Hey there! I’m Kata, a student of 1ICM 2024-25, a coffee lover, and someone who is always on the lookout for great experiences. When I first moved to Mechelen, I had no clue what this city had to offer. I thought, “Okay, cute place… but is it going to be fun? Isn’t it too quiet?” Fast forward a few months – I’m now that girl who’s constantly dragging friends to her “secret” spots and planning random karaoke nights. So, here’s the ultimate list of Mechelen hotspots – the student edition.
Grote Markt – The Beating Heart of the City
If Mechelen had a living room, it would definitely be Grote Markt. The square is always alive with shoppers, tourists, students, and locals sipping drinks even in the cold! The first time I visited the square – it felt like walking into the heart of something way bigger than I expected from a mid-sized city. On weekends, the open-air market transforms the whole vibe. Think fresh flowers, handmade jewellery, colourful fruit stands, and the occasional local musician giving a free concert.
The surrounding cafés and restaurants are always packed. Whether you’re meeting up for a last-minute brunch, celebrating a passed exam with cocktails, or just sitting solo with a book and coffee, Grote Markt somehow always fits your mood. And if you’re into shopping, don’t miss the cute local shops hidden in the side streets. You’ll find everything from trendy clothes to eco-friendly gadgets.
Skater’s Paradise – Wheels or Ice, You’re Covered
Whether you’ve been skating since you could walk or you still wobble like Bambi on ice, Mechelen’s got you covered. First stop: De Loods. It’s a massive indoor and outdoor skatepark tucked away in an old industrial building. You’ll find pros practicing jaw-dropping kickflips, but also beginners (like me!) trying not to fall oI a longboard. The best part? No judgment. Everyone is just there to vibe and have fun. If you ever wanted to try skating but felt too intimidated, this is the place.
When winter rolls around, swap your skateboard for ice skates at the ice-skating rink. It’s affordable, student-friendly, and honestly, one of the most fun ways to laugh at yourself with friends.
Pro tip: even if you have zero skating skills, go anyway. There’s something about slipping and sliding on ice that instantly bonds people together. Our faculties took us there for a team building this semester and it was easily my favourite
memory from our course!
Take a Walk – Where Architecture Meets Nature
Whenever I need a break from lectures, deadlines, and endless group projects, I lace up my sneakers and head out. One of my favourite routes is the Dyle Path, a floating wooden walkway along the river that weaves through the city. Walking there feels almost magical like you’re hovering just above the water, watching the old houses and cafés by the lake.
For a bigger nature fix, I love Vrijbroekpark. It’s a huge green park just outside the city centre. Perfect for walks, weekend picnics, or sports. Plus, there’s a rose garden that looks straight out of a fairy tale during spring and summer.
Don’t forget the Kruidtuin park right across Campus De Ham where you can find your friends just chilling during breaks. And if you’re a fan of old architecture, Mechelen is basically an open-air museum. Gothic churches such as Saint Rumbold’s Cathedral with its incredibly tall tower from
the top of which you can see the whole of Mechelen, hidden courtyards, ancient bridges you’ll find surprises around every corner. Sometimes I plan “mini photo walks” where I just explore without a map and see what I stumble across. 10/10 recommend.
Food, Glorious Food – Kata’s Top Picks
Now onto the most important topic: food.
Mechelen may be small, but its food scene is seriously impressive. Here are my absolute must-visit spots that are perfect for students on a budget.
- (Grab life by the) Beans – The perfect cute little café with warm coffee and sweet snacks and right next to Grote Markt!
- Pitawan – A Turkish pita shop with the most delicious snack you could find.
- Cristina’s Kitchen – If you love healthy and vegan food, this is the place to be.
- King Kebab – Open until 1 AM and an affordable fix for those late night cravings!
- BelChicken – The local fried chicken spot that never disappoints.
- Bokes & Co. – Another favourite coffee spot because you can never get enough coffee!
All the Essentials – Bruul & Beyond
Let’s be real: between classes, studying, and social life, convenience is key. Bruul is Mechelen’s main shopping street, and it’s basically your one stop-shop for anything you could possibly need. Whether you’re hunting for a new phone charger, sneakers, a last-minute birthday gift, or just craving a quick fast-food fix – Bruul has you covered.
Feeling a little more adventurous? The flea markets around Mechelen are goldmines for hidden treasures. Don’t forget to visit Think Twice on Euro days!
Find Your People – Mechelen’s Community Vibe
One thing I didn’t expect when moving here? How easy it would be to find my people. Being a creative, I always wanted to make friends here who share the same interests as me. Groups such as wHam and ESN Mechelen were exactly what I was looking for. They help point you in the right direction and make your stay in Mechelen much more exciting!
The Music Never Stops!
Mechelen knows how to keep students entertained! There is no shortage of cafes and pubs in Mechelen where the music never stops. From karaoke to concerts, locals and students organise regular events throughout the year. Events are often held in De Loods, Kuub, de club etc. Even when exams hit and your social life slows down, you’ll still find low-pressure ways to relax and stay connected.
Mechelen, You’ve Got My Heart
Honestly, Mechelen might not be the biggest or flashiest city but it’s just right for students. It’s beauty, calm and pleasant surprises make your student life a whole lot more interesting.
If you’re just arriving, welcome! If you’ve been here a while, maybe this reminded you of a place you haven’t been to in a while. Either way, make the most of it.
Catch you on the Dyle path,
Kata
