Day Trip to Mechelen & Leuven: Two Cities, One Great Experience

9 hours (approximately)
Offered in: English and 1 more

Join our fascinating day trip from Brussels and explore the charm of Mechelen and Leuven.

In Mechelen, marvel at the stunning Gothic and Renaissance City Hall and explore the historic St. Rumbold's Cathedral.

Then, in Leuven, enjoy the grand architecture of the University Library and the vibrant atmosphere of the old town, filled with cafés and shops.

With an expert guide sharing captivating stories and free time to explore at your own pace, this is a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in Belgian history and culture. Book now for an unforgettable experience!

What's Included

Free time to explore.
Passionate and entertaining guide.
Local recommendations.
Guided tour with exciting stories.
Lunch

Meeting and pickup

Meeting point

The guide will be waiting for you with an orange flag or umbrella.

End point
This activity ends back at the meeting point.

Itinerary

Duration: 9 hours (approximately)
  • 1

    We will meet at Brussels Central Station, where we will take a train to Mechelen - the journey takes only 25 minutes! Once there, we will take a walking tour through the historic center of Mechelen. We will start our walk in the heart of the city: the Grote Markt. In this beautiful square is the monumental Town Hall of Mechelen, on whose facade we will see the sculpture of the most powerful man in Spain (and all of Europe) in the first half of the 16th century. Do you know who it is? We are referring to the great Charles of Habsburg, I of Spain and V of Germany, who was born in Ghent in February 1500.

    1 hour Admission ticket free
  • 2

    The City Hall of Mechelen is one of the most prominent buildings in the city and an excellent example of Gothic and Renaissance civil architecture in Belgium.

    30 minutes Admission ticket free
  • 3

    From the Grote Markt we can also see the gigantic bell tower (98 meters high) of the cathedral of St. Rudolph. As we will see, the tower is unfinished - do you know why? We will find out!

    20 minutes Admission ticket free
  • 4

    We will continue our tour of Mechelen along with other emblematic buildings of the city such as the Palace of Margaret of Austria: one of the most cultured women of her time and favorite aunt of Charles V.

    30 minutes Admission ticket free
  • 5

    During the tour, we will also learn about the history of the legendary Van Busleyden Palace and the Dyle, the Mechelen Canal. Very close to these places we will also see the exteriors of the Het Anker brewery: the city's beer brand.

    30 minutes Admission ticket free
  • 6

    Kazerne Dossin is a historic site with a dark past, located in the city of Mechelen, Belgium. Originally built in the 18th century as a military barracks, its history is deeply intertwined with the events of World War II and the Holocaust.

    30 minutes Admission ticket free
  • 7

    Before leaving Mechelen, we will leave you 45 minutes for lunch on your own. After refueling in Mechelen, we will take a train to Leuven.

    1 hour 10 minutes Admission ticket free
  • 8

    Saint Peter's Church is one of the main places of worship in Leuven, a historic city located in the Flanders region of Belgium.

    20 minutes Admission ticket free
  • 9

    The City Hall of Leuven is a magnificent example of Brabantine Gothic architecture.

    20 minutes Admission ticket free
  • 10

    It is known as "the longest bar square in the world" due to the large number of bars and cafés lining its sides. This lively atmosphere makes it a popular meeting spot for both locals and visitors.

    10 minutes Admission ticket free
  • 11

    On our tour of this picturesque Belgian city in Flanders, we will stroll through its beautiful historic center to admire its most majestic buildings, including the famous University of Leuven (one of the oldest in Europe).

    30 minutes Admission ticket free
  • 12

    The Groot Begijnhof was founded in the 13th century as a religious community of women known as Beguines.

    20 minutes Admission ticket free
  • 13

    It is famous for hosting social and cultural events, including student parties, concerts, comedy shows, and other activities related to university life.

    2 hours 30 minutes Admission ticket free

Additional info

  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Supplied by Viva Brussels

Tags

Day Trips
Full-day Tours
Cultural Tours
Historical Tours
Walking Tours
Archaeology Tours
New Product
Short term availability

Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

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