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City in Antwerp Province, Belgium
Photo: User: (WT-shared) Spircle at wts wikivoyage, CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Mechelen is a historically important city on the river Dyle in the centre of Flanders. It is a vibrant town, mixing trendy and traditional. Its carillon school is world-renowned, training students from all over the world in the art of playing carillons, sets of 24 or more bells hung in church towers. Shops downtown are often housed in buildings with the old-style Flemish architecture, but offer edgy fashions sure to appeal to the younger generation.
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Sint-Romboutskathedraal
The largest of the 8 churches in Mechelen, with a high tower (though not as high as had been planned — construction stopped early due to lack of money). Notable works of art include the carved wood pulpit from 1723, painted triptychs dating to the late 15th and early 16th centuries, and an image of "Our Lady of Miracles" which has been in the cathedral since the early 16th century. The cathedral is part of a multi-site .
Grote Markt
The cathedral cutting across one end and the City Hall (a ) at the opposite end, with restaurants and cafes lining the sides between the two.
Dossinkazerne
This museum and memorial opened in 2012. It documents the history of the holocaust and human rights. The barracks (Dutch: kazerne) were a waiting place for Jews from all over Belgium and northern France. Here they literally awaited their deportation to death camps. There is a toilet available for disabled persons.
Hof van Savoye
An unassuming set of buildings on Keizerstraat that was effectively the seat of government during Mechelen's time as capital of the Netherlands. Today it houses government offices, but the interior courtyard is worth a brief visit to admire the tranquil and well-organized gardens.
Hof van Busleyden
Hieronymus of Busleyden afforded himself this eponymous Court in a rich renaissance style, making it one of the most beautiful buildings in Mechelen. Destroyed during the Second World War, it was rebuilt to house the municipal museum, which as of 2017 is undergoing refurbishment.
Sint-Janskerk
One of the 8 historic churches in Mechelen, with a notable Reubens painting/triptych "Adoration of the Magi". The painting of the crucifixion by Wauters is also very impressive.
Begijnhofkerk
Another of the churches, is known for the two statues above the door, one of Saint Catherine and one of God the Father.
Historically the refuge for the abbey in times of attack, it is now the home of De Wit, royal manufacturers of tapestry. There are guided visits on Saturday mornings at 1030.
The three surviving timber houses have elaborate carvings on the front elevations. The houses are privately owned.
Speelgoedmuseum
Interesting for anyone who loves toys and nostalgia. Three floors. The third with temporary exhibitions. The first floor has a collection of antiques and old toys. There is a play corner for the smallest. There are several places where visitors can actively play.
Horlogeriemuseum
Privately run museum where the owners, both watchmakers, give you a very interesting personal tour. Do come an hour before closing time to be able to have the full tour and explanations.
Hands-on science museum for kids of all ages.
Just outside Mechelen in Muizen. Located on the road towards Leuven. During July, August and in weekends during the warmer period of the year a special bus service, called Planckendael Express, connecting the Mechelen railway station and Planckendael operates regularly.
This is the largest cinema in the Mechelen area. Movies are usually subtitled in French and Dutch.
This is a sport and recreation area governed by the Antwerp province. This makes a nice spot for open air swimming in summer or outdoor sports.
On the Grote Markt and in the IJzerenleen. End of August. A 2-day free festival featuring several stages of music and DJs, starting early in the afternoon and running till early morning.
Has some Turkish-inspired cuisine. They specialise in stuffed potatoes of many varieties. They are just behind the Cathedral off of the Grote Markt.
Offers pasta, steaks and salads. No English menus are available, (applies to Mechelen generally) but staff are helpful and will translate.
Nice Brussels waffles and other desserts.
Brouwerij Het Anker
Features locally brewed Mechelse Bruynen and Gouden Carolus. Don't miss the opportunity to try some of their own jenever called Ouwe Klare or the beer chocolates. They also have a small shop where they sell their products. They have tours some weekends. It is wise to call ahead and ask specifically what will be available during your trip.
Honoloeloe
A bar that is popular among the local youth. This is usually the place they start a night out. There are also several small dishes available if you are hungry. Upstairs is a cosy sitting corner.
Zandpoortvest, 20 min from the main train station, 15 min from the city centre.
A stylish hotel on one of the most ancient markets of Mechelen: the fish market. The hotel is constructed in a factory where they used to smoke fish, but has a trendy, modern feel.
In the historical part of the city.
Far from the city. Room fares starting at €70
This hotel is built in a former church which offers some very original and unique settings. They are also have family rooms available.
Featuring unusual design.
on the outskirts of the town
In a park surrounded by lakes out of town, but close to the A1 motorway.
Self-catering suites
A comfortable hotel in the centre, behind St Rumbold's Cathedral. Staff are most helpful and very friendly.
Luxurious B&B a few kilometres outside Mechelen, close to the channel to Leuven. The four rooms all are named after the grandparents of the owners and inspired by their travels to far and exotic destinations. A spa, pool and gym are also available. Bicycles and electrical scooters available for rent.
By bus
You can also reach by taking a bus from Antwerp. Just outside the main train station you'll find a bus station with connections to many places in the vicinity.
By car
The city center is about 15 minutes walk from the train station. Mechelen is a very compact city, so you can reach most places on foot.
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Articles and travel topics about Mechelen and Belgium.
ItinerariesStretching from Knokke to Adinkerke, the Kusttram (Dutch for "Coast Tram") makes it possible to travel almost the entire length of the Belgian coast by tram.
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Culture & historyWhether they're unusually short, unusually long, sound like a naughty English word, or are just plain silly, places with unusual names can be fun destinations.
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