Top 3 Itineraries in Mechelen

No matter how long you plan to stay, there’s a perfect trip to Mechelen.

A 3 to 5-day stay in Mechelen offers just enough time to soak in the highlights

For a balanced mix of sightseeing and relaxation, city breaks in Mechelen are ideal. With a few extra days, you can dive deeper into Mechelen’s most iconic landmarks, stroll through charming neighborhoods, and savor local cuisine at a leisurely pace.

For those who crave freedom and discovery, road trips through Mechelen offer the perfect opportunity to explore beyond the city. With the open road ahead, you’ll uncover Belgium's most scenic landscapes, visit charming towns, and discover hidden gems along the way.

Explore all the best trips for every travel style below and make your next trip to Mechelen truly unforgettable!

If you’re as convinced as we are that Mechelen belongs on your bucket list, you're in luck. The best trips to Mechelen are just a quick search away.

Enter your dates below to discover the best travel packages in Mechelen and start planning your next trip!

Discover the perfect Mechelen itinerary with our handpicked list. Whether you're in Mechelen for a short stay or a longer visit, there's an itinerary for you.

With detailed routes, top attractions, and insider tips, these 3 itineraries will help you experience the best of Mechelen without missing a thing. Dive into our list and learn how to plan the ultimate trip to Mechelen!

A scenic 8-day road trip through Laeken - Laken, Muizen, Leuven, Bruxelles - Brussel, and Brugge is one of the best ways to experience Belgium. With the freedom to travel at your own pace, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to make spontaneous stops between the planned activities on your itinerary.

A 8-day itinerary means that Mechelen can easily be combined with other top destinations in Belgium without stress. While it’s possible to travel between Laeken - Laken, Muizen, Leuven, Bruxelles - Brussel, and Brugge by public transport, renting a car in Belgium opens up a whole new level of freedom!

So, with 8 days to spend, all you need is a rental car, some hotel reservations, and this iconic road trip itinerary:

Day 1: Arrive in Brussels

• Arrival city: Bruxelles - Brussel
• Accommodation: 3-star hotel in Brussels, e.g., Motel One Brussels
• Sightseeing: Royal Palace of Brussels

Begin your road trip adventure by picking up your rental car at the airport upon arrival in Brussels. Drive to your centrally located hotel, which offers convenient access to local attractions. Spend the day exploring nearby sights, and in the evening, enjoy dinner at a local restaurant, sampling regional flavors and soaking up the atmosphere.

Day 2: Explore Laeken - Laken and Bruxelles - Brussel

• Destinations: Laeken - Laken and Bruxelles - Brussel
• Driving distance: 28.26 km, approx. 1 hour and 27 minutes
• Accommodation: 3-star hotel in Brussels, e.g., Motel One Brussels
• Sightseeing: Grand Place, Atomium, Musée Magritte Museum, Brussels COMICS Figurines Museum, and Royal Gallery of Saint Hubert
• Recommended tour: Brussels: Historical Walking Tour with Chocolate & Waffle Tasting

Set out on a day of discovery and visit Grand Place, Atomium, Musée Magritte Museum, Brussels COMICS Figurines Museum, and Royal Gallery of Saint Hubert. Take time to enjoy the scenery and local highlights of Laeken - Laken and Bruxelles - Brussel, with the freedom to stop at whatever sight catches your interest.

Day 3: Discover Gent

• Destinations: Gent
• Driving distance: 117.17 km, approx. 2 hours and 13 minutes
• Accommodation: 3-star hotel in Brussels, e.g., Motel One Brussels
• Sightseeing: Gravensteen, Saint Bavo's Cathedral, and Belfry of Ghent
• Recommended tour: Brussels Chocolate Walking Tour and Workshop

Spend the day exploring Gravensteen, Saint Bavo's Cathedral, and Belfry of Ghent. Take scenic drives or walking tours to experience the area’s charm at your own pace.

Day 4: Experience Brugge

• Destinations: Brugge
• Driving distance: 195.86 km, approx. 2 hours and 57 minutes
• Accommodation: 3-star hotel in Brussels, e.g., Motel One Brussels
• Sightseeing: De Burg, Basilica of the Holy Blood, Belfry of Bruges, and Bruges City Hall
• Recommended tour: Private Brussels Tour with a Local: Custom Highlights & Hidden Gems Experience

Continue your journey through Brugge, where you can explore De Burg, Basilica of the Holy Blood, Belfry of Bruges, and Bruges City Hall. Make time for a break at a cozy café or scenic picnic spot.

Day 5: Enjoy Sightseeing in Antwerpen

• Destinations: Antwerpen
• Driving distance: 57.73 km, approx. 1 hour and 33 minutes
• Accommodation: 3-star hotel in Antwerp, e.g., B&B Hotel Antwerp Centre
• Sightseeing: Brabo's Monument, Rubenshuis, Cathedral of Our Lady, and Zoo Antwerpen
• Recommended tour: e-Scavenger hunt Antwerp: Explore the city at your own pace

Drive through Antwerpen, stopping to visit Brabo's Monument, Rubenshuis, Cathedral of Our Lady, and Zoo Antwerpen. Don't forget to embrace the opportunity to explore smaller towns and hidden gems along the way. Conclude your day by settling into a centrally located hotel in Antwerp.

Day 6: Embrace the Spirit of Leuven

• Destinations: Leuven
• Driving distance: 129.15 km, approx. 2 hours and 4 minutes
• Accommodation: 3-star hotel in Antwerp, e.g., B&B Hotel Antwerp Centre
• Sightseeing: Grote Markt, Botanical Garden, Historic Leuven Town Hall, Leuven Oude Markt, and Saint Peter's Church
• Recommended tour: Historical Walking Tour: Legends of Antwerp

Spend time discovering Grote Markt, Botanical Garden, Historic Leuven Town Hall, Leuven Oude Markt, and Saint Peter's Church, with plenty of opportunities to engage in outdoor activities or enjoy local culture.

Day 7: Spend Time in Muizen and Mechelen

• Destinations: Muizen and Mechelen
• Driving distance: 62.23 km, approx. 1 hour and 33 minutes
• Accommodation: 3-star hotel in Brussels, e.g., Motel One Brussels
• Sightseeing: ZOO Planckendael, Saint Rumbold's Cathedral, and Grote Markt
• Recommended tour: Brussels PRIVATE TOUR With Locals: Highlights & Hidden Gems

Explore ZOO Planckendael, Saint Rumbold's Cathedral, and Grote Markt at a relaxed pace. Make spontaneous stops for sightseeing, photography, or lunch at a family-run restaurant. Finish the day by checking into another comfortable hotel in the center of Brussels.

Day 8: Bid Farewell to Brussels

• Departure city: Laeken - Laken, Muizen, Leuven, Bruxelles - Brussel, and Brugge
• Driving distance: 0.0 metres, approx. 0 seconds

Savor an hour or two for souvenir shopping or revisiting a favorite spot before it’s time to say goodbye to Brussels. Drop off your rental car at the airport a couple of hours before departure for a seamless end to your trip.

The estimated cost for a rental car and accommodations for each night along this route is around 1018 EUR, providing a value-for-money way to experience what's beyond Mechelen.

Looking for something different? Explore more road trips with a stop in Mechelen for alternative itineraries, routes, and durations.

Enjoy a 5-day city break in Mechelen with the perfect itinerary, designed to showcase the city’s top sights, local flavors, and hidden corners.

With a long list of top-rated attractions in Mechelen and Mechelen's widest selection of tours and activities at your fingertips, it's easy to plan a travel itinerary filled with unforgettable moments and discoveries.

No need to stress over the details – we’ve curated the perfect 5-day itinerary to give you a seamless outline for your trip. Use this itinerary to capture the best of Mechelen without the hassle of planning.

Day 1: Begin Your Journey in Mechelen

Arrive in Mechelen and start your trip with a relaxing walk through town, discovering highlights like Bootjes In Mechelen.

Take in the local charm as you wander the streets, and as evening approaches, indulge in a delicious dinner at a local restaurant. Ellis Mechelen is a top-rated recommendation. Say 'cheers' and set the tone for an amazing vacation ahead!

Day 2: Discover Mechelen's Most Iconic Attractions

Enjoy your first full day in Mechelen by heading out for some must-see sightseeing. Explore around town and visit popular attractions like the iconic ZOO Planckendael and Mechels Broek.

Choose a walking tour to embrace a relaxed exploration. Alternatively, go for a tour by bus or bike to cover a larger part of Mechelen in the same amount of time.

In the evening, head out for another lovely dinner and raise a glass to a fantastic day of exploring!

Day 5: Savor Your Final Moments in Mechelen

Spend your last few hours in Mechelen soaking up the charm of the city at your own pace. Stroll through favorite spots or revisit local markets before bidding farewell to the city.

For more inspiration, explore the complete selection of city breaks in Mechelen, all including pre-planned itineraries you can customize to suit your style. Start with a ready-to-go Mechelen travel plan and make it your own by selecting tours, accommodations, and more.

A 4-day weekend getaway in Mechelen offers the perfect break from the hustle of daily life.

However, with a well-planned Mechelen itinerary, you can effortlessly experience the best of the town in just a few days. Picture yourself exploring iconic landmarks, savoring local cuisine, and wandering charming neighborhoods—it's all within reach as long as you know how to plan your trip properly.

With 4 days to spend, this is the perfect Mechelen weekend itinerary for your trip:

Day 1 - Arrive in Mechelen

Arrive in Mechelen around noon and head to your hotel for an early check-in.

• Morning: Take some time to relax and refresh after your journey, or get a head start by visiting a nearby landmark.
• Afternoon: Ease into your trip with some sightseeing, for example, visiting Bootjes In Mechelen, and soak in the surroundings.
• Evening: Dine at a popular restaurant and celebrate the start of the vacation with some drinks.

Day 2 - Discover Mechelen’s Famous Sights

Maximize your first full day in Mechelen with sightseeing, food, and drinks.

• Morning: Visit ZOO Planckendael early to avoid crowds and enjoy the views.
• Evening: Dine at a popular restaurant and cap off the day at a local bar.

Day 3 - Immerse in the Local Culture of Mechelen

No itinerary in Mechelen is complete without trying the city's top local delicacies and experiencing the culture.

• Morning: Start with a traditional breakfast to fuel up for the day and then head to Museum Hof van Busleyden.
• Afternoon: Explore Church of Our Lady across the river Dijle and Kazerne Dossin – Memorial, stopping at markets, boutiques, museums, or exhibitions along the way.
• Evening: Enjoy a dinner featuring regional specialties and finish with a night tour of the city’s illuminated landmarks.

Day 4 - Depart from Mechelen

Make the most of your last few hours in Mechelen before your departure. Whether you’re looking for a quick getaway or want to extend the weekend, these trips all come with pre-planned but customizable Mechelen itineraries, ensuring an effortless travel experience.

As you explore Mechelen, you’ll find countless layers of history, art, and local charm waiting to be uncovered.

Finding the right place to stay is essential for a comfortable trip. This is why we've also gathered our top recommendations for the best places to stay in Mechelen for you.

Wherever your journey takes you, we’re here to make every step memorable. From expert tips to local insights, count on us to help you experience Mechelen in a way that feels truly unforgettable!