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Mechelen: A Flat Cathedral City After Antwerp

A small, flat city of canals, a cathedral tower and a carillon school, a short train ride south of Antwerp.

DurationDay trip
TransitSNCB train from Antwerpen-Centraal, about 20 to 30 minutes
DepartsAntwerpen-Centraal

After the Antwerp Marathon: Mechelen

The Route: Antwerpen-Centraal → Mechelen → Antwerpen-Centraal Logistics: SNCB train, about 20 to 30 minutes each way, with trains several times an hour. The centre is a flat 10-minute walk from the station. Marathon Month: October Duration: Day trip

Antwerpen-Centraal ──(20-30 mins, SNCB train)──> Mechelen
        ^                                           │
        └──────────(20-30 mins, SNCB train)─────────┘

The Antwerp Marathon finishes at the MAS on the Eilandje docks on a Sunday in late October. Mechelen is the least demanding Monday you can plan from there: one short train, a flat centre and no need to move your luggage.

October in Mechelen: daytime highs are around 13°C and rain is common. Daylight is short, with sunset at about half past five in the second half of the month, so start the day early. The market squares are quiet on a weekday, and several museums are closed on Mondays, so check opening hours before you travel.

Belgian trains are priced by distance and have no advance fares, so there is nothing to book ahead. A single from Antwerp is a few euros. Buy at the machine or in the SNCB app, and check sncb.be for engineering works. Intercity trains from Antwerpen-Centraal call at Mechelen several times an hour.

The Centre

Sint-Romboutstoren, the cathedral tower, is 97 metres tall and is listed by Unesco with the Flemish belfries. The tower climb is 538 steps, so skip it. Look at it from the Grote Markt instead. The cathedral itself is level inside and is usually free to enter, though a donation is customary.

The Grote Markt, the Hanswijk basilica area and the Dijle canal are all flat, and the walks between them are paved. The Dijle quay through the centre is a level 1 km walk with benches. Hof van Busleyden, a museum in a sixteenth-century palace, has lifts and a cloakroom; entry is around €10. Check whether it is open on Mondays.

The Royal Carillon School trains carillonneurs, and the tower bells play at set times. Check the schedule locally. For a drink, Het Anker brewery, which makes Gouden Carolus, has a restaurant and a short guided tour; book ahead and confirm hours.

Trains return to Antwerp every 10 to 30 minutes until late evening. Check the last service on the SNCB app if you stay for dinner.