Top 5 Mechelen Day Trips: Explore Beyond the City Walls

Mechelen, that gem nestled in the heart of Belgium, offers a super rich historical experience, which really gives you that sense of old-world charm, right? That said, there comes a point where those cravings for change creep in. Well, good news! The area that surrounds Mechelen is overflowing with totally interesting destinations, and each offers unique experiences and those unforgettable memories we all seek. So, if you’re staying in Mechelen and start feeling that little itch for travel, that need to broaden your horizons, check out these day trip possibilities. They all promise that adventure that’ll create memories that’ll last long after you come back. Read our full review: Mechelen Belgium Full Review and Details

1. Leuven: A Brew and History Pilgrimage

Leuven, with its globally recognized Stella Artois brewery, as well as one of Europe’s oldest universities, seems to have all the right ingredients for a really worthwhile day trip. A short train hop is all that separates you from that wonderful atmosphere. So it makes Leuven that quite appealing destination for enthusiasts of brews and buffs of past times. See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now (Leuven Belgium)

Leuven’s vibe comes through in that perfectly preserved old town, with that impressive architecture standing out as a super obvious show of past power and present vibrance. And it is there, in that center, where that University Library is placed. Its design came from the early twentieth century. What is totally intriguing, anyway, is that history buffs have the chance to climb up that tower. The building gives these amazing views right over Leuven. So, getting that camera out becomes quite the necessity.

Alright, you are someone who appreciates those drinks that stand out in the global market. Maybe you want a tour around that Stella Artois brewery? What really goes down is that you get some inside information on processes. And, too, of course, samples, right at that very end. So you have the opportunity to learn straight from them! You can discover some stories related to the brew itself. What could be more memorable?

But, actually, there is much more. In Belgium, that’s virtually to be expected, correct? You know about those squares full of life in Leuven, where there is lots of that Belgian gastronomy to try. Well, in this place, those squares act like a central gathering area, so, very welcoming.

Must-See Spots in Leuven:

• That *Grote Markt* where the building known as that *Stadhuis* really commands interest because of its style that has details.
• Well, that University Library provides this chance for exploration of studies.
• Also, very fun, there’s the Stella Artois Brewery, it seems like that pilgrimage destination!

2. Antwerp: Fashion, Diamonds, and Dazzling Art

Antwerp, which folks often regard as the capital of diamonds around the world, that hub of fashion creativity, makes for this destination where variety defines pretty much the whole deal. So a train journey taking roughly a half hour means visitors could jump right into this really pulsating world, which balances those iconic past traces and this trendy aesthetic. Read our full review: Antwerp Belgium Full Review and Details

That area which circles around the diamond shops will absolutely charm shoppers and those admirers who like those gems. Apparently, lots and lots of shops give those sights with unique, custom jewelry and also this feeling that really says sophistication. And so this has been the area that jewelers go to because of that prestige. It could be those designs they see there which have that effect!

That link of Antwerp to the past remains, well, very tight, through its cultural contributions. Also, this becomes clear the second you stop to view the Cathedral of Our Lady and the artworks it possesses, crafted from none other than the iconic Peter Paul Rubens. Still, on this subject, right?, this cathedral remains there like a symbolic anchor, seemingly guiding that population.

Shopping around in Antwerp happens as one of its many great adventures on offer, you might discover. Right from independent boutique shops and outlets displaying worldwide designer names to those locations presenting rising talents. What might draw that kind of tourist would be a style only found in the boutiques here. Basically, everything that can go into someone’s closet resides there.

Must-See Spots in Antwerp:

• Right in that heart of diamond related affairs lies the Diamond District.
• See that history told through that Cathedral of Our Lady.
• Also, be there for those fashion selections around those boutique stores.

3. Brussels: The Heart of Belgium and Chocolate Dreams

That Belgian capital, which houses these political operations of both the Belgian governing system and also Europe in general, just makes you realize that Brussels must definitely get considered an unmissable destination. Roughly under half an hour via rail and also filled to the brim by all of that world renowned chocolate? A traveler looking for memorable tastes may find them in the thousands right within that place. See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now (Brussels Belgium)

You get to see how a historic influence coming directly from Europe melds with this, well, really advanced atmosphere around the city’s core. Still, just picturing oneself strolling around a place known as Grand Place makes for all sorts of experiences, so a really wonderful piece when considering buildings. But, it’s all pretty incredible, with lots of features showing all those elements from past periods.

Folks should make time in their visit schedules and pop by that site with that atom symbol called Atomium. To visitors in Belgium and of that Brussels skyline it provides itself a visual identifier. But, the experience gets pretty interesting if one wanders right around its displays. So if one considers a journey into that stuff of science, one ought to think about Atomium.

Also those chocolate shops which have received international awards provide that flavor right out of Belgium, and seemingly everyone there would be just dying for you to drop in. So a lot of tours and experiences involve chocolate in one fashion or another! What happens often goes right over one’s head at other places and feels all the more welcoming there. The flavor stays with you for a while, too.

Must-See Spots in Brussels:

• Right near all of the exciting buildings stands the *Grand Place*, with that atmosphere, you know?
• When in town drop by Atomium and catch up a bit on some science history there.
• The chocolate. Right there, with chocolates produced right out of Belgium itself.

4. Lier: A Charming Slice of the Campine

The smaller town of Lier, really right inside those Campine zones from Belgium, could definitely provide this change to environments that differs completely right out of Mechelen. Apparently, taking somewhere around 15 minutes on that rail offers visitors this entry into quieter zones with buildings showing that classic Belgian style. Read our full review: Lier Belgium Full Review and Details

And one could seemingly always spot that *Zimmertoren*. In that spot rests a showpiece of design created personally by Louis Zimmer when those timers and astronomical equipment went mainstream! In any case, it gets displayed very high over Lier for the world to see.

Also, in that city people remember those contributions made by Felix Timmermans who expressed everything about life near that river and those buildings he personally found inspirational! If someone wishes to experience all of those historical happenings then visiting *his museum* becomes crucial. Right?, everything from Timmermans life can pretty much get discovered right there. This museum really gives folks a look at what his way of thinking looked like!

Apparently people would do right to just wander down near *Grote Markt* close to everything exciting there around this region of Belgium. If you have time, then stopping in and checking out a thing from those restaurant shops or places which brew beers provides really authentic experiences for visitors which are a must. Everything tastes authentic right there on that square.

Must-See Spots in Lier:

• Basically everyone gets intrigued with all the unique parts shown from *Zimmertoren.*
• The legacy shown at *Felix Timmermans Museum.*
• To visit local dining locations near *Grote Markt*.

5. Aarschot: Untouched Beauty near the Demer

Aarschot sits in that Belgian countryside not that far at all, near that River Demer. What that location is about stems greatly around those spots still spared from lots of that building. If that sounds desirable then one might start that short trip, and the total rail travel ends at under 30 of those rotation times which define “minutes.” What they will find exists for memories, and for calm times in equal measure. See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now (Aarschot Belgium)

The place known to most around that spot for “*Onze Lieve Vrouwekerk*”, built those years and years ago displays all of those marks and impressions from past generations which may still impress folks. All of those design selections have those stories connected from past dates, it just might take time to learn them. What makes this location worth exploration lies right along that detail found right along its construction elements!

Then those surrounding locales of places in that nature make an even deeper feel! What those routes mean becomes about exploration that leaves impressions. Yet that just exists at locations slightly past that central regions. Getting lost out by there just could be quite the cure that the wanderer or wanderers might appreciate.

Also, around those sections within the town people see that feel as it had for years and years! The vibe gets delivered near that main square showing many elements that locals there have a fondness for. And because that occurs people stop and admire those details. But one ought to drop right inside somewhere and enjoy the town. If they seek real connection with Aarschot that’s what provides what one is searching to locate, actually.

Must-See Spots in Aarschot:

• See all that age put down over at *”Onze Lieve Vrouwekerk.”*
• Get on feet and tour around all those trails, there in spots from nature that just can’t be touched by builders!
• People admire scenes they find really pleasant with their explorations into that main section near Aarschot where residents congregate!