Vismarkt

Just a short walk from the city centre is another beautiful spot to enjoy your afternoon to evening next to the dijle. You don’t want to miss out on this charming part of Mechelen.

Welcome to one of Mechelen’s market streets. Vismarkt is the place to be for Mechelaars (Mechelen locals) in their free time. Whether it’s grabbing a drink and a bite to eat (or apéritifs en hapjes as Belgians would say) with friends or attending some of the events that take place here, this spot is a pride of the city.

The atmosphere here is lively, warm and a very quaint feeling despite being in one of Belgium’s most populous cities. After all, Belgium is a big collection of small towns. At De Gouden Vis cafe, you can sit next to the Dijl on a brick rose covered terrace and watch the sunset over the water.

• History info: dating back to 1531, the Vismarkt was, you guessed it, where the fish market took place. This market was later moved due to complaints of it being so close to the residential area. Not far away is another historically connected and beautiful picturesque backdrop, Haverwerf.
• Mechelen’s nightlife: the Vismarkt and surrounding area host some of the nightlife at the relaxed 'brown cafés', the trendy modern lounge bars and the chic restaurants where you find the young and the young-at-heart Mechelaars.
• Across the dilje: don’t miss the holiday events happening at the end of the year with Kerstmarkt shacks set up all down and across the dijl along with a large ice rink over the water. The area is also always decorated with lights, flags and other festive pieces throughout the year.