What to see in Mechelen in two days: a ready-made itinerary

Two days in Mechelen — that’s enough time to see the main sights without it turning into an exhausting marathon. Group the attractions by neighbourhood, allow for a bit of leeway in case of bad weather, and don’t plan an important tour straight after a night bus.

Check opening times, events, accessibility and tickets on the official tourism website: these details change more often than the attractions themselves.

Day one: the historic centre

From the Grote Markt, take in the town hall and St Rumbold’s Cathedral. Climbing the tower takes time and requires a ticket, so afterwards, enjoy a leisurely stroll along the Deyle.

Day two: museums and other neighbourhoods

Walk through the Grote Begijnhof, visit the Hof van Busleyden Museum and round off the day in the green space of Vrijbroekpark. Families travelling with children should check the opening times of Technopolis separately.

How to set a realistic pace

Plan one main paid attraction for half a day, and spend the rest of the time exploring the streets, the quays and making short stops. If a booking is required, factor in the journey time from your previous location. After a long journey, it’s better to scale back your itinerary than to rush through unfamiliar neighbourhoods.

Early or late arrival

Check in advance whether you can leave your luggage at your accommodation, and check the route from your exact drop-off point. Start your morning itinerary with open spaces rather than a museum with fixed opening hours. For evening arrivals, save your transport timetable and the hotel’s contact details offline.

Transport and navigation

Download an offline map, mark the coach station, your accommodation and your return departure point. The city centre is often convenient for walking routes, but a remote museum or a hill may require transport. Compare single and day tickets using the current fares from the local operator.

Budget and meals

Set aside a separate budget for transport, one or two paid attractions and any unexpected travel costs. For lunch, head away from the most touristy square and check the menu before ordering. Water and a small snack will help you avoid having to change your route because of queues.

Preparing for a coach journey

Keep your ticket, passport, mobile phone and any necessary medication in your hand luggage. Allow plenty of time for your return journey: the name of the town is no substitute for the exact address and platform. Check out our tips on offline maps and preparing your mobile for a trip abroad.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need a city tourist card?

It isn’t automatically good value. Work out just which museums and trips you’ll actually have time for, and check the terms and conditions on the official website.

What should I do if it rains?

Keep one museum alternative in mind, but don’t cram all your visits into a single day: you’ll still need to get around the city between them.