Although Mechelen is rather small, the town offers plenty of fascinating and charming points of interest,

which make it an ideal destination for a weekend break. Moreover, Mechelen is perfectly situated to serve as a base from where to explore both Brussels and Antwerp. Mechelen was the capital of the Lowlands in the early 16th century which accounts for its impressive buildings including a large number of churches, famous for their carillon and their paintings - several have Rubens and Van Dyck paintings.