Mechelen

🎭 Activities

Beer Festival – February: Mechelen Beer Festival celebrates Belgian brewing culture with an impressive selection of local beers. Visitors can explore the rich history of Belgian brewing while enjoying tastings from a variety of local breweries and engaging with brewers about their craft. 

Mechelen Christmas Market – December: The Mechelen Christmas Market turns the city into a festive paradise with holiday lights, charming stalls, and warm mulled wine. It’s a great spot to shop for handmade gifts, sample local treats, and experience the holiday spirit in a historical setting. 

Zythos Beer Festival – April: This beer festival is dedicated to Belgium’s rich brewing traditions, with over 150 Belgian beers available for tasting. It’s a fantastic opportunity for beer lovers to sample a wide range of brews, meet local brewers, and learn more about Belgian beer culture. 

Mechelen International Film Festival – November: The Mechelen International Film Festival brings a selection of indie and international films to the city. It’s an excellent way to immerse yourself in diverse cinematic stories, with screenings, workshops, and film-related events happening throughout the festival. 

Mechelen Jazz Festival – May: Jazz enthusiasts flock to Mechelen for this festival, which features performances from top jazz musicians. The festival takes place in multiple venues across the city, offering a mix of indoor and outdoor performances from both local and international talent. 

Mechelen Flower Show – May: The Mechelen Flower Show brings floral enthusiasts together for an impressive exhibition of flowers, plants, and gardening tools. It’s a colorful event that offers gardening workshops, plant sales, and a chance to learn about the latest trends in horticulture. 

Mechelen Theater Festival – June: This festival showcases a wide range of theatrical performances, from avant-garde plays to classical productions. It’s an opportunity for visitors to see local and international artists perform in unique venues around the city. 

Mechelen Open Monuments Day – September: Open Monuments Day in Mechelen provides free access to many of the city’s historical landmarks. Visitors can explore churches, museums, and even private properties that are usually not open to the public, allowing for an in-depth look at the city’s rich history. 

Mechelen Craft Beer Walk – March: A guided tour through Mechelen’s craft beer scene, where participants stop at various bars and microbreweries to taste locally brewed beer. It’s a fun way to explore the city while discovering its growing craft beer scene. 

Mechelen Circus Festival – October: A fun and family-friendly event that celebrates the world of circus arts. The Mechelen Circus Festival brings together local and international circus performers, offering thrilling shows and workshops for all ages. 

Mechelen Summer Concerts – July: In July, the city hosts open-air concerts featuring a variety of musical genres. The concerts are held in public spaces such as parks and squares, offering a perfect way to enjoy the summer evenings with live music. 

Mechelen Medieval Festival – August: Mechelen’s Medieval Festival takes visitors back in time with historical reenactments, jousting tournaments, and medieval music. The city is transformed into a medieval village, where you can immerse yourself in the sights, sounds, and flavors of the past. 

🔹 Small Facts

St. Rumbold’s Cathedral: The exterior of this impressive Gothic cathedral can be admired for free. Its stunning architecture is one of the highlights of the city, with intricate details and a towering bell tower. 

Mechelen Beguinage: The Beguinage is a serene, peaceful place to visit. While it’s free to stroll through the historical site, visitors can enjoy the lovely gardens and picturesque surroundings of the UNESCO-listed community. 

Mechelen’s City Center: Walking through Mechelen’s charming city center is free, where you’ll find colorful squares, narrow streets, and beautiful architecture. It’s the best way to experience the city’s historic atmosphere. 

Beguinage Gardens: The garden surrounding the Beguinage is free to explore. It’s an excellent place to relax and enjoy a moment of peace amidst the natural beauty of the area. 

Mechelen Canal Walk: The canals in Mechelen provide a great setting for a leisurely walk. Visitors can explore the city’s picturesque waterfront for free while enjoying the peaceful atmosphere. 

Free City Walking Tours: Mechelen offers free walking tours, allowing visitors to explore the city’s rich history with a knowledgeable guide. The tours usually operate on a tip-based system, making it an affordable and informative experience. 

Mechelen Public Parks: Mechelen has several public parks, such as the Vrijbroekpark, which are free to visit. These parks are perfect for a stroll, picnic, or simply relaxing outdoors. 

Mechelen’s Market Square: The Market Square is free to explore, offering a lively atmosphere with plenty of cafés and shops. It’s a perfect place to soak in the local culture and admire the historical buildings around you. 

Mechelen’s City Hall: The exterior of Mechelen’s City Hall is free to view and is a fine example of Flemish Gothic architecture. The building’s intricate facade is a must-see for visitors interested in historical landmarks. 

Mechelen’s Public Art: The city is home to several impressive public art installations and sculptures, which can be appreciated for free. These pieces add a modern twist to the city’s historical environment. 

The River Dijle Walk: The River Dijle runs through Mechelen, and walking along its banks offers beautiful views of the city and surrounding nature. It’s a tranquil way to explore the city at no cost. 

Kazerne Dossin Memorial Gardens: While there is a fee to enter the museum at Kazerne Dossin, the memorial gardens surrounding the site are free to explore. It’s a peaceful place to reflect and pay respect to those who suffered during World War II. 

Mechelen’s Street Markets: The city’s street markets are free to visit and offer a great way to experience local life. You can browse fresh produce, flowers, and artisan goods while enjoying the vibrant atmosphere. 

Mechelen’s Old City Walls: Mechelen has remnants of its old city walls scattered throughout the city. These can be explored for free, offering a glimpse into the city’s medieval past. 

Mechelen’s Memorials: The city is home to several memorials and statues that commemorate its history, including tributes to important historical figures. Many of these memorials can be viewed for free while walking through the city.