| Tips and photos of unusual, out-of-the-way Mechelen attractions, posted by real travelers and locals. Mechelen Map |
 | Mechelen Off the Beaten Path | Tips 1 - 10 of 25 |  |
 Detail of doorway,
Sint-Katelijnestraat by toonsarah, 4 more photos
There are also some interesting shop windows with an eclectic range of delights such as old prints of the city, bizarre fancy dress outfits and tempting bread rolls. So do wander away from the obvious attractions of the Grote Markt and cathedral to explore this little backwater.
Head west from the Grote Markt and follow the road as it turns to the north past the cathedral
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If you feel you’ve seen all that Mechelen has to offer, or just fancy a change, it’s very easy to get from here to Brussels or Antwerp by train. We made a visit to the latter as part of our conference programme. Trains are very frequent and take just 25 minutes to reach Antwerp’s beautiful central station. Indeed this station might justify the journey on its own, it is so spectacular – and will be even more so I’m sure when the current restoration work is completed. I have a particular fondness for buildings which succeed in combining historic architectural elements with very modern ones, so I loved ascending the escalators from the very 21st century platforms where we alighted from our train and finding myself in this stunning 19th century monument to the great age of the railways. You can read more about it, and see some pictures, on this website.
We didn’t really have time to explore Antwerp itself as we were there to tour the new public library – not everyone’s idea of a tourist destination, I know, but it’s my job! I did see enough glimpses to make me think that it’s a city I’ll return to one day, and in particular I loved the ornate entrance to the city’s zoo, right next door to the station – check out photo 2 to get a glimpse of what I mean.
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This isn’t at all a tourist destination and probably shouldn’t be featuring here as a tip for visitors to the city, but I was so impressed by this youth centre and the work that goes on here that I wanted to share it with you. What struck me particularly was the fantastic relationship the staff here have built up with the young people who use the centre. Many of them come from disadvantaged homes and all are from varied cultural and ethnic backgrounds which have in the past found it hard to mix with each other and to integrate with Belgian society. Here at H30 they are free to be themselves, and the projects and activities are shaped around their needs and interests. We saw a DVD of a musical production which had brought together a very diverse group of young people; a mixing studio which they were encouraged to use and in return were sharing their expertise with other local groups; a “skate bar” (photos 2 & 3) which had been completely designed and built by them for a very modest sum. Most impressively of all, the staff are able to trust some of the longer-standing members of the group with the keys to the centre – a trust which has never been abused.
You probably won’t have a chance to visit here as we did, unless you work with young people yourself or in a related field (in which case I highly recommend that you arrange to visit), but I wanted everyone to know about it nevertheless. Please don’t rate this tip – as I said, this isn’t a tourist sight!
Hanswijkstraat 30, 2800 Mechelen
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 Small shrine, Mechelen by toonsarah
Between Sint Jan’s church and the Klapgat
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 How do I look? by belgianchocolate
They are famous for their scientific research with the Bonobo's who live on a large island.
Beautifull herds of a lot of animals...a lot of waterbirds. Also quit some attention for local wildlive. (fox , storck , ....) beautifull Indian Rhinos , asiatic otters are so funny ...snowleopard , gnoe , koalas....
The parc is divided in continents
A great opportunity for a day out to relax and learn
Watch out....theirs nothing there for you when the weather is bad. From friends with experience it's a drag with very small children because of the long distances between the animals...on the other hand Planckendael has won a few prices for their excellent playgrounds.
Anyway have a look at my muizen page. Completely dedicated to this zoo.
'Muizen' is a part of Mechelen....you can easely get there by bus from the central station...more fun during the summer time is taking the boat behind the station.
If you go by train from another city it is easy to ask for a 'B-dagtrip'. A package made by the belgian railways , train , boat and entrance fee included. Leave a Comment
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 Symbol of Ghent by Luchonda
His parents and aunt ruled over Mechelen, but Charles himself, rearly visiting Mechelen was dedicated to Ghent.
People of Ghent and definatly the guildes paid a lot for HIS glory and THEIR freedom in East Flanders.
Picture taken in the town hall of Mechelen
A stainless glass, near the one of Ghent you will find a glass mirror of Antwerp, but the sun will poorly shine through it. Leave a Comment
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 by belgianchocolate
You can even walk up there in half an
hour from train station 'Nekkerspoel'.
What is it?
It is a recreation sports area.
The best thing and why I end up here once in a while are the great swimming open air lake. A lifeguard keeps a look at you.
The entrance fee is not that high and one can easely spend a day here. Like lots of locals tend to do. The beach becomes a great grass fielda little further from the water , where they stay sunbathing for houres. Showers are provided as well as private accomodation to change clothes.
In my younger years I even learned to windsurf here. Nowadays I would chose the much easier pedalos. lolHave a look at the website for more information on sports travel.
If you arrive by train in 'Station Mechelen' take bus 2.. for walking have a look here Leave a Comment
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 On Mechelen's streets by Diana75
You will really enjoy it!
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 tivoli castle by belgianchocolate
Behind the castle there is an orangerie where it is nice to have dinner or a coffee.
traiteur Ludovic . The interior needs an update , it is clean and nice but so 80's.
Another reason to come here is the children's farm. It has limited opening houres in the afternoon. But the pigs , turkeys , sheep ,... are always waiting for a visit.
Antwerpsesteenweg 92
-A few kilometers towards Antwerpen. Leave a Comment
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 Vrijbroekpark - Mechelen by kblLeave a Comment
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