What to do in Mechelen Belgium

What to do in Mechelen ? - Discover the City Sights

Mechelen is a city in East Belgium. It is located in the province of Antwerp in Flanders. How beautiful Mechelen is surprised us. The city transports us back in time with its Renaissance buildings grouped around the city's squares. Discover with us the sights of Mechelen in Belgium. We were also amazed that people in Mechelen speak Dutch. More precisely, they speak Flemish here. This is a form of Dutch specific to the region. It is the official language in this part of Belgium.

 

 

For travelers who like to savor their tripsthe city offers plenty of chocolate and beer from the local brewery. We stay at the Het Anker Hotel *(advertisement) on the edge of the old town. From there it is only a few steps to the center of the old town. On the way we are confronted with the women from the history of the city. In the Great Beguinage, which stretches directly behind the Het Anker brewery, widows once lived. They joined together in a community, but without taking vows as nuns. Instead, they worked together and supported each other in a time when women who were not married were looked upon askance.

 

 

 

Among the attractions of Mechelen there are two of these beguinages that still exist today. However, young families now live in the houses along the streets. They exude seclusion and contemplation. It is a world that exudes calm on the edge of the old town of Mechelen.

 

 

Mechelen Belgium is a city of women

In the city center with its city palaces, the St. Rombouts Cathedral towers over the city as one of Mechelen's sights. In front of it on the Grote Markt, however, there is not, as is usually the case, the statue of a man from the city's history. Instead, there is the figure of Margaret of Austria. She wasn't the only woman who influenced the fortunes of the city. Her step-aunt Margaret of York (1446-1503) also impressed the residents of Mechelen. After the death of her stepdaughter Maria of Burgundy, she raised her two children, Philipp ("Philip the Fair") and his sister Margarete.

 

 

Margaret of Austria (1480-1530) was chosen at the age of three to marry the heir to the throne of France and was raised for this task by her aunt. However, the marriage did not materialize because her chosen one chose another. Two other attempts to tie the knot were also unsuccessful. The first of her husbands, Johann von Aragon, died on their honeymoon. Her second husband, Philip of Savoy, passed away three years after the wedding. Fate was not kind to her.

 

 

Margaret of Austria - Educator of Charles V.

Apparently, Margaret of Austria had had enough of being married to a spouse afterward. So she decided to remain celibate for the rest of her life — an extraordinary decision for a woman and one of her rank. Instead, she took over the education of her nephew, who later became Emperor Charles V. As governor of the Netherlands, she finally influenced the politics of the region. Thus, it's no wonder that her statue is now in the center of Mechelen. This is one of the Mechelen sights that immediately catches the eye on the market square.

 

 

Mechelen Sights – Carillon School

Women also play a role in the city's history. The Russian Elena Sadina has been teaching the art of playing the chimes at the carillon school in Mechelen for years. The chimes requires strength that was once only expected of men. Now, however, a woman proved that this art is not only reserved for men.

Mechelen is known as the carillon capital. Six carillons and the carillon school bear witness to the carillon culture in the city. The Carillion school celebrated its 2022th anniversary in 100, making it the oldest carillon school in the world.

So why not add a visit to Mechelen to a tour of Belgium? You can find here tips for multi-day routes through Belgium by Laure Wanders, for example.

Carillon School

Bruul 52 bus 5
B-2800 Mechelen

Contact

+32(0)15 20 47 92
beiaardschool@mechelen.be

 

 

The Hof van Busleyden Museum in Mechelen

The Hof van Busleyden Museum in Mechelen is a real highlight for anyone who loves history and art! Here you can immerse yourself in the fascinating world of the Renaissance. The museum is housed in a beautiful town house that is impressive even from the outside. Inside, exciting exhibitions await you that show how Mechelen was a cultural center in the 16th century.

What's particularly cool is that the collection is extremely varied. There are historical objects, fascinating works of art and multimedia installations that bring the past to life. The themes are power, art and everyday life at that time. Did you know that Mechelen used to be the seat of Margaret of Austria? You'll find out that and more there.

There are also regular special exhibitions that delve deeper into certain topics - sometimes about Bruegel, sometimes about the city's history. And when you've had enough of marveling, you can relax in the museum café and reflect on what you've seen.

The best thing: The Hof van Busleyden is not only exciting for history buffs, but also for families, as many interactive elements are integrated.

Museum Hof ​​van Busleyden

Sint-Jansstraat 2a
2800 Mechelen

 

Men get away badly in Mechelen's Attractions

The men of Mechelen, however, come off badly in the history of the city. The city mascot of Mechelen already is proof of that. The "Opsinjoorke" is one of Mechelen's sights. This is a figure that sinks headfirst into the ground on the Grote Markt. He is just one example of what happens to a man who treats his wife badly. He just gets thrown into the air. The rougher the landing, the better. That's what comes of living as a man in a town where women rule.

The Moon Extinguisher from the City in East Belgium

Apparently that was a good thing, because we didn't find any of the sights of Mechelen that singled out the men. It was the men of Mechelen who exposed the place to ridicule. When one of them, drunk on beer, thought he saw a fire in the steeple of St. Rombouts Cathedral. So he had nothing more urgent to do than call for help. All of Mechelen came running to put out the fire. Very quickly, however, it turned out that the moon had fooled him. This had disappeared behind a wall of fog and its light had bathed the tower in a light reminiscent of fire. That's why the citizens of Mechelen have had to put up with being called "moon extinguishers" (as Maneblussers) by others.

 

 

However, they bear it with composure. Instead, they even named one of the beers made at the brewery after it. A likeable move that also shows how humorously the people of Mechelen deal with their history and the relationship between men and women in their hometown. In any case, Mechelen is a city that has stories to tell in its old town that are worth discovering.

 

 

Our personal insider tips for Mechelen

Mechelen has some real insider tips that will offer you unforgettable experiences - off the beaten tourist track. Two highlights that you should definitely take with you are the rooftop view from the St. Rumbold's Tower and a visit to Brouwerij Het Anker.

Let’s start at the top: The St. Rumbold's Tower is not only a landmark, but also the perfect place to experience Mechelen from above. The climb may be strenuous, but the view is worth every effort. My tip: go early in the morning or just before sunset. In the morning you have the tower almost to yourself, and in the evening the warm light creates a special atmosphere over the city.

After climbing the stairs you can reward yourself with a cold beer in the Het Anker breweryThis brewery is a real gem. The legendary "Gouden Carolus" beer is brewed here, which goes perfectly with regional dishes such as Mechelse Koekoek. Be sure to take a guided tour, because you will not only learn exciting things about beer production, but you can also try different types at the end. My favorite? The "Gouden Carolus Tripel" - a real classic!

No visit to Mechelen is complete without a stop at the best chocolate shops in town! My insider tip: Sjolaa – a small factory known for its handmade chocolates. Here you can watch how the chocolate is made and try your way through an incredible selection. For special creations, check out Gauthier Chocolatier Your chocolates are not only a visual highlight, but also a dream in terms of taste. Perfect as a gift - or to snack on yourself!

Map of Mechelen, the city in East Belgium

Questions and answers about the Mechelen Belgium attractions

What is special about the Cathedral of St. Rumbold?

The cathedral is known for its impressive 97 meter tower and offers a great view of the city of Mechelen.

Is it worth visiting Museum Hof ​​van Busleyden?

Yes, in any case! The Museum shows the history and culture of the city of Mechelen and houses some interesting works of art.

What activities are there in the Vrijbroekpark?

Im Park you can go for a walk, jog, bike ride or have a picnic. There is also a playground and a pond where you can go boating.

What is there to see in the Grote Markt?

The Grote Markt is the central square in Mechelen and has a number of historic buildings including the town hall.

Is a visit to the toy museum worthwhile?

Yes, the toy museum* (advertisement) shows an impressive collection of toys from times gone by and is a highlight especially for families with children.

 

 

 

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Travel Arrangements:

Parking at the airport

Here you can reserve your parking space at the airport.

Arrival:

Compare and book flights here* (Advertisement). Lufthansa flies from Germany to Brussels. It is also possible to travel to the city in eastern Belgium by train.

Car Rentals:

Cheap car hire - book quickly and easily!

Hotels in Mechelen:

Accommodation in Mechelen * you can book here, for example.

If you book via a link marked *, we receive a commission, which we use to run this blog.

Travel Guide:

Order your travel guide for Belgium here*.

If you purchase via a link marked *, we receive a commission, which we use to run this blog.

 

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You can get information about Mechelen Belgium sights here, for example:

UNESCO World Heritage Site in Mechelen: the Sint Rombouts Cathedral and the Beguinages .

 

 

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Source for Mechelen Sights: Research in the city in East Belgium with the support of Tourismus Flanders. However, our opinion remains our own.

Text Mechelen Belgium Sights of the city in East Belgium : © Copyright Monika Fuchs and TravelWorldOnline
Photos city in East Belgium: © Copyright Monika Fuchs as well as TravelWorldOnline and Unsplash
Video City in East Belgium: © Copyright Petar Fuchs and TravelWorldOnline