A Quiet Surprise: Two Days in Mechelen from Amsterdam

Just a few hours from Amsterdam, Mechelen gave us more than we expected: quiet streets, charming corners, and a few surprises along the way.

We took a Flixbus to Antwerp and hopped on a €5 train to Mechelen, easy and smooth, with frequent connections. Our stop was Mechelen Nekkerspoel station, which turned out to be closer to our hotel than the central one. We stayed at Elisabeth Hotel, a short 15-minute walk from both the station and the city centre.

Our first day was slow-paced. We wandered the cobbled streets, sat in quiet squares, and got a sense of the city’s rhythm. We found the Kruidtuin by chance and explored the Dijlpad, a path near the river Dijl.

The next day, we climbed St. Rumbold’s Tower, not just for the view, but for the story inside. Along the way up, we saw the bells, the carillon, and learned how this tower became the heartbeat of Mechelen.

Later, we visited the Het Anker Brewery. You go through the whole building, learn about the ingredients, the process, and at the end, you enjoy two beers as part of the visit. It was the perfect way to wind down after the tower climb.

The day before, our guide had mentioned that the relics in the cathedral were moved due to a special celebration. So, we kept an eye out for the event and squeezed in a 20-minute visit between our other plans.

Mechelen felt like a hidden gem. It’s not flashy, and maybe that’s why it stays with you. A place with space to breathe, full of little stories, and just enough mystery to make you want to return.

Planning tip: If you want a quiet city break from Amsterdam, Mechelen is an easy and lovely option—no stress, just a slow rhythm and a few beautiful surprises.

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