St Rumbold's Tower

Dating all the way back to the 13th century, and boasting stunning panoramic views of the city below, no trip to Mechelen is complete without ascending the St Rumbold's Tower. On a clear day, you can even see as far as Brussels and Antwerp.

De Wit Royal Tapestries Manufacturers

Working for private clients and museums, the De Wit Royal Tapestries Manufacturers restore, clean and maintain important tapestries. You can see them at work, admire the historic building they work in and see their prestigious private collection as part of the guided tours that take place every Saturday morning.

Toy Museum

This extensive museum offers more than just the chance to see the toys of your childhood behind glass display cases. You can also relive some of those precious memories by getting hands on and actually playing some of the games.

Technopolis

Technopolis is another interactive museum, this time focussed on science and technology. The exhibitions encourage learning through participation and are split into different categories that include sport, practical and CSI. Visitors have the opportunity to land a plane by themselves, virtually dissect animals in 3D and stand inside a soap bubble.

Palaces Of Margaret of York and Margaret of Austria

These historical buildings stand opposite each other and were once the residences of Margaret of Austria, Regent of the Hapsburg Netherlands, and her stepgranddaughter Margaret of York. There is a lot of history on display here, as well as some beautiful gardens.

Hof van Busleyden Museum

Hof van Busleyden is a Renaissance Palace completed by influential intellectual Jeroen van Busleyden in 1516. This former residence is now a museum which is dedicated to works by Flemish artists from the Burgundian era. The museum is currently being refurbished and will open again in 2018.

Kazerne Dossin – Memorial Museum and Documentation Centre on the Holocaust & Human Rights

During WWII, the barracks here were used as a transit camp for thousands of Belgian Jews before they were taken on to concentration camps. Today's museum captures their harrowing story and tries to explain what life would have been like for them during the Holocaust.

't Nieuw Werk

Situated in the heart of the city, in the shadow of the Cathedral is this cosy and atmospheric restaurant. Serving traditional and seasonal dishes, there is a contemporary twist to everything on the menu here.

Nostradam

Nostradam is the place for diners seeking something out-of-the ordinary, and a venue where no chair or table matches, and no plate or glass is the same. The menu features a wide selection catering to all dietary needs.

Karimata

Moored in the heart of Mechelen is this top-quality boat restaurant, serving traditional Greek recipes with a modern twist.
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Things To Try

Mechelen Koekoek

This local speciality is both the name of a crossbreed chicken and a dish which features the bird. In the dish, the meat is roasted, covered in a local beer sauce and served with some fresh vegetables.

Moon-Shaped Pralines and Biscuits

The Belgians do chocolates and pralines better than most countries, so you can't go wrong when trying some of the local sweet treats. Because the people of Mechelen have the nickname 'Maneblussers' of 'Moon Extinguishers' (read the rather amusing reason why here), many of the biscuits and chocolates are shaped like crescent moons.

Het Anker Brewery

Famous for its 'Gouden Carolus' beer, and founded in 1369, Het Anker is one of Belgium's oldest breweries.

Winter Garden of the Ursuline nuns

Part of a magnificent complex, the Winter Garden is a magnificent example of Art Nouveau architecture and design and showcasing unparalleled stain glass windows. ‍

Vrijbroekpark

This large park area is on the outskirts of the city and is a great place to relax. You can admire the beautiful Rose Garden or take part in one of the many sporting activities that are available.

Large Beguinage

A Beguinage is housing complex built for communities of religious women during known as Beguines. These were cities inside the city, with their own churches, bakeries, nursing homes and even breweries, and the largest one in Mechelen has been given UNESCO World Heritage status.

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