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

3 Reviews 5.00 out of 5 stars Based on 3 traveler reviews collected by Cool Shore Excursions and TripAdvisor |
Recommended by 100% of reviewers
100% of reviewers gave this experience a rating of 4 or higher.
| Brussels, Belgium
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from $78.75 per person

Lowest Price Guarantee
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Don't miss out!
On average, this is booked 32 (0) days in advance.
9 hours (approx.)
Mobile ticket
Offered in: English
and 1 more
Spanish
Instant confirmation

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 tour begins.
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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.
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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.
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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!
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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20 minutes Admission Ticket Free

Historic Leuven Town Hall

The City Hall of Leuven is a magnificent example of Brabantine Gothic architecture.
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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.
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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).
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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.
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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.
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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 (8)

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 tour for a full refund. For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the tour start time.If you cancel less than 24 hours before the tour start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.Any changes made less than 24 hours before the tour start time will not be accepted.Cut-off times are based on the tour local time (CET).This tour 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 tour for a full refund.

Still have questions?

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

Traveler Photos

Reviews

5.00
3 reviews

Average 5.00 out of 5 stars based on 3 traveler reviews collected by Cool Shore Excursions and partner sites such as Cool Destinations and TripAdvisor

5 stars
3
4 stars
0
3 stars
0
2 stars
0
1 star
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Don't miss out!
On average, this is booked 32 (0) days in advance.
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Frequently Asked Questions (8)

Activity name

The answers provided below were previously given in response to questions from Cool Shore Excursions customers.

Filter by:

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 tour for a full refund.
  • For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the tour start time.
  • If you cancel less than 24 hours before the tour start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
  • Any changes made less than 24 hours before the tour start time will not be accepted.
  • Cut-off times are based on the tour local time (CET).
  • This tour 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.
Apr 2025
Q: What's included in the price?
A:
The following is included:
  • Free time to explore.
  • Local recommendations.
  • Guided tour with exciting stories.
  • Passionate and entertaining guide.
The following is NOT included:
  • Lunch.
Apr 2025
Q: What is the weather cancellation policy?
A:

This tour requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

Apr 2025
Q: What is the minimum age for this tour?
A:

The minimum age to participate is 1. This tour requires at least one adult to accompany children..

Apr 2025
Q: My date is not available in the calendar, I am just checking to see if it is available?
A:

If a date or time is not listed on the calendar, it’s sold out or unavailable for another reason. Support cannot assist further if a date or time is not on the calendar.

If you find a date and time that works for you, book it NOW because things always sell out at this time of year.

Apr 2025
Q: Is this an accessible tour?
A:

Accessibility information for the Day Trip to Mechelen & Leuven: Two Cities, One Great Experience is as follows:

  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Apr 2025
Q: Where is the meeting point for this activity?
A:

Detailed check-in instructions – including meeting point address, Google map, and parking information – for Day Trip to Mechelen & Leuven: Two Cities, One Great Experience will be included in your confirmation email from Cool Shore Excursions. Please be sure to double and triple check your email address is correct at checkout so this important email makes its way to you!

 

 

Mar 2024
Q: How long does a refund take to reach my card, and can I get it faster?
A:

Once your refund is processed, it usually shows on your card statement within 5–10 business days. The exact timing depends on your bank or card issuer.

Want it sooner? When you cancel, choose Receive a refund to my wallet instead. The credit is in your Wallet straight away and is applied automatically at checkout on your next booking when you’re signed in with the same email. You can see your balance any time in My Wallet.

If you paid part of your booking with Wallet credit, that part always goes back to your Wallet. Trip protection isn’t refundable.

Oct 2026

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