Local Area

Mechelen is famous for its chocolates and beers. A great souvenir for foodies back home is a packet of "maneblussertjes", biscuits in the shape of a crescent moon and covered in chocolate. The local beer, Gouden Carolus, made by Brouwerij Het Anker, was said to be King Charles V's favourite. To honour his birthday on 24 February, the brewery creates a limited-edition beer, Cuvée van de Keizer.

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the unfinished tower of the 13th-century St. Rumbold's Cathedral is crowned by a modern glass-and-steel skywalk. Visitors willing to embark on the 538-step climb to the top are rewarded with splendid bird's-eye views of Mechelen's cobbled streets and rooftops. On a clear day, you can see as far as Brussels and Antwerp.

A boat trip on the Dyle is a great way to explore the city. You can admire bridges and riverside buildings, while knowledgeable guides share amusing anecdotes on Mechelen and its history as the former capital of the Netherlands (1506–30). If you prefer a more active approach, you can walk along the Dijlepad, a floating towpath linking Haverwerf to the botanical garden, or join a paddleboard tour.

Mechelen is a pleasant city to explore on two wheels, bicycles can be hired from the hotel & several shops in town. You can join a guided cycling tour or, if you prefer to explore independently, purchase a cycling map from the tourist office. This map shows the various cycling routes, as well as pointing out useful stops along the way, such as picnic spots and charging points for electrical bikes.

• St. Rombouts Cathedral
• Castle Margaretha from Austria
• Toy museum
• Brewery Het Anker
• Technopolis
• Planckendael Zoo
• Hazewinkel - regatta
• Animal Park Planckendael
• Nekkerhallen (Exhibit Center)
• Breendonck Fortress
• Atomium
• Manneke Pis
• Waterloo
• Brussels Expo