Mechelen ( Belgium ) is a small city located just half an hour from Brussels. A flamenco corner where chapters of the history of Spain were written. Mechelen is a home to around only 86,000 people and a rather small town. It is worth walking around it and discovering the most emblematic places of its historic center surrounded by the arms into which the Dyle River is divided.

This city is a concentrate of art. Mechelen has over 300 monuments in a piece of land. You know the best things about Mechelen is that you don’t need to spend a single penny on transport! Mechelen is a small city meaning you can get by on foot.

Places to Visit in Mechelen

#1 Grote Markt

In Mechelen there is a large market square, the Grote Market. The Grote Markt (Great Plaza), is the main square located in the center of the city. The square is dominated by the San Romualdo tower and is visible from any angle. On the opposite side is the town hall and the square is surrounded by houses of different times and styles, of which the Renaissance of the 17th century and the Rococo of the 17th century.

#2 Cathedral of San Rumoldo

Cathedral of San Rumoldo, which is located next to the Grote Markt. This cathedral, built in the 13th century, impresses not only on the outside but also on the inside. Visiting hours are every day from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

#3 St Rumbold’s Tower

Tower of San Rumoldo, the largest bell tower in Flanders, it is recognized as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO and one of the symbols of the city. It is essential to climb the 97 meters that the tower measures.

#4 Museum Hof van Busleyden

In Mechelen a new destination not to be missed is the new Hof van Busleyden museum. Hof van Busleyden is the perfect place to immerse yourself in one of the most splendid periods in the history of Flanders: between 1348 and 1482.

You can visit:

Kazerne Dossin – Memorial
Zoo Planckendael : Located on the grounds of Planckendael castle in the village district of Muizen, in Mechelen.

If i have left any popular place to visit in Mechelen feel free to share it in the comments below!