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Visit Belgium once and you wouldn’t want to pack your bags. When you walk about this charming city and note the plethora of popular tourist attractions in Mechelen that dot the streets, you may get the impression that it is a unique travel destination.
And in this Mechelen blog I’ll share with you some of my top things to do in Mechelen.
In my opinion, 3 days in Mechelen is good time to see the best that city has to offer. But if you can add 2-3 days more you’d be able to experience rather than ‘see’ that an ordinary tourist does. Here is a combined list of best tourist places in Mechelen as well as some of the best things to do in Mechelen.
1. Saint Rumbold’s Cathedral
Saint Rumbold’s Cathedral is a charming old Cathedral located in the city of Mechelen, Belgium.
Don’t forget to climb to the top of the dome for a bird’s-eye perspective over the square and the surrounding area. The Basilica’s front façade looks stunning, adorned with sculptures of the twelve Apostles and Jesus.
Quick Facts:
- Touching a height of 97 m, the cathedral was built in 13th-century.
- Brought to life by the architect Jean d’Oisy, cathedral is a classic example of fine Brabantine Gothic.
- The highlight of the place includes van Dyck paintings.
Address: Onder-Den-Toren 12, 2800 Mechelen, Belgium
2. Planckendael
A popular zoo in Mechelen, Planckendael shelters a variety of animals.
Start with the educational center, it has a wealth of information on some of the top residential animals of the zoo. Children can interact with and feed the animals at the zoo.
Quick Facts:
- Some of the notable animals include Khaing Phyo Phyo (Asian elephant), Suki, Baridi, May Tagu, Qiyo, Sarah, Kai-Mook, Rani, Tun Kai, Ravi, Maji, Yu Yu Yin, Twiga, Dumbo, Barbie, Saleye, Baby Q, Raman, Tarzen, Diamant.
- The zoo is located on the grounds of Planckendael castle.
- The zoo was opened on 1956.
A natural crowd puller, Planckendael is right up there in the list of best things to do in Mechelen.
Address: Leuvensesteenweg 582, 2812 Mechelen, Belgium
3. Technopolis
A playful science center with hands-on science activities and special events.
You know you can indulge your curiosity with hours worth of audiovisual content. The sheer diversity of topics covered in these galleries will keep you interested throughout.
Address: Technologielaan 1, 2800 Mechelen, Belgium
4. Grote Markt
Grote Markt is the main square located in the central Mechelen.
This is where various festivals, concerts and carnivals are held throughout the year.
Without a doubt this wonderful main square is one amongst the top things to do in Mechelen.
5. Fort Breendonk
A concentration camp, Fort Breendonk has a dreaded past.
Quick Facts:
- Fort Breendonk is housed in an old fort surrounded by a moat.
- Grab the audio guide on your way, it’s quite helpful.
Address: Brandstraat 57, 2830 Willebroek, Belgium
6. Kazerne Dossin – Memorial
Kazerne Dossin – Memorial is a museum highlighting the worse, the atrocities committed against the people of the region.
If you are visiting Mechelen, you must also visit Kazerne Dossin – Memorial to pay your respect to the victims. A little eerie and dreary attraction, but still an essential part of Mechelen’s history.
Quick Facts:
- Some of the things Kazerne Dossin – Memorial features include a memorial and barracks from the 18th-century.
- The genocide museum is dedicated to Gypsies and Jews who were killed during WWII.
If you have time, it makes for a nice addition to your Mechelen trip.
Address: Goswin de Stassartstraat 153, 2800 Mechelen, Belgium
7. Vrijbroekpark
Vrijbroekpark is a large landscaped park, an oasis of greenery, located in Mechelen.
This fabulous park was developed with the sole aim to promote the good health of the citizen.
Spring is the season when hundreds of flowers are on full blossom. After a whirlwind tour of the city’s big attractions, the park is almost a necessary stop to take a breather.
Address: Ridder Dessainlaan 65, 2800 Mechelen, Belgium
8. Speelgoedmuseum
Primarily aimed at young children, Speelgoedmuseum can be enjoyed but adults as well.
. There is a children play corner, designed to keep them engaged for hours.
Quick Facts:
- The toy museum was opened on 1982.
Add it to your Mechelen trip if you have time.
Address: Nekkerspoelstraat 21, 2800 Mechelen, Belgium
9. Flemish Béguinages
One of the oldest neighborhood in Mechelen, Flemish Béguinages still retains its nostalgic charm.
Quick Facts:
- The historic neighborhood traces its origin back to 13th century.
- The historic neighborhood houses church buildings.
Address: Nonnenstraat 13, 2800 Mechelen, Belgium
But beyond the famous attractions in Mechelen, there is something that pulls you back again and again, perhaps it’s the city’s charm. In this Mechelen travel blog post, I have listed not just what to see in Mechelen but also what to do.
And it’s not difficult to create an itinerary that includes some of the best tourist attractions in Mechelen. So what are Mechelen sights to see or you have already been here? Let me know in the comments along with your tips and experiences.