Mechelen, a Flemish city that captivated me with its charm, was a worthwhile day trip from Brussels. Situated between Antwerp and Brussels, Mechelen is easily accessible from both cities, with a short 15-20 minute train ride. Unlike other touristy cities like Bruges, Mechelen is more peaceful and less crowded, while still retaining its beauty. In fact, it is one of the most picturesque cities in Belgium, with its historical 12th-century buildings, unique architecture and colors, quaint streets for romantic strolls, breathtaking views, charming cafes, trendy boutiques, and a young entrepreneurial vibe.
Top sights for a well spent day in Mechelen
If you’re looking for the best ways to spend a day in Mechelen, don’t miss out on these top sights:
- St Rumbold’s Tower
- Grote Markt
- Dyle Path walk
- The 3 houses in Haverwerf
- The beguinage
- Palace of Margaret of Austria
Walk along Dyle Path
One of the most unique and romantic ways to explore Mechelen is by taking a walk along Dyle Path. This floating path runs alongside the Dyle river and leads you to Haverwerf, where you’ll find three historic houses dating back to the 16th and 17th centuries. The first is called Little Paradise and sits on the corner. The second, known as The Little Devils, has one of the most beautiful wooden facades in Belgium. And finally, there’s St. Joseph, the third and final house.
ascend the 500 steps of St Rumbold’s Tower
Standing tall over Mechelen, the St Rumbold’s Cathedral is a magnificent example of Gothic architecture dating back to the 15th century. As the most iconic architectural landmark in the city, we ventured to climb the 500 steps to the top of the tower. Surprisingly, the climb was not as strenuous as anticipated, as there were designated rest areas along the way where we could pause and learn more about the tower’s rich history. It’s worth noting that due to the narrow stairways, only 25 people can climb at once in every 20-minute interval. However, tickets can be reserved ahead of time on the official website, www.visitmechelen.be, for a fee of 8 eur (in 2019).
The beguinages
Time will be filled in a pleasant way just by strolling along the narrow and picturesque streets of the beguinages, its buildings belonging to the UNESCO World Heritage site.
The beguinages were historic communities of religious women, known as beguines, who lived in semi-monastic settings but did not take formal religious vows. These communities were prevalent in the Low Countries during the Middle Ages and early modern period.
Beguinages were typically enclosed communities of small houses or apartments, surrounded by walls or gates and often including a chapel, gardens, and communal spaces. The beguines lived in these communities and devoted themselves to prayer, charitable works, and other religious activities, but without the formal structure of a convent or monastery.
Today, some of these historic beguinages still exist in Belgium as UNESCO World Heritage sites, and many have been restored and transformed into residential areas or cultural centers. These beguinages offer a glimpse into a unique aspect of medieval religious life and provide a peaceful and serene atmosphere for visitors to enjoy.
Restaurants and cafés
Mechelen offers a variety of restaurants and cafés with comfortable and inviting interiors. Whether you’re in the mood for wholesome dishes at Cosma Foodhouse, mouthwatering burgers at Ellis Gourmet Burger, a satisfying brunch or quality coffee at Sister Bean, or a taste of delicious Belgian beer, you won’t be disappointed. However, it’s worth mentioning that a few restaurants might be closed from 2 pm or 3 pm until 5 pm or 6 pm.
In addition to these, here are few more options:
- M-eatery: is a steakhouse that serves high-quality meat dishes, including dry-aged beef and Wagyu beef, along with other European cuisine.
- De Vleeshalle: This indoor food hall is located in a historic meat market and features a variety of food vendors serving up everything from sushi to burgers.
- De Witte Vos: This cozy café is perfect for a casual meal or drinks. They have a great selection of beer and wine and a small menu of classic Belgian dishes.
- Bokes & Co.: This café specializes in sandwiches made with fresh, locally-sourced ingredients. They also have a great selection of coffee and tea.
- Brouwerij Het Anker: This brewery has a restaurant and a café serving up traditional Belgian dishes, as well as their famous beer.
- Foom: This vegan café serves up plant-based dishes that are both delicious and healthy. They also have a great selection of smoothies and juices.
~Similar to my look~
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