Mechelen – now!

Whether you are coming to Mechelen for the first time, rediscovering the city or paying one
of your regular visits, Mechelen always has plenty to offer. You can be sure of a warm wel-
come by ‘The Maneblussers’ - ‘Moon Extinguishers’, as the people of Mechelen are known!

The culture lover, the keen walker, the gourmet, the scientifically inclined – this fantastic
city has something for everyone. And Mechelen is a city that appeals to the younger gen-
eration as well, so why not bring the kids too!

No matter what your preferences and budget are, you can spend a night or two in Meche-
len! You can hit the sack at the brewer’s, or go for a room as part of a gastronomic pack-
age. There’s contemporary bang in the centre of town, there are small, family-run hotels
and guest-houses and there are hikers’ cabins. Or you can pitch your tent or sleep on
board your own boat…

See you soon in Mechelen!

P.S.: Free map and ‘Streetwise in Mechelen’ city guide!

Get your stay off to a great start! If you book a package through the Tourist Office, you will
receive a free map and city guide along with your vouchers on arrival.

Inside

Mechelen’s top ten sights

Exploring Mechelen
Guided walks
Suggested walks
Boat trips
Places of interest, museums and tourist attractions
Historical churches
Museums of art and history
Special collections
Active recreation outside the city
Overnight accommodation
A weekend in Mechelen
Hotels
Guest rooms
Hikers’ cabins
Camping sites
Inner Dyle marina
City Visions
Main events

Keys
accessible for wheelchair-users
not fully accessible for wheelchair-users or only accessible with assistance
alas, not accessible for wheelchair-users
Getting about in the city
Finding your bearings in Mechelen
This lively city can be a forest of signposts, street signs and advertising, but Mechelen is work-
ing to create clearer signposting. If you come by car, you can either park free of charge in one
of the car parks on the periphery, or choose the convenience of a pay car park in the centre.

The compact centre, barely 800 m (875 yards) in diameter, is a pedestrians’ paradise. Follow
the brown signposts from you car park, the station or the bus-stop to Mechelen Tourist Office
“In&Uit Mechelen”.

City Map
Mechelen Tourist Office has produced a handly city map showing the sights, museums, churches and hotels at a
glance. It is on sale at and in the city map vending machines in the Veemarkt and Grote Markt
underground car parks. Alternatively, go to www.tourismmechelen.be and order one online, or use the reply card
in this folder. Price: 0.50 EUR (+ 2 EUR postage)

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BRUSSELS
Mechelen’s top 10
Mechelen is a real renaissance city. It boasts an illustrious past but you’ll find that today
the atmosphere is dynamic and that its citizens have both feet firmly in the contemporary
world. We are proud of our more than 300 listed monuments, eight historic churches and
no fewer than four mentions on the prestigious UNESCO list of world heritage sights.

The fitting use of, and respect for our precious heritage are central to the monuments
policy. Several of the city’s most impressive buildings are in use as municipal museums.

Below you will find Mechelen’s top ten sights and specialities.
Whatever happens, don’t miss the following!

NEW! Opening St Rumbold’s Tower

Conquer the 536 steps of this belfry. A multimedia guide
leads you up, bringing the tower to life in sound and image.
And the icing on the tower? The Sky Walk. This new panoramic
platform affords breathtaking views. Unique in Europe!
www.mechelentower.be

Town Hall
The modern-day Town Hall is actually two buildings. The Cloth Hall
with its unfinished belfry (also on the UNESCO list), and the Palace
of the Great Council. But in fact Mechelen has three town halls; the
old Aldermen’s House, the Huis Den Beyaert, and what is today the
town hall. There is also the "Huis van de Mechelaar", the brand-new
administrative centre.
Open to visitors only in the company of a guide.

Large Beguinage
The Large Beguinage also appears on the UNESCO list of world
heritage sights. Its charming narrow streets are an oasis of
peace. From the renovated façade of the Beguinage Church, God
the Father watches over the brewery a few metres further on.
Open to visitors.

Palace of Margaret of Austria

The residence of regent Margaret of Austria, the Court of
Savoy, was the first renaissance building in the Low Coun-
tries. The renaissance style spread from here. The building
now houses the court of the first instance. The picturesque
garden is a wonderfully peaceful spot.

St John’s Church
Though the church is not particularly impressive from
the outside, the parish of St John was once the parish of rich
members of the Great Council (the supreme court of the
Burgundian territories). The beautiful interior with fine wood
carvings is illustrated in one of Rubens’ masterpieces, ‘The
Adoration of the Magi’.
Open to visitors.

Hof van Busleyden

The former home of the humanist Hieronymus van Busleyden has
many renaissance influences. These days it is a municipal museum
housing an impressive collection of artisanal crafts (gold leather,
lace, furniture) and work by (among others) Rik Wouters, Lucas
Faydherbe and Hans Bol. This is also the home of the real Op-Sin-
joorke. Open to visitors.
 Mechelen’s top 10

Jef Denyn Royal Carillon School

The first carillon school in the world was founded at the
beginning of the last century in Mechelen. It has since
moved to this beautiful rococo house, where students
from all over the world learn to play the largest musical
instrument.
Open to visitors only in the company of a guide.

Other Mechelen musts:

Carillon concerts
Mechelen is the carillon city par excellence. The new carillon in
St Rumbold’s Tower is played throughout the year. During the
daytime the carillon automatically plays different tunes every
seven minutes. At weekends and on Mondays a city carilloneur
gives a live recital, and in the summer months guest carillon-
eurs come and demonstrate their art.
Saturdays and Mondays at 11.30 hrs, Sundays at 15.00 hrs
June 1st to September 14th also on Monday evenings at 20.30 hrs

Mechelse Koekoek
One of the best known Mechelen specialities is the
Mechelse koekoek, which translates literally as ‘Meche-
len cuckoo’. This is a chicken with grey-black feathers
and a firm flesh. It features on the menu of many of
Mechelen’s restaurants and is served with fresh vegeta-
bles or a Mechelen beer sauce.

Gouden Carolus
The Gouden Carolus (or Golden Charles) beer is based
on an old recipe for Mechelschen Bruynen, the favourite
beer of Charles V who grew up in Mechelen. He took
his beer with him to Spain and on his many campaigns.
Gouden Carolus was the name of a gold coin minted
during his reign. Het Anker brewery is still going strong
and celebrates Charles’ birthday every year with the
‘Cuvée van de keizer’ (Emperor’s Cuvée).

If you would like to find out more about the history of Mechelen,
its sights and specialities, why not order the city guide ‘Streetwise
in Mechelen’ online or by means of the reply card (4.50 EUR + 2 EUR
postage). Or pick up a copy from the Tourist Office Mechelen on the day
of your visit.
Exploring Mechelen
Guided walks
A flesh and blood guide will really bring your visit to life. The Mechelen guides are
walking encyclopaedias of facts and legends.

Backlit Walk
The cultural festival City Visions takes place in the Spring. The exhibition Backlit Heaven
also enters the realms of eight of Mechelen's historic churches. Explore these sacred
places, housing a wealth of masterpieces by the likes of Rubens and Van Dyck.
Duration: 2 hrs
March 21st to June 21st: every day, except Mondays, at 14 hrs and 15 hrs.
www.cityvisions.be
You can combine the walk with a visit to the exhibition Backlit Heaven. Special prices!

Price: adult 5 EUR / child 2,50 EUR

Please buy your ticket 15 minutes in advance. Limited number of tickets.

Three Burgundian Generations

This, the classic historical walk, broadly follows the route of the suggested Historical Walk
designed for visitors to follow independently. However, in the company of a guide, you also
see inside the Town Hall and the Carillon School.
Duration: 2 hrs
June 21st to October 31st: Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays at14.00 hrs
July and August: every day at 14.00 hrs
Price: adult 5 EUR / child 2,50 EUR
Please buy your ticket 15 minutes in advance. Limited number of tickets.

Book your own guide!

A range of guided walks and day trips are available for groups of 15 persons and more.
These must be booked three weeks in advance. You’ll find the complete list and terms and
conditions on www.tourismmechelen.be, or simply ask for the folder “group visits”.
Price: 60 EUR per guide (maximum 25 persons)

Boat trip on the Inner Dyle

Discover Mechelen from its lifeline, the River Dyle! The multilingual audio-guide tells you
more about the sights along the river banks, and throws in nuggets of information and
anecdotes about the history of Mechelen.
Departure: Jetty at Lamot / Haverwerf
Duration: 45 minutes
April 1st to September 30th on Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays every hour from
13.30-17.30 hrs.
In July and August every day, every hour from 13.30-17.30 hrs.
Price: adult 6 EUR / child 4 EUR

Suggested walks
You can learn quite a lot about the buildings and the city’s legends while exploring the city
under your own steam by following one of the numerous suggested walks. They are all on
sale at the Tourist Office but also online. A few of them are listed below.

Streetwise in Mechelen
This guidebook is published by the Tourist Office and contains information about the history
of Mechelen, four marked walks with detailed descriptions, tips for sightseeing, relaxa-
tion, shopping, eating and entertainment and lots of practical information from car hire to
church services. With city map.
Price: 4.50 EUR

Out and about with Charles

Guidebook in four languages (Dutch, French, German and English) published in 2000 pro-
viding concise information about historical buildings and breweries in Mechelen. The guide
also contains three vouchers which can be exchanged for Mechelen beers at the participat-
ing cafés. Your good health!
Price: 8.50 EUR

Every season Tourist Office Mechelen and other organizations arrange a variety of fascinating
tours. Ask at the Tourist Office for the dates and times.
Places of interest, museums
and tourist attractions
Historical churches
The cathedral as well as the other 7 historical churches in the centre are worth a visit. In
each church there is a small reception desk where you will find more information about
the church and its treasures. If you have children with you, they will also enjoy the visit
thanks to the KijKerk - Looking at Churches - project. It comprises ‘seek and find’ games,
teaches them how to build a Gothic arch, design a stained-glass window, etc.
Opening times: Tuesdays to Sundays from 13 to 16 hrs, from April to September until
17 hrs (not during church services)
St Rumbold’s Cathedral: every day from 9.30 hrs (not during church services)
Price: free admission

Museums of art and history

Museum axis
You can walk through the history of Mechelen in less than 700 metres! The so-called ‘mu-
seum axis’ leaves from the Brusselpoort Museum and cuts through the inner city.
It leads past the Lamot heritage centre, the Schepenhuis Museum and ends at the
Hof van Busleyden Museum.

Brusselpoort Museum
Archaeology is what this museum is all about. How old is Mechelen? How did our ances-
tors live? What did they eat, what can archaeologists learn about them from their ‘rubbish
bins’? And how close does the modern-day archaeologist come to Indiana Jones?
Hoogstraat, 2800 Mechelen
T +32 (0)15 29 40 30, www.mechelen.be/stedelijkemusea
Opening times: Tuesday-Sunday and public holidays: 13-17 hrs
Duration: 1 hr
Price: temporary exhibitions for free/adult 2 EUR/child free admission/senior citizen 1 EUR

Lamot heritage centre

Heritage is the story of what is stored at the back of people’s cupboards and in their attics
and here that story is told for young and old in large and small exhibitions, in the mysteri-
ous treasure-house and in a digital heritage laboratory. Lamot also mounts major and
international exhibitions.
Van Beethovenstraat 8/10, 2800 Mechelen
T +32 (0)15 29 49 10, www.lamot-erfgoedcentrum.be
Opening times: Tuesday-Sunday 10-12 and 13-17 hrs
Duration: 1 hr
Price: free admission

Schepenhuis Museum
Medieval sculptures, religious figures and fine alabaster reliefs from the Renaissance tell
their story. The meeting-room of the Great Council is well worth seeing, but the real high-
light is the Besloten hofjes (enclosed gardens). You’ll only find them in Mechelen!
Steenweg 1, 2800 Mechelen
T +32 (0)15 29 40 30, www.mechelen.be/stedelijkemusea
Tuesday-Sunday and public holidays 10-17 hrs
Duration: 1 hr
Price: temporary exhibitions for free/adult 2 EUR/child free admission/senior citizen 1 EUR
 Places of interest, museums and tourist attractions

Hof van Busleyden Museum

Mechelen was famed for its gold leather, furniture, lace and sculptures. In this magnificent
building you can admire the showpieces of the city’s artisanal crafts. The museum boasts
several big names from the baroque to the twentieth century: Faydherbe, Bol, Wouters...
And this is also where the only real Op-Sinjoorke lives!
Frederik de Merodestraat 65-67, 2800 Mechelen
T +32 (0)15 29 40 30, www.mechelen.be/stedelijkemusea
Tuesday-Sunday and public holidays 10-17 hrs
Duration: 1 hr
Price: temporary exhibitions for free/adult 2 EUR/child free admission/senior citizen 1 EUR

Jewish Museum of Deportation and Resistance

This place of remembrance narrates the history of the ‘Endlösung’ (Final Solution) in Bel-
gium and Europe. The museum is housed in the former Dossin barracks from where the
deportation of 25,000 Jews and gipsies to the extermination camp at Auschwitz was organ-
ized during the Second World War. Rescuers and rescued also tell their stories.
Goswin de Stassartstraat 153, 2800 Mechelen
T +32 (0)15 29 06 60, www.cicb.be
Monday-Thursday, Sunday and public holidays 10-17 hrs; Friday 10-13 hrs
Duration: 1,5 hrs
Price: free admission

Special collections

De Wit Royal Manufacturers of Tapestry

The manufacturer is world famous for restoring valuable tapestries by hand. Thanks to its
ingenious, patented cleaning system, De Wit’s clients include museums like the Louvre,
the Prado and the Metropolitan. De Wit also has a prestigious collection of antique and
modern tapestries.
Schoutetstraat 7, 2800 Mechelen
T +32 (0)475 52 29 05 (enkel Monday and Wednesday forenoon), www.dewit.be
closed in July
guided tours only, on Saturdays at 10.30 hrs
Duration: 1 hrs
Price: 6 EUR

Watchmakers’ Museum
The measurement of time has not always been taken for granted as it is today. Timepieces
of every description showing the complexity of the work of highly-skilled watchmakers are
brought together in this museum. Be sure to take the time for a personal guided tour!
Lange Schipstraat 13, 2800 Mechelen
T +32 (0)15 21 18 94, www.horlogeriemuseum.be
Monday tot Saturday 10-12 and 14-18 hrs / guided tours at 10.30 and 14.30 hrs
Duration: 1 hr
Price: adult 6 EUR / child 5 EUR

Het Zotte Kunstkabinet – The Mad Art Collection

This extraordinary museum is housed in the magnificently restored building known as ’t
Vliegend Peert (The Flying Horse), once home to Pieter Brueghel’s mother-in-law. The
collection consists of ‘mad’, satirical paintings of the sixteenth century in the style of moral
crusaders like Bosch, Brueghel and Brouwer. Curious about the meaning of symbols like
someone sporting a funnel on his head, a pointing index finger and a round loaf of bread?
Sint-Katelijnestraat 22, 2800 Mechelen
T +32 (0)15 29 01 55, www.vliegendpeert.be
Thursday and Friday 14-17 hrs
Saturday 11-17 hrs
Duration: 1 hrs
Price: adult 3 EUR
 Places of interest, museums and tourist attractions

Toy Museum
In 2007 the Toy Museum was celebrating its 25th birthday. It has grown from a private collec-
tion to the largest toy museum in Europe. Childhood memories come flooding back amidst
the dolls, cuddly toys, tin soldiers, trains and Lego blocks... And of course there is plenty of
space to play – not to mention playthings!
Nekkerspoelstraat 21, 2800 Mechelen
T +32 (0)15 55 70 75, www.speelgoedmuseum.be
Tuesday-Sunday and public holidays 10-17 hrs
Duration: minimum 2 hrs
Price: adult 7 EUR / child 5 EUR / senior citizen 6 EUR

Active recreation outside the city

Planckendael animal park

In the 40-hectar Planckendael you can admire fascinating animals, some more exotic than
others, but it is much more than ‘just’ an animal park. Planckendael is synonymous with
adventure, with a trail that leads across suspension bridges, through the treetops and
along the water… It is a world waiting to be discovered!
Leuvensesteenweg 582, 2800 Mechelen
T +32 (0)15 41 49 21, www.planckendael.be
Monday-Sunday 10-18 hrs, in July and August until 19 hrs
Duration: at least half a day
Price: adult 16,90 EUR / child 11,90 EUR / senior citizen 12,40 EUR

Boat trip to Planckendael animal park

The boat for the animal park leaves from Colomabrug, just behind Mechelen station. One of
the used boats is accessible for wheelchair users, please book in advance.
T +32 (0)477 36 48 20, www.v-zit.be
Departure: Jetty V-Zit behind Mechelen station / Colomabrug
From 1st April to 30th September on Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays, every 40
minutes from 9.30-17.30 hrs
In July and August every day, every 40 minutes from 9.30-18.50 hrs
Duration: 30 minutes
Price: adult 5,75 EUR / child 5,25 EUR / senior citizen 5,25 EUR

Technopolis
A hands-on centre devoted to science and technology, where touching is strictly allowed!
Experiment for yourself: ride a bicycle along a high wire, watch your hair stand on end, lie
on a bed of nails… Here science is adventure!
Technologielaan, 2800 Mechelen
T +32 (0)15 34 20 00, www.technopolis.be
Monday-Sunday 9.30-17 hrs
Duration: at least 2,5 hrs
Price: adult 9,50 EUR / child 7 EUR / senior citizen 8,50 EUR / ask for a family ticket
These prices are valid until 31st August 2009!

De Mijlpaal Railway Museum

This museum traces the origin and development of Belgium’s railway, transporting us back
to the nineteenth century when Mechelen and Brussels were linked by the first railway line
on the European continent.
Leuvensesteenweg 30, 2800 Mechelen
T +32 (0)15 41 65 68
from 1st May to 30th September on Saturdays from 14 to 18.00 hrs
Duration: 1,5 hrs
Price: adult 2,50 EUR / free admission for children
 Places of interest, museums and tourist attractions

Tivoli nature education centre

Now pure white again, the mansion was once wrapped in sheets of paper covered with
ballpoint lines, a work of art by acclaimed artist Jan Fabre. At the nature education centre
children have fun learning about farm animals, trees and herbs.
Antwerpsesteenweg 94, 2800 Mechelen
T +32 (0)15 20 66 84, www.mechelen.be/tivoli
Every day until sunset
Duration: 1,5 hrs
Price: free admission

Vrijbroek provincial park

Vrijbroek park boasts one of the most beautiful rose gardens in Europe. You’ll find the
perfume of over a hundred species of rose intoxicating. The park is also ideal for peaceful
walks along high avenues and alongside little streams.
Hombeeksesteenweg 264, 2800 Mechelen
T +32 (0)15 45 13 80, www.vrijbroekpark.be
Every day until sunset
Duration: 1,5 hrs
Price: free admission

De Nekker sports and leisure centre

Besides offering a whole range of indoor and outdoor sports, the leisure centre on the
edge of Mechels Broek even has a beach with swimming area, mini-golf, etc.
Nekkerspoel-Borcht 19, 2800 Mechelen
T +32 (0)15 55 70 05, www.denekker.be
Every day
Duration: afhankelijk van de gekozen activiteiten
Price during school holidays: adult 3 EUR / child 2,50; outside school holidays:
adult 2 EUR / child 2 EUR

Walking and cycling

Not far from the compact city centre you find scenic areas where you can walk, cycle or
just watch the children burn up some energy.
Further information available from the Tourist Office Mechelen.
A weekend in Mechelen
Mechelen is a city for those who like to enjoy life! There is so much to see and do that you
would be well advised to make a weekend of it. And bring the kids too. There is never a
dull moment here!

A-category hotels: Best Western Hotel Gulden Anker****, Hotel Vé**** and Novotel –
Mechelen centrum***.
B-category: Hotel Carolus***, Hotel Egmont***, Express by Holiday Inn***, NH Hotel***,
Hotel Den Wolsack*** and NH Mechelen***. .

Burgundian pleasures
Asparagus, chicory, Gouden Carolus beer and the famous ‘Mechelse Koekoek’ chicken
speciality... Mechelen - the very word makes your mouth water! Whether you explore the
city independently or with a guide, you can be sure of a wonderful weekend.

• Overnight accommodation with breakfast buffet

• Welcome drink
• Five-course menu with local dishes (without drinks)
• Mechelen information pack
• Guided tour on Saturday or Sunday at 14 hrs ( March 21st to Oktober 31st)
• ‘Out and about with Charles’ book of walks including Mechelen beer-tasting
• Gouden Carolus beer pack
• Discount for the Toy Museum, Planckendael animal park and boat trip to
the animal park (April 1st to September 30th)

Every weekend from January 1st to December 31st, in July and August every day

1 night extra night Supplement single per night
Category A 119.40 EUR 43.20 EUR 32.40 EUR
Category B .60 EUR 39.50 EUR 28.50 EUR

Visionary weekends. Spring 2009.

The festival City Visions comprises a packed programme centring on dreaming and ideas
for the future of this archiepiscopal city. Fifteen continuous projects and 125 day activities
in no fewer than 29 locations. Book these visionary packages now!

• 'Weekend Visions' maxi accomodation package

• 'Weekend Visions' mini accomodation package
• City Visions Weekend Break
• 'Twixt dream and vision' package
• 'Head in the clouds' package
• 'City Visions' package

From March 21st to June 21st 2009 in hotels and guestrooms in Mechelen.

More information later in this folder!

Hotels @ Internet
Caption Dogs allowed Own garage TV
Bar P Own car park Minibar Garden
Restaurant Lift Telephone
onference room

Name, address and contact Number Single Double / Triple Terms and condi- Facilities / accepted
details of rooms room twin room room tions for children credit cards
(sharing their
parents’ room)
Best Western Hotel Gulden 34 110 EUR / 130 EUR / 150 EUR / 1 child aged up to
Anker**** WE 72 EUR WE 82 EUR WE 102 EUR 12 free
Brusselsesteenweg 2
2800 Mechelen Child’s bed available
T +32 (0)15 42 25 35
F +32 (0)15 42 34 99 Max 20 pers.
[email protected]
www.guldenanker.be Accepted creditcards:

Traveller’s cheques
Hotel Vé**** 36 Cosy 188 Cosy 184 / Child’s bed available
Vismarkt 12-14 EUR / WE EUR / WE (7.50 EUR)
2800 Mechelen 84 EUR 98 EUR
T +32 (0)15 200 755 Style 166 Style 192 toys Max 25 pers.
F +32 (0)15 200 760 EUR / WE EUR / WE
[email protected] 119 EUR 133 EUR Accepted creditcards:
www.hotelve.com Luxe 205 Luxe 231
EUR / WE EUR / WE
154 EUR 168 EUR

Hotel Carolus*** 22 78 EUR/ 97 EUR/ 140 EUR/ 1 child 45 EUR

Guido Gezellelaan 49 WE 74 EUR WE 78 EUR WE 121 EUR (5 EUR)
2800 Mechelen
T +32 (0)15 28 71 41 Max 200 pers.
F +32 (0)15 28 71 42
[email protected] Accepted creditcards:
www.hetanker.be

Hotel Den Wolsack*** 14 99 EUR / 126 EUR / 153 EUR / 1 child at 50%
Wollemarkt 16 WE 79 EUR WE 98 EUR WE 117 EUR
2800 Mechelen Child’s bed available
T +32 (0)15 56 95 20 (5 EUR) Max 50 pers.
F +32 (0)15 56 05 05
[email protected] drawing materials Accepted creditcards:
www.denwolsack.com supplied Traveller’s
cheques

Hotel Domein Montreal*** 19 90 EUR / 115 EUR / 125 EUR / 1 child aged up to
Duivenstraat 56 WE 65 EUR WE 85 EUR WE 90 EUR 12 free
2800 Mechelen
T +32 (0)15 20 40 77 Child’s bed available
F +32 (0)15 20 34 30
[email protected] bottle-warmer Max 200 pers.
www.hotelmontrealbelgium.be
Accepted creditcards:
nursing pillow

Hotel Egmont*** 19 75 EUR / 105 EUR / 125 EUR / free up to the age of
Oude Brusselsestraat 50 WE 70 EUR WE 85 EUR WE 99 EUR 5 / 5-12 year-olds (8 EUR)
2800 Mechelen extra bed = 8 EUR
T +32 (0)15 42 13 99
F +32 (0)15 41 34 98 toys on request,
Max 25 pers.
[email protected] microwave oven
www.hotel-egmont.be (kitchen)
Accepted creditcards:
 Hotels
Express by Holiday Inn*** 69 145 EUR / 145 EUR / 145 EUR / free up to the age
Veemarkt 37C WE 72 EUR WE 72 EUR WE 92 EUR of 16
2800 Mechelen
T +32 (0)15 44 84 20 Child’s bed avail- Max 200 pers.
F +32 (0)15 44 84 21 able, nursing table
[email protected] (WC lobby), micro- Accepted creditcards:
www.hiexpress.com wave oven (lobby)
Traveller’s cheques

Hotel Hobbit*** 21 64,50 EUR 74 EUR / /

Battelsesteenweg 455F
2800 Mechelen
T +32 (0)15 27 20 27 possible
F +32 (0)15 27 20 28
[email protected] Accepted creditcards:
www.hobbithotel.be

NH Mechelen*** 43 110 EUR / 110 EUR / / /

Korenmarkt 22-24 WE 68 EUR WE 68 EUR
2800 Mechelen
T +32 (0)15 42 03 03 max 15 pers.
F +32 (0)15 42 37 88 Best price system
[email protected] Accepted creditcards:
www.nh-hotels.com

Novotel - Mechelen 122 from from from 74 EUR Children in parents’

Centrum*** 59 EUR 59 EUR room: 2 children
Van Beethovenstraat 1 under the age of 16
2800 Mechelen breakfast breakfast breakfast free, incl. breakfast
T +32 (0)15 40 49 50 17 EUR p.p. 17 EUR p.p. 17 EUR p.p. Child’s bed avail-
F +32 (0)15 40 49 51 able, play corner
[email protected] (lobby)
www.novotel.com
www.accor-hotels.com

Hotel Malcot*** 10 100 EUR 140 EUR / Children in parents’

@
Leuvensesteenweg 236 room: 2 children up
2800 Mechelen Suite to the age of 10 free
T +32 (0)15 45 10 00 180 EUR Child’s bed and toys Accepted creditcards:
F +32 (0)15 45 10 01 available
[email protected]
www.hotelmalcot.be

Hotel Muske Pitter* 4 47 EUR 64 EUR / /

Hanswijkstraat 70
2800 Mechelen
T +32 (0)15 43 63 03
F +32 (0)15 43 63 03
[email protected]
www.muskepitter.be

Jeugdherberg Zandpoort 31 33 / 31(-26j.) 23 / 21.80 room for 30% discount

Zandpoortvest 70 (112 3-4 people:
2800 Mechelen beds) 18.80 / 17.50
T +32 (0)15 27 85 39 Bring own towels
F +32 (0)15 27 85 40 Youth hostel prices with membership card. Non-
[email protected] of members: 3 EUR supplement per person per night.
[email protected]
www.mechelen-hostel.com
Sporthotel De Nekker 6 (60 On request /
Nekkerspoel-Borcht 19, beds) (2 rooms)
2800 Mechelen
T +32 (0)15 55 70 05
F +32 (0)15 55 66 10
[email protected]
www.denekker.be
Guest-rooms
Guest-rooms are run by private individuals. There is no legislation with regard to fire precautions,
etc. and no guarantee of comfort as with star-classified hotels. Sometimes you have to pay a
supplement for breakfast, heating or for a single night’s stay. You usually share the bathroom and
lavatory with other guests, though more and more guest-rooms now have their own facilities.

The guest-rooms are listed below in order of their distance from the Grote Markt. The prices
include breakfast, unless otherwise stated.

Caption
Washbasin @ Wireless internet Garden / terrace
Heating Coffee and tea facilities P Parking
Tv Own bathroom Bicycle rack / shed
Dvd Shared bathroom Bicycles available
Radio Smoking not allowed Public transport
Telephone Child’s bed Kitchen
@ Internet connection Dogs allowed

Mechelen centre

Name, address and contact Number of Single room Double / twin room Supplements / Facilities
details rooms other rates
Mevrouw Gyselen 2 60 EUR 70 EUR Discount for longer
Zakstraat 31 stays
Contactadres: Rik Wout- Maximum 2 people
ersstraat 22 bis
T +32 (0)15 20 65 89 / +32
(0)478 40 38 20

B&B LunaLuna 1 95 EUR 105 EUR Triple room

@
Patricia Gobien en Peter 140 EUR
Meuris
Jef Denynplein 6 Quadruple room
T +32 (0)486 29 67 98 170 EUR
www.lunaluna.be
10% discount from
the second night

Children (aged
under 12) 50%
discount

Fran Van Buggenhout 2 50 EUR / 60 EUR 60 EUR / 70 EUR Discount for

Straatje Zonder Einde 3 longer stays!
T +32 15 20 97 21 / @ P
+32 476 26 45 92
F +32 15 43 05 99 airco
[email protected]
www.rentrooms.be

Dusk till dawn 2 120 EUR 130 EUR Prices include use
@
Diederik en Ann Beele-Vyvey of mini-bar
Onze-Lieve-Vrouwestraat 81
T +32 (0)497 22 46 27 10 EUR discount
www.dusktilldawn.be from the second
night
 Guest-rooms
Name, address and contact Number of Single room Double / twin room Supplements / Facilities
details rooms other rates
B&B Frans Hals 2 60 EUR 70 EUR Long stays by
@
Frans Halsvest 99 arrangement
T +32 (0)15 34 08 03 / +32
(0)476 26 19 92 Garage available
www.franshalsbb.be

Tina’s B&B 1 88 EUR 98 EUR

@ P
Martina Cornelissen
Koningin Astridlaan 186
T +32 (0)15 27 23 27 / +32
(0)473 98 24 96

The Patio Houses 1 145 EUR 145 EUR Private wellness

Ariane Van Craen and centre with sauna,
Patrick Daelman Turkish bath,
Hendrik Speecqvest 54 jacuzzi, plunge pool
T +32 (0)475 42 95 78 and ‘Experience
www.thepatiohouses.be Shower’ 125 EUR /
4 hours
Dinner on request

B & Be 2 80 / 105 EUR 90 / 115 EUR Guest room in a cosy

Schuttersvest 29, house at walking y
2800 Mechelen Triple room distance of the Cen- @
T +32 (0)495 53 13 68 110 /135 EUR tral Station. Short as
[email protected] well as long stays are
www.bnbe.be possible.
5% reduction from
the second night!

Outside Mechelen centre

Name, address and contact Number of Single room Double / twin room Supplements / Facilities
details rooms other rates
Da Vinci 2 50 / 55 EUR 60 / 65 EUR Supplement for 1
Reintje Smits night 5 EUR per room
Landbouwstraat 102 Supplement winter
T +32 (0)476 84 42 75 period
[email protected] Jacuzzi on request
www.bedandbreakfastdav- 7 EUR
inci.tk Discount for longer
stays
Payment (cash) on
arrival

B&B Hagedhochte 2 50 EUR 60 EUR Supplement winter

Karel and Dina Sterckx- period: 10 EUR
Housen
Laathofstraat 40 Longer periods by
T +32 (0)15 20 47 61 / +32 arrangement
(0)477 31 70 89
http://users.telenet.be/
hagedhochte

Refuge Lindenhof 3 45 EUR 50 - 55 EUR Supplement for

@
Marterstraat 1 1 night 5 EUR
T +32 (0)15 27 14 77 per person
www.refugelindenhof.be Whole house
(maximum 7 people) Farm animals
available for rent:
Weekend 350 EUR
Midweek 500-760
EUR (depending on
energy costs)
Camping-sites/Hikers’
cabins/Inner Dyle Marina
Camping-sites
The following camping-sites allow you to pitch your tent in a field and most can accommo-
date several caravans. The more stars the site has, the more amenities it has to offer.

Domein Roosendael*** (no caravans)

Lange Zandstraat
2860 Sint-Katelijne-Waver (6 km / 3 mi.)
T +32 (0)15 29 41 30
www.roosendael.be

Camping Baarbeek*
Heirweg 26
1980 Zemst / Elewijt (15 km / 9 mi.)
T +32 (0)15 61 57 19

Camping Diepvennen****
Autostrade 100
1840 Londerzeel (18 km / 11 mi.)
T +32 (0)52 30 94 92
F +32 (0)52 30 57 16
www.camping-diepvennen.be

Camping Klokkeberg*
Grotestraat 120
3118 Werchter (24 km / 15 mi.)
T +32 (0)16 53 25 61
www.klokkeberg.be

At the moment there are no dedicated pitches for motorhomes near Mechelen. It is pos-
sible to park at De Nekker:

‘De Nekker’ sports and leisure centre

Nekkerspoel-Borcht, 2800 Mechelen
T +32 (0)15 55 70 05
www.denekker.be

Hikers’ cabins
Hikers and cyclists passing through the area are welcome to spend a maximum of three
nights in a hikers’ cabin. The cabins are equipped with a cooking ring and eating area,
berths for four people and electric heating. You need to bring your own sleeping bag and
pillowcase. Kitchen equipment can be rented.
If you stay in a hikers’ hut, you can make free use of the showers and toilets on the site.

‘De Nekker’ sports and leisure centre

Nekkerspoel-Borcht, 2800 Mechelen
T +32 (0)15 55 70 05
www.denekker.be
2 cabins
Price: 37 EUR per cabin

Domein Roosendael
Lange Zandstraat, 2860 Sint-Katelijne-Waver (7 km / 4 mi.)
T +32 (0)15 29 41 30
www.roosendael.be
2 cabins
Price: 34 EUR per cabin
 Camping-sites/Hikers’ cabins/Inner Dyle Marina

Camping Diepvennen
Autostrade 100, 1840 Londerzeel (18 km / 11 mi.)
T +32 (0)52 30 94 92
www.camping-diepvennen.be
2 cabins
Price: 34 EUR per cabin

Inner Dyle Marina

If you need a mooring in Mechelen marina, go along and see the harbour master or, for
further information, contact one of the two water-sports clubs:

Keerdok and Tichelrij moorings

Mechelse Yachtclub vzw
Contact: Victor Boonen (Chairman)
Rode Kruisplein 18
T +32 (0)495 45 82 27

Dyle and visitors’ moorings (Dyle-Kraanbrug)

Watersportvereniging Dijlestreek vzw
Contact: Herman Peleman
Dijle 35
T +32 (0)476 77 67 21
Postal address:
Ronny Meykens (Chairman)
H. Speeckvest 2 bus 001
 Mechelen's tower: enough to take your breath
away!

St Rumbold's Tower is a UNESCO world heritage site

and the symbol of Mechelen. From March 21st 2009
your multimedia guide will bring the story of the belfry
In 2009 City Visions will usher in the spring in to life in sound and image as you negotiate the 536
Mechelen! Running from March 21st to June 21st, this steps at your own pace. The crowning glory is the Sky
cultural city festival comprises a packed programme Walk, a new panoramic platform at the top of the tower
centring on dreaming and ideas for the future of this which affords breathtaking views of the city, with the
archiepiscopal city. Fifteen continuous projects and 125 port of Antwerp and the Atomium in Brussels on the
day activities in no fewer than 29 locations are poised horizon. A European first!
to ignite the city! www.cityvisions.be

Great deals during City Visions: €5 for adults and €

For information and reservations, contact Tourism 2.50 for children, multimedia guide included.
Mechelen.
Closed on Mondays. Reservation recommended!
www.mechelentower.be

Backlit Heaven All That is Solid Melts into Air

This major cultural-historical exhibition sheds light on Antwerp's acclaimed Museum of Contemporary Art, the
450 years of faith in the archbishopric of Mechelen- MuHKA, will be in Mechelen for three months with this
Brussels and takes us on a journey in which the worlds exhibition, looking for an answer to the question of
of ghosts and mortals, angels and sinners, saints and whether art serves a purpose in today's society. Five
devils intermingle. The exhibition comprises some 300 exhibitions on an around the renovated Cultuursite will
religious works of art from la Flandre profonde, chosen present work by Yves Klein, Thierry De Cordier, Mark
not for their beauty but to be thought-challenging. Manders, Marcel Broodthaers, Goshka Macuga, Jimmie
Durham and many others.

Adults € 10/€ 8 – children € 4, including audio-guide Adults €8/€6 – children €4

In combination with Backlit Walk: + €4 In combination with Backlit Heaven: + €7.5
In combination with bicycle hire: + €10/bicycle
In combination with All that is Solid: + €5.5

Closed on Mondays. Reservation recommended! Closed on Mondays.

Backlit Walk ContourLight

The exhibition Backlit Heaven also enters the realms of As you follow the atmospheric evening trail
Mechelen's churches where the spotlight is on some ContourLight you will inevitably succumb to the charms
extraordinary objects. of the historic centre of Mechelen and discover the
visual power of contemporary lighting artworks -
artistic visions conjured up by international artists
using a whole range of light sources, from neon to LED.

Information guide: €5 - Toerisme Mechelen Every evening during City Visions from twilight to
Guided walk: €5, every day (except Mondays) at 14.00 midnight. Starting-point: van Busleyden Court (Hof van
and 15.00 hrs, leaving from Toerisme Mechelen, Busleyden). Free.
duration 2 hours
'Weekend Visions' maxi accommodation package ‘Weekend Visions’ mini accommodation package
• Overnight accommodation with breakfast • Overnight accommodation with breakfast
• Exhibition ticket for either Backlit Heaven or • Exhibition ticket for either Backlit Heaven or
All That is Solid All That is Solid
• Welcome drink • City Visions programme
• Welcome pack: City Visions programme,
suggested walks and city map

Double Single Family Double Single Family

A € 108 € 88 A € 95 € 79
B € 102 € 85 B € 89 € 76
C € 77/75 (-26) € 51/49 (-26) € 98 C € 72/70 (-26) € 49/47 (-26) € 90
Valid: weekends, public holidays and school holidays Valid: weekends, public holidays and school holidays
Prices per room – to be booked direct with the hotel Prices per room – to be booked direct with the hotel

Category A: Novotel Mechelen-centrum*** – Hotel Category A: Novotel Mechelen-centrum*** – Hotel

Vé**** – Gulden Anker**** Vé**** – Gulden Anker**** – Domein Montreal***
Category B: Hotel Den Wolsack*** - Express by Category B: Hotel Den Wolsack*** - Express by
Holiday Inn*** - NH Mechelen*** - Egmont*** Holiday Inn*** - NH Mechelen***
Category C: De Zandpoort youth hostel Category C: De Zandpoort youth hostel

For further information: www.tourismmechelen.be For further information: www.tourismmechelen.be

City Visions weekend break 'Twixt dream and vision' package

• 2 nights for 2 people in the exclusive suite • Spiritual welcome drink in the Cosy Corner
with full breakfast • A mouth-watering three-course menu in a
• Check in Friday evening, check out Sunday trendy restaurant
• Choose between a visionary aperitif with • A mystic night in a guest room and sensual
canapé on arrival or bubbles with breakfast surprise in the bathroom
on Sunday • A bespoke breakfast in the stylish breakfast
• City(visions) information pack room or on the terrace
• Private tour of the historic centre led by your • City(visions) information pack
host • Exhibition ticket for either Backlit Heaven or
All That is Solid

Price: €145 p.p. (based on a double/twin room) Price: € 90 p.p. – extra night €50
Valid: weekends (based on a double/twin room)
Valid: weekends and weekdays

Contact: Bed & Breakfast Luna Luna Contact: Bed & Breakfast Dusk till Dawn
+32 (0)486 296 798, www.lunaluna.be +32 (0)497 224 627, www.dusktilldawn.be

‘Head in the clouds' package City Visions package

• Overnight accommodation in a unique tower
suite • Intimate breakfast in the guest suite
• Bottle of champagne in the tower lounge or • Exhibition ticket for either Backlit Heaven or
in the duet hot tub out on the roof terrace All That is Solid
• Comprehensive information pack (including • Afternoon of pampering in the wellness
free ticket) centre with refreshments
• Sensory indulgences • 3-course dinner by candlelight in the dining-
• Breakfast, brunch or lunch, which you room
conjure up for yourself from the well-stocked • Overnight accommodation in the guest suite
refrigerator and full breakfast in the patio kitchen

Price: €100 p.p. – extra night €50 (based on a Prijs: € 185 p.p. (o.b.v. tweepersoonskamer)
double/twin room). Valid: weekends and weekdays. Geldig: weekend en weekdagen

Contact: The Red Spot Contact: The Patio Houses

+32 (0)497 224 627, www.theredspot.be +32 (0)475 429 578, www.thepatiohouses.be
Events 2009
Period Event Opening times Place Price
March 21st - June 21st City Visions Depending on the activity Depending on the Depending on the activity
In 2009 Mechelen celebrates a very special birthday: four and a half centuries as activity
an archiepiscopal city. This birthday is an opportunity to look back, but also for-
ward and to create scenarios for the city of the future. The search for visions for a
new era promises to be a lively ans exceting event: City Visions!
www.cityvisions.be

March 31st - April 4th Haydn year 2009 Depending on the activity Depending on the Depending on the activity
April 5th - June 1st To commemorate the 200th birthday of the pass away of Joseph Haydn (1732- activity
1809), there are three concerts in two churches in the historic city centre. April 16th
users.telenet.be/haydngenootschap

April 16th - June 15th Festival of Flanders Depending on the activity Different venues in the Depending on the concert,
Classical concerts inner city aprox. 12 EUR
www.festivalvanvlaanderen.be

April 26th Heritage Day The whole day The whole of Flanders Free
A day of themed walks, guided tours and a vaiety of heritage-related activities.
www.erfgoeddag.be

May 17th Hanswijk Procession 15.00 hrs Route through the his- Free
The annual procession in honour of Our Lady of Hanswijk represents hitorical toric city centre Tribune seats Grote Markt 7 EUR
and religious scenes. A stirring and colourful spectacle. Tribunes on the Grote Veemarkt / Ijzerenleen 5 EUR
www.hanswijkprocessie.org Markt, Veemarkt and
Ijzerenleen

June 1st Carillon concerts Every Monday at 20.30 hrs Listening place: Play- Free
- Sept 14th Concerts by international carilloneurs performed on the carrillon in St Rumbold's ground TSM - Technische Programme 3 EUR
Tower. Classical and modern music, from Beethoven to the Beatles. Scholen Mechelen,
www.beiaardschool.be Wollemarkt 36
www.tourismmechelen.be Ascent of the tower at 19.00 hrs Adults 5 EUR
Children 2,50 EUR
 Events 2009
Period Event Opening times Place Price
June 28th Ottertrotter Festival The whole day Tivoli park Free
Multicultural festival with live music, workshops, drinks and snacks.
www.ottertrotterfestival.be

July and Parkpop Every thursday at 20.30 hrs Botanical Gardens Free
August Open-air pop and rock concerts
www.parkpop.be

August 15th - 16th Maanrock (Moon Rock) From midday Historic city centre Free
Atmospheric city festival with concerts on several different stages.
www.maanrock.be

August Contour 2009 Thursday-sunday 13-20 hrs Historic city centre €8 (€5) - <12j. free
15th - Oct 18th Biennal for video art
www.contourmechelen.be

September 13th Clock-throwing 16.00 hrs Grote Markt Free

real bronze clocks to be won
www.kolveniersgilde.be

Sept Open Monuments Day The whole of Flanders Free

13th Guided tours and numerous activities in monuments, houses, parks and gardens. 10u tot 18u
www.openmonumenten.be

Dec Memorial Eric Wauters - Flanders Christmas Showjumping The whole day Nekkerhal Depending on the day and the
26th - 30th Competition and show covering various equestrian disciplines. chosen formula, approx. 15 - 45
www.jumping-mechelen.be EUR