Mechele n on d ay trip from Antwe r p or Brussels

Mechelen, a hidden g em nestled in the heart of Flanders, is a tantalizing destination that should not be missed if you find yourself in Ant werp or Brussels. With its proximit y to these vibrant cities, Mechelen is just a short train ride or a quick drive away, making it an ideal spot for a day trip or e ven a spontaneous g roup adventure One particular hig hlig ht that sets Mechelen apart is the Mechelen V leeshalle, also known as the Cit y Food Market, where culinar y delig hts await eag er

Food Enthusiasts

e Mechelen V leeshalle occua g rand space in the centre of the old cit y, once ser ving as the historic Mechelen meat market. Today, it has transformed into a bustling hub of g astronomic excellence, earning a reputation as the cit y ' s latest culinar y hotspot.

e market-st yle setting houses t welve vendors offering a diverse rang e of delectable treats, accompanied by a pop -up food stall that adds an element of surprise. Whether you wish to shop for fresh ing redients or savour a heart y meal, the Mechelen V leeshalle caters to both locals and visitors alike. Howe ver, do note that the market is closed on Mondays, so plan your visit according ly.

While you can indulg e in a culinar y journe y spanning the g lobe at the Mechelen V leeshalle, make sure to sample some traditional Mechelen hone y e unique flavour of this local delicac y is ele vated when enjoyed under the mag nificent vaulted cast iron balconies that g race the landmark building e Mechelen V leeshalle's histor y dates back to 1881 when it was desig ned by architect V ictor Louckx . roug hout the years, it has experienced ups and downs, e ven ser ving as g overnment offices at one point Howe ver, its current owners, passionate about food and culinar y experiences, breathed new life into the space less than a year ag o, unveiling its exciting transformation

From the contemporar y culinar y scene, let us delve into Mechelen's rich histor y, which dates back to medie val times St Rumbold's Cathedral, a true architectural mar vel, beckons visitors with its renowned carillon. Aer experiencing the breathtaking melodies emanating from this colossal instrument, your ears may continue to resonate with the enchanting sounds Some may e ven claim that it is the larg est and loudest carillon in the world, and it is difficult to dispute such claims. e massive instrument's 49 bells consistently produce a captivating symphony that resonates throug hout the cit y. Leg end has it that the unfinished state of the cathedral's tower is due to the irresistible allure of the carillon's captivating music, which has pre vented further construction.

As you explore the historical capital of the Burg undian Netherlands, a visit to the Museum Hof van Busle yden is hig hly recommended. Housed in a Renaissance palace in the heart of Mechelen, this museum provides an opportunit y to encounter historical fig ures from across Europe. Notable personalities such as the philosopher Erasmus, whose name adorns the popular student exchang e prog ram, and the Eng lish Catholic mart yr omas More, both play sig nificant roles within the museum ' s exhibits e Museum Hof van Busle yden offers a captivating g limpse into histor y, e voking a sense of awe and contemplation

Be yond its historical and cultural attractions, Mechelen boasts an array of captivating experiences. e vibrant Vrijbroekpark showcases a stunning display of nature ' s beaut y, with over a thousand species of roses and more than 300 species of dahlias, creating a colourful oasis. For those seeking interactive and educational adventures, the Technopolis Science Centre offers a rang e of captivating experiments that cater to visitors of all ag es. Animal enthusiasts can explore the worldfamous zoo, while the toy museum promises a nostalg ic trip down memor y lane Finally, the Brusselspoort, one of Mechelen's last remaining medie val g ates, stands as a testament to the cit y ' s rich past,

D id you know that Mechelen is home to one of the most impressive and larg est carillons in the world ?

e carillon at St. Rumbold ' s Cathedral consists of a remarkable 49 bells, which are always turned up to their ma ximum volume is medie val heavy metal instrume nt produces captivating melodies that can be heard resonating throughout the cit y Some spe culate that the mesme rizing music of the carillon is responsible for the cathedral's unfinished tower, as the allure of the carillon's enchanting sounds has preve nted further construction S o, whe n you visit Me chelen, be pre pared to be surrounded by the magnifice nt melodies of this e xtraordinary carillon