For this third episode of the must-sees in Belgium, we will discover Mechelen, the sixth largest city in Flanders. Classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Flemish city will never cease to surprise you with its picturesque alleys, its many monuments and its canals.
Grote Markt
We start this walk by the central square of Mechelen. Many shops surround this pedestrian square as well as classified monuments such as the Saint-Rombaut tower, the town hall or the Cathedral of Mechelen. The center of the historic district is a place full of life that allows us to start this walk with a dynamic step.
St.Rumbold’s Tower
With its 514 steps, the St.Rumbold’s Tower overlooks the city of Mechelen. Once at the top, the view is breathtaking but you shouldn't be dizzy. A 360° view of Mechelen awaits you. If the sky is clear you may even have the chance to see Brussels in the distance as well as the cities of Leuven and Antwerp. For those who need to catch their breath, several stops are accessible before reaching the very top, allowing you to see and hear the bells up close. Before leaving this place, do not forget to take a walk in the cathedral to see the dome and the sublime stained glass windows.
Food market ‘De Vleeshalle’
For a gourmet meal, the Food Market De Vleeshalle is the place to go. In this large refurbished hangar you will find several stands offering a culinary world tour. Upstairs, independent shops and a coworking space complete this living space. You will love this covered market at any time of the day for its industrial decoration, its warm atmosphere and its many plants: jungle effect guaranteed!
Botanical Garden
Following this lunch break, we resume our walk in the green with the Botanical Garden of Mechelen. It's the perfect place to enjoy the great outdoors. This park along the Dyle, is full of hundreds of varieties of medicinal plants. For the little ones, a playground is available, enough to let them have fun during your visit!
Haverwerf
Along the Mechelen canals, discover three houses that have existed since the 16th and 17th centuries. These beautiful houses with colorful facades are among the oldest wooden houses in Belgium. A heritage of which the city of Mechelen is proud and which manages to preserve them in a beautiful state. Do not hesitate to capture this moment with a little selfie!
Beguinage of Mechelen
Classified by UNESCO, the Beguinage of Mechelen is a monument in its own right in the city. This sacred place is made up of a church, small beguine houses and picturesque parks. Enjoy the calm of this place before the last stop!
Technopolis
An 11-minute drive from the center of Mechelen is the Technopolis museum. This establishment aims to introduce you to science in a fun way. For children as for adults, Technopolis will pique your curiosity and teach you lots of things!
Buy a ticket : https://www.technopolis.be/fr/tickets-reservations/
Just like Bruges, Mechelen is a city full of charm with its pointed-toed houses, its small cobbled streets and its canals. Moreover, do not hesitate to stroll along the canals by taking the Dyle path, a wooden path which is almost at water level. You also have the possibility of taking a boat trip thanks to Martin's offer to discover Mechelen differently.
See you soon !
Planning a trip to Mechelen soon? Come and discover our 4-star hotel housed in a former church for an extraordinary experience.
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