Visit Mechelen in 2 days
20 must-see POIs, optimized routes and anecdotes.
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You will visit the most beautiful points of interest in Mechelen
Two Days in Mechelen — A Charming Short Escape
Mechelen stole my heart the moment I stepped off the train. The city feels like a warm conversation between old brick and ringing bells. Often called the carillon city and the heart of Flanders, Mechelen hums with quiet pride. Some people say it’s too small to be worth a visit, but that idea melts fast here. I still remember the first time I wandered up to Saint Rumbold Tower and felt my breath catch.
Why visit Mechelen? Because the city rewards curiosity. Beyond famous sights, it’s the slow rhythm of canals, the smell of brewing grain, and cobbled streets that invite lingering. Walk IJzerenleen at golden hour and watch shopfronts glow. Lose yourself in the calm of Rik Wouters Garden. Sip a crisp local beer at Lamot Brewery and listen for the bells from Saint Rumbold Tower. This two days in Mechelen trip is a feast for the senses. You’ll taste crisp waffles, hear carillons, and feel centuries of history underfoot.
Planning travel can feel overwhelming. There’s so much to see you could spend weeks here. If you’re visiting for the first time, I get the pressure to cram everything in. That’s why this Mechelen itinerary focuses on the highlights without rushing you. Below, I’ll show you exactly how to spend 2 days in Mechelen to maximize pleasure and minimize panic. Expect twenty lovely spots, from Hof van Kamerijk to hidden courtyards, all chosen to make your short stay sing.
One crucial tip before we start: head to Saint Rumbold Tower early in the morning. The light is softer, crowds are thinner, and the view rewards patience. Early starts let you enjoy museums and gardens at a relaxed pace later. This approach keeps your days joyful, not frantic. Ready for adventure? Now let’s dive into the itinerary and discover what to see in Mechelen when it’s your first time in Mechelen!
Quick Mini Guide to Mechelen
Where to stay:
- Base yourself in the compact historic centre near IJzerenleen — easy walking access to cafés, shops and Saint Rumbold Tower.
- Choose a riverside room by the Dijle or a boutique hotel inside a converted heritage building (quieter evenings).
When to visit:
- Spring–early autumn for open-air carillon concerts and terrace weather.
- Weekdays are calmer; Saturdays bring local markets along IJzerenleen and lively brewery crowds.
Things to do:
- Climb Saint Rumbold Tower for panoramic views and catch a live carillon performance if possible.
- Stroll IJzerenleen for shopping and historic façades, then explore the intimate Hof van Kamerijk courtyard.
- Visit Lamot Brewery for tastings and riverfront seating; book a slot at The Alchemist MECHELEN for a hands-on cocktail/beer experience.
- See local art at the Rik Wouters Garden and combine with the Walter Case MECHELEN interactive tour for immersive local stories.
Don't forget:
- Book tower access and interactive tours in advance—slots fill quickly.
- Carry a compact umbrella and comfortable shoes for cobbled streets; many venues are cashless.
Day 1 - Mechelen
10 POIs to discoverDay 1 - Morning à Mechelen
5 Points of interest - Duration : 3h45 - Distance : 2.1 km - Walking : 0h27
Margaret of Austria
- Margaret of Austria (1480 - 1530) was born to Maximilian of Austria and Marie of Burgundy.
- She was the aunt of the future emperor Charles V.
- Among other things, she was governor of the Low Countries and promoted the rise of Mechelen as the capital of the Netherlands.
- She had a brilliant career, but was unhappy in love.
- Three of her engagements ended in tragic deaths.
- These trials plunged her into deep mourning, and she wore mourning clothes for the rest of her life.
- The statue was initially placed on the Grand-Place in front of City Hall, surrounded by a wrought-iron fence, before being moved in 2004 to the Schoenmarkt.
Kazerne Dossin
- The Kazerne Dossin is a Holocaust memorial, museum and documentation centre focused on Holocaust and Human Rights.
- Between 1942 and 1944, the location served as SS-Sammellager Mecheln, a Nazi collection and deportation camp where 25,274 Jews and 354 Romani people were sent to concentration camps.
- Two-thirds of the deported individuals from SS-Sammellager Mecheln were killed upon arrival at the concentration camps; only 1,395 survived by the end of the Holocaust.
- Following World War II, the former infantry barracks were partially renovated into civil housing, and the ground floor and basement became the Jewish Museum of Deportation and Resistance in 1995.
- In 2001, the Flemish Government expanded the site with a new museum complex, opening in September 2012 under the current name.
- In 2019 and 2020, significant resignations occurred at Kazerne Dossin due to disagreements about the focus of the memorial and allegations of politicizing the site in relation to current Israeli-Palestinian issues.
Hof van Savoye
- The Hof van Savoye, also known as the Palace of Margaret of Austria, was built in the early 16th century and is one of the first Renaissance buildings in Northern Europe.
- The palace was initially a house granted to Archduchess Margaret of Austria, who found it too small and launched an expansion project in 1507. Architect Rombout II Keldermans contributed significantly to the expansion and modification of the palace between 1517 and 1530.
- Historian Eric Ives mentions that the palace's inner courtyard and southern wing inspired the design of the Palace of Whitehall built for Anne Boleyn in the 1530s.
- In 1546, an explosion from the city gate caused repairable damage to the palace, which was owned by the city until 1561.
- The building was bought back by the city in 1609 and served as the headquarters of the Great Council of the Netherlands from 1616 to 1795.
- It now houses the lower courts and is known as the Gerechtshof (Court of Justice).
Paardenstraatje
- The first houses on the street date back to the 14th century. They were home to day laborers, lace makers and various artisans.
- At number 3, a visitor center allows you to see archaeological remains from the era.
Opsinjoorke's statue
- Opsinjoorke is a character from Flemish and Malinois folklore, depicting a small, portly man with a moustache, symbolizing the drunkard who mistreats his wife and is thrown into the air by his neighbors as punishment.
- Every year, a wooden puppet representing Opsinjoorke is exhibited at large processions and parades, thrown into the air using a large linen sheet and caught in the same way.
- Opsinjoorke's roots can be traced back to Spain, where a similar tradition exists with a character named El Pelele.
- The name "Opsinjoorke" was bestowed during an incident in 1775, when the puppet was thrown into the crowd and provoked a brawl.
Day 1 - Afternoon à Mechelen
5 Points of interest - Duration : 3h30 - Distance : 1.2 km - Walking : 0h16
Saint Rumbold Tower
- Construction of the current tower of Sint-Rombout Cathedral began around 1452.
- Initially planned to reach a height of 167m, it ended up being no more than 97m.
- The current tower houses the crane room, the forge, the bell chamber, the clock room, the carillon chamber with two carillons, the ash cellar, and provides access to the Skywalk footbridge offering panoramic views over the city.
- It is one of 56 church belfries and bell towers in Belgium and France.
- Mechelen is the capital of carillon.
- A century ago, the very first carillon school in the world was founded here.
- Mechelen has 6 carillons, 2 of which are in this tower.
- They can be heard playing up to 8 times an hour!
Hof van Kamerijk
- Marguerite of York moved to Mechelen after the death of her husband, Charles the Bold, in 1477.
- The palace later became the Keizershof and hosted princes, princesses and even Emperor Charles V.
- The building included a court of honor, a garden, a council chamber, stables, a palm court, a shooting range and a bathhouse.
- After the death of Margaret of York in 1503, the residence moved to Leuven, but Margaret's children, notably Philip the Handsome, later returned here.
- Parties, balls, board games, puppet shows and musical activities have enlivened life at the palace over the centuries. The building was restored in 1893 and today houses the city's theater.
Rik Wouters Garden
- The garden pays homage to the now-filled Melaan River and to the artist Rik Wouters.
- It lies north of the Dyle, in an area once dotted with canals.
- Rik Wouters (1882-1916) was a Belgian fauvist artist, known for his paintings, sculptures, drawings and engravings. Nel Deurinckx, his wife and muse, was a frequent subject of his works, expressing the intimate relationship between the artist and his muse.
- His work was characterized by the bold use of color, the creation of harmonious contrasts and the exploration of light.
Saint Rumbold Cathedral
- Saint Rumbold, Christian missionary and martyr, founded an abbey near the cathedral.
- His remains are believed to be buried inside.
- Construction of the cathedral began around 1200 and was completed in 1520 in the Brabant Gothic style. Initially planned to reach 167m in height, the tower added from 1452 ultimately stands no higher than 97m.
- The tower is reached by a 514-step staircase, and many tourists climb these steps every year to enjoy the panoramic view (Sky Walk).
- The cathedral is home to two carillons dating from 1919 and 1957.
- The larger organ has 49 bells, the largest of which, the Salvator drone, weighs 8 tons.
- The cathedral's interior features a Baroque altar, paintings by Anthony van Dyck and stained glass windows, including one depicting the painting of the Black Madonna.
Grote Markt
- The Grote Markt is the meeting point of the city center, adorned with many old and historic buildings, including the medieval town hall (to the east).
- It's also the center of events and festivals, offering magnificent views of important buildings such as the Sint-Rombouts Cathedral (to the northwest) and the Aldermen's House (to the southwest).
- Iconic buildings such as Sint-Romboutstoren Cathedral and the Aldermen's House are visible from the square.
- The square is bustling with brasseries, restaurants and terraces welcoming many tourists, locals and events, festivals and public markets.
Day 2 - Mechelen
10 POIs to discoverDay 2 - Morning à Mechelen
5 Points of interest - Duration : 3h45 - Distance : 0.4 km - Walking : 0h05
IJzerenleen
- In the past, a canal ran through the middle of IJzerenleen, where boats docked to sell fish in the Middle Ages.
- In front of the Town Hall (Schepenhuis), which separates IJzerenleen from the Grand-Place, stood the butcher's shop (Vleeshuis) and the house of the archers' guild (Huis Sint-Rumoldus), both destroyed during a German bombardment in 1914.
- The name "IJzerenleen" comes from the iron railings beside the brook, which have been there despite the brook's arch since the 16th century.
- The 15th, 16th and 17th century facades were rebuilt after the destruction of the First World War.
Lamot Brewery
- The brewing history of this location dates back to 1627 with the De Croon brewery. Over the generations, several members of the Lamot family have become involved in beer brewing.
- After the construction of a new brewery in 1922, production increased considerably, and the company made several acquisitions to support its growth.
- In 1970, Lamot joined the Bass Charrington group, before being successively acquired by different companies, eventually becoming a small part of Anheuser-Busch InBev.
Ludwig Van Beethoven
- Ludwig van Beethoven (1770-1827) was a German composer, musician and conductor who played a major role in the evolution of classical music towards Romanticism.
- Born in Germany and spending much of his life in Vienna, he owes his Dutch surname "van" instead of the German "von" to his ancestors, originally from Mechelen.
- His music was influenced by his grandfather Lodewijk van Beethoven, a talented singer who received singing and organ lessons, and who lived in Mechelen before moving to Germany.
- Ludwig composed many major works despite his progressive deafness. His compositions include symphonies, sonatas, concertos and choral works.
- He has been recognized as one of the most influential and innovative composers of all time.
Vismarkt
- In the Middle Ages, fish sales had flourished in Mechelen since the 13th centuryl.
- The original fish market was located on the IJzerenleen, not on the current site of the Vismarkt.
- Margaret of Austria, ruler of the Netherlands on behalf of her nephew Emperor Charles V, demanded that the fish market be moved here to the banks of the Dyle because of the olfactory nuisance.
- The Vismarkt was then established in the 16th century with the demolition of the houses along the water, and in 1613 a gallery was built to cover the market.
- Many of the buildings on the Vismarkt still bear reminders of the past, such as the controversial hippie café De Verloren Zoon and former industrial buildings turned into restaurants, like the Hotel Vé et Merad.
- The Vismarkt hosts various annual events such as Vis-Pop, Make-a-Fish and the Dijlefeesten.
The Great Salmon (weighing house)
- In 1301, Mechelen obtained the right to store salt, and the quai near the Grootbrug Bridge was renamed "Zoutwerf" (Salt Wharf). Of particular note are the houses "De Waag" (The Balance) and "De Steur" (The Sturgeon), used for weighing goods and as a warehouse, respectively. The former corporate house of the fishmongers, "In den Grooten Zalm" (On the Big Salmon), features a Renaissance facade reflecting the wealth of the corporation. In the 17th century, the small house "Innehuysken" was destroyed in a fire, but the corporations rebuilt it as "De kleine Zalm" (The Little Salmon).
Day 2 - Afternoon à Mechelen
5 Points of interest - Duration : 4h00 - Distance : 1.4 km - Walking : 0h18
Botanical garden
- Since the Middle Ages, the park has been used as a garden for the Pitzemburg Commandery.
- The park is home to the famous Rembert Dodoens botanist's stand, as well as other artistic sculptures.
- In 1580, Carolus Clusius planted the first potatoes here.
- In the 19th century, an English landscape garden design was introduced for members of the Royal Horticultural Society, after which the park became accessible to the public.
- Every year, the park hosts Parkpop, a free festival held every Thursday evening in July and August.
Pitzemburg Commandery
- The commandery was founded around 1200 by the Order of Teutonic Knights during the crusades in Palestine.
- Its buildings have evolved considerably over time.
- The portal dates from 1664, the residential wing from 1736.
- The commandery's gardens, covering around 8ha, were loaned to the "Société Royale d'Horticulture" in the 19th century. In 1832, the buildings were converted into a communal college, then transformed into an athenaeum in 1881.
- The park, which then became a botanical garden (kruidtuin), housed a greenhouse for medicinal plants, which disappeared in 1960.
Volmolen
- The Volmolen (or Spuihuis) is an old water mill dating from the 15th century.
- Its lock regulated the level of the Dijle and powered other mills.
- It was part of a complex of 7 different mills, including a grain mill, a bark mill and a fulling (wool) mill.
- A violent fire in September 1823 destroyed several of the mills, but some were saved thanks to the efforts of citizens and soldiers.
- In the 20th century, mill activity ceased for good, and a Via Via travelers' café has now found its place there.
- Between 1537 and 1549, at least 4 women were executed for heresy and thrown into the Dijle near the mill.
Rembert Dodoens
- Rembert Dodoens (1517-1585) was a Flemish physician and botanist, considered the father of botany.
- His most notable work is the "Cruydboeck" (1554), an illustrated work of herbalism that describes numerous native and exotic plants.
- He introduced important innovations by classifying plants according to their visual characteristics rather than alphabetically. His work had a significant influence on pharmacy by providing detailed information on the properties and use of medicinal plants.
- Dodoens was Professor of Medicine at the University of Leiden and also served as court physician to Emperor Maximilian II and his successor, Austrian Emperor Rudolph II.
Kraanbrug
- The Kraanbrug is a metal swing bridge spanning the Dijle River.
- The bridge is actually a combination of a swing bridge and a masonry arch.
- The name of the bridge does not come from the type of bridge (swing bridge), but is derived from the fact that a wooden crane stood near the bridge, on the Haverwerf.
- These cranes were operated by the human power of "kraankinderen".
- The first mention of a crane dates back to 1311.
- The last crane was demolished in 1887 due to lack of work.
- The current bridge was built in 1986 and is a replica of the previous metal swing bridge.
Where to Stay in Mechelen
Choosing where to stay in Mechelen matters more for convenience than survival: the city is delightfully compact, and the right base turns two days into a relaxed stroll rather than a schedule of sprints. If your priority is seeing the icons—especially the climbable Saint Rumbold Tower and the lively shopping stretch of IJzerenleen—pick accommodation that lets you step out and immediately soak up the medieval heart. If you prefer a quieter, leafy setting after a day of museums and cafés, a room closer to the gardens and historic courtyards will feel like a small retreat.
Mechelen is organized around its river and market core: the cathedral and tower sit at the visual and geographic centre, streets like IJzerenleen run off the Grote Markt, and historic hofjes such as the Hof van Kamerijk lie within easy walking distance. Cultural sites including the Lamot complex and small sculpture-filled gardens are concentrated near the river, so the city’s main attractions are all walkable from each other. This compact layout means you don’t need to sacrifice comfort for location—an easy stroll will connect you to most sights.
For first-time visitors, staying in the area around the tower and Grote Markt keeps evenings atmospheric and mornings efficient for ticking off highlights like the tower, the museum scene, and the cafés lining IJzerenleen. If you want riverside calm with cultural programming nearby, look toward the Lamot area where the former brewery buildings host exhibitions and events; proximity to Lamot Brewery is ideal for relaxed museum visits and riverside walks. For practical arrivals and departures, a place near Mechelen station or the Nekkerspoel side of town smooths travel connections without isolating you from the centre.
Transport in Mechelen is pleasantly simple: the city is flat and eminently walkable, with good cycling options if you prefer two wheels. Trains between Antwerp and Brussels are frequent, regional buses connect neighbourhoods, and taxis are readily available for late nights. If you’re driving, peripheral parking and short public rides will usually be easier than trying to park in the medieval centre.
Finally, relax about perfection: whether you choose a central room that puts the tower’s bells on your doorstep, a cozy hofje stay for tranquility, or a station-adjacent spot for logistical ease, Mechelen’s size means nothing is far. Prioritize a comfy bed, a welcoming breakfast, and proximity to the kind of mornings you enjoy—then you’ll have two days that feel unhurried, authentic and distinctly Mechelen.
Getting Around Mechelen
Getting around Mechelen is refreshingly simple, even if it’s your first time in Belgium. The city center is compact, most sights are a pleasant stroll from each other, and when you want to go a little further you’ll find a reliable network of buses and trains. The regional buses run by De Lijn and the national rail services of NMBS/SNCB meet at the heart of town, so transfers are quick and well signposted. I love how approachable the system feels — you don’t need to be a transit expert to enjoy it. 🚇
A practical tip: buy your tickets before you board when possible. At the station you can use ticket machines or the official apps, and on buses you can typically purchase a ticket from the driver (or use the app). Consider the official De Lijn app for bus fares and the NMBS/SNCB app for trains; both let you store an e-ticket on your phone. If you prefer plastic, the smart card options are available, but for short visits a single or day train ticket and occasional bus tickets will usually do the trick. Keep small change handy if you need to buy something last minute onboard.
When planning each hop, I rely on Google Maps and the apps mentioned above — they help you compare walking time versus a short bus ride. Because Mechelen’s attractions like the Saint Rumbold Tower and IJzerenleen are so close, Google will often suggest walking routes that are faster than waiting for a bus. That said, if you’re heading to neighborhoods beyond the center or connecting from the train at Mechelen Station, the schedule info in the apps is invaluable for avoiding long waits. 🗺️
Money-saving tip: if you plan several trips in one day, check for a day pass or short-term multi-ride option in the De Lijn app or at the station — it often works out cheaper than buying single tickets for each short hop. Also, walking is free and scenic; Mechelen’s cobbled streets and canals make many journeys enjoyable on foot, so balance rides with strolls to soak up the atmosphere.
On a personal note, one afternoon my partner and I arrived by train, dropped our bags at the station lockers, and walked to the Saint Rumbold Tower. After climbing the tower and snapping photos we strolled down IJzerenleen for coffee, then caught a two-stop bus to Hof van Kamerijk because rain rolled in. The bus was clean, the driver friendly, and the whole trip — from train to tower to courtyard — felt effortless. If I can do it on a rainy day with luggage, you can confidently navigate Mechelen too. 🎫
What to Pack for Mechelen
Short trip, big charm: Mechelen is compact but full of churches, historic streets and quiet parks, so you’ll be on your feet and outdoors most of the day. I once spent a day wandering from St. Rumbold’s Tower to the beguinage and walked about 12 km (7½ miles) in roughly 9 hours — these are the things that made the day easy, not just possible.
1. Comfortable walking shoes (required): I wore my Merrell Moab 2 GTX and my feet stayed happy even after a full-day loop of cobbled streets and park paths. Why it matters: the city’s pavements and stone steps are unforgiving; cushioning + good grip prevents blisters and keeps you exploring longer (I was out for 8–10 hours that day).
2. Cross-body bag (anti-theft): A small zippered cross-body like Pacsafe or any close-to-body bag kept my wallet and camera secure while the Grote Markt got crowded. Why it matters: you’ll be near churches, markets and narrow streets where people brush past you — wearing it across your chest stopped me from worrying and let me enjoy the clock tower ringing.
3. Weather-appropriate layers & a lightweight waterproof: Belgian weather flips quickly. I layered a thin merino tee, a fleece and a packable rain jacket and was comfortable from cool morning to warm afternoon. Why it matters: between morning chills by the canal and sudden showers, layers + a compact waterproof meant I stayed comfortable without lugging a heavy coat.
4. Power adapter (Type E) and a short USB-C cable: Belgium uses Type E plugs, 230V. I charged my camera and phone in my B&B without hunting for adapters. Why it matters: one small plug adapter saves stress when you want to upload photos of the cathedral spire or check opening times — standard hotels may have limited or oddly placed sockets.
5. Power bank (10,000 mAh): I carried a 10,000 mAh power bank and it topped up my phone twice on a long photo-heavy day. Why it matters: navigation, museum ticket apps and taking photos drain battery fast; a reliable power bank keeps you powered through long sightseeing days.
6. Optional: compact umbrella + reusable water bottle: I tucked a 23 cm folding umbrella into my bag and a 500 ml refillable bottle kept me hydrated while exploring parks. Why it matters: small umbrella for unexpected rain, bottle for comfort (fountains and refill points are common) — both tiny in your bag but big in convenience.
Enjoy Your Trip to Mechelen!
In just two days you'll cover 20 delightful spots, packed with history, culture and charming streets. From the soaring Saint Rumbold Tower to the bustling IJzerenleen and the peaceful Hof van Kamerijk, this itinerary gives you everything you need to experience Mechelen’s landmarks, gardens and hidden gems with joyful momentum and easy confidence.
Remember this is a GUIDE, not a strict schedule — be gentle with your plans and keep space for surprises. Leave room for the unexpected: the best moments often come when you wander, get slightly lost, or accept a spontaneous café stop. The magic happens in unplanned moments, so don’t pressure yourself to see EVERYTHING; savor a few places deeply instead.
I hope you feel excited — I’m truly excited for you! Embrace cobbled lanes, grand cathedrals and quiet garden benches, and collect unforgettable memories along the way. You’re going to love Mechelen’s warm atmosphere and layered history; open your eyes and heart, and let the city surprise you.
Want to explore in a playful way? Check out our Coddy tours — The Alchemist MECHELEN and Walter Case MECHELEN — fun, gamified city trails that turn sightseeing into an interactive adventure and help you discover stories you might otherwise miss.
Have fun, travel safely, and don’t hesitate to share your highlights or ask questions when you return — Safe travels!
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