![](\"https:\/\/cdn.images.express.co.uk\/img\/dynamic\/25\/590x\/secondary\/Mechelen-has-been-dubbed-a-hidden-gem-of-a-tourist-destination-4946097.jpg?r=1694008804939\")
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You often hear the term \u2018hidden gem\u2019 when it comes to describing brilliant places to visit.<\/p>\n
But with Mechelen it seems like that might be the perfect summary – as the majority of people won\u2019t have even heard of this small Flemish city.<\/p>\n
According to visitors, the Belgium destination is an absolute must visit as it\u2019s packed with gorgeous architecture, cosmopolitan cafe culture and art galore.<\/p>\n
And the best bit?<\/p>\n
You can hop on the Eurostar and get there in under three hours: two hours and 51 minutes to be precise.<\/p>\n
READ MORE: <\/strong> The stunning ‘hidden gem’ city in Spain which hardly any Brits know about<\/strong><\/p>\n Tripadvisor explains more.<\/p>\n It says: \u201cThe picturesque town of Mechelen, a hidden Flemish gem, sits between Brussels and Antwerp.\u00a0<\/p>\n \u201cStudents of the world-renowned Carillon bell-ringing school provide an atmospheric soundtrack for sipping coffee at a sidewalk caf\u00e9 in one of the town’s charming squares.\u00a0<\/p>\n \u201cMany pedestrian areas make this a delightful town to promenade about, admiring hundreds of listed buildings and monuments, many dating back to 16th century.\u00a0<\/p>\n \u201cHighlights include Gothic and Baroque churches and the famed St Rumbold’s Tower.\u201d<\/p>\n Travel bloggers unite around the destination, which is in the Flanders region of Belgium, with many enthusing about trips there.<\/p>\n Man Vs Globe said: \u201cLocated just 30 minutes from both Brussels and Antwerp, it is easy to see why the picturesque city of Mechelen is erroneously missed by most visitors to Belgium.\u00a0<\/p>\n \u201cLuckily this means that when the crowds are flocking to the tourist hubs of Bruges or Ghent, you can wander around Mechelen in peace, feeling like you are the only person to have stumbled across Flander\u2019s underrated gem.\u201d<\/p>\n Emma\u2019s Roadmap said: \u201cThe small city of Mechelen, located in between the two largest cities of Belgium, Brussels, and Antwerp, can really be considered a (still) hidden gem.\u00a0<\/p>\n \u201cAs most of the tourists flock to either Bruges, Ghent, Brussels or Antwerp, everyone seems to overlook the smaller Mechelen.\u00a0<\/p>\n \u201cIt makes me wonder why, because Mechelen has it all: the cute cobblestone streets, medieval architecture, romantic canals running through the city\u2026 all the ingredients for a lovely city trip!\u201d<\/p>\n Don’t miss… <\/strong> We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you’ve consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. More info<\/p>\n Tripadvisor users agree that St. Rumbold’s Cathedral is the city\u2019s top visitor attractions.<\/p>\n One user said: \u201cSt Rumbold\u2019s Cathedral is so impressive and a true feast for the eyes.\u00a0<\/p>\n \u201cWe loved that there was a small art exhibition on at the time to explore.\u00a0<\/p>\n \u201cWe also decided to go up the tower – I would definitely recommend this as the views were incredible.\u00a0<\/p>\n \u201cThe journey up was eased by a few stops to explore the history and artefacts of the cathedral which added interest to the experience.\u201d<\/p>\n Another said: \u201cAlthough there are a lot of steps to reach the top it is definitely worth the climb.\u201d<\/p>\n They added: \u201cA must trip while in Mechelen.\u201d<\/p>\n![](\"https:\/\/cdn.images.express.co.uk\/img\/dynamic\/25\/590x\/secondary\/Mechelen-is-a-travel-bloggers-fave-destination-4946106.jpg?r=1694008804999\")
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