…so why not stay a few more days?
We’re all busy people, but if you’re making the trip to Mechelen in Belgium for TICTeC this June, it makes sense to stay on and sample some of the city’s unique attractions.
First things first: if you haven’t already read our post on how to get to Mechelen or our practical information page, you might not realise that this small city is just 20 minutes by train from Brussels Midi/Zuid or Centraal stations and 11 minutes from the airport (Brussels, as we all know, is a great travel hub, accessible from everywhere).
But what to expect when you get there?
Mechelen is a historic city, typical of the Flanders region, and provides ample opportunities for enjoyable strolls — along the river, through picturesque architecture, or interspersed with a bit of culture and shopping.
TICTeC itself will take place in the Lamot Congress and Heritage Centre (a former brewery), which, as you can see on Google Maps is located just a minute’s walk along the waterside from Haverwerf‘s so-very-photographable frontages, and a few minutes’ walk through shop-lined streets to the city’s cathedral and the Grote Markt square.

Hotels are very conveniently placed behind and opposite the conference centre — or, with Brussels and Antwerp so nearby, staying out of town is also an option.
If you’ve been to TICTeC before, you already know that for the two days of the conference, you’ll be happily occupied in attending presentations and workshops, with opportunities for socialising and — dare we say it — networking in the breaks and in the evenings.
If, however, you’re factoring in some time to enjoy the city before or after TICTeC, here are some pointers.
Download the Visit Mechelen app
You’re coming to TICTeC, so the likelihood is that you have opinions about technology. Thus, by using the Visit Mechelen app, you’ll not only be able to benefit from its suggested walking routes; you’ll also be able to enjoy assessing its digital design and development. You know we all love that!
Or if you prefer the personal touch, drop into Visit Mechelen at Vleeshouwersstraat 6 — it’s very close to Grote Markt.
Need some peace and quiet?
After two days of busy conversation and intent listening, you’ll want to unwind. Here’s a list of green spaces in the city — including a silent one where you’re strongly encouraged to turn off your phone: perfect for a digital detox.
Enjoy the water
The river Dyle runs through the city. But you don’t have to stick to walking alongside it — you can walk on it, thanks to a floating path.
If you prefer something more leisurely, take a boat tour, by day — or, at weekends, by night.

Art and architecture
Whether you’re into architecture or not, you’re going to experience some in Mechelen — no choice. Simply walking up to the Grote Markt you’ll see vernaculars ranging from 16th century Renaissance to 18th century Rococo.
The city hall (also known as Keldermans Zaal) was originally a Gothic building, later given a baroque extension — and we’ll all be seeing it from the inside, too, as delegates are invited to enjoy a drinks reception there, hosted by Stad Mechelen and Meet in Mechelen, at the end of TICTeC day one.

For a visual feast, pop into St John’s Church for its noteworthy woodcarvings and an altarpiece triptych by Rubens — yes, that Rubens. Or if you have a head for heights, you can climb the cathedral tower and (as if actual reality didn’t suffice) enjoy the augmented reality offerings up top. Ticket information is here.
Zooming forward a century, you might enjoy a visit to the Winter Garden of the Ursulines, a former boarding school for girls, attached to a convent, created in a stunning art nouveau style. Great for fans of stained glass…and taxidermy.
At the Museum Hof van Busleyden you will ‘experience the heyday of the Burgundian Renaissance’ through both its beautiful gardens and its collection of masterpieces. The museum prides itself on centering voices not heard in traditional art history, tracing themes such as nation-building, humanism, religion, globalisation, gender and power.
Other museums
Games enthusiast? At the Speelgoed museum (toy museum) your visit actually is a game, in which you can score points as you go. Many of the exhibits are hands-on, and although it doesn’t explicitly say so on their website, we’re making the executive decision that this museum is not just for kids.
Mechelen has museums that you are unlikely to see the like of elsewhere: for example, there’s one collecting depictions of madness.
For a sobering yet important perspective on the Holocaust and human rights, Kazerne Dossin is a memorial, museum and research centre, focusing on the Belgian experience of this dark phase of history.
Food and shopping
The Mechelen tourist board welcomes you to twelve speciality food shops: will you be going home with ‘a creamy triple crème cheese with a filling of figs and coriander seeds’? We do hope so.
Or perhaps you’ll be tempted by the beer mustard, the traditional gingerbread (more of a cake) or the Mechelen city biscuit… better make sure there’s some space in your luggage.
We’ve also seen mention of apple pie with beer poured over it — sounds like a great thing to try with our civic tech friends! And if you fancy a group meal but can’t decide on the cuisine, the Vleeshalle food hall is the perfect solution.
Onze-Lieve-Vrouw street, just behind the conference venue, is especially known for its independent and sustainable shops, including boutiques selling gifts, homeware, fashion and sweets.
Further afield
Of course with Brussels so near by, there’s a wealth of other tourism opportunities just a quick train ride away.
No doubt you, like us, have a heightened interest in democracy, so the Parlamentarium will be a must-visit, along with famed chamber of the European Parliament, the hemicycle.
You definitely shouldn’t miss the Atomium, the Grand Place, or (says our resident bandes dessinées enthusiast) the Comic Art Museum.
If Brussels doesn’t appeal, maybe take a trip to Antwerp and see their beautiful Central Station, as well as many other idiosyncratic attractions.
The cherry on top is that, from practically anywhere in Europe and the UK, Mechelen, Brussels and Antwerp are all accessible sustainably, by train.
We hope this post has left you keen to visit — if so, we’ll no doubt see you in the cheese shop, the toy museum and at the top of St Rumbold’s tower — as well as at the conference, of course. And with that in mind, here’s where to book your tickets for TICTeC.
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All images: Meet in Mechelen