Top 2 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 2 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, Enghien - Edingen, Braine-l'Alleud, La Hulpe, and Cambron-Casteau 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, Enghien - Edingen, Braine-l'Alleud, La Hulpe, and Cambron-Casteau 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: Parc de Bruxelles

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 Bruxelles - Brussel

• Destinations: Bruxelles - Brussel
• Driving distance: 8.65 km, approx. 48 minutes
• Accommodation: 3-star hotel in Brussels, e.g., Motel One Brussels
• Sightseeing: Grand Place, Autoworld, Royal Gallery of Saint Hubert, St Michael and St Gudula Cathedral, Brussels, and Parc du Cinquantenaire
• Recommended tour: The Most Complete Tour Of Brussels

Set out on a day of discovery and visit Grand Place, Autoworld, Royal Gallery of Saint Hubert, St Michael and St Gudula Cathedral, Brussels, and Parc du Cinquantenaire. Take time to enjoy the scenery and local highlights of Bruxelles - Brussel, with the freedom to stop at whatever sight catches your interest.

Day 3: Discover Laeken - Laken and Bruxelles - Brussel

• Destinations: Laeken - Laken and Bruxelles - Brussel
• Driving distance: 30.11 km, approx. 1 hour and 52 minutes
• Accommodation: 3-star hotel in Brussels, e.g., Motel One Brussels
• Sightseeing: Atomium, Bois de la Cambre, Leopold Park, Royal Palace of Brussels, and Royal Belgian institute of Natural Sciences
• Recommended tour: Brussels Walking and Tasting Tour

Spend the day exploring Atomium, Bois de la Cambre, Leopold Park, Royal Palace of Brussels, and Royal Belgian institute of Natural Sciences. Take scenic drives or walking tours to experience the area’s charm at your own pace.

Day 4: Experience Enghien - Edingen, Braine-l'Alleud, La Hulpe, and Cambron-Casteau

• Destinations: Enghien - Edingen, Braine-l'Alleud, La Hulpe, and Cambron-Casteau
• Driving distance: 214.81 km, approx. 3 hours and 28 minutes
• Accommodation: 3-star hotel in Antwerp, e.g., B&B Hotel Antwerp Centre
• Sightseeing: Lion's Mound, Château d'Enghien, Domaine régional Solvay (Château de La Hulpe), Pairi Daiza, and Parc d'Enghien
• Recommended tour: e-Scavenger hunt Antwerp: Explore the city at your own pace

Continue your journey through Enghien - Edingen, Braine-l'Alleud, La Hulpe, and Cambron-Casteau, where you can explore Lion's Mound, Château d'Enghien, Domaine régional Solvay (Château de La Hulpe), Pairi Daiza, and Parc d'Enghien. Make time for a break at a cozy café or scenic picnic spot. Wrap up the day by checking in at a hotel in the heart of Antwerp.

Day 5: Enjoy Sightseeing in Muizen, Antwerpen, and Mechelen

• Destinations: Muizen, Antwerpen, and Mechelen
• Driving distance: 78.26 km, approx. 1 hour and 58 minutes
• Accommodation: 3-star hotel in Antwerp, e.g., B&B Hotel Antwerp Centre
• Sightseeing: ZOO Planckendael, Grote Markt, Zoo Antwerpen, and MAS - Museum aan de Stroom
• Recommended tour: Historical Walking Tour: Legends of Antwerp

Drive through Muizen, Antwerpen, and Mechelen, stopping to visit ZOO Planckendael, Grote Markt, Zoo Antwerpen, and MAS - Museum aan de Stroom. Don't forget to embrace the opportunity to explore smaller towns and hidden gems along the way.

Day 6: Embrace the Spirit of Brugge and Gent

• Destinations: Brugge and Gent
• Driving distance: 213.19 km, approx. 3 hours and 29 minutes
• Accommodation: 3-star hotel in Antwerp, e.g., B&B Hotel Antwerp Centre
• Sightseeing: Gravensteen, Minnewater Park, Belfry of Bruges, Belfry of Ghent, and Church of Our Lady
• Recommended tour: Private tour: Highlights & History of Antwerp

Spend time discovering Gravensteen, Minnewater Park, Belfry of Bruges, Belfry of Ghent, and Church of Our Lady, with plenty of opportunities to engage in outdoor activities or enjoy local culture.

Day 7: Spend Time in Ieper

• Destinations: Ieper
• Driving distance: 253.82 km, approx. 3 hours and 18 minutes
• Accommodation: 3-star hotel in Brussels, e.g., Motel One Brussels
• Sightseeing: Cloth Hall, In Flanders Fields Museum, and Menin Gate
• Recommended tour: Brussels Chocolate Walking Tour and Workshop

Explore Cloth Hall, In Flanders Fields Museum, and Menin Gate 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: Bruxelles - Brussel
• Driving distance: 956 metres, approx. 12 minutes
• Sightseeing: Mount of the Arts

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 1039 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 7-day city break in Mechelen with the perfect itinerary, designed to showcase the city’s top sights, local flavors, and hidden corners.

No need to stress over the details – we’ve curated the perfect 7-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 Grote Markt.

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 7: 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.

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!