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Mechelen Travel Guide
Mechelen still bears the imprint of its Burgundian golden age, visible in refined palaces that once housed powerful regents and aristocrats. Its skyline is punctuated by grand churches and lofty towers, symbols of a carillon tradition that resonates through the city. Quiet beguinages recall a long history of spiritual life, while leafy gardens and gentle waterways lend grace to its exceptionally preserved medieval centre.
EAT
- Brasserie De Margriet
- De Vleeshalle (food hall)
- Ember (gastronomic Belgian)
- Fortuyne (Belgian sharing)
- Het Anker Brasserie (Belgian)
- Lam’eau (French-Belgian)
- Puro (Belgian)
- Sotscop (casual fine dining)
- The Chick (rotisserie)
- Tinèlle (*Michelin, French-Belgian)
DRINK
- Bar Makadam (craft beers)
- Cats & Cups (cafe)
- De Kraanburg (brasserie)
- De Stek (coffee & plants)
- De Zondvloed (bookstore cafe)
- Het Maanlicht (cafe)
- Het Kunstuur Café)
- Kaffee-Ine (espresso bar)
- ‘t Ankertje aan de Dijle (cafe
SHOP
- Antiquariaat (rare books & maps)
- Award/t (handmade handbags)
- De Alruin (gemstones & minerals)
- My Ex Boyfriend (vintage clothing)
- Spruce Goose (recycled wood gifts)
- Supergoods (sustainable fashion)
- The Jacob’s Store (artisan gifts)
- The Cacao Project (handmade chocolate)
EXPERIENCE
- Hanswerk Procession, May
- Jazz at Home, Sept
- Kerstmarkt Mechelen, Dec
- Maanrock (music fest), Aug
- Margaret of Austria 500th anniversary celebration, 2030
- Parkpop, July/Aug
- 10km van Mechelen, March
MUST-SEE
- De Duiveltjes, Het Paradijske & Sint-Jozef (medieval houses)
- De Wit Royal Manufacturers of Tapestry
- Groot Begijnhof (Large Beguinage)
- Het Kunstuur (The Art Hour)
- Museum Hof van Busleyden (Burgundian)
- Sint-Romboutskathedraal en -toren (St. Rumbold's Cathedral & Tower)
- Stiltetuin Aartsbisschoppelijk Paleis (Silent Garden behind Archiepiscopal Palace)









