Mechelen is a compact, walkable city nestled between Brussels and Antwerp.
Overflowing with history, charm, and cultural treasures, it is perfect for travelers who love to explore on foot. From Gothic towers to Renaissance palaces, Mechelen invites you to slow down and soak up its beauty—no car or bus required.
Here are 10 must-see things to do in Mechelen, sights and experiences, all within walking distance of the city center.
10 Things to Do in Mechelen, Belgium
🏰 1. Climb the Tower of St. Rumbold’s Cathedral
The St. Rumbold’s Tower is Mechelen’s most iconic landmark. At nearly 100 meters tall, it offers a panoramic skywalk with views stretching to Brussels and Antwerp. If you are lucky and the weather is perfect, you can even see the Atomium in the distance! The climb is 500 steps, but the reward is unforgettable. It is not just one long and exhausting climb up, there are several spacious attic like rooms along your climb where you can stop and rest if you want. When we climbed up the tower, we were able to visit the carrilon. Definitely worth it!
- 📍 Onder-den-Toren 12, 2800 Mechelen
- 🎟️ Entry: adults: €8, 4-26yrs: €3
- 🕒 Open daily (except holidays) from 1 pm to 6 pm – Sat: 10 am to 6 pm
- 🔗 St. Rumbold’s Cathedral
🏛️ 2. Explore the Grote Markt
Mechelen’s Grote Markt is a lively square surrounded by Renaissance and Rococo buildings. It is home to the Town Hall, Alderman’s Hall (worth a visit), and a statue of Margaret of Austria. On Saturday mornings, the market buzzes with local vendors selling fresh produce, flowers and crafts. Have a cup of coffee in the sun at one of the many cafes and enjoy the view! If there is a wedding at the medieval Town Hall, try to have a sneak peak inside. The interior is authentic. We got married there years ago and so did Luc’s parents in the 40s!
- 🎟️ free
- 🕒 open every day
🏘️ 3. Wander Through the Beguinages
The Large and Small Beguinages are peaceful neighborhoods once inhabited by religious women living independently. Today, they are serene places to stroll, with cobbled streets, baroque architecture, and a sense of timelessness.
- 📍Hoviusstraat 16, 2800 Mechelen
- 🎟️ free
- 🕒 open every day
- 🔗 Mechelen Beguinage
🏛️ 4. Visit the Palace of Margaret of Austria
Opening to the public on Sept. 1, 2025, the Palace of Margaret of Austria—also known as the Court of Savoy—is one of Mechelen’s most historically significant buildings. Margaret ruled the Netherlands from here in the early 1500s, and the palace became a hub of Renaissance art, politics, and humanism. Visitors can now access the Renaissance garden and throne room, with more rooms planned to open by 2030.
- 📍 Keizerstraat 20, 2800 Mechelen
- 🕒 Open weekends; guided tours available
- 🏛️ First Renaissance building north of the Alps
- 🔗 website
🏰 5. Visit Kazerne Dossin
This museum tells the story of the Holocaust in Belgium, focusing on the deportation of over 25,000 Jews and Roma from Mechelen. It is a moving and educational experience, located just steps from the city’s historic core.
- 📍 Goswin de Stassartstraat 153, 2800 Mechelen
- 🎧 Audio guides available
- 🕒 Open Thu-Tue, 9am-5pm, closed on Wednesday
- 🔗 Kazerne Dossin
🍺 6. Sample Local Beer at Het Anker Brewery
Founded in 1471, Het Anker is one of Belgium’s oldest breweries. Their beer has been awarded numerous times. Book a guided tour before you go, and sample their famous Gouden Carolus beers in their café next door! You can also enjoy a meal in their brasserie that serves Belgian classics such as steak frites, or beer and meat stew. A lovely place for lunch and dinner, accompanied by their very own draft beers. Book a table if you want to be on the safe side, this place can get pretty crowded. We highly recommend this place!
- 📍 Guido Gezellelaan 49, 2800 Mechelen
- 🍽️ Brasserie open for drinks, lunch and dinner
- 🕒 Open every day, 10am-11pm
- 🔗 Het Anker
🌿 7. Stroll Along the Dijle Path
The Dijle Path is a scenic boardwalk along the river, offering peaceful views and romantic vibes. It is ideal for a morning jog or evening stroll, passing bridges, gardens, and historic buildings. It starts at the Botanical Garden, and ends at the Vismarkt (or the other way around).
- 🎟️ Dijle Path is free
- 🕒 open every day
- 🔗 Dijlepad
🖼️ 8. Visit Museum Hof van Busleyden
Housed in a Renaissance palace, the Museum Hof van Busleyden explores Mechelen’s golden age through art, history, and interactive exhibits. It is a cultural treasure just minutes from the Grote Markt.
- 📍 Frederik de Merodestraat 65, 2800 Mechelen
- 🕒 Open Tuesday to Sunday
- 🎟️ Entry: €12 adults
- 🔗 Hof van Busleyden
🧵 9. Visit the Royal Manufacturers De Wit
Located in the Tongerlo Refuge, this world-renowned tapestry workshop restores priceless works of art. Guided tours offer a fascinating look into the craft of weaving and conservation. De Wit has restored many fragile and centuries old tapestries for museums such as the Louvre in Paris, Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam and the V&A Museum in London. During our visit we were blown away by their restoration skills and mind-blowing history. Booking a tour in advance is mandatory, otherwise you won’t get in which would be a shame!
- 📍 Schoutetstraat 7, 2800 Mechelen
- 🕒 Tours by appointment
- 🔗 De Wit
🌸 10. Relax at the Botanical Garden (Kruidtuin)
The Kruidtuin, Mechelen’s botanical garden, is a peaceful green oasis just a short walk from the city center. It is perfect for a picnic, a quiet read, or a moment of reflection among native plants, ponds, fountains and flowers. This park is rather small, however on a summer’s day people come here to enjoy the sun or shade, meet up with friends, enjoy a packed lunch and doze off on a plaid. There is a fun playground for kids, benches to sit on and 1 picnic table at the entrance of the park. There is a small restaurant called ViaVia with outdoor seating area (closed on Sunday).
- 📍 Bruul 129, 2800 Mechelen
- 🕒 Open daily, free entry
- 🔗 Botanical Garden
🧭 Tourist Information Office
Need maps, brochures, or insider tips? Visit Mechelen’s Tourist Information Office:
- 📍 Vleeshouwersstraat 6, 2800 Mechelen
- 📞 +32 (0)15 28 00 00
- 🔗 Visit Mechelen Official Site
🥗 6 Great Lunch Spots in Mechelen for Every Budget
All these things to do in Mechelen also make you hungry!
So whether you are craving Belgian classics or an indulgent bite for lunch or dinner, Mechelen has something delicious for every taste and wallet.
All of these spots are open for lunch and easily reachable on foot.
💰 Budget-Friendly
1. Croque ‘n Roll Mechelen
A fun twist on the classic croque monsieur. Quick, tasty, and perfect for a casual bite.
📍 Ijzerenleen 12, 2800 Mechelen
2. Frituur Korenmarkt
A beloved local spot offering crispy fries, classic Bicky burgers, and friendly service right on the historic Korenmarkt, perfect for a quick bite or late-night snack
📍 Korenmarkt, 2800 Mechelen
💸 Mid-Range
3. De Margriet
Charming Belgian brasserie on the Bruul offering classic dishes, warm service, and fair prices in a relaxed, historic setting.
📍 Bruul 52, 2800 Mechelen
4. Merad
Popular Turkish restaurant on the Vismarkt offering grilled dishes, kebabs, and Mediterranean-inspired plates in a vibrant setting.
📍 Vismarkt 11, 2800 Mechelen
💎 Upscale
5. Tinèlle
Refined Belgian-French cuisine in a serene, stylish setting with seasonal menus by Chef Thomas Diepersloot.
📍 Goswin de Stassartstraat 90, 2800 Mechelen
6. Lam’eau in Mechelen
A stylish riverside restaurant offering refined Belgian-French cuisine, where seasonal ingredients and elegant ambiance come together for a memorable dining experience along the scenic Dijle River.
📍 Van Beethovenstraat 8/10, 2800 Mechelen
✨ Final Thoughts
No doubt that this is a city that rewards curiosity with so many things to do in Mechelen!
From its towering cathedral to its hidden beguinages, from Renaissance palaces to riverside walks, it is a place where history and modern life blend beautifully. Add in delicious food and warm hospitality, and you have got a destination worth savoring.