A dip in the history & greenery of gorgeous Mechelen

People think of Mechelen (Malines in French) as the best-located place in Belgium, and it is so for a good reason. The town is situated exactly between Brussels and Antwerp, very close to Leuven, pretty near to the famous Plankendael animal park, and not far from the beautiful river Nete and the unspoiled nature along its banks. Nestled there, Mechelen is only a 20-minute train journey from Antwerp, Leuven and Brussels. It is also quite reachable by bike, which many people prefer. Its location is not the only perk that attracts people. Mechelen boasts a rich history and was among the top ten progressive European cities of the future, three times in a row. It even has its own very popular beer brand – “Gouden Carоlus”! Mechelen's pride is based not only on its old captivating history but also contemporary developments forged by young and creative people, who help the town keep developing and make it one of the best places to live in Belgium. So, do not miss the chance to dip into the history and greenery of gorgeous Mechelen and its surroundings.

Saint Rumbold’s Tower

With its 514 steps and 49 huge authentic bells, the Cathedral St. Rumbold is visible from everywhere and is the city's main attraction, situated at the Grote Markt (the Big Square). Saint Rumbold is a metropolitan archiepiscopal cathedral founded around 1200 and dedicated to the Christian missionary and martyr Saint Rumbold. After he had passed away, his body was buried within the cathedral. His remains are still there until today, but nobody remembers exactly where. Rumor has it that if you, walking in the cathedral, accidentally step on Rumbold grave, his ghost will appear before you and bless you with wisdom and humility until the rest of your life. In conclusion - watch your step.

Cathedral St. Rumbold, Mechelen

Onder-Den-Toren 12, 2800 Mechelen, Belgium

The Grote Markt

The Grote Markt of Mechelen is a nice place for a walk, very quiet during the day and a crazy party venue at night. It is a very atmospheric and instagrammable square, right in the heart of Mechelen, surrounded by various restaurants and bars. You will feel like in a fairy tale under the shadow of the Rumbord’s Cathedral and all the exquisite Gothic buildings. Every Sunday, Grote Markt lives up to its name and turns into a market for local producers. Homemade cheese and charcuterie, fragrant warm bread, home-brewed beer, wine, fruit, vegetables, fish and even flowers are part of the diverse range of products on offer at the Sunday market. So, bring your biggest shopping basket and get ready for a feast!  

A little beer journey

When the Belgians hears "Mechelen", they think of "Gouden Carolus". This famous beer has been brewed since 1433 and is the local pride. The beer was named after the gold coins of Emperor Charles and is now produced by Het Anker, the main brewery of Mechelen. The brewery itself is open for visitors and offers a great experience, a lot of beer and an amazing restaurant where you can taste the genuine Flemish stew.

Every year, on 24 February, Mechelen celebrates the birth of Charles Quint. Het Anker Brewery brews a special limited-edition beer called Gouden Carolus Cuvée van de Keizer Imperial Dark, and you can buy and taste it on this particular day only. This beer was selected as “World's Best Belgian Style Strong” in 2015 and is the perfect mélange of roasted malts, plums and caramel.

If you want to go a bit off the beaten track, one of the most iconic bars to enjoy a good craft beer in Mechelen is undoubtedly the Hanekeef Café (D’Hanekeef). Also known as “The Place with All the Roosters”, this is the oldest and longest-running pub around. It opened its doors in 1950 and immediately turned into the hub of the local social life. Today, D’Hanekeef is still the same popular folk café-bar and offers over 50 kinds of beer to its customers. A bar for the people, a local icon, and an old school pub - the Hanekeef Café is the best place for every true beer lover.

Het Anker Brewery, Mechelen

Guido Gezellelaan 49, 2800 Mechelen, Belgium

Hanekeef Café, D'Hanekeef, Mechelen

Keizerstraat 8, 2800 Mechelen, Belgium

Arboretum Wespelaar

The Arboretum Wespelaar was started in the 1970’s by the dendrologist Philippe de Spoelberch. He began with his botanical collection by planting the plants rare in Belgium in the north of his garden, which later became the Arboretum Wespelaar. Before that, the grounds used to be the property of Elisabeth Willems, the Viscountess of Spoelberch. Today, the Arboretum is a gorgeous garden where you can discover over 2 000 different species on grounds spanning over 20-hectares. The place is so clean you could walk barefoot on the grass and the unpaved roads, among magnolia trees, wisteria plants and roses. Just like Alice in Wonderland.

Arboretum Wespelaar

Grote Baan 63, 3150 Haacht, Belgium

Tivoli Nature Park

Another picturesque gift of nature is the Tivoli Domain. It is a stunning big park that features an animal farm, a lake with a castle, a terrace-restaurant and an attractive playground for children. Tivoli Park is ideal for finishing your walk with a picnic after feeding the pigs or petting the donkeys. There is a small horse-riding school if you fancy equestrianism. The castle of Domain Tivoli was built in the Neoclassical style back in 1802 as a residence of the brewer Cornelle Scheppers and is today open for visitors.

Domain Tivoli, Mechelen

Antwerpsesteenweg 94, 2800 Mechelen, Belgium

A long and full of surprises experience awaits you if you want to explore the greenery and the history of gorgeous Mechelen, located in one of the most beautiful and progressive regions of Belgium. Everyone who has visited the area comes back again and again because the pleasant emotions here never end, and there is always something new to see and do.