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.

STAY

B&B De Lachende Engel
B&B Hotel Mechelen
Het Anker boutique B&B
Hotel Elisabeth
Hotel Muske Pitter
Hotel Vé
Lithium Bed, Zen & Breakfast
Martin’s Patershof
Porta Superia Boutique B&B
Van der Valk Hotel Mechelen

EAT

De Fortuyne (Belgian sharing)
De Margriet brasserie (Belgian)
De Vleeshalle food hall
Ember (gastronomic Belgian)
Het Anker gastropub (Belgian)
Lam’eau (French-Belgian)
Puro (Belgian)
Sotscop (Belgian)
The Chick (rotisserie)
Tinèlle (*Michelin, French-Belgian)

DRINK

Bar Makadam (craft beers)
Brasserie De Kraanburg
Cats & Cups
Café Het Maanlicht
De Stek plants & coffee
De Zondvloed bookstore cafe
Groot Tuinterras terrace
Kaffee Inc
Kunstuur Café
‘t Ankertje aan de Dijle cafe

SHOP

Antiquariaat (rare books & maps)
Award/t (handmade accessories)
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 by Pieter Vaes

EXPERIENCE

Hanswerk Procession, May
Jazz at Home, Sept
Kerstmarkt, 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 (Big Beguinage)
Het Kunstuur (The Art Hour)
Museum Hof van Busleyden
Sint-Romboutskathedraal en -toren
Stiltetuin (Silent Garden)