Best Things to do in Mechelen | Must-see attractions 2025

Planckendael

9:30 AM–5:30 PM

Park

Leuvensesteenweg 582

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Planckendael is a 42-hectare zoo in Mechelen, Belgium, featuring exotic animals like rhinos and zebras, alongside extensive play areas for children.

Duration: More than 4 hours.

General admission is paid; specific attractions may have additional costs.

Technopolis

9:30 AM–5:30 PM

Museum

Technologielaan

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Technopolis in Mechelen, Belgium, is a family-friendly interactive science center featuring hands-on experiments and daily demonstrations for all ages.

Duration: 3 to 4 hours.

Paid. Discounts available for children and groups, check the website for details.

Toy Museum Mechelen

Tu-Su 10:00-17:00

Museum

Nekkerspoelstraat 21

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Toy Museum Mechelen showcases a vast collection of toys from history to present in a 7,000 m² space, engaging visitors of all ages in the world of play.

Duration: Approximately 2 hours.

Adults: €8, Children (4-12): €5, Family ticket: €20. Free for children under 4.

Tivoli Nature Park

9:00 AM–6:00 PM

Park

Antwerpsesteenweg 94

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Tivoli Nature Park in Mechelen, Belgium, offers a natural haven with a farm, gardens, lake, and Greek temple, providing educational entertainment for families.

Duration: More than 2 hours.

Free. Some special events may require a paid ticket.

Saint Rumbold's Cathedral

10:00 AM–5:00 PM

Church

Onder-den-Toren 12

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Saint Rumbold's Cathedral is a 13th-century Gothic church in Mechelen, Belgium, known for its 97m tower and rich artistic heritage.

Duration: More than 2 hours.

Free. Some special exhibitions and events may require a paid ticket.

Lamot Conference and Heritage Centre

9:00 AM–5:00 PM

Event hall

Van Beethovenstraat 8-10

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Lamot Conference and Heritage Centre in Mechelen, Belgium, provides a modern venue for events, enriched by historical significance and cultural heritage.

Duration: Approximately 1-2 hours.

Free entry. Some special events may have a ticket fee.

't Grom Groentenmuseum

10:00 AM–5:00 PM

Museum

Midzelen 25a

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't Grom Groentenmuseum, located in Mechelen, Belgium, is Flanders' first museum dedicated to vegetables and horticultural heritage, offering interactive exhibits and workshops.

Duration: Approximately 1-2 hours.

Free. Guided tours and workshops require prior arrangement.

Sint-Katelijnekerk

10:00 AM–5:00 PM

Church

Sint-Katelijnestraat

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Sint-Katelijnekerk, located in Mechelen, Belgium, is a notable church featuring a mix of Gothic and Renaissance architecture, attracting visitors for its historical and cultural significance.

Duration: About 1 hour.

Free. Donations may be accepted for maintenance.

Church of St. Peter and St. Paul

10:00 AM–5:00 PM

Church

Keizerstraat 1

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Church of St. Peter and St. Paul in Mechelen, Belgium, features a blend of Gothic architecture and rich historical significance dating back to the 15th century.

Duration: Approximately 1 hour.

Free. Donations are appreciated for maintenance.

Church of Our Lady across the river Dijle

10:00 AM–5:00 PM

Church

Onze-Lieve-Vrouwestraat

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Church of Our Lady in Mechelen, Belgium features Brabantine Gothic architecture with significant art, including a Rubens triptych from 1619, and an active music scene.

Duration: 1–2 hours.

Free. Donations appreciated for maintenance and events.

Basilica of Our Lady of Hanswijk

Mo-Su 09:00-17:00

Church

Hanswijkstraat 69

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Basilica of Our Lady of Hanswijk in Mechelen, Belgium, features a unique circular interior and the revered Hanswijk Madonna statuette, dating back to 988.

Duration: 1-2 hours.

Free. Some special exhibitions may charge a fee.

Bruul

Open all day

Architectural Building

Bruul

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Bruul is a prominent street in Mechelen, Belgium, known for its historic architecture, shops, and vibrant atmosphere, connecting key city attractions.

Duration: Around 1–2 hours is recommended.

Free. No entry fee is required to explore the street.

Vrijbroekpark

9:00 AM–8:00 PM

Park

Ridder Dessainlaan 65

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Vrijbroekpark in Mechelen, Belgium, is a beautifully landscaped park featuring gardens, walking paths, and a variety of plant species, perfect for nature lovers.

Duration: More than 2 hours.

Free. Special events may require paid tickets.

AFAS Stadion KV Mechelen

10:00 AM–6:00 PM

Stadium

Kleine Nieuwedijkstraat 53

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AFAS Stadion KV Mechelen is a modern football stadium located in Mechelen, Belgium. It serves as the home ground for KV Mechelen, hosting over 13,000 fans.

Duration: Approximately 2-3 hours for matches and events.

Prices vary by event. General admission for league matches starts at €15.

Museum Hof Van Busleyden

10:00 AM–5:00 PM

Museum

Frederik de Merodestraat 65

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Museum Hof Van Busleyden in Mechelen, Belgium, showcases Burgundian history through art and culture in a 16th-century city palace.

Duration: 1.5 to 2 hours.

Free. Special exhibitions may require a paid ticket.

Mechelen City Theater

10:00 AM–6:00 PM

Theater

Keizerstraat 3

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Mechelen City Theater, a historic venue, hosts a variety of performances and events, showcasing local and international talent in a charming Belgian setting.

Duration: 2-3 hours for a show.

Tickets typically range from €10 to €30 depending on the performance. Discounts are available for students and seniors.

Sint-Jan Berchmanskerk

10:00 AM–5:00 PM

Church

Belgium

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Sint-Jan Berchmanskerk, a Roman Catholic church in Mechelen, Belgium, features neo-Gothic architecture and historical significance dating back to the 19th century.

Duration: Approximately 1 hour.

Free. Special events may require a paid ticket.

Speeltuin Sint-Michielskasteel

9:00 AM–7:00 PM

Amusement Park

Belgium

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Speeltuin Sint-Michielskasteel in Mechelen offers a playground in the scenic grounds of a historic castle, ideal for families and outdoor enthusiasts.

Duration: 1-2 hours.

Free. Special events and rentals may involve a fee.

Sint-Augustinuskerk

10:00 AM–4:00 PM

Church

Clemenceaustraat

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Sint-Augustinuskerk is a parish church located in Elzestraat, Mechelen, Belgium, featuring Romanesque architecture and serving the local community.

Duration: Approximately 1 hour.

Free. Donations are welcome for maintenance and special services.

Koningsteen

10:00 AM–5:00 PM

Event hall

Kapelle-op-den-Bos

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Koningsteen, located in Mechelen, Belgium, is a historical building dating back to the 16th century, showcasing Renaissance architecture and rich cultural heritage.

Duration: Approximately 1-2 hours.

Free. Special events may have a ticket fee.

Sint-Jozef-Colomakerk

1:00 PM–5:00 PM

Church

Tervuursesteenweg 22

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Sint-Jozef-Colomakerk in Mechelen, Belgium, is a Roman Catholic church known for its unique architecture and rich history, attracting visitors interested in culture and spirituality.

Duration: Approximately 1 hour.

Free. Donations are accepted for maintenance and community programs.

Onze-Lieve-Vrouwkerk

10:00 AM–4:00 PM

Church

Kerkplein 1

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Onze-Lieve-Vrouwkerk is a prominent parish church located in Onze-Lieve-Vrouw-Waver, Belgium, known for its historical significance and architectural beauty.

Duration: 1 hour.

Free. Special events may require a paid ticket.

Sint-Ludwinakerk

10:00 AM–5:00 PM

Church

Putsesteenweg 227

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Sint-Ludwinakerk is a historic church in Mechelen, Belgium, known for its Gothic architecture and beautiful stained glass windows, founded in 1864.

Duration: 1-2 hours.

Free entry. Donations appreciated for maintenance.

Leest Kasteeltje

10:00 AM–6:00 PM

Castle

Belgium

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Leest Kasteeltje in Mechelen, Belgium, is a historic castle dating back to the 15th century, surrounded by picturesque grounds and rich in architectural heritage.

Duration: Approximately 1.5 hours.

Free. Special events may have an entry fee.

parochiezaal sint lambertus

9:00 AM–6:00 PM

Event hall

Belgium

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Parochiezaal Sint Lambertus in Mechelen, Belgium, serves as a community hall for diverse events, featuring classic Belgian architectural elements and a welcoming atmosphere.

Duration: Around 2 hours.

Entry is generally free. Some special events may require tickets.

Paleis van Margareta van Oostenrijk

10:00 AM–6:00 PM

Architectural Building

Keizerstraat 20

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Paleis van Margareta van Oostenrijk is a historic castle in Mechelen, Belgium, showcasing rich architecture and cultural significance from the 15th century.

Duration: 1.5 to 2 hours.

Free. Special exhibitions may require a ticket.