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Mechelen, Belgium

Top things to do in Mechelen

19 attractions, landmarks and museums worth your time, ranked by traveler reviews.

Paleis van Margareta van Oostenrijk (Palace of Margaret of Austria)

56 reviews

A 16th-century palace in Mechelen, once home to Margaret of Austria, featuring a grand facade and a tranquil inner courtyard.

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Good to know

What is the most visited attraction in Mechelen?

Paleis van Margareta van Oostenrijk (Palace of Margaret of Austria) draws the most traveler reviews of anywhere we track in Mechelen, with 56 of them, rated 4.0 out of 5. Review volume is the closest honest proxy we have for how many people actually turn up, so it is what this list is ranked by.

Browse Mechelen by type: museums. Planning your trip to Mechelen? See where to eat, build a Mechelen itinerary, or check visa requirements.

Religious site

Religious site4.5

Sint-Pieter-en-Pauluskerk

48 reviews

A historic Catholic church in Mechelen featuring Baroque architecture, a striking tower, and serene interior art.

Opsinjoorke

19 reviews

A historic landmark on Mechelen's main square, known for its distinctive architecture and central location.

Entertainment4.5

De Hanekeef

15 reviews

De Hanekeef is a cozy entertainment venue in Mechelen, Belgium, offering live music, comedy, and cultural events in a historic setting.

Harmonium Art museuM

A unique museum in Lier dedicated to harmoniums and mechanical musical instruments.

Het Steen (Elewijt)

Het Steen (Elewijt)

A 14th-century moated castle in Elewijt, open for guided tours and private events.

Botanical Garden of Mechelen

Botanical Garden of Mechelen

A historic botanical garden in Mechelen featuring diverse plant collections and a tranquil atmosphere.

Kazerne Dossin Memorial, Museum and Documentation Centre

Kazerne Dossin Memorial, Museum and Documentation Centre

A memorial, museum, and documentation centre on the Holocaust and human rights in a former transit camp.

Hof van Savoye

Hof van Savoye

A Renaissance palace built for Margaret of Austria, now a cultural venue for concerts and events.

Schepenhuis, Mechelen

Schepenhuis, Mechelen

A 14th-century aldermen's house and one of Belgium's oldest stone buildings, now a museum of the city's history.

Hof van Busleyden

Hof van Busleyden

A 16th-century palace turned city museum showcasing Mechelen's art and history.

Planckendael

Planckendael

A zoo and botanical garden with a focus on conservation and family-friendly exhibits.

Roosendael Abbey

Roosendael Abbey

A former Cistercian abbey with atmospheric ruins and a park, now a cultural heritage site near Mechelen.

Royal Carillon School "Jef Denyn"

A world-famous school for carillon music, offering concerts and guided tours of its bells.

Brusselpoort

Brusselpoort

The only surviving medieval gate of Mechelen's original twelve, a 13th-century landmark with a striking tower and city views.

Bethlehem Abbey, Bonheiden

Bethlehem Abbey, Bonheiden

A Trappist monastery near Mechelen known for its peaceful setting and monastic products like beer and cheese.

St. Rumbold's Cathedral

St. Rumbold's Cathedral

A Gothic cathedral with a 97-meter tower offering panoramic views of Mechelen.

Tomorrowland (festival)

Tomorrowland (festival)

World-renowned electronic dance music festival held annually in Boom, near Mechelen.

Basilica of Our Lady of Hanswijk

Basilica of Our Lady of Hanswijk

A Baroque church in Mechelen housing a revered statue of the Virgin Mary, known for its ornate interior and pilgrimage history.