Mechelen, Belgium 🇧🇪
#991
,
Nomad Score:
58%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Mechelen is a charming city located in the Flanders region of Belgium, known for its rich history and vibrant culture. |
| 👥 Population | Approximately 90,000 residents. |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average internet speed is around 100 Mbps. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | 1 EUR ≈ 1.07 USD, local banks include KBC and Belfius. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Drinkable water. |
| 🔌 Power | 230V, 50Hz, 🔌 Type C/E sockets. |
| 📶 SIM Card | Providers include Proximus, Orange, and Telenet. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | KBC, BNP Paribas Fortis, and Revolut are common options. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options include Airbnb, Spotahome, and local rentals. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Yes, cards are widely accepted. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Available via Airbnb and local agencies. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Hostel De Zandpoort is an affordable option. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Tourists | City Center, near the Cathedral of St. Rumbold. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Digital Nomads | Malinas Park area, offering cafes and coworking spaces. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | DOK is a popular coworking space in Mechelen. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Café de Welt offers a great atmosphere for remote work. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Local events via Meetup often occur in DOK and nearby cafes. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Expats in Mechelen Facebook group hosts various meetups. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Bolt and taxis are available, but local transport is preferred. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Services like Donkey Republic offer bike rentals. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Westerschelde Beach is about 60 mins away. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Brussels Airlines operates regional flights. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | KLM and Lufthansa operate international flights. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | E19 highway provides excellent connectivity. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Mechelen Station is the main transit hub. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | De Lijn offers day passes and monthly options. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Trains and buses connect to Brussels, Antwerp, and beyond. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Hospitals like AZ Sint-Maarten provide comprehensive care. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Yantra Yoga Center offers various classes. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Basic-Fit has locations around Mechelen. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Wash & Go offers laundry services. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | Deliveroo and UberEats are popular for food delivery. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Sample Flemish stew, known locally as 'stoverij'. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Places like De Tuin offer great plant-based options. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Try delicious pastries at Patisserie Pieper. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Mechelen Market is a great local spot for fresh produce. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Bol.com and Coolblue serve the Mechelen area. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Albert Heijn offers online grocery delivery. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | Diverse bars in the city center cater to nightlife. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Mechelen Brewing Company offers local beer tastings. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | Oude Market wine bar offers a range of selections. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Various vendors at Mechelen Market provide local street food. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Try 'Da Tullio' for Italian dishes. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | Cathedral of St. Rumbold and Mechelen City Hall. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | Kazerne Dossin is a must-visit museum. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | The Palace of Margaret of Austria is a key historical site. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | Visit the Church of St. John the Baptist. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | The Mechelen Cathedral Festival occurs every April. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | Explore the historic center of Mechelen for rich culture. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | Theater Ieee is a great spot for performances. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | The Saturday market features local produce and crafts. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Local venues host a variety of music events. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Streets near the station have vibrant urban art. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Mechelen Cooking School offers hands-on culinary experiences. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Check out the Mechelen Art Gallery for contemporary works. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | Mechelen’s architecture reflects its rich past. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | Heritage sites highlight the city's Flemish roots. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Mechelen's parks like Mechelen Park provide green spaces. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Hoge Kempen National Park is a few hours away. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | Numerous routes, including the Mechelen to Lier bike path. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | Great views from the top of St. Rumbold's Tower. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | Nearby nature reserves offer birdwatching opportunities. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Designated areas in Mechelen Park allow bonfires. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | Bpost and DHL have local offices for delivery. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Repair shops like Switch handle electronic repairs. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Ping Pong Club Mechelen hosts regular games. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Belgian Language School offers Dutch classes. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | Mechelen's public library offers quiet study areas. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | Community center at Mechelen offers various events. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Mechelen Gaming Center features video games and tournaments. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | Casino Mechelen offers gaming facilities. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. €3,500 per m² (e.g., 50 m² = €175,000). |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. €2,800 per m² (e.g., 50 m² = €140,000). |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. €3,200 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = €192,000). |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. €2,500 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = €150,000). |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. €3,000 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = €240,000). |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. €2,300 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = €184,000). |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | 25% corporate tax rate. |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | 30% applied to dividends. |
| 🏦 Tax System | Worldwide income tax basis for residents. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | 50% highest tax rate. |
| 🧾 VAT | 21% standard VAT rate. |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, strict CFC rules apply. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Tax based on cadastral income. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | 10% standard rate, 6% for primary residence. |
| 💻 Attractive Tax System for Digital Nomads | Belgium has attractive options for foreign remote workers. |