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

2 Reviews 5.00 out of 5 stars Based on 2 adventurer reviews collected by Top10Adventures® and TripAdvisor | Recommended by 100% of reviewers | Brussels, Belgium

Loading Options
Don't miss out!
On average, this is booked 32 (0) days in advance.

9 hours (approx.)
Mobile ticket
Instant confirmation
Offered in: English
and 1 more
Spanish

Overview

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.
  • Local recommendations.
  • Guided tour with exciting stories.
  • Lunch
See 1 moreSee 1 more

Meeting Location

Meeting point

1000 Brussels
Belgium

Show on Google Maps

Detailed check-in instructions, including the exact address, are provided with your booking confirmation.

End point

This activity ends back at the meeting point.

What To Expect

Book Online

Our secure website provides real-time availability, instant confirmation, and free, no-hassle cancellations up to 24 hours before your adventure begins.
Read more

Safe & secure • Easy breezy • Hassle-free

Grote Markt

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.
Read more

1 hour • Admission Ticket Free

Mechelen City Hall

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.
Read more

30 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Saint Rumbold's Cathedral

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!
Read more

20 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Margaretha van Oostenrijk

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.
Read more

30 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Brouwerij Het Anker

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.
Read more

30 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Kazerne Dossin – Memorial

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.
Read more

30 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Leuven

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.
Read more

1 hour 10 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Saint Peter's Church

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

20 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Historic Leuven Town Hall

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

20 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Oude Markt Leuven

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.
Read more

10 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

KU Leuven

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).
Read more

30 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Groot Begijnhof Leuven

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

20 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Totem

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

2 hours 30 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Show 12 more stops

Additional Info

  • Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
  • Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
  • This tour/activity will have a maximum of 20 travelers

Frequently Asked Questions

(6)

Q: What is the cancellation policy for the Day Trip to Mechelen & Leuven: Two Cities, One Great Experience?

A: You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the adventure for a full refund. For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the adventure start time.If you cancel less than 24 hours before the adventure start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.Any changes made less than 24 hours before the adventure start time will not be accepted.Cut-off times are based on the adventure local time (CEST).This adventure requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund. Read more Apr 2025

Cancellation Policy

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the adventure for a full refund.

Still have questions?

We're here to help.
Activity code: C-7567P24

Reviews

5.00
2 reviews

Average 5.00 out of 5 stars based on 2 adventurer reviews collected by Top10Adventures® and partner sites such as Cool Destinations and TripAdvisor

5 stars
2
4 stars
0
3 stars
0
2 stars
0
1 star
0

Loading Options
Don't miss out!
On average, this is booked 32 (0) days in advance.

Similar Adventures & Tours

Craft Beer Walking Tour in Brussels and Brasserie de l'Annexe
Special Offer
Special Offer

Cedric has a deep connexion with the Brussels craft beer scene, with some of its major actors. Het met them personally, tasted and reviewed their...

1 hour 45 minutes
1 hour 45 minutes
1 hour 45 minutes
3.5 (2)
$51.72
$50.72

Transfer Brussels Airport -> Brussels MB S-CLASS 3 PAX
Likely to Sell Out
Likely to Sell Out

Book your private transfer from Brussels Zaventem Airport to the center of Brussels in luxury sedan Mercedes S Class for 3 people Transfers from the...

1 hour 10 minutesHotel pickup offeredFree Cancellation
1 hour 10 minutesHotel pickup offeredFree Cancellation
1 hour 10 minutes • Hotel pickup offered • Free Cancellation
5.0 (2)
$162.35
$161.35

Napoleon Last Campaign (Waterloo, Ligny..) Day Tour from Brussels
Special Offer
Special Offer

Discover the last campaign of Napoleon in Belgium on a guided tour; Visit 3 battlefields and the Lion's Mound! Includes the battlefields of Ligny, Quatre-Bras,...

6 hoursHotel pickup offeredFree Cancellation
6 hoursHotel pickup offeredFree Cancellation
6 hours • Hotel pickup offered • Free Cancellation
4.0 (6)
$756.44
$755.44

Private Brussels Beer Tour & Tasting
Likely to Sell Out
Likely to Sell Out

Enjoy a private, exclusive tour with your own local guide. Belgians have more than 1000 kinds of beer! How to don’t get lost choosing the...

2 hours
2 hours
2 hours
$1,026.31
$1,025.31

Adventurers Who Bought This Adventure Also Bought

Bruges and Ghent Day Trip from Brussels
Special Offer
Special Offer

Make the most of your time in Belgium during this full-day excursion to Bruges and Ghent from Brussels. Don’t worry about time-consuming public transit; instead,...

10 hoursFree Cancellation
10 hoursFree Cancellation
10 hours • Free Cancellation
4.4 (766)
$62.94
$61.94

Brussels: Historical Walking Tour with Chocolate & Waffle Tasting
Likely to Sell Out
Likely to Sell Out

This small-group walking tour offers an intimate experience of Brussels. You guide leads you through the historical center and its main landmarks, including Grand Place,...

2 hours 30 minutesFree Cancellation
2 hours 30 minutesFree Cancellation
2 hours 30 minutes • Free Cancellation
4.9 (1,231)
$40.79
$39.79

Marc's Brussels Beer Tasting Tour
Special Offer
Special Offer

Selection of 6 Belgian beers Visit the most authentic old taverns of Brussels 3 Chocolate Tastings along with the beers Experienced BELGIAN guides; since 1985....

4 hoursFree Cancellation
4 hoursFree Cancellation
4 hours • Free Cancellation
4.8 (597)
$92.08
$91.08

Historical Walking Tour: The Story of Brussels - by Legends

Welcome to the heart of Europe, where history comes alive amidst stunning architecture, a mouthwatering gastronomic scene and a lively multicultural atmosphere. Step into the...

2 hours 30 minutesFree Cancellation
2 hours 30 minutesFree Cancellation
2 hours 30 minutes • Free Cancellation
4.9 (176)
from
$2.91

What's Included

Activity name

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

Additional Info

Activity name

  • Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
  • Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
  • This tour/activity will have a maximum of 20 travelers

Report Product Issue

Activity name

Language
Currency

Site Settings

Activity name

Currency

Activity name

Activity name

Free Cancellation

100% refund
No refund

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the adventure for a full refund.

  • For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the adventure start time.
  • If you cancel less than 24 hours before the adventure start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
  • Any changes made less than 24 hours before the adventure start time will not be accepted.
  • Cut-off times are based on the adventure local time (CEST).
  • This adventure requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund.

Sorting, ranking, and search results

Activity name

Top10Adventures® wants to make your searches as relevant as possible. That's why we offer many ways to help you find the right experiences for you.

On some pages, you can select how to sort the results we display and also use filter options to see only those search results that meet your chosen preferences. You'll see explanations of what those sort options mean when you select them.

If you see a Badge of Excellence label, the award is based on average review ratings, share of bookings with a review, and number of bookings through Top10Adventures® over a 12-month period.

The importance of any one factor over any other in a sort order varies, and the balance is constantly being reviewed and adjusted. We're always updating our systems and testing new ways to refine and improve your results to make them as relevant as possible to meet your needs.