Overview
A journey into Burgundian Belgium
As Low Season Travellers we dream of authentic experience, not manufactured tourist hubs where you are shoulder to shoulder with clicking cameras and selfie poses. Mechelen is the epitome of this vibe. It’s a city steeped in history and stories and inhabited by cosmopolitan but very local population. Stories of its regal history abound as well as tales of love and legacy. One of my favourites was the cause of the great city fire of 1546. Imagine the misfortune of being struck by lightning and then imagine the misfortune of the place being struck by lightening containing the cities supply of gunpowder!
In between the walls of the old city, you can see the architecture is a heady mix of gothic, renaissance and rococo and you can swiftly move from busy bustling city squares to old, cobbled alleys that you might expect to find in a country village. When the city was rebuilt, it was planned so that you can never be more than 300 meters from a green space. Forward thinking for the time.
The people of Mechelen, known as Mecheleners, are warm and welcoming and bring their own particular calmness and steadiness to the ideal of a Belgian. The city avoids the huge crowds that flood through the streets of Bruges and nearby Brussels but still attract a steady flow of visitors. Space will still be found during the peak season of May through September but it’s in shoulder and low season, November to April that you will really be able to get under the skin of this beautiful city uninhibited. On the darker days the glow of shops and cafes spills out onto the street inviting you inside to warm up and the scent of rich chocolate, Christmas spices and sweet waffles keep your tastebuds tantalised.
The two big central squares and smaller streets offer a wide range of shops including a large amount of boutique and local stores to satiate any shopper whilst the European café culture abounds, meaning refreshments are always close at hand. For the foodies the open nature of Mechelen means there is a wide range of cuisine available as well as establishments focusing on the more traditional Belgian fare.
Finally, Mechelen makes a perfect relaxed (and more reasonable) base to visit other cities and towns in the Low Country region. Brussels, Antwerp and Ghent are all connected by train and viable day trip options.
Low Season Dates
Experiences
Top Experiences
If Walls Could Talk Tour
Follow a trail around the old city sneakily listening in to the day-to-day conversations of its historic residents through an ear trumpet. From prisoners to merchants to the city nobles everyone has a point of view. A wonderful way to explore and learn at the same time.
Visit the Winter Garden of the Ursulines
Just outside the city is a former international girls boarding school. The historic building contains a breathtaking Art Nouveau Winter Garden with an extravagant stained-glass dome.
Take a brewery tour
Belgium is famous for its beer and Brewery Het Anker whose Golden Carolus beer has won several awards. Be careful when tasting, some of the Belgium beers are very strong.
Insider Tips
Navigating the city is done best by foot. A lot of the town is cobbled so wear a decent pair of shoes. Public transport is reliable but not necessary inside the city.
Like a lot of northern Europe, the weather conditions can vary so check ahead. In the winter bring a good coat and scarf to keep cosy. Most hotels will have umbrellas for you to use on the wetter days as you duck between chocolate shops.
Accessibility is generally good in Mechelen, and most areas are roll friendly. That said there are a lot of cobbles, but these are relatively even. Drop curbs are common. There may be some challenges with pavements in the narrower older streets. Visit Mechelen have good accessibility advice on their website.
Good To Know
Mechelen has a long history in the arts and philosophy, and several original pieces of Rubens are dotted through the city. In the Museum Hof Van Busleyden, you can explore the cities connection to the renaissance in the onetime home of Erasmus and Thomas Moore.
There are plenty of activities here for the kids as well. Technopolis is a museum where the rule of ‘don’t touch’ is thrown out of the window, The Mechelen Toy Museum provides a spot to play around, and the Zoo Planckendael provides animals to play around with.
Mecheleners or Maneblussers - Locals are often referred to as "Maneblussers" On the night of January 27th to 28th, 1687, the moon cast its glow on the mist-enshrouded spire of St. Rumbold's Tower. "Fire, the tower is on fire!" a drunkard shouted. The alarm bell was rung, and everyone rushed to help. Before they even reached the spire, the moon gently slid through the mist, and from then on, the people of Mechelen will forever be known as "the Moon Extinguishers.". This is also the name of a very nice beer they serve at Het Anker!
Food & Drink
Local Food & Drink
De Vleeshalle
The meat hall where butchers once sold their produce is now a thriving mix of food stalls where you can choose from a range of international cuisines – Gourmet burgers through noodles to fish and chips, they are all here. https://www.devleeshalle.be/nl/home/
Het Bestek
Low beamed ceilings and wooden floor provide a cosy environment to try some local treats and some classic dishes. https://het-bestek.com/
Belgian Stew
Belgian stew, often made with beef and dark beer, is rich, hearty, and deeply savoury. Slow-cooked with onions and herbs, it’s a comforting classic served with fries or crusty bread. Perfect for some low season energy.
