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Food & drink · Mechelen

Top 4 food & drink things to do in Mechelen

Mechelen on a fork. Walking food tours through the markets, cooking classes with local chefs, tasting flights at the bars worth your time, and a couple of long lunches that double as the day's plan.

  1. Lost Lanes and Secret Gardens Self Guided Audio Tour, Mechelen1

    1. Lost Lanes and Secret Gardens Self Guided Audio Tour

    5.0· 3 reviews

    Discover Mechelen, Belgium’s hidden medieval gem, on a three-hour walking tour through its historic streets, secret courtyards, and UNESCO-protected sites. Starting at Saint Rumbold’s Cathedral, see its unfinished tower, once intended as the world’s tallest. Explore Margaret of Austria’s Renaissance legacy, the tranquil Begijnhofs, and the restored Rik Wouters Garden. Visit Kazerne Dossin, a WWII memorial, and end at De Zalm, an ornate guild house. Highlights include 49-bell carillon concerts, hidden religious refuges, Gouden Carolus beer from a 14th-century brewery, and quirky sites like the Devil’s House and the Adam and Eve House. Mechelen blends rich history, vibrant design, and quiet charm—offering more protected monuments than Bruges, but far fewer tourists.

  2. Small-Group Chocolate Tour in Mechelen, Mechelen2

    2. Small-Group Chocolate Tour in Mechelen

    5.0· 3 reviews

    We love Mechelen and love to share it with the world. Still a hidden gem, it is very accessible from both Antwerp, Brussels and Ghent. It is quieter than the bigger cities, but has more charm in our opinion. Also, there are a lot of chocolate secrets!! We like to surprise you both with stories and chocolate tasters! Examples are hot choc, pralines, handmade chocolate, macaroons, chocolate cookies, pain au chocolat, cakes and so on. Please note that no stops are made except for taster and that locations vary (this depend on the day and time of your visit and number of people). You can ask your guide though if you want to stop for a photo. Our tours are small groups only. For safety, but also because we like to know the people we guide. We hope that you will enjoy touring with us.

  3. Mechelen Historic Walking Tour with Local Guide, Mechelen3

    3. Mechelen Historic Walking Tour with Local Guide

    4.9· 10 reviews· 2 hours

    Embark on a walking tour through the heart of Mechelen. Marvel at iconic sights like the majestic city hall, the Grote Markt, the awe-inspiring Sint-Rumbold's cathedral, the medieval city center, the old canals, and the vibrant cultuurmarkt. Stroll through Mechelen's cobblestone streets and expansive squares, basking in the glory of historic buildings and the city’s rich medieval legacy. Uncover tales of Roman conquerors, Viking traders, and medieval marvels, along with Mechelen's pivotal role in Belgium's vibrant history. Gain insider knowledge from a local guide and get the scoop on authentic Mechelen experiences, find the finest culinary hotspots, learn local secrets, and navigate the city like a true insider.

  4. Mechelen Food Tour, Mechelen4

    4. Mechelen Food Tour

    4.0· 1 reviews

    We love Mechelen and love to share it with the world. Still a hidden gem, it is very accessible from both Antwerp, Brussels and Ghent. It is quieter than the bigger cities, but has more charm in our opinion :) Our tours are small groups only. For safety, but also because we like to know the people we guide. As we visit local, independent stores and eateries that were started by young entrepreneurs, you also support them! This is our aim too - to promote Mechelen small businesses. We hope that you will enjoy touring with us :)

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