Things to do in Mechelen

Find and book activities, attractions and tours

Lemurs resting on green grass.
A historic cityscape with a prominent church and dense urban architecture.
An ornate church interior with high vaulted ceilings, stained glass windows, and religious artwork.
A historic cathedral with intricate architecture and a tall spire.
A historic town with a prominent church tower, various buildings, and outdoor seating areas.

Things to do

Atomium: Skip-the-Line Tickets & Self-Guided Tour

Atomium: Entrance Tickets & Self-Guided Audio Tour

$34
per adult
Atomium: Entrance Tickets & Self-Guided Audio Tour
Antwerp: Full Day Bike Rental

Antwerp: Full Day Bike Rental

$19
per adult
Antwerp: Full Day Bike Rental
Antwerp ZOO Entry Ticket

Antwerp ZOO Entry Ticket

$40
per adult
88% of travellers recommend
Antwerp ZOO Entry Ticket
Picture 4 for Activity Antwerp: City Brewery De Koninck Interactive Tour

Antwerp: City Brewery De Koninck Interactive Tour

$23
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
Antwerp: City Brewery De Koninck Interactive Tour
Antwerp: Jewish Neighbourhood Guided Walking Tour

Antwerp: Jewish Neighbourhood Guided Walking Tour

$22
per adult
Antwerp: Jewish Neighbourhood Guided Walking Tour
Tootbus Brussels Discovery Hop-on Hop-off bus tour + Ferris Wheel

Tootbus Brussels Discovery Hop-on Hop-off bus tour + Ferris Wheel

$40
per adult
Tootbus Brussels Discovery Hop-on Hop-off bus tour + Ferris Wheel
Discover Antwerp with Local Guide

Discover Antwerp with Local Guide

$17
per adult
Discover Antwerp with Local Guide
Tasting Tour: A Taste of Antwerp

Tasting Tour: A Taste of Antwerp (Fries, Waffles, Beer & More)

$3
per adult
Tasting Tour: A Taste of Antwerp (Fries, Waffles, Beer & More)
woman relaxing with a cup of coffee at the airport lounge

Diamond Lounge at Brussels Airport (BRU)

$45
per traveler
Diamond Lounge at Brussels Airport (BRU)
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Recommended things to do in Mechelen

Number of things to do
52
Cheapest thing to do on Expedia
Mechelen Historic Walking Tour with Local Guide: $4
Top 5 things to do
Under $25
With kids

What to do in Mechelen

 

Looking for sports, concerts, or theater events in Mechelen? Search event tickets to see what's happening today, or to plan what to do this weekend!

 

 

Stay near popular Mechelen attractions

A group of pelicans on a tree branch over water with dense foliage in the background.
Photo by Thierry Royls
Open Photo by Thierry Royls

Planckendael Zoo

8.0/10 (15 reviews)
Why not visit the native and exotic animals who live at Planckendael Zoo during your trip to Muizen? Discover the area's live music and cathedral.
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Where to stay in Mechelen

Find the best Mechelen areas and neighborhoods for the activities you enjoy most. Learn more about Mechelen
Learn more about Mechelen

Otterbeek

Otterbeek is well-liked for its parks. If you'd like to do some sightseeing in the greater Mechelen area, you might plan a trip to Achter de Kazerne Stadium or Het Anker Brewery.

 

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Popular day trips from Mechelen

A conservatory with ornate glass ceiling, statues, and lush greenery.

Sint-Katelijne-Waver

A historic church with a tall steeple and a clock tower.

Bonheiden

A historic European city square with a prominent cathedral, cafes, and pedestrians.

Antwerp

A calm lake with a clear reflection of the sky, surrounded by dense green trees and a sandy shore with tall grass.

Zemst

A calm river at dusk with a tree silhouetted against the sky.

Rijmenam

A grassy field with a cloudy sky.

Boortmeerbeek

A rugged, eroded landscape with layered rock formations and a winding road.

Kapelle-op-den-Bos

A long, dimly lit corridor with metal bars on one side and a concrete floor, leading to a light at the end.

Willebroek

Frequently asked questions

Is Mechelen worth visiting?
Whether you want to enjoy the cultural attractions and local charm or try unique foods and venture into nature, there are plenty of things to do in Mechelen.
How do I spend a day in Mechelen?
Start your day with a visit to Planckendael Zoo and Lamot Conference and Heritage Centre. Then, tour other areas of Mechelen for local restaurants and a little retail therapy.
What is the top tourist attraction in Mechelen?
You can't go home without visiting Planckendael Zoo, rated the top tourist attraction in Mechelen.
Is three days enough to stay in Mechelen?
Three days will give you time to check out the leading city sights, including Planckendael Zoo, Lamot Conference and Heritage Centre and Kazerne Dossin. The average stay in Mechelen is two days. If you feel the urge to extend your escape, Brussels isn't far away.
Is Mechelen a walkable city?
That depends on what you'd like to see and do in Mechelen. Several sights, such as Planckendael Zoo and Lamot Conference and Heritage Centre, are reachable on foot. If you're up for a stroll around some of Mechelen's neighborhoods, Muizen is 2 miles away from downtown, while Otterbeek is 1 mile away from the city center and also within walking distance.
What are some activities to do in Mechelen with kids?
Deciding what to do in Mechelen with kids has never been so simple. Whether you're traveling with toddlers or teenagers, there's no shortage of family-friendly tours and attractions to keep everyone entertained here.

What to do in Mechelen for adults?
There are lots of things to do in Mechelen, with experiences for adults of all ages. Round off your day with a visit to De Molenberg Distillery or De Mijlpaal.
Are there free things to do in Mechelen?
In Mechelen, St. Rumbold's Cathedral is a top spot for anyone wishing to tour the city without reaching for their wallet. Also, check out the green spaces and other neighborhoods, and ask a local tour guide for tips. It's a top way to discover the best free things to do in Mechelen.

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