5 free activities to do with the family in Mechelen
If you’re staying at the superb Martin’s Patershof, we’ve got good news: there are plenty of free, family-friendly activities just a few minutes’ walk away. Mechelen is a compact, charming city, perfect for a leisurely family explore. Here are five ideas for walks and things to see that are free of charge ✨
Grand Place in Mechelen
Just a 7-minute walk from the hotel, you’ll arrive at the magnificent Grote Markt. This is the historic heart of the city and an ideal place to start your visit.
As you arrive at the square, you’ll be surrounded by pretty Flemish houses and lively terraces. The atmosphere here is particularly pleasant at the weekend
If you’re there on a Saturday morning, you can also enjoy the local market, which brings the square to life with its stalls selling fresh produce and Belgian specialities.
It’s the perfect spot to take a break, let the children run around a bit and snap a few souvenir photos👨👩👧👦📷
St Rombaut’s Cathedral
From the Grand-Place, it’s just a two-minute walk to the majestic St Rumbold’s Cathedral.
Entry to the cathedral is free, allowing you to explore its impressive Gothic architecture and its huge organ. The interior is calm and light-filled, and the atmosphere is truly soothing.
For families, it’s a wonderful opportunity to introduce children to a historic monument whilst enjoying a moment of tranquillity. If you’re feeling up to it, you can also climb the tower (for a fee) to enjoy a spectacular view of the city🏰
Jardin botanique
About a 12-minute walk from the hotel, you’ll find the charming Kruidtuin, a small park that’s perfect for a break in nature.
This botanical garden is very popular with locals. It features beautiful green spaces, flowers, benches to rest on and, best of all, a children’s playground.
It’s the ideal spot for a quick picnic, to relax for a few minutes or to let the children run around before continuing your tour of the city🌿🌸
Look for the street art murals
Mechelen is also known for its modern street art. As you stroll through the streets around the city centre, you’ll come across several colourful murals created by international artists.
From the hotel, it’s just a 5- to 10-minute walk through the narrow streets of the centre before you start to see them. This activity is perfect for children: you can turn the stroll into a little treasure hunt for works of art.
It’s a great way to explore the city in a different light and stumble upon less touristy but very charming spots🎨
Admire Brussels’ historic gate
To round off your walk, it’s about a 10-minute stroll from the hotel to the spectacular Brusselpoort.
This ancient city gate dates back to the 13th century and is one of the few remaining vestiges of Mechelen’s old fortifications. Although the interior isn’t always open to visitors, the exterior is truly impressive with its tall towers and brick walls.
It’s the perfect spot to take a few photos and imagine what the city looked like in the Middle Ages 🏰✨
