Mechelen
Discover Mechelen
Mechelen is a historically important city on the river Dyle in the centre of Flanders. It is a vibrant town, mixing trendy and traditional. Its carillon school is world-renowned, training students from all over the world in the art of playing carillons, sets of 24 or more bells hung in church towers. Shops downtown are often housed in buildings with the old-style Flemish architecture, but offer edgy fashions sure to appeal to the younger generation. Though now in the shadow of Brussels, Mechelen is a historically important city in its own right. From 1506 to 1530 it was the capital of the Netherlands under Margaret of Austria. In 1559 it became an archbishopric, a sign of great importance. It was famous for its wood carvings, some of which can still be seen in the churches of the city, and for lace and tapestry manufacture.
Taste of Mechelen...
While Mechelen used to have one of the highest crime rates in Flanders, it is safe to walk through Mechelen now. The city has improved much over the last years, especially in the tourist areas. You may want to keep out of the outskirts at night, though, but there is not much to do there anyway. As of June 2022, Mechelen has 4G from Orange and Proximus / Scarlet, and 5G from Base / Telenet.
Festivals & Events
Experience the vibrant festivals and cultural celebrations of Mechelen.
While Mechelen used to have one of the highest crime rates in Flanders, it is safe to walk through Mechelen now. The city has improved much over the last years, especially in the tourist areas. You may want to keep out of the outskirts at night, though, but there is not much to do there anyway. As of June 2022, Mechelen has 4G from Orange and Proximus / Scarlet, and 5G from Base / Telenet.
Essential Information
Getting There
Multiple OptionsMechelen is easily reached by train. From Brussels and Antwerp it takes about 25 minutes. You can also reach by taking a bus from Antwerp. Just outside the main train station you'll find a bus station with connections to many places in the vicinity. The city center is about 15 minutes walk from the train station. Mechelen is a very compact city, so you can reach most places on foot. There are a few bus routes through and radiating from the city centre in case you need them. While Mechelen used to have one of the highest crime rates in Flanders, it is safe to walk through Mechelen now. The city has improved much over the last years, especially in the tourist areas. You may want to keep out of the outskirts at night, though, but there is not much to do there anyway. As of June 2022, Mechelen has 4G from Orange and Proximus / Scarlet, and 5G from Base / Telenet....
Getting Around & Staying
Getting Around
The city center is about 15 minutes walk from the train station. Mechelen is a very compact city, so you can reach most places on foot. There are a few bus routes through and radiating from the city centre in case you need them. While Mechelen used to have one of the highest crime rates in Flanders, it is safe to walk through Mechelen now. The city has improved much over the last years, especially in the tourist areas. You may want to keep out of the outskirts at night, though, but there is not much to do there anyway. As of June 2022, Mechelen has 4G from Orange and Proximus / Scarlet, and 5G from Base / Telenet.
Where to Stay
While Mechelen used to have one of the highest crime rates in Flanders, it is safe to walk through Mechelen now. The city has improved much over the last years, especially in the tourist areas. You may want to keep out of the outskirts at night, though, but there is not much to do there anyway. As of June 2022, Mechelen has 4G from Orange and Proximus / Scarlet, and 5G from Base / Telenet.
Money & Budget
While Mechelen used to have one of the highest crime rates in Flanders, it is safe to walk through Mechelen now. The city has improved much over the last years, especially in the tourist areas. You may want to keep out of the outskirts at night, though, but there is not much to do there anyway. As of June 2022, Mechelen has 4G from Orange and Proximus / Scarlet, and 5G from Base / Telenet.
Safety Information
Safety Overview
While Mechelen used to have one of the highest crime rates in Flanders, it is safe to walk through Mechelen now. The city has improved much over the last years, especially in the tourist areas. You may want to keep out of the outskirts at night, though, but there is not much to do there anyway. As of June 2022, Mechelen has 4G from Orange and Proximus / Scarlet, and 5G from Base / Telenet.