Mechelen on Sunday

Nothing like starting your Sunday with a delicious breakfast or brunch and then discovering the city at your own pace. In Mechelen, you can easily combine heritage, museums and attractions in one visit. Find out below what to do on Sundays.

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’.

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Sightseeing

Walk along the Dyle towpath along the water to the 3 iconic houses at Haverwerf or visit UNESCO World Heritage in the Large Beguinage.

Dyle Towpath A walk alongside the water over the floating Dyle Towpath in the heart of the city is a unique and relaxing experience.
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.

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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Museums

In Mechelen, you can dive from one museum into another: from art and history to horticultural heritage.

Museum Hof van Busleyden In this city palace you will discover the rich times of the Burgundian era and its significance for the city.
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.
Kunsthal Mechelen Kunsthal Mechelen is spread over various locations throughout Mechelen, both indoors and outdoors.
Vegetable museum ’t Grom This eighteenth-century farmstead provides an interactive and fun introduction to our market-gardening heritage.

Attractions

On Sundays you can visit many different attractions. Do you fancy climbing St Rumbold’s Tower or would you prefer to sit back and relax during a boat trip? In Mechelen, there’s no chance of being bored.

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.
Malinaxe - Axe throwing Looking for something original? Axe throwing is all about focus, technique and a solid dose of fun.

Heritage

Mechelen breathes heritage: from the unique Art Nouveau Winter Garden and historic churches to the brewing culture of Het Anker Brewery-Distillery. You can feel history everywhere, always on a human scale and close to each other.

Winter Garden of the Ursulines Step into the enchanting world of the former international boarding school for girls in Onze-Lieve-Vrouw-Waver.
Het Anker Brewery-Distillery Het Anker brewery is world famous for its ‘Gouden Carolus’ beer. It is one of Belgium's oldest breweries.
7 Historic Churches Admire seven extraordinary churches, each with its own story and character, scattered throughout the city centre.

vriendinnen kijken naar postkaartjes in Mechelse straat

Sunday shopping

Mechelen is alive! You’ll notice this when you stroll along the trendy boutiques in Onze-Lieve-Vrouwestraat or walk along IJzerenleen, where you can relax between shops. Every first Sunday of the month is Shopping Sunday. The shops are then open from 1 pm to 6 pm.

SHOPPING IN MECHELEN

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 - Hombeek Plateau Hombeek Plateau spans the former independent municipalities of Hombeek, Leest and Heffen.
Cycling circuit Walem - Heffen - Battel The water and villages around Mechelen make for photogenic cycling destinations, where you can unwind.
Cycling circuit Mechelen - Winter Garden This route leads you through green and blue to an art nouveau gem, in a former international girls’ boarding school.

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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Mechelen on Sunday

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Languages

Walking in the city

Sightseeing

If walls could talk

Museums

Attractions

Heritage

Sunday shopping

Walking and cycling in nature

Parks in and around Mechelen

Fun for kids

Plan your visit

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Tourist office Visit Mechelen

Sunday shopping

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