Mechelen on Monday

After a busy weekend, a Monday in Mechelen feels like a breath of fresh air. The city breathes tranquillity and a warm atmosphere and is ideal for exploring at your own pace due to its compactness. Stroll through charming streets, discover museums or head out for a surprising walk. Below, you can find out what to do on Mondays.

Walking in the City

Mechelen has several city walks that take you past top sights, hidden spots and pleasant streets. From short loops to longer routes, you’ll discover the city at your own pace, each from a different angle.

In the footsteps of Margareta ‘In the footsteps of Margareta’ is a handy brochure outlining walks leading to highlights from the fifteenth century.
The Heavy Metal Route Download the podcast walk on the Visit Mechelen app and discover the carillon as you’ve never seen (and heard) it before.
Stream walk In the 16th century the river Dyle meandered through the city, branching out into a web of small waterways called ‘streams’.

Discover all city walks

Museums and attractions

Mechelen has a range of surprising attractions for every visitor: from impressive art and rich history to interactive experiences for the whole family. There is always something to do for both culture vultures and anyone who wants a good time.

Kazerne Dossin Kazerne Dossin is a memorial, museum and research centre on the Holocaust and Human rights.
The Art Hour (Het Kunstuur) Discover Belgian masterpieces from the period 1850 - 1950 in a unique way, during a one-hour tour.
St Rumbold’s Tower St Rumbold’s Tower offers an all-in-one unique experience. The skywalk and the climb up to it are simply amazing.
Boat trip on the inner Dyle Embark for a fascinating boat trip on the Dyle and discover the city from a different perspective.
City Cinema Lumière The City of Mechelen and Lumière have transformed the old assembly hall into a new cultural attraction.
Escape Experience – De Gouden Kooi At De Gouden Kooi (the Golden Cage), you will take on the guise of a treasure hunter, master thief or detective for one hour.

If walls could talk

What if you could eavesdrop on the Mechelen of 1473? Did people during the Burgundian era discuss global warming or the pop stars of their time too? With a listening horn, you can head into the city and pick up conversations along the way between notables, labourers, and even prisoners.

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Historic churches

On Mondays, three historic churches are open to visitors. Step inside for a moment to absorb the silence and architecture and pick up an extra piece of heritage.

St Rumbold's Cathedral The cathedral was built in the 13th century. From the outset it was more impressive than all the other parish churches.
Church of Our-Lady-across-the-Dyle Our-Lady-across-the-Dyle was built in Gothic style in the 14 and 15th century. Its tower contains a complete carillon of 49 bells.
Church of Our Lady of Hanswijk This baroque pilgrimage church, designed by Lucas Faydherbe, was one of the first domed churches in the Low Countries.

Sightseeing

Take a look in the garden of the Palace of Margaret of Austria, visit UNESCO World Heritage in the Great Beguinage and stroll along the 3 iconic houses on Haverwerf.

Palace of Margaret of Austria Margaret of Austria's palace was the first Renaissance building in the Low Countries.
Large Beguinage Because of its typical Flemish character and unique architecture, the Large Beguinage was declared a UNESCO world heritage site.
Haverwerf Originally, oats were unloaded and traded here. Characteristic of this place are the three colourful houses near the bridge.

Walking and cycling in nature

Around Mechelen, you can walk and cycle into nature, along rivers, fields and quiet villages. Perfect for a breath of fresh air close to the city, with beautiful views and great places to take a break along the way.

Walking circuit Mechelen - Den Battelaer Follow the water from Mechelen and you come to the point where the Zenne, Leuven-Dyle Canal and the Dyle meet.
Walking circuit Mechelen - Mechels Broek To the east side of Mechelen, is a magnificent meadow landscape that runs alongside the meandering Dyle.
Cycling circuit Leest - Hombeek On this route you can expect to cycle through stunningly beautiful countryside along the River Zenne.

Parks in and around Mechelen

In Mechelen you will find surprising parks where you can slow down for a moment. Ideal for a green break between the other attractions.

Provincial Green Domain Vrijbroekpark Vrijbroekpark is situated on the periphery of the city and is a green area that covers 50 hectares.
Botanical Garden The Botanical Garden is steeped in history. In the Middle Ages this green oasis was the garden of the former order of knights.
Tivoli Domain Tivoli park was once the grounds of a castle barely two kilometres from the historic centre of Mechelen.

Fun for kids

Discover the museums and attractions where children can discover and learn in a playful way. Ideal for a day out with time spent indoors and outdoors.

On a quest with Margaret During this fun quest you will learn more about when Princess Margaret of Austria lived in Mechelen.
ZOO Planckendael In ZOO Planckendael, you can hop from one continent to another. Admire the exotic animals and go on a discovery tour.
Toy Museum Mechelen Everyone is playing! Discover Toy Museum Mechelen and learn everything about games and toys.
Technopolis In this Flemish science centre you get to discover everything yourself through numerous original activities.
Ice Skating Center Mechelen Looking for an indoor activity in rainy weather? Put on your skates and glide out onto the ice rink.
De Nekker Sports and Leisure Centre At De Nekker sports and leisure centre you can take your pick of numerous indoor and outdoor sports.

Plan your visit

Accommodation In Mechelen, you can sleep in a brewery, in nature, or in a former church: discover the unique range.
Getting here Whether you come to Mechelen on foot, by bike, public transport or car, we’re happy to help you find your way.
Tourist office Visit Mechelen Looking for tips for your visit to Mechelen? Our Tourist office is the ideal starting point!

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