Lost Lanes and Secret Gardens Self Guided Audio Tour
Active
3h - 3h
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Instant confirmation
Mobile or paper ticket accepted
About this experience
Discover Mechelen, Belgium’s hidden medieval gem, on a three-hour walking tour through its historic streets, secret courtyards, and UNESCO-protected sites.
Starting at Saint Rumbold’s Cathedral, see its unfinished tower, once intended as the world’s tallest. Explore Margaret of Austria’s Renaissance legacy, the tranquil Begijnhofs, and the restored Rik Wouters Garden.
Visit Kazerne Dossin, a WWII memorial, and end at De Zalm, an ornate guild house. Highlights include 49-bell carillon concerts, hidden religious refuges, Gouden Carolus beer from a 14th-century brewery, and quirky sites like the Devil’s House and the Adam and Eve House.
Mechelen blends rich history, vibrant design, and quiet charm—offering more protected monuments than Bruges, but far fewer tourists.
Available options
Lost Lanes and Secret Gardens Self Guided Audio Tour
What's included
Lifetime access to this tour in English before your booking date and after it
Offline access to audio, maps, and geodata
App for Android and iOS
Flexibility to explore at your own pace with a self-guided GPS tour
Directions to the starting point so that when you’re in the right place, the tour will start
Detailed itinerary
1
Pass by what is considered the most important cathedral in Belgium, a stunning example of Gothic architecture with a booming organ that shakes the dusty statues. This tour does not include entry fees.
2
Stroll along where locals come to meet, have a drink, and relax at the end of the day. It's also where people come to get married or register a birth in the town hall
3
Walk around the Gothic Sint-Janskerk. This beautiful white stone church dating from the 1300s. Admission is not included in this tour
4
Pass by this historic library with stunning interior, located in an abandoned baroque monastery, founded by Catholic monks fleeing from the Netherlands, however admission fees are not included in this tour
5
Stroll past one of the oldest breweries in Belgium, serving what is considered one of the best craft beers in the world, noting that this tour does not include any entry or participation fees for it
6
Sneak a peek at this historic and gothic masterpiece, and learn of the troubled past of the architect, Margaret of Austria. This tour does not include entry fees
What's not included
Smartphone and headphones
Personal expenses for attractions not included during the tour
Available languages
Audio guide
EN
Written guide
EN
Reviews breakdown
Viator
5.0
1 reviews
5★
1
4★
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3★
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2★
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1★
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Tripadvisor
5.0
1 reviews
5★
1
4★
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Important information
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
The total tour time includes walking the route and passing by the attractions
Meeting point
This tour starts just off Mechelen's main square at the tourist signpost in front of Bar Klak, Schoenmarkt 5. Before arrival, please install the mobile app and use the code provided on your confirmation ticket. Detailed starting point instructions are available after downloading.
Important notes
VOICEMAP CODE
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Please check your email at the address you provided when you made this booking. You've been sent an eight character code you'll need to redeem your tour. This code can be used by every member of your party. If you've booked for three people, for example, three people can download this tour using the same code.
DOWNLOAD INSTRUCTIONS
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Once you've received your code, please follow these steps:
Install the VoiceMap Audio Tours mobile app
Create an account
Select Tour Codes from the menu, then select Enter Codes
Enter your code then select Download Now
PLEASE NOTE
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You can download the tour at any time, before or after your booking date. It’s best to download the tour before you set off for the starting point.
This tour follows a set route and includes turn-by-turn directions. It works best if you start it in the right place and follow the directions from one location to the next.
When the download completes, you’ll see a screen with a photo of the starting point and directions to it. The red start button will become active when you are at the starting point.
Remember to bring your own headphones, unless you have booked a driving tour.
SUPPORT
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For technical support and other queries, please email support@voicemap.me
About Mechelen
Mechelen is a charming city in the Flemish Region of Belgium, known for its rich history, beautiful architecture, and vibrant cultural scene. It offers a blend of medieval and Renaissance heritage, making it a perfect destination for history enthusiasts and culture lovers.
Top Attractions
Grote Markt
The central square of Mechelen, surrounded by beautiful guildhalls and the impressive Town Hall.
Historical
1-2 hours
Free
St. Rumbold's Cathedral
A stunning Gothic cathedral with a 95-meter tower that offers breathtaking views of Mechelen.
Religious
1-2 hours
€5 for tower access
Technopolis
An interactive science and technology museum designed for children and families.
Entertainment
2-3 hours
€12-15
Must-Try Local Dishes
Mechelse Koek
A traditional almond cake from Mechelen, known for its rich flavor and crumbly texture.
Dessert
Contains nuts and gluten
Carbonnade Flamande
A Belgian beef and beer stew, slow-cooked with onions and spices.
Dinner
Contains beef and gluten
Popular Activities
Cycling
Hiking
Café hopping
Parks and gardens
Museum visits
Historical tours
Christmas markets
Climbing St. Rumbold's Cathedral tower
Best Time to Visit
June to August
This is the warmest and most popular time to visit, with plenty of outdoor activities and festivals.
15-25°C
59-77°F
Practical Information
Language
- Official: Dutch
- Widely spoken: English, French
- English: Widely spoken
Currency
Euro (EUR)
Time Zone
GMT+1
Electricity
230VV, 50HzHz
Safety Information
Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe
Mechelen is a safe city with low crime rates, but standard precautions should be taken.
Important Precautions:
- • Keep valuables secure
- • Be cautious of pickpockets
- • Use licensed taxis
Getting there
By air
- Brussels Airport • 20 km
By train
Mechelen Station
By bus
Mechelen Central Bus Station
Getting around
Public transport
Buses are the primary mode of public transport within the city, covering all major areas.
Taxis
Available • Apps: Uber, TaxiMechelen
Rentals
Car, Bike, Scooter
Neighborhoods
City Center
Mechelsplein
Day trips
Brussels
20 km • Half day to full day
The capital of Belgium, known for its Grand Place, Royal Palace, and various museums.
Antwerp
30 km • Full day
A vibrant city known for its fashion, diamond district, and historic architecture.
Festivals
Mechelen Jazz Festival • July
Christmas Market • December
Pro tips
- Visit the Town Hall tower for a panoramic view of the city
- Try the local almond cake, Mechelse Koek
- Explore the city by bike for a unique perspective
- Check out the Christmas market in December
- Take a day trip to Brussels or Antwerp for more cultural experiences
From $25
per person
Price varies by option
Secure booking
Free cancellation available
Instant confirmation
