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3-Day Mechelen Itinerary
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Wanderlog staff
Updated • updatedAug 20, 2025
Updated • updatedAug 20, 2025
Mechelen in 3 days
If you only have 3 days to spend in Mechelen, we’ve narrowed down the top places you should check out to get the best experience of your time here.
Mechelen is a compact historic city known for its well-preserved medieval core and impressive Gothic architecture, including St. Rumbold’s Cathedral with its UNESCO-listed belfry tower. Its car-free center, lined with gabled houses and attractive squares, makes it easy to explore on foot between museums, churches and canalside spots. Located between Brussels and Antwerp with frequent train connections, it works well as a base for day trips while offering a quieter, small-city atmosphere. Families are also drawn to attractions like Technopolis science center and the city’s long tradition of carillon music.
With favorites like Vrijbroekpark, Cosma (Foodhouse), and Brusselpoort, we’ll make sure you don’t miss out on all the must sees. We even included some of our favorite food spots around the area, like Pizza Hut Delivery and Zorba so you can get the best taste of Mechelen while you’re here. To see our full list of food recommendations, check out our best restaurants post. If you're traveling on a budget, you can check out our cheap eats post.
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Table of contents
- Mechelen in 3 days
- Most popular attractions
- East side of town
- Proximity is everything
Day 1
Most popular attractions
For day 1, we strategically grouped the most popular attraction, Kazerne Dossin – Memorial, with surrounding point of interests to start your trip off with a bang. Combining the average time spent at each location and traveling time in between, it should fill up about 7 hours of your day.
1
•Duncan E — Google reviewMarija M — Google reviewHanna — Google reviewPınar Ç — Google reviewMoayad G — Google reviewScott O — Google reviewVicky G — Google review
ZOO Planckendael
4.4
(20885)
4.2
(1158)
Zoo
Outdoor Activities
Nature & Wildlife Areas
Parks
ZOO Planckendael, located in Mechelen, Belgium, is a sprawling animal park spread across a vast 130-hectare domain. It houses over 1,000 different animal species from five continents, making it an exciting and educational destination for both locals and tourists. Visitors can marvel at diverse wildlife such as lions, giraffes, elephants, penguins, koalas and more.
One of the best zoos I have visited . The layout route is perfect to make sure you don't miss anything and don't have to double back on yourself at any point. The animals looked really happy and well cared for . I loved seeing the Koala and Red panda the most . The decorations for each area is wonderful too , so much effort has gone into how the zoo looks and it's wonderful
Lisa R — Google review
Visited the zoo on a Monday with my daughter. Well worth the trip. Although I was a bit shocked about the price of parking (you can park for free close by…) , the park itself felt reasonably priced and was well organized! Seems they are rebuilding and revamping in some places, but that wasn’t a problem as we got to see all the animals.
You can easily spend the whole day here. There is a lot to see, animals are separated by continents of origin, and most of them have decently sized living spaces. There are enough food and drink stops, toilets and playgrounds for children.
We visited Planckendael on Saturday with family and a small child. There is plenty of parking on site. It costs €11 for one day and €32 for a yearly pass, which is a good deal!
The animals are organized by continent, and we managed to visit three continents in one day. There are many play areas for kids, which is really nice.
On the downside, the washrooms were not clean at all. We checked four different ones, and it seemed like no one was in charge of maintaining them, which is disappointing. The bird enclosures were quite small, with not enough space for them to fly. Other animals seemed to have better conditions, although of course a real jungle would always be more suitable.
There are also several restaurants and places to grab a drink or ice cream. We chose the warm food self-service restaurant, which wasn’t very crowded, but the prices were high for self-service. The tables were not clean, and the service was quite slow. Honestly, if they lowered their prices, I believe they would have more clients.
On the positive side, there is also a flying show at certain hours, which could be very interesting for some visitors. I also noticed a baby cabin with a microwave for parents who want to rest or warm up their baby’s food, which is a very nice detail.
All in all, considering everything, I give Planckendael 4 stars out of 5. Thank you to the team, and I really hope to see some progress on my next visits.
To maximize revenue and improve the visitor experience, it would be helpful to have more than one food court open in the park. The kids were quite hungry and only Asia’s food court was available. Otherwise, it’s a wonderful zoo. I’d happily visit every week if I lived nearby!
One of the best zoo's ive been to worldwide!
A bit expensive but worths it.
You need at least 4hours to finish it, so better come early
First off, we are zoo people (we have a membership at our home zoo and often go to zoos in places we visit), so do with that what you will. We have visited our fair share of zoos around the world and this particular zoo is without question the best one we have had the pleasure of visiting. It is also one of the more expensive ones, but the cost was well justified in my opinion. We spent over 5 hours in our first visit to this zoo and only made it through about 2/3 of the zoo itself. The layout of the zoo was simply incredible: the walks between exhibits were beautiful and each major exhibit had a variety of different vantage points (some being incredibly high and one being a tunnel you can crawl into for a from the ground view). Overall the animal exhibits were amazing and the activities and parks for kids were the best we have seen at a zoo. The one caveat was that the food was quite expensive so maybe pack some snacks or bring your own lunch.
We will definitely be returning to Planckendael Zoo next time we are in the area - thanks for an amazing experience!
A beautiful zoo where animals are kept in habitats that feel as natural as possible. There are also several great playgrounds that kids will love. The food is good, though a bit pricey—especially the drinks.
Leuvensesteenweg 582, 2812 Mechelen, Belgium•
8 min · 3.1 mi
2•Ilja J — Google reviewGofran C — Google reviewChristophe L — Google reviewAdrien P — Google reviewGalip B — Google reviewKateryna M — Google reviewJithin R — Google review
De Nekker - Provincial Sports and Recreation Centre
4.2
(2716)
3.8
(33)
Recreation center
Water & Amusement Parks
Indoor playground
Playground
De Nekker - Provincial Sports and Recreation Centre is a fantastic destination for sports enthusiasts and families alike. With a variety of indoor and outdoor activities, it’s the perfect spot to enjoy a sunny day, especially with the inviting lake for swimming. The modern swimming pool, which opened in 2012, offers spacious facilities; however, some areas show signs of wear after several years. Families will appreciate the extensive playgrounds and attentive lifeguards ensuring safety while kids play.
Its a beautiful well maintained park/recreational area. The beach is perfect for kids and the park overall is clean. Lots of area within the park to explore with cafeteria and a friture as well! Totally recommended for families.
Umar T — Google review
Highly recommend!!!! One of the best places for spent with family! Lots of play grounds, nice, clean, secure swimming place.
Management and staff was polite and I found answers to all my questions!!!
Big parking area, and empty spots was foundet without problems ( we arrived 2.5 hours after opening)
Prices was less than I expected!
In total: I was happy, children was happy, family was happy. NO ISSUES AT ALL!!!!
Definitely will visit again and again...
I love this sports complex. This complex combines both serious sporting and family activity at the same place. There is a big well maintained swimming pool. I am big fan of their beach. The water in the lake in clean and they have active life guards.
Great and under rated place. Perfect place for families to spend the day. Off course the swimming beach is popular during warm and sunny summer days, but also for walking or the nice playgrounds this is worth a visit.
I can also recommended swimming on colder days or in the evening.
Further there are comfortable and modern buildings with accomodation like a restaurant, showers, meeting rooms, ...
We were hoping for better... We arrived around 9.30am and we were told that swimming is authorised only at 10am. The space to swim is very narrow, too narrow according to us. The really bad point is the lack of cleanliness on the beach, there are leftovers from the day before a bit everywhere. Though we were able to spend some nice time before the beach was overcrowded.
Wonderful nature, a decent restaurant that serves options for any member of the family. Beach, pool, nature, food, beer, etc. Everything that you can expect from a recreational park. One of the best places for a time to spend with family.
Very nice place, perfect clean water, sand in the lake and on the beach, big shades from trees, no noisy dangerous people, fishes, playgrounds. Minuses: 16 euros for entrance for my family of 4, not cheap, but kids like the water; dirty changing cabins;
The staff is absolutely rude and not helpful at all. When I reached there, the counter tickets were already over. I asked a security guard wearing spectacles and big rings in his ears,standing near the barricade how to get a ticket, and he said, “You can check online if you want; otherwise, go home.”
To the management: Please instruct your staff to maintain at least a minimum level of respect towards the people visiting.
Nekkerspoel-Borcht 19, 2800 Mechelen, Belgium•
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Travelers
2
Travelers
2
7 min · 2.2 mi
3•Avik C — Google reviewDavid A — Google reviewGraham S — Google reviewBen K — Google reviewShubham M — Google reviewGloria L — Google reviewElvira P — Google review
Saint Rumbold's Cathedral
4.6
(2883)
4.5
(862)
Catholic cathedral
Sights & Landmarks
Church
Monument
Saint Rumbold's Cathedral, a magnificent Gothic masterpiece from the 1200s, stands proudly in Mechelen's Grote Markt. This UNESCO World Heritage site is not only an architectural wonder but also a treasure trove of art, featuring stunning works by renowned artists like Peter Paul Rubens and van Dyck. The cathedral’s towering structure boasts an unfinished spire that invites adventurous visitors to climb its narrow staircase for breathtaking views of the city below.
Lovely architecture, we definitely recommend climbing the tower if you have the muscle for it (some 500+ steps total, almost 100m tall). It was 8 EUR/person when we visited (July 2024), the view is spectacular, and the history of the carillon is impressive. Try to be there (or close to the bell chamber) at every half hour or so (when there are songs played)
Mihaela D — Google review
Mechelen is often considered as the capital for Carillon, and St Rumbold's cathedral has two of them.
Very beautiful cathedral and the skywalk at the top gives great view. As resident of Mechelen, you can get discount.
A wonderful and inspiring cathedral in a lovely city, not far from Antwerp. There is parking underneath and tge train station is a walkable distance.
The acoustic is great, try to visit for a service or concert. There is a tower to climb too with breathtaking views of the city.
An impressive cathedral with a bell tower you can go up -do get tickets in advance as it’s a time allocation only. Wonderful stained glass windows lining the cathedral walls. The bells in the tower are impressive and huge it’s good to go up on the hour to hear them chime.
Wow, the view from the top is breathtaking!
But the exhibitions on the way up and down are also excellent. Well worth the time and small cost to experience!
Beautiful and well maintained Cathedral. Very huge cathedral. To visit the top , you need to purchase a ticket.
What a beautiful cathedral! Loved the baroque arches (similar to many others in other parts of belgium) and the amazing architecture and artistry that is exhibited in the edifice. The grandness and luxury of these cathedrals are totally astonishing. It is free to enter, but 8€ if u wish to climb the tower itself to the lookout. The climb is only available in the afternoons i believe.
Especially beautiful, definitely worth seeing. I will definitely come back and recommend other people to visit. Regarding the price, very reasonably, for people up to 27 years old the price was 3 euros. There is also an underground parking lot nearby, the price is affordable.
Onder-Den-Toren 12, 2800 Mechelen, Belgium•
12 min · 0.64 mi
4•Traffic T — Google reviewArno D — Google reviewC C — Google reviewErick H — Google reviewTobias C — Google reviewEmily F — Google reviewTamás R — Google review
Brusselpoort
4.2
(571)
3.9
(32)
Local history museum
Sights & Landmarks
Historic Sites
Points of Interest & Landmarks
The Brusselpoort is a historic city gate in Mechelen, one of the few remaining from the medieval wall that once encircled the city. It holds great historical significance and offers visitors the opportunity to climb to the top for a stunning view. Adjacent to the gate is a museum where you can delve into its rich history.
"The Brusselpoort" is the only remaining medieval town gate of which Mechelen had several. Several centuries ago Mechelen was completely walled in and access only possible through one of the town gates.
Even nowadays us locals still talk about extra-muros (when you lived outside of the town walls) or intra-muros when living within the safety of the walls.
Definitely worth visiting / taking a look at when you visit Mechelen!
Pascale S — Google review
It was fun to walk around this site as well as walking through it. Standing under the wooden gate hung in the air, and using the reflection of the sunlight on my smartphone as a torch, I was able to see the detail of those walls hidden far above my head and in the darkness.
Used to be more useful, now everyone can just get around the whole thing since they tore down the wall. Now it is just a bit pointless and a huge risk to the city defenses when some duchy decides to lay siege again.
It's a nice historical well maintained building, however you can't really go inside and it's also in the middle of an area with high traffic around it. Interesting to look at and spend five minutes to take a photo, but nothing more.
I enjoyed exploring the site and wandering through it. It is an interesting building in the middle of the road. I enjoyed looking at it and spent five minutes taking photographs, but nothing more.
In the middle of a multi-way crossing close to the canal, this is the imposing, surviving and restored gate of the old wall around Mechelen.
You can climb the stairs up, I believe. You can also take pictures of it.
That is about all, though. It's beautiful, but doesn't offer much more than it's history and a great sight.
This was a must see for this area, but it wasn't open for viewing or anything. It was still quite neat to snap some pictures of a historic gate. The gate is located in a rather hectic part of the city that is less friendly to pedestrians than the rest. The crosswalks are on very long timers here.
As good as an airport can be, but as a smoker person I am very disappointed how smoking is treated after a check-in. I know I should not and it is in public interest to force back this habit, but if you do smoke you should get as much as you can before check-in, and than don't look for the smoking area - It's the worst I've ever seen.
Van Benedenlaan, 2800 Mechelen, Belgium•
17 min · 0.87 mi
5•Dag A — Google reviewEM Z — Google reviewGarratt F — Google reviewRoel F — Google reviewSugar D — Google reviewSena O — Google reviewReaces — Google review
Speelgoedmuseum
3.9
(1351)
3.4
(172)
Museum
Specialty Museums
The Speelgoedmuseum is a fascinating destination for families, offering 7000 square meters of toys, games, and pastimes to keep kids entertained. The museum provides an opportunity for adults to explore the history of toys and immerse themselves in nostalgia with displays featuring Meccano, Lego, toy soldiers, Airfix kits, and working train sets. Visitors can also enjoy interactive exhibits that showcase the cultural significance of toys.
An absolute jewel in Mechelen! I spent the whole of this morning with two little ones aged 3 and 4 years old playing and exploring this newly revamped museum. Relocated to directly under Mechelen Central Station, there is so much to do and play with for all ages. From LEGO, to dressing up, an interactive sensory room and the most incredible play room with a variety of play areas at the end, the Toy Museum is definitely to be highly recommended! We also rounded off the visit with coffee and cake in the museum cafe. We shall most certainly be visiting again.
Justina P — Google review
A bit disappointed- not so much fun stuff to do and mostly for smaller kids. Some nice cool toys on display. The games and interactive stations could have been better. The location is in the p cellar under the new train station.
I highly recommend Speelgoedmuseum. Not only children can have fun here but also the adult. It’s just amazing to see what are grandparents use to play when they are young.
We (two adults) visited the Malines toy museum in March 2025.
The museum is an absolute sham, a disgrace to the word "museum". To say we were disappointed is a serious understatement. This "museum" cannot even remotely stand in the shadow of the Prague Toy Museum or the Museum of Childhood in London.
There were six, seven rooms with some sort of displays. In the first room there were audio comments with longwinded Flemish stories that made us loose our will to live. Moving on through the other rooms we did see some interesting artefacts.
The whole museum revolves around children, which in itself is good, but very little is done to attract the children's attention to the historic value of playing and/or toys and only the sketchiest of attempts were made to educate them. Basically the whole affair is no more than just a very noisy concrete shelled playground.
We were dumbfounded when after a visit of just shy of 30 minutes we found ourselves back at the entrance. We even walked the circuit again to check if we hadn't missed an important part. But no, thirty minutes was all it took at the most leisurely of paces. And that for a fee of €35 (for 2).
In short: if you are a serious museum visitor this is a place to avoid. If you want your children to play, there are many cheaper and better playgrounds.
Wonderful museum detailing the history of toys and their cultural significance. The museum is a great place to introduce kids to the breadth of toys in existence, with many interactive exhibits. Older visitors will have a good time reminiscing about the toys of their youth.
Perfect day out with the family - interactive and informative exhibits, super easy to access by train from Mechelen station, friendly and helpful team. Worth a visit - we have been back a few times already!
They can be flexible with price if you get there like 2 hours before close otherwise it's over price. This is a good place to spend an hour but could be longer if you understand Flemish. The price however is quite expensive for one hour experience in a foreign language.
The kids loved it. Definitely worth the price. You can expect to spend 2-3 hrs there with kids ages 5-12.
Koning Albertplein 2B, 2800 Mechelen, Belgium•
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Where to eat
When you need a food break from visiting all the attractions today, these fan favorite restaurants are about a 1-minute walk away from Brusselpoort.
Pizza Hut Delivery
3.3
(388)
2.5
(20)
affordable
Pizza delivery
If you're in Mechelen and craving a delicious pizza experience, look no further than Pizza Hut Delivery Mechelen. This well-loved chain is renowned for its mouthwatering pizzas, flavorful wings, and hearty pasta dishes, complemented by a variety of sides and desserts. My recent order from Pizza Hut Mechelen was nothing short of delightful! The service was exceptional; my food arrived promptly and piping hot—just as one hopes when ordering pizza.
I recently ordered from Pizza Hut Mechelen, and I was very impressed with both the service and the food!
The delivery was fast and right on time, with everything arriving hot and fresh – exactly what you hope for when ordering pizza. The packaging was neat and secure, and the delivery driver was polite and professional.
We ordered a BBQ, a Margherita, and a Cheesy bread on the side. Every item was delicious – the crust was perfectly baked, the toppings were generous, and the cheese was just the right amount of gooey. You can really taste the quality in each bite.
It’s a great option when you’re craving comfort food at home, and their online ordering system is easy to use. Whether it’s for a chill night in or a small gathering with friends, I highly recommend Pizza Hut Mechelen for tasty, reliable pizza delivery.
Bandolero B — Google review
Service is slow as a turtle. Way too long waiting time, almost 50 minutes :(
Didn't taste like pizza hut pizzas at all. Tasted like our pizzas were lying out for a long time. We ordered 8 pizzas & everyone was disappointed. Don't know if they do this on purpose during the Saturday day deal, or if it's always like this
Absolutely horrible experience here. We showed up at 9.35pm and got in line to order. We waited for at least 10 minutes until the lady finally acknowledged us. Everyone had already ordered and they were giving out food. When I asked if she spoke English she said yes, then turned away and then told me that they're not taking any orders anymore. At this point it was 9.45pm. She could've told us while we were obviously waiting for them to taking our order and also it was open for another 15 minutes. Would she have taken our order if we spoke her language?
The new buffalo chicken flavour is worth a try, loveddd it!
Door says closes at 10pm, refused service at 9.40pm. Lazy staff, clocking off early.
got my food. and got out of there. great deal. let's gooo
Cozy Atmosphere and nice food
Brusselsepoortstraat 2, 2800 Mechelen, Belgium•
Zorba
4.2
(925)
3.8
(291)
affordable
Greek restaurant
Zorba is a Greek restaurant located in Mechelen, offering delicious and authentic Greek cuisine. The restaurant is known for serving divine moussaka and mouthwatering grilled salmon. Guests may even be treated to impromptu performances by the friendly staff who occasionally play guitar in the cozy courtyard. The atmosphere is described as great, with stylish interiors and a pleasant outdoor terrace.
The food was great and the owner was kind to request for some english songs to be sung otherwise it’ll be all in Dutch. We came from somewhere far far away and we loved the hospitality. It was a warm atmosphere with music around.
Skyvioletstrawberry — Google review
Great food and experience. If weather permits have an outdoor dining experience. It is beautiful. I have a mix of grilled meats. Very tasty and perfectly cooked!
Loved this place! This felt like a really authentic Greek experience and just like some of the restaurants we have visited in Zakynthos. I had the moussaka and also the feta from the oven - both delicious! Great range of beers too! The only downside was the atmosphere as it was a Tuesday evening. I’m sure it’s fantastic over the weekend!
The staff was really nice and the food was good. There was live music when we were there, and the atmosphere was cozy. I did find it a bit expensive for the size of portions, but the food was good. We had the giouvetsi and a mezze.
We had the table on the way and this affected my experience there. Maybe if the resto was full packed with crowd i would have appreciated the table but it was not so crowded. so why were we sited on the way?
Food is very fresh and delicious. Staff are also very friendly. It can get quite busy so don't forget to reserve up front. The mezze was really amazing. The vegetables that came with the fish were a little bit hard but otherwise everything was great.
Overall happy with the food, atmosphere, and service. I had grilled quail, which was nicely cooked and tasty. Dauphinoise potato was superb. Service is okay considering the busy crowd on the day, but nothing much to be said about. We tried walking-in for dinner once but they only had tables for those with reservations, which we did the second time. So, reservation is highly recommended.
We tried homemade red wine it was fantastic!
For dinner we ordered grilled calamar and Guvetsi with fresh sea food, both were delicious. If you came Mechelen.definitely try this place…
Nieuwwerk 10, 2800 Mechelen, Belgium•
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Den Beer
4.0
(828)
3.6
(525)
expensive
Restaurant
Den Beer is a delightful dining spot nestled in the heart of Antwerp and Brussels, boasting an enviable location surrounded by stunning architecture. While it may be on the pricier side, the quality of meat and overall experience make it worthwhile. The restaurant features a charming interior and offers outdoor seating for those who wish to enjoy their meal al fresco when the weather permits. Guests have praised the attentive service, with staff members being friendly and professional throughout their visits.
Very positive experience. Actually we went there twice in two days. Service without any problems, the waiter doesn't Smile much but does his job perfectly. Really good food reasonably priced. Plus good Beer. Little too noisy but it is a pub after all.
David S — Google review
Last time I was dinning in Den Beer was back in 2014 and now I’m here again, same very good quality of food and service !
Thank you 🙏🏽
Quick and professional service. Attentive waiter. Pleasant atmosphere.
We had the restaurants take on Lasagne, which was a little unexpected because it was swimming in white sauce. For us it was too rich and heavy perhaps a smaller amount of the sauce would have suited the dish better.
Served by a gentleman, he is very warm, polite and detailed. Food is yummy and are fresh. Mussels 7/10.
Excellent service, great food. I ordered meat, Ossehaas, which was amazing, medium as I preferred it . Salad was great, too.
I were forced to pay a 20 percent tip ...the bill came with a 5 euro service charge added with a pen....the wait waiter must be from the USA because he was too hungry.
Been here a couple of times when visiting family. Food is good, portions good, service good. Underground parking crawling distance from the restaurant. Can sit outside when weather is inviting.
Will probably come again, as family comes here nearly every week.
beautiful and perfect location in the middle of the square; great food: in particular, the ribs are fabulous! I suggest the fish stew. Coffee served in a gourmet way!
Grote Markt 32, 2800 Mechelen, Belgium•
LIEF
4.5
(323)
4.1
(14)
affordable
Health food restaurant
LIEF is a breakfast, lunch, and coffee bar that offers healthy dishes made with pure and fresh ingredients. The menu includes options like sweet potato dip with feta crumble, an oriental quinoa salad with spiced cashews for extra flavor, and savory pancakes with artichoke spread. The cafe also serves refreshing ginger and lemon kombuchas along with quality cappuccinos.
Super nice staff! They went out of their way to make room for us! Portobello Burger, Mexican Salad and bread with fried egg were all good! Mexican salad could have used more spices…
Lemonade was on the expensive side!
Daniel — Google review
Cute little cafe with super friendly staff and delicious banana bread! 😍
We stopped casually for some tea and even the tea was so special.
Unlike the tea that you get with a teabag, this was the real deal, fresh and full of flavor.
Healthy, tasty and unique dishes you won’t find in any other brunch place currently in Mechelen. Very friendly staff. Great coffee.
Lovely café with wonderful staff! The oat cappuccino is delicious and their chai carrot cake was very unique.
Lovely cozy relaxing atmosphere with warm welcome, Delicious coffee, pleasant smiling staff which makes for an agreeable Saturday morning. Thank you. (2 Nov 2019 - Phil MTX).
Lovely place, environmental friendly and high quality in food. The staff is great also! 100% recommended!
Nice interior, good a little sour coffee, banana bread was good and big slice. Can recommend as coffee spot
Graaf van Egmontstraat 5, 2800 Mechelen, Belgium•
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Day 2
East side of town
For day 2, we recommend exploring the east side side of town. Start the day off with Grote Markt, then wind down and take it easy by the time you get to De Vleeshalle. All together, your day would be filled with about 8 hours of non-stop fun.
1Vitor M — Google reviewPhilippe M — Google reviewReginald W — Google reviewBe B — Google reviewEswiss64 — Google reviewPriya S — Google reviewMarcin W — Google review
Grote Markt
4.5
(7939)
Grote Markt is the bustling pedestrianized city square at the heart of Mechelen, Belgium. The square is surrounded by houses from different centuries and features the ornate city hall building. On Saturdays, visitors can enjoy the weekly market and indulge in fresh Belgian waffles while taking in the lively atmosphere. Grote Markt hosts various events such as festivals, concerts, and carnivals throughout the year. It's a great spot for people-watching and admiring the architecture of old European buildings.
Awesome city, yummy foods.. lots of shops
Samar B — Google review
A delightful surprise remarkably calm despite being a weekday. The cathedral was stunning, complemented by the elegance of the surrounding buildings.
Huge square with amazing views on the architecture of the houses, monuments and churches around.
Really enjoyable, thanks to the many restaurants terraces around.
Highly recommended!
A beautiful open space surrounded by beautiful architecture and a great sampling of humanity of all races, nationalities, creeds and colors. Truly wonderful.
A nice place with lots of restaurants around. You feel comfortable and it is very inviting. I like this place because of its historical charm
Located on the outskirts of Antwerp city, this beautiful old town centre is worth a visit. Full of century old buildings, churches, shops and lots of eateries around.
The grote markt is a beautiful square in the centre of the city, distinguishable by the tall town hall tower. A very lively place to enjoy a walk and admire the architecture. There are plenty of restaurants, cafés and bars nearby.
a small climb of 538 stairs to the steelworks and the same down 🤪 it is worth seeing it, specially the mechanism of the bells and the panorama from the top 🧐
3 min · 0.17 mi
2•Z R — Google reviewSahar — Google reviewRebecca C — Google reviewPeter C — Google reviewMonika B — Google reviewJill M — Google reviewKristof V — Google review
Het Kunstuur Mechelen
4.8
(714)
4.8
(30)
Art museum
Museum
Het Kunstuur Mechelen offers a unique and engaging way to experience art, making it accessible to everyone, regardless of their background in art history. Visitors have shared delightful experiences where they could hear personal stories from individuals connected to the artworks rather than traditional historians. This approach adds a layer of intimacy and relatability to the masterpieces on display. The presentations are well-structured, with each painting introduced thoughtfully, allowing guests to appreciate not just the visuals but also the narratives behind them.
We enjoyed the exhibition. It is well organised and interactive. In a nutshell this is a guided-only time-boxed art exhibition, also available in English. Stories are well told. We would only wish to have a tiny bit more time to explore the paintings from a close up.
Roman L — Google review
Honestly a great experience.
Its a very unique place. With great beers and art.
A good one!
Amazing way to spend an hour and have a fantastic experience - the art is beautiful and the music and voiceovers added to the experience
I don't normally review places that I've not been to, but we turned up on a Saturday afternoon and were told that there's no chance of getting in at a weekend if you have not booked. This is in late November. Hence, it's 5 stars, even though I haven't been there, but giving a warning.p
This was my 2nd visit. I love to discover Belgian art in this unique way.
Really disappointed, not much to do about art & hisitory, just very corny stories related more to local people. For the price, ridiculous.
Be there at this time, no handbags allowed, no talking,next session underway, get out, dont speak,..it's a money factory! Sad.
Awesome art and set up !
Minderbroedersgang 1, 2800 Mechelen, Belgium•
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Travelers
2
Travelers
2
2 min · 0.1 mi
3•Holger B — Google reviewZanoubia H — Google reviewAn S — Google reviewMauro P — Google reviewMarc S — Google reviewDavy C — Google reviewJ D — Google review
Mechelen Cultural Center
4.2
(524)
3.0
(1)
Cultural center
The Mechelen Cultural Center, situated in the heart of Mechelen, is a dynamic venue that celebrates arts and culture. The modern center hosts an array of events such as live performances, art exhibitions, and cultural gatherings. It's a wonderful space for writers and book enthusiasts with its large hall and theater. The building seamlessly integrates modern elements with historic churches, offering a diverse range of cultural activities. Visitors have the opportunity to discover local talent while expanding their cultural knowledge.
Amazing building to hold a Doom festival in.
Beautiful ❤️
Jamie M — Google review
Nice place for exhibitions and concerts. Seems to be an old monastry
A wonderful service, a beautiful forum for writers and those interested in reading wonderful books. A large hall and theater, a wonderful day with writers
Lovely place 💯
It's nice to get the opportunity to get to know the local talent in Mechelen and really update my level in cultural knowledge!!!!
Can't really judge the place due to the fact that the place was occupied by the members of staff that work for the city.
Kind a like a late new year's party.
Quite a lot of cultural activities packed in an impressive building which integrates both modern elements and age-old churches...what is not to like?
Went to see the Expo Show of Abattoir Fermé : a must see ! Especially for connoisseurs of the bizarre!
Minderbroedersgang 5, 2800 Mechelen, Belgium•
10 min · 0.5 mi
4•Kestens T — Google reviewRicha S — Google reviewElena W — Google reviewSiegfried V — Google reviewKrishanu D — Google reviewDaniel P — Google reviewIona B — Google review
De Vleeshalle
4.3
(2925)
3.9
(172)
affordable
Restaurant
Event venue
Food court
De Vleeshalle is a vibrant and airy food hall nestled in the heart of Mechelen, where history meets culinary delight. Once a bustling meat market, this iconic venue has been beautifully transformed into a gastronomic paradise featuring 12 diverse food stalls. Here, visitors can embark on a global culinary journey with options ranging from healthy salads and poke bowls to crispy croquettes and mouthwatering nachos.
A fun location with plenty of seating arrangements and a wide variety of food stands.
Fun combination of different type of foods - no reservation possible, and to order via your phone on site
Pieter-Paul P — Google review
Great place. Laid back atmosphere, wide set of food choices from various kitchens around the world. We went lal out from appetizers with cocktails over dinner (Vietnamese/ avocado bar / bubba /...) finishing off with ice-cream. All tasting great and fresh. Ideal for groups or large families.
I like the lively ambience and decor at Vleeshalle. There are good number of options that you can choose from. However, the food is quite overly expensive for the average quality. Some of the restaurants like SaBaBa have good quality and tasty food, Nice ice cream parlor has good variety too, others are below average to be honest!
The worst food I had in my life is the bibimbap beef. It is not edible at all. You’re eating extremely salty soy sauce rice. Avoid at all costs.
A place where I like to spend my time off. VERY cosy, nicely decorated, good food choices. You will be spending about 20-25 euros/person, so paybe not for a daily routine 😁 Enjoy the time! (if you don't like the 'cooking' smell, maybe avoid, your clothes will smell a bit afterwards 😉)
Always a good choice if you are with a large group since you don't require reservations. You can always find place here. You can also be sure that everyone will find something to their liking. Wide choices of cuisine and some of them are quite decent. It can be a bit pricey especially if you are getting multiple drinks with your meal but it's a price you pay for convenience.
Very welcoming atmosphere, with an inviting industrial design. The eateries are closely located to each other in the center and you have ample space on the sides. Price-wise I find it a bit expensive for the amount of food offered.
Had a lovely cocktail workshop as our team building activity. Really had a good time
Huidevettersstraat 7, 2800 Mechelen, Belgium•
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Where to eat
Under a 1-minute walk from Grote Markt, here are a few close by recommendations for when you get hungry exploring around.
Sava
4.2
(1670)
3.9
(440)
affordable
Tapas bar
If you're looking for a place to enjoy a delicious glass of wine or cava paired with tasty tapas, SAVA at the Grand Place in Mechelen is the perfect spot. They offer a wide selection of wines served by the glass and have various types of tapas to choose from. You can opt for different kinds of tapas or even go for a hot mix option.
I love good food, and this place had the best Tapas menu that I had in Belgium. I went twice in a week, and if you'd known me, you will take it as a solid stamp of approval! ;)
Sumin C — Google review
Good tapas restaurant in central Mechelen. The sharing board is absolutely perfect with so many options and the ham was just delicious! I liked the chicken and meatball dishes but the Patatas bravas and calamari were a little average despite the sauce. Good atmosphere overall and a nice team.
quiet place. in the center of the square. welcoming and friendly service. I had fried calamari (obviously frozen and it says so on the menu). there must have been around 8 wheels of squid, perhaps they should have added a little more to the portion. but still they were good for a frozen product. they brought some bread and a garlic mayonnaise sauce. and I also had a beer. total cost 13 euros. economic 👌
Drinks, service and atmosphere were great! Awesome place on the square in the sun. BUT, the fried tapas sharing plate was immensely disappointing. Calamari’s were rubbery, the fries were bland, the anchovies were tasteless…
Just go for drinks and have a great time ;)
Food ordered are fresh and delactable. Would visit again to try the other dishes.
Nice restaurant with Tapas in Mechelen, staff very friendly, food is good and they helped extensively to accomodate the needs of a celiac colleague.
Sometimes is better an helpful and friendly staff than many other things.
(Picture from their 1st floor)
At the main square of Mechelen, parking, relaxing atmosphere for all ages, good service and polite stuff, tasty portions. Dog friendly.
Been here before and always had a pleasant experience. Then we heard that the original owner was going to sell it and we were not sure what to expect next.
Today we hopped in for a quick lunch and enjoyed our decision. Friendly staff, quick service, still the same good food and atmosphere.
Grote Markt 13, 2800 Mechelen, Belgium•
Funky Jungle
4.6
(546)
4.2
(126)
cheap
Vegan restaurant
Funky Jungle is a vegetarian-friendly restaurant located in Mechelen, Belgium. The city of Mechelen has been promoting a 30-day vegetarian eating challenge, and Funky Jungle, along with Kato Gateaux, winners of the Belgian Vegan Awards, have joined in. The restaurant offers healthy fusion meals with options for vegetarians and vegans as well as gluten-free choices. It is known for its commitment to providing delicious plant-based dishes and has received recognition for its efforts in the vegan community.
We jumped inside to order some take out, it was amazing! There was a big group eating and still they took our order, we even received a glass of water during waiting. The owner is a kind hearted person and proud to share his knowledge! Each dish has a complexity in colour, flavour and textures, it was a joy to taste everything :)
Emma V — Google review
Definitely a place I will go again. The salads were really fresh and the burgers delicious. We ordered the BBQ burger and funky burger. I remained full hours after eating - that must mean good quality food is served :)
Nice people, good food, relaxed atmosphere. We really liked this place. Food was good and the portions generous. Plus the nice terrace is just next to the impressive cathedral. We recommend!
Really nice place with 100% vegan kitchen. Staff were really nice and the food was yummy. The portion sizes are really big, good value for money!
This place is always fully booked.We tried yesterday night and had no chance.Tonight we asked for a takeaway dessert:our mind was focused on tiramisu'.Gosh!Me and my daughter were speechless.It was heavenly and amazing.So creamy,soft and light at the same time.I'm Italian,and this vegan tiramisu' is even better than the original.Thank you!!
A mention to the staff,very kind and friendly.
Lovely food and wonderful service. Funky Jungle is a wonderful place with a unique view on Romboutstoren. I can recommend the vegan Habsburger, but other dishes are just as nice.
Just go when you are in Malines.
Yummy food, cozy vibe, lovely deserts & totaly Vegan, what more to expect.
Must try!
Very delicious vegan food. Especially the poke bowl was really good (even though I find them often boring). Also the raw quiche and the tropical salad were nice.
Great cocktails as well.
Rather slow service though.
Onder-Den-Toren 7, 2800 Mechelen, Belgium•
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2
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Noen
4.3
(315)
4.0
(52)
Permanently Closed
affordable
Lunch restaurant
Noen is a breakfast and lunch bar located in Mechelen, offering a nostalgic dining experience with dishes like soft-boiled eggs and "soldaatjes" or colorful sandwiches with goat cheese and grilled vegetables. While the menu mainly features non-vegan options, the vegan-friendly bar always has alternatives available. The establishment prides itself on using honest, homemade ingredients for everything from their ice tea to sweet treats.
amazing variety of cold/hot drinks, lunch and homemade treats :) there are also various plant-based options to choose from :) i totally recommend the dirty chai!!!! very kind service and beautiful interior with lots of plants! also very calming to sit outside on wooden benches
Pauline G — Google review
Nice space with hospitable service. I ordered the sharing platter and there is a good variety. Every single option taste good and fresh. Portion is generous too. Would visit again.
Stopped by unplanned. We had a drink and a small breakfast outside, which was cosy. Hot chocolate was looking very good but wasn't that great. Unfortunately you couldn't choose for milk chocolate, only dark and white was on the menu. Croissant was really good. The waiter didn't seem that happy to see customers and kept explaining how much work it would take to make everything which was kinda odd.
Kitchen had closed, so tried coffee and cake. It was a good find!
We had cappuccino, latte macchiato, hot milk with chocolate and carrot cake. For me the cappuccino and latte macchiato were not good, very watery, could barely taste the coffee. The carrot cake was too dense for my liking.
I had the avocado toast and it was tasty. The ice cream was original flavor and good! They were friendly and the place was beautiful!
Lovely breakfast! One of my favourite. Try guacamole&fried egg toast!
Food was great and the portions are quite decent. The homemade lemonades were also really good. Staff were very friendly.
De Fortuyne
4.6
(435)
4.4
(182)
expensive
Belgian restaurant
De Fortuyne is a versatile restaurant located in the heart of Mechelen, offering a range of dining experiences for the modern urbanite. Whether it's a light lunch, indulgent high tea, or delectable evening meals, this place has it all. The concept of sharing dishes is embraced here, catering to meat lovers, seafood enthusiasts, and vegetarians alike. The menu remains a delightful surprise for diners to savor.
We enjoyed a fabulous lunch today! The sun was out and we were seated in the comfortable patio. The food was delicious, made with knowledge and a good sense of flavour combinations. The wine concept was very nice. We were stunned and will certainly return!
Geert L — Google review
I was early and was greeted by a friendly maitre d’. Inquiring if they also had vegetarian options they said they would see with chef if they could foresee a vegetarian version of the menu. It’s best to let them know in advance if you wish a vegetarian option, because they only offer a four or five course menu, and both are entirely according to the chef’s inspiration. They did accommodate my request without an issue, and what a treat this was. The food was excellent, the cocktail (Sicilian Mule) and beer (Carolus Whiskey Infused beer) were great. The plating was done with a lot of care for details. It was a fabulous evening, also in part thanks to my dinner partner; but certainly also thanks to the very friendly hostesses. I’m certainly going back!
Thank you for the amazing Friday evening. The atmosphere of the place is really great. It is sophisticated from one side and very warm, hospitable and homelike from the other. The food is tasty. I like especially the shrimps and ravioli. The sweets are excellent. Highly recommend to make your stay in Mechelen relaxing and enjoying. No Fortuyne - no Mechelen.
Their set menu has definitely surprised us due to the quality, taste and amount of the food! The setting is great and the staff very friendly. We are coming back!
Where to start? Well, have yourself a five course meal with accompanying wines on the cozy covered terrace and you'll know! Two times I have been here so far and I will definitely be back for more. Immerse yourself in the chef's amazing creations. It definitely has that little something extra and I absolutely love it!
Reletavily new place in mechelen we had lunch. The outside still needs some work but the inside is very nice and stylish. The staff is friendly and very helpfull. They make a lot of publicy with sharing food but i think thats more an evening thing, wasnt very clear or obvious at lunch. The lunch carte for me was a bit little in terms of choice. We had a soupe and a dish. All dishes were very good in quality and also in quantity. Overall a good experience and a place i would retry in the evening defenitly.
Solid 5 stars for all aspects of this place. The food, the staff and the inside atmosphere is absolutely first-class. The number 1 restaurant we want to go every time we are in the neighbourhood of Mechelen.
Had a very good diner for two, all good taste and atmosphere. Would visit this again.
Befferstraat 20/201, 2800 Mechelen, Belgium•
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Day 3
Proximity is everything
For day 3, we bundled attractions like Technopolis and Vrijbroekpark and other places within a close range, so that the time it takes to travel between all of them is less than one hour. Combined with the average time people spend there, your day should take about 7 hours.
1•Vanessa W — Google reviewLance S — Google reviewBenoit S — Google reviewFamily H — Google reviewMariam M — Google reviewJasmine L — Google reviewUroš S — Google review
Technopolis
4.2
(5846)
4.1
(428)
Science museum
Water & Amusement Parks
Theme Parks
Technopolis in Mechelen, Belgium is an interactive science complex that offers a playful and interactive look at the world of science for visitors of all ages. The museum aims to show how science and technology are integrated into daily life through exploration and experiments. With a wide range of hands-on exhibits and activities, Technopolis provides an educational yet entertaining experience. Visitors can engage in various experiments, demonstrations, and daily shows while learning about diverse scientific topics.
Very interesting place for kids. Young and teenagers.
Can easily spend whole day here. Many activities you can try. Recommended.
Agyys D — Google review
A great experience for young and old alike. My almost 12 year old loved it. Our plan was to spend an hour or two but we spent the full day there. The only downside was the extortionate prices in the restaurant. If I was visiting again I would bring food with me.
The staff were very engaging especially during the different experiences. We were very impressed with the trilingual abilities. Not easy to explain everything in 3 different languages. We appreciated the effort.
We were in the area on holidays from Ireland. I booked the tickets well in advance and made a mistake with my dates. The staff were helpful and fixed it so that we could gain entry, we just had to pay the difference.
I would definitely recommend Technopolis for a fun day out during the summer holidays.
I took a girl here of a first date and it was definitely worth it we had a good time and it sparked a few good conversations and kept things interesting.
LOTS of kids running around and playing which is something to consider but we didn't mind and its good to see them learning.
It is also very easy to access the place by public transport from the train which is a huge thumbs up.
Only negative thing really was the staff at the front desk could have been a little more and welcoming as its kind of the first impression.
Super fun for kids, lots of activities and science experiments to do that are gonna keep kids of all ages busy for a few hours at least.
Lovely science centre, including VR, simulators, science, illusions, fun game and much more. It's a little bit expensive and small for the public but the money is worth it. We had just two hours and couldn't see everything in detail but there were a lot of people as well. Be prepared to spend at least 4 hours. Enjoy it.
Amazing way to activate kids brains and not just theory but lots of practical things for learning. Highly recommended if you enjoy understanding the whys of science in a fun way
It's really great. My son has a great time. His brain is running at high speed. He doesn't want to leave when the museum closes. Free parking is also super convenient. I plan to take him back again next week.
Interesting exhibition especially if you have kids. A lot of experiments, DIY interactive props.
Technologielaan 1, 2800 Mechelen, Belgium•
6 min · 1.8 mi
2•Mindaugas — Google reviewGenie — Google reviewPhilippe M — Google reviewSujico L — Google reviewMirna B — Google reviewMia — Google reviewGaurav K — Google review
Vrijbroekpark
4.5
(3935)
4.4
(188)
Park
Nature & Parks
Vrijbroekpark is a vast and picturesque park located in Mechelen, Belgium. It offers a serene escape with its lush gardens, tranquil ponds, and vibrant flowers. Families and outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy self-guided walks, themed gardens, an adventure playground, and open spaces for leisure activities. The park also features the statue of Kleine Ludwig on Havenwerf, paying tribute to Lodewijk van Beethoven's childhood in Mechelen.
Love this park! Lots of things to do and to see. Makes lovely pictures! 😍
Iris C — Google review
Vrijbroekpark is a beautiful and well-maintained provincial green domain in Mechelen. It’s perfect for a relaxing walk, not really for hiking – more of a leisurely stroll kind of place. The park is very dog-friendly, with plenty of open space and paths to enjoy with your four-legged friend. The gardens are absolutely stunning, especially in spring and summer when everything is in full bloom. A peaceful spot to unwind, enjoy nature, or have a quiet picnic.
Not an adventure park, but definitely worth a visit if you’re in the area!
Was able to have a bachelorette picnic here because of the available picnic tables.
One of the park's features was its pond, with lively croaking frogs. This added a nice touch to our celebration. I was impressed by the park's upkeep. Despite its popularity, the grounds were spotless.
People came for a run, to cycle, relax or even practice yoga here. You can fully get in your element here. I like it here.
Nice park near Mechelen, worth a visit for a walk through nature.
There is a tavern in the center of the park, and a kids playground.
Recommended. 👍
Rainy walk can be enjoyable! Nice place to unwind.
This park/green space has it all - enough lush green space, the coolest playgrounds for younger and older kids, wonderful place for a walk and a restaurant. Next to the restaurant you can find toilets and you can use them even though you don't need to order anything in the restaurant.
It is yet another great park in Flanders, Belgium!
One of the best parks I’ve ever been to. It’s very big with a lot of different zones. Roses,mixed flower beds, trees, lawns, sport fields…all you could expect from a park, and more.
Place is too good with lot of greenery .
Park have lot of space for jogging , walking area and chairs for sitting.
It has lake where you can do fishing.
It has restaurant and washroom in there.
You can come here to play bakset ball , cricket , tennis , soccer etc games.
They have decicated ground for the same.
Love the beauty of this place.
Park has area where you can find lot of variety of roses and other flowers and plants.
Spent a day with your family and friends.
Ridder Dessainlaan 65, 2800 Mechelen, Belgium•
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Travelers
2
Travelers
2
5 min · 1.7 mi
3Fiona C — Google reviewJoachim K — Google reviewPhilippe M — Google reviewChristophe L — Google reviewAn D — Google reviewTim — Google reviewMaros U — Google review
Kabas Verpakkingsvrij
4.7
(266)
Produce market
Kabas Verpakkingsvrij is a zero waste shop located in the center of Mechelen, offering a wide variety of products available for purchase in bulk. The store has a lovely staff and provides all sorts of pots in case customers forget their own packaging or want bigger jars to bring home. They have an extensive selection of items including spices, fresh produce, cheeses, breads, cookies, nuts, seeds, dried fruits and body-care products.
Brilliant shop with a great selection of packaging-free food, cosmetics etc. I know I can trust them to source everything as ethically & locally as possible. Bread from the wonderful Broodbroeders. Very friendly, helpful staff. Workshops and events.
Clare W — Google review
Wide variety of products to buy in bulk, lovely staff, great location! You can find a list on their website. Unlike most zero waste shops, they have a vast choice of spices too! They also provide all sorts of pots in case you forget your own packaging, or if you just want bigger jars to bring home. Avoid the roasted, salted cashew nuts, they are far too tasty.
Great shop with fresh produce and not expensive. Very nice store and friendly owners. It is also possible to stop by without your own packaging. You can reuse their old packaging if you are in need :)
They have veggies, cheese, bread, olives, spreads, veggieburgers, pastas, rice, nuts, seeds, dried fruits etc
Enough to make a full meal or very rich breakfast.
Very friendly service. Natural bio organic products. No packing, only bulk, so be sure to bring some packaging with you.
Recommended! 👍
Do yourself a pleasure and shop packaging free. Verry friendly staff and easy going atmosphere. No hurry or stress needed during shopping. Love it! But don't forget to bring your own jars, bags, buckets, ...
Nice shop to enter. The good, cosy vibe of making aware choices and changing the world, combined with just heartwarming connection and very practical ecology. Take your time when you're there. Trash-free and hurry-free...
Shopping with a eco-conscious and plastic-free mind in the centre of Mechelen. Good offer on dry products such as nuts, seeds, beans, spices, ... also soaps and body-care products as well as fresh products such as veggies, cheeses, bread, cookies,...
Just remember to pack some boxes and go see for yourself.
Very nice place with nice staff and I found there all the products I needed and more without packaging. You just have to bring your own bags and boxes. Easy peasy!
Keizerstraat 17, 2800 Mechelen, Belgium•
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Where to eat
Even the most seasoned adventurers need a break to chow down some food. Close to Kabas Verpakkingsvrij, these restaurants are about a 3-minute walk away.
Trattoria Boretti
4.2
(634)
3.9
(78)
affordable
Restaurant
Trattoria Boretti is a hidden gem nestled in the heart of Mechelen, where you can indulge in authentic Italian cuisine. Despite its modest exterior, this charming restaurant boasts a spacious interior that welcomes diners with open arms. The menu features an array of delectable options, including pasta and risotto, catering to both meat lovers and vegetarians alike. For those planning group gatherings, Trattoria Boretti offers customizable menus with multiple courses to choose from.
Good Italian restaurant 😋 with a nice interior 👌🏻 i really like the starters. The main course is typical Italian food and it's enough. The menu is not overfilled. Also the dessert is so good, I replay enjoy the time there after work.
Cozy , clean, and hygienic
Be B — Google review
Hands down one of the best tiramisus! Really enjoyed my visit. Very authentic Italian vibes. Lovely ragu and a dreamy dessert, topped off by a lovely waitress who was really welcoming and friendly. Would definitely return!
Excellent food and atmosphere, service was good but could have more people serving the tables.
Price is very reasonable.
I had my favorite plate (Carbonara) and it was perfect
Very good first impression as we went to try out this new restaurant. We enjoyed very much the food and the atmosphere. Many tempting pasta dishes in the menu too.
Though quite busy, the service could keep up well without hassles.
We had a business dinner at this stunning place. Highly recommend- the food is delicious and the service excellent. We will come again 🫶
Extremely disappointed. Despite booking a takeaway had to wait over an hour for our order, and our order was also incorrect. We received a pasta dish instead of the funghi risotto we ordered online on their own website. Due to the delay, I didn't want to argue the mistake. The pasta dish itself was not good, and a poor representation of authentic Italian cuisine
A nice spot in the city centre of Mechelen, ideal for a quick bite. The food was good, though not exceptional, and the service was somewhat chaotic. Additionally, the wine was quite expensive, making the overall price-to-quality ratio just okay.
Cozy place to go with friends, your partner. Long waiting at the front door... The red wine could be more complex (with casks) but the Primitivo is alright. The portions are rather small so price/quality it is not the best restaurant because you tend to eat more: starters, main, dessert etc. That makes a visit around 40-50 eur . Mocktails are 12 eur which is rediculous but fresh made, so the labour has to be payed extra. The coffee is really good, by Boretti!
Veemarkt 14, 2800 Mechelen, Belgium•
Cosma (Foodhouse)
4.4
(555)
4.2
(373)
expensive
Restaurant
Cosma Foodhouse, located in the Mechelen Befferstraat, is a unique establishment that seamlessly blends gastronomy with interior design and the sale of stylish interior objects and their own Cosma gin. The restaurant offers a diverse experience, featuring a deli with Mediterranean dishes and wines, as well as a brasserie with an inviting indoor garden. The menu reflects current culinary trends, offering options such as fancy finger food for sharing or a 350-gram Black Angus USA Prime entrecote.
Very personable service. Every single food that we ordered were fresh and delicious. Enjoyed every single one of them. Portion is actually pretty big too. If we ordered 3 course would not be able to finish it. 2 course is just enough.
Fancy enough place for a date or special occasion but doesn't need to dressup. Smart casual is good.
Ery — Google review
Food was decent, had the steak which tasted pretty regular the spotlight was the sweet potatoe truffle fries they were delicious. Pretty pricey for 2 people with just entree and 2 drinks was $140 euro.
I’ve been meaning to try this restaurant for a while and it did not disappoint! The food was delicious and the staff were really friendly and welcoming. The theme is sharing but I was dining alone. The food was served quickly and the restaurant had nice vibe and good atmosphere.
Bloody brilliant! In the middle of the dinner I reserved a table for the next day as well as I was so happy with the food I was eating. (And I just love the responses from the management to reviewers that got their ego hurt ) . Salmon tataki - very good. Negroni - one of the best Negronis I have had. Halibut - well absolutely perfect. Hasta la vista - I’ll be back!
Stylish spot in Mechelen with creative dishes and great service. The steak tartare and sweet potato mash were excellent. Cozy vibe, solid wine list — definitely worth experimenting.
Good dinner place in Mechelen, from bites till main dish. Expensive, but good quality - dessert was way too expensive for the dish
very nice environment and good food, enjoyed my luch with friends.
Amazing experience! Delicious food! Service is top notch. Highly recommended if you're not vegetarian.
Please check the menu ahead if you're a vegetarian
Befferstraat 24, 2800 Mechelen, Belgium•
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Vrijbroekhof
3.8
(987)
3.8
(183)
Permanently Closed
affordable
Brasserie
Restaurant
The brasserie Vrijbroekhof is a pleasant spot for a relaxed drink, snack, or casual meal. It is important to note that families frequent this establishment, so some noise from children can be expected. However, many find the atmosphere to be tranquil and calming due to the surrounding park greenery. The friendly staff and reasonably priced good food make it worth visiting again. The portions are generous and the outdoor seating area offers a nice view of the nearby playground for kids.
One has to select seating carefully if you don’t want to be a passive smoker
Debangshu C — Google review
Friendly service, nice regular food and not expensive. It’s a down to earth place without frills. Chairs definitely need replacing and the toilets need a more regular clean.. people visiting the park use and abuse the toilets… Overall a good place to have a drink or something to eat when you are passing through.
Nice place in HET VRIJBROEKPARK. You eat price/quality very good . In summer big terraces and playground for children. Big/Great choice on the menu and lots of beers... in bottle or on tap. Perfect too For little hunger after walk in the beautiful park. Friendly waiters
Nice brasserie with a huge terrace, in the center of a park near Mechelen.
Recommended. 👍
As it can get quite busy here, best to go and order your drinks yourself at the bar... otherwise you may be facing a long wait, especially during Summer days etc.
This place has a very unique, original 60's architecture! Been coming here ever since a kid during the 70s.
Like the place for playing but the food is too overpriced for what you get. Also there is always a queue to order and food takes a long time.
Sat on the lounge outside to have drinks but needed to go sit on the tables inside to eat. The order took a while, the waiter was friendly and the food was ok.
Nice place for a casual drink, snack or easy going meal. Take in mind that this place is visited frequently by parents and there children. So the noise of children's can be present, although I experienced it as a quiet and soothing place withe the park greenery around it. Would definitely visit it again, especially for the friendly staff and good food for a decent price.
(aan de speeltuin), Vrijbroekpark, 2800 Mechelen, Belgium•
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