Mechelen is a Dutch speaking city in the Flanders region of Belgium. With a population of 78,000 as of 2006, Mechelen is one of Flanders' Six Art Cities. Featuring office complexes on the north and industry to the south, the center of Mechelen is a cobbled medieval charmer.
Dominating the city center is the tower of St. Rumbold's Cathedral, where if you're up for it, you can climb the 514 steps to the top for a magnificent view of the old town. Mechelen was an important city in the Middle Ages, and much evidence of this remains. There are over 300 listed monuments, which includes some fabulous architectural specimens, among them eight historical Church buildings.
There are also many great and offbeat museums in Mechelen. The Toy Museum is for the whole family, as is the Technopolis, which is a hands-on science and technology Museum. St.
Peter and St. Paul is a Church containing wonderful wood carvings as well as a collection of 17th century paintings. The Court of the Busleyden is an awesomely imposing 18th-century structure.Mechelen is a year-round place to visit, but many of the attractions are closed in winter. For instance, there's lots of outdoor family fun to be had in Mechelen, starting with the expansive water-themed De Nekker sports and recreation center. Take a boat to the huge Safari Park for a day of animal interaction.
Leave the kids behind when you visit the Het Anker Brewery, where you can taste the famous Gouden Carolus, the favorite ale of Renaissance Emperor Charles V. Belgium is famous for its beer, so don't stop there.
All in all, you will have a tough time deciding which sightseeing attractions and venues to see and which ones to save for the next visit.
Visiting Mechelen, Belgium