16th century and is still popular today. It was awarded a gold medal at the World Beer Awards in 2012.
03
SEASONS TO TRAVEL
SEASONS TO TRAVEL
SEASONS TO TRAVEL
Best Months to Visit Mechelen
- The weather in Mechelen in January, You should anticipate chilly weather if you visit Mechelen in January due to the dampness of the air.
- Mechelen In February and March, the humidity is relatively high. The temperature seems to be colder than usual due to this phenomenon. Mornings and evenings are ideal for sightseeing, and mornings and evenings will have you reaching for a warm cup of coffee.
- The best time to travel to Mechelen is in April, which suits the bill nicely. With the lowest temperature, the weather is pleasant and humid. Despite the heat, April is an excellent month to visit Mechelen and see what it offers.
- May-June weather in Mechelen The cold weather makes you want to go to the local café and get a cold drink, but the mild humidity makes this a great time to visit Mechelen.
- In July and August, the weather in Mechelen is pleasant. The air is somewhat humid, with an average humidity of 35%, and the average temperature is 67 degrees Fahrenheit. It's an excellent time to visit Mechelen since the weather is so pleasant.
- In September and October, the weather in Mechelen is mild. The period has been designated as the peak season for visiting Mechelen, and with good reason.
- The humidity level is at an average of 81 per cent, making it the ideal weather for checking out the greatest things to do in Mechelen.
- Mechelen Weather in November-December, Mechelen is chilly and rainy during this season. If you want to explore the outdoors, you should have a warm jacket and suitable footwear.
04
WORTH A VISIT
WORTH A VISIT
WORTH A VISIT
The Best Places to Visit in Mechelen
Grand Place with City Hall
- The Grand Council Palace and a textile hall with an incomplete belfry make up Mechelen's city hall.
- When work began in the 16th century, there were insufficient funds to complete the structure.
- That didn't stop it from being designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site alongside several other Belgian belfries.
- The inside of the city hall may be seen, perhaps as part of a guided historical tour of the city.
Kazerne Dossin
- Kazerne Dossin is a museum and memorial site that remembers the period when the Germans took this army canton and utilised it as a detention and deportation camp and focused on issues like racism, exclusion, human rights, and mass brutality.
- A connection is presented between modern human rights concerns and a historical perspective on the situation in Belgium in the 1940s, the worldwide persecution of Jews and Gypsies, and the systematic destruction of an entire community.
- This is a fantastic spot to go if you're looking for something to do in Mechelen on a wet day.
Haverwerf
- The Haverwerf got its name from the events there in the past. In Dutch, "haver" means "oatmeal," and it used to be a synonym for "grain."
- Previously, grain-transporting ships had to halt at the Haverwerf for at least three days to sell their cargo.
- Haverwerf is home to several lovely 17th and 16th -century buildings and some pleasure boats that can be seen in today's time.
St John's Church
- The Saint John's Church, which was erected on the site of a chapel in the 15th century, dates back to that time.
- The church's interior is ornate, including a picture by Peter Paul Rubens.
- Mechelen's most renowned alley is the Klapgat and a must-visit on your holiday.
- After the service, churchgoers would gather to speak or "klap" - "to talk" in Flemish dialect.
Rumbolds Tower
- The Saint Rumbold's Tower is Mechelen's icon and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, yet it is incomplete.
- The building effort, which began in 1452, was never completed.
- The city's most significant records were kept in the tower, which also acted as a belfry, with the clocks announcing the time and coming hazards.
- The belfry used to house the world's most giant tower clock, even more, significant than Big Ben in London.
- Although the clock has been removed, the Saint Rumbold's Tower produces a melody every fifteen minutes and a single sound every seven and a half minutes.
- The tower may be visited, and the skywalk offers a fantastic perspective over Mechelen.
05
DISCOVER MORE
DISCOVER MORE
DISCOVER MORE
Mechelen Off the Beaten Track
Brussels
- With its African Matongé Quarter, affluent streets with Art Nouveau architecture, college campuses, café-dotted squares, theatres, and many restaurants, this region has all you need for a complete metropolitan life.
- People in their 20s and early 30s may share and rent townhouses and flats across the ponds from Flagey Cultural Center.
Les Marolles
- Authenticity is the term most commonly used to define Brussels' Marolles, which has remained a predominantly blue-collar and poorer region despite entering influences from its well-to-do southern neighbour, Sablon.
- This translates to cheap housing in a Brussels centre neighbourhood devoid of most amenities in terms of housing costs.
- Visit the flea market at the Place du Jeu de Balle to get a flavour of the colourful locals, known as Marolliens, committed to environmental preservation.
- The appeal of this century-old bric-a-brac paradise in the centre of the neighbourhood pervades the whole neighbourhood.
Schaerbeek
- Schaerbeek has terrible notoriety for the run-down section behind the North Station. Still, it's a very vast commune, and those who explore the rest of it will find a densely inhabited melting pot brimming with cultural and culinary delights.
- Residential lanes in areas like Josaphat Parc and Plasky contrast with lively streets dotted with Turkish and Moroccan businesses, the locations to go for reasonably priced home goods.
- Les Ecuries van de tram — ancient stables turned into an indoor farmer's market with the odd art display – is a great place to spend Saturdays.
- Many young eurocrats find a reasonably priced and exciting home in Schaerbeek's southern portion, with the European Quarter immediately below.
06
CULTURE & TRADITIONS
CULTURE & TRADITIONS
CULTURE & TRADITIONS
Mechelen Culture and Traditions
- Despite its long history as a significant ecclesiastical and cultural centre on a national scale, Mechelen retains a distinctly rural character.
- Belgians are tolerant, adaptable, humble, and open-minded people.
- Belgians are known for their active participation in their communities and government.
- In Belgian culture, family life is significant. The whole family shares almost every meal.
- A common proverb illustrates Belgians' ambition to construct and own a brick home: "A Belgian is born with a brick in his gut."
- In reality, more than 70% of Belgians live in their own home or apartment.
- The majority of people in this section of Belgium speak French. Many individuals also speak Flemish or German, usually fluent in English.
- Belgians, on the whole, favour a more delicate, non-confrontational communication style.
- Belgians are egalitarians who are sensitive to apparent hierarchies.
- There is a more prominent feeling of emotional expression freedom in French-Belgian culture.
07
FOOD FUN FASHION
FOOD FUN FASHION
FOOD FUN FASHION
Mechelen: Food, Fun & Fashion Guide
Food
#Food
- Belgian food encompasses much more than excellent chocolate and beer.
- Game birds, pork, fish, sausages, fruits, cheeses, vegetables, bread, and soups are among the foods eaten by Belgians.
- Waffles, mussels, fries, and beef stew are all popular dishes in Belgium and with bread and potatoes.
- Belgians claim to be the inventors of French fries, which they serve in paper cones with mayonnaise rather than ketchup.
- Their chocolate is famed, with pralines from Godiva and Leonidas among the best.
- Most Belgian families value dining together, particularly during supper, as part of their culture.
SHOPPING ON THE BRUUL
#Fashion
- Mechelen's major retail street, the Bruul, is located in the city centre.
- Here you'll discover both independent shops and chain businesses like H&M. Mechelen isn't as well-known for its shopping as Antwerp. Still, the Bruul, independent of the businesses, has some lovely architecture.
LES GARCONS DE MALINES
#Fashion
- The concept store "Les Garçons de Malines" is there for holiday makers at Mechelen. 2800 Mechelen, Vismarkt 24 Discover a whimsical world where the fragrances and colours of fresh plants mingle with an eclectic mix of antiques, art, modern design, and oddities.
SJOLAA
#Fashion
- Do you want to try chocolate, work with it, and make shapes? Then you've come to the correct place! You spend three hours learning about cacao beans and various chocolates and making/creating your chocolate to take home and enjoy.
- The workshop is very visible and only requires a tiny translation.
- You may also visit our store and get some delectable Belgian chocolates produced by hand!
Drink On the Vismarkt
#Fun
- The Vismarkt, or "Fish Market," was formerly the site of actual fish sales at a cheap price in Mechelen.
- There are still a few fish stalls on this market square beside the lake nowadays, but it's largely a place to go for a drink or a small dinner.
- Although there are brown bars and fashionable cafes, Mom and I decided to have breakfast at Sister Bean, a quaint coffee, brunch, and lunch establishment.
The Melaan and The Dyle Path
#Fun
- Mechelen is situated along the Dyle River. In recent years it has undergone major restorations that have given the river a more prominent and pleasant role in the cityscape, among other things.
- From the Haverwerf to the Botanical Garden, a Dyle Path goes along and across the river, giving you a fresh perspective of the city's houses: from the rear!
- Then there's Melaan, a little water stream that's accompanied by a walking route.
Speelgoedmuseum
#Fun
- Visit the Toy Museum or Speelgoedmuseum to reminisce about your childhood toys, such as wooden trucks, tin soldiers, teddy bears, Barbie dolls, model trains and railroad lines.
- If your children aren't interested in seeing vintage toys from previous decades, there are plenty of new toys on display.
- Your youngsters will enjoy participating in engaging activities.
- The kids may sit in a corner and play with whichever toy they like making the Mechelen holiday fun for all.
- Your youngster may celebrate his birthday with his invited visitors to the museum.
08
NATURE & SAFARI
NATURE & SAFARI
NATURE & SAFARI
Mechelen: Natural Beauty & Safari Adventures
- The Botanical Garden is the largest park in Mechelen's historic centre.
- Louis Fuchs, a landscape architect who developed numerous city parks in Belgium, including the Parc du Waux Hall in Mons, designed the earliest iteration of the park in 1862.
- The Botanical Garden has undergone considerable renovations and restorations throughout the years based on those initial ideas. Still, the school's growth next to the garden, among other things, has meant that a lot has changed as well.
- Planckendael Zoo offers visitors the opportunity to witness hundreds of animal species from all over the globe.
- It has functioned as a rehab and recovery centre for animals that have been hurt or ill.
- The 42-hectare (104-acre) animal park is home to red pandas, kangaroos, apes, leopards, lions, giraffes, zebras, and other creatures and is considered one of the world's biggest zoos. There are a variety of birds and fowls as well.
- Your children may run and play as much as they like in the animal park's large playground.
- After that, have lunch at the picnic area among the shade trees for some family bonding.
- At Vrijbroek Park, take a deep breath and feast your eyes on a vast area of lush, beautiful foliage.
- The large playground will be a terrific area for your kids to run about and burn off some energy.
- You may go for a stroll, jog, ride your bike, or play tennis, cricket, or hockey.
- The exquisite rose, dahlia, and canna gardens are perfect for gardening enthusiasts. Every week, new exhibitions are unveiled at the park.
- There are a handful of eateries nearby if you are hungry or thirsty after a game or an exercise.
09
EVENTS & FIESTAS
EVENTS & FIESTAS
EVENTS & FIESTAS
Mechelen Must-Attend Festivals and Events
- Throughout the year, carillon concerts are hosted throughout the city.
- The carillon is also the subject of an annual event.
- There are now four carillons in the city, three of which are housed in cathedrals, and the fourth is movable.
- Carillon music is played on all significant local holidays, and a movable instrument is set up in the central plaza.
- At a local music school created in 1922, anybody may learn to play an antique musical instrument.
- The annual Carillon Festival, which takes place in Mechelen in mid-April, will appeal to fans of offbeat music events.
- The yearly Flanders Festival, which celebrates Flemish music and culture, is worth highlighting, among other notable cultural events.
- The holiday also invites contemporary musicians.
- Aside from music, festivalgoers may partake in a variety of other activities.
- They will be able to shop for works of local artisans at colourful fairs, sample famous regional delicacies, and sample the greatest Belgian beers.
FAQs to Plan Your Best Mechelen Holiday
Places similar to Mechelen to visit
Places similar to Mechelen to visit
Places similar to Mechelen to visit