In this series of closer looks at destinations all around the globe, the first post just had to have my own home city in it.
Hidden right in between Antwerp and Brussels, this provincial city is without doubt one of the best hidden gems of Belgium. With as much official monuments as Bruges and a history as home-city of the Habsburgan dynasty, this rather unknown city has all trump cards in her hand.
Mechelen is on the rise again since ten years now. A huge effort has been put in to make the city cleaner, safer, more attractive and more welcoming. And it pays off…
Only twenty minutes by car from Brussels international Airport, the city is much less tourist-trampled than her big neighbours. On top of that, it is the perfect staging area for trips to cities as Brussels and Antwerp, which are both only 20 mintes away.
Sights
Mechelen has been a historic capital of Western Europe for years in the middle ages. The historic city center is absolutely packed with beautiful architecture. The city is dominated by the cathedral of Saint-Rumbold, the patron saint of the city. Make sure you visit the old palace of Charlemange and his aunt, Margareth of Austria.
Spearpoint of the urban renewal the city went through in the last few years, is without doubt the area around ‘Lamot’.
Once an old brewery with all of its warehouses, the rundown neighbourhood is now a modern complex of shops, living quarter, trendy bars and the Lamot museum complex, all along the banks of the river Dijle.
Mechelen prides itself on being a city for children as well, and with the largest country zoo (only a boat-ride away), the toy museum and the children’s science museum, Technopolis, Mechelen truly deserves the title ‘Children’s City’
Transportation
Mechelen can easily be done on foot. In fact, its the best way to explore the historic city. Bus routes run throughout the city and connect you to the sights that are situated outside the inner city. The city has built a ‘River Bank Water Walk’, a pedestrian boardwalk on the water of the River Dijle, throughout the city, away from traffic.
Water is indeed never far away in Mechelen, and the boat rides on the river Dyle are a fun way to discover the city from another viewpoint. Mind your head when going underneath a medieval bridge though !
With two railway stations, the rest of Belgium is never far away. Antwerp and Brussels are only twenty minutes away by train, as is the airport. Intercity busses are a bit cheaper, but take you longer.
Food&Drinks
Mechelen is the city of young urbanites, who sure know and love the finer cuisines. The city is absolutely packed with interesting pubs and restaurants.
Be sure to check out the ‘Vismarket’ (fish market). The small market place, on the right bank of the river Dyle transforms into a trendy quarter at night (or on sunny afternoons).
De Gouden Vis (the golden fish), hidden in a narrow alleyway, caters a typical atmosphere. With its’ Art Deco exterior and classical interior, its well known as a good pub to talk the night away.
Atlas is a small but cosy world kitchen restaurant which caters delicious food from all over the world. Well-known, a reservation up front is no luxury.
Finding a decent restaurant isn’t hard at all in Mechelen. Just stroll around the city center and you’ll find one on every corner.
Mechelen has always been a city of breweries, and even although most of them have vanished throughout the history, Brewery Het Anker nowadays brews the popular city beer Golden Carolus. The brewery doesn’t only offer tours, it also has a restaurant and pub, specialised in the beers they brew. The brewery is the place to get emerged into the local (strong) beers.
Nightlife
Mille , once a fish store, is now a trendy cocktail bar annex night club which serves a nice fusion kitchen.
Barramundo is a trendy lounge bar and fusion restaurant in the shadow of the Saint-Rumbold-tower. It often offers live DJ sets, a great atmosphere and a large selection of cocktails and spirits.
Looking for latin beats, knock-out cocktails and a party that lasts until dawn ?
Then Bar Popular on the Vismarkt is your place-to-be. Make sure to order a cab afterwards to get home.
Mechelen has two shopping streets, but for true shopping spree, I advice going to Brussels or Antwerp. You can find almost any Belgian specialty (beer and chocolates) in Mechelen as well though. Make sure to sample and buy some of the local beer, the Golden Carolus, as well.
Paté du Chef, located at the Vismarkt (where else) is a shop specialised in all the things you absolutely don’t need but want to indulge yourself.
De Goesting specialises in gourmet food and ingredients for exclusive cooking. They also offer a wide array of world wines and spirits.
Dream, at the trendy Haverwerf (Lamot), is the place for gifts.
Photo Gallery
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