Mechelen Travel Guide

St. Rumbold's Cathedral rises from Mechelen's Grote Markt, its 97-metre Brabantine Gothic tower once the tallest in the Low Countries. Rubens' 'Martyrdom of St Peter' hangs near the high altar, and the 49-bell carillon, one of the oldest in Flanders, rings out across the city on the hour. Climb the 500-odd steps of the tower for clear-day views reaching both Antwerp and Brussels. Plan a morning visit before the bells bring the streets to life.

Brouwerij Het Anker is Mechelen's oldest working brewery, founded in 1471 by the beguines of the Groot Begijnhof and run by the fifth generation of the Van Breedam family since 1872. Its signature Gouden Carolus ales honour Emperor Charles V, who grew up in Mechelen, and the on-site De Molenberg distillery turns the same malts into single-malt whisky. Book a tour in advance; it ends with a tasting of two beers, and the brasserie serves Flemish classics. A natural stop for anyone exploring Belgium's UNESCO-listed beer culture.

Mechelen's Grote Markt, framed by St Rumbold's Cathedral and the Town Hall, is the city's social and market heart, its nautical-themed statues recalling past glory.

St Rumbold's Cathedral is Mechelen's see, with a 97m tower—among the tallest in the Low Countries—housing Rubens works, part of a UNESCO site.

The Toy Museum in Mechelen holds over 20,000 toys from trains to dolls—one of Belgium's most child-friendly museums, fun for families.