Mechelen, Belgium 🇧🇪
#991
51.028033, 4.471321
Nomad Score:
66%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Mechelen is a city and municipality in the province of Antwerp, Belgium, known for its rich history and vibrant cultural scene. |
| 👥 Population | Approximately 87,000 |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average internet speed is around 100 Mbps. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | Currency is Euro (EUR). 1 EUR ≈ 1.07 USD. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Drinkable. |
| 🔌 Power | 230V, 50Hz, 🔌 Type C and E sockets. |
| 📶 SIM Card | Major providers include Proximus, Orange, and Base. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | KBC and ING are popular options offering services in English. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options include Airbnb, local rentals, and serviced apartments. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Yes, cards are widely accepted. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Platforms like Airbnb and Spotahome are available for short stays. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Hostel De Zwerver offers budget-friendly options. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | The Co-Working Space Mechelen offers a conducive environment for remote work. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Coffee & More is a work-friendly café with good Wi-Fi. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Monthly meetups at Mechelen Business Centre. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Join the |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Uber operates in Mechelen. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | De Fietsambassade offers bike rentals. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Westerschelde Beach is approximately 50 minutes away by car. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Brussels Airlines. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | KLM, Lufthansa, and Ryanair operate from Brussels Airport. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | Mechelen is accessible via E19 and E313 highways. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Mechelen Railway Station serves as the primary transport hub. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | STIB/MIVB and De Lijn offer day passes and monthly cards. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Train (NMBS) connects Mechelen to cities like Brussels and Antwerp. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | AZ Jan Palfijn Mechelen is the main healthcare facility. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Yogaschool Mechelen offers various classes. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Basic-Fit is a popular gym chain in Mechelen. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Laundry Service Mechelen caters to various cleaning needs. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | UberEats and Deliveroo are popular for food delivery. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Try the local specialty, Mechelen Eels. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Bistro Ochtend offers great vegetarian dishes. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Patisserie Kramo offers delicious pastries and desserts. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Mechelen Market Square provides fresh produce and local goods. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Bol.com and Coolblue cater to online shoppers. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Albert Heijn and Carrefour offer grocery delivery services. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | Mechelen Saint Rombouts is popular for nightlife. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Brouwerij Het Anker is a well-known local brewery. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | Vin d'Amour offers a beautiful selection of wines. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Mechelen hosts various food trucks and markets. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Explore diverse offerings at Restaurant Oudenburg. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | The Cathedral of St. Rumbold is a must-visit. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | The Mechelen Toy Museum is unique and family-friendly. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | Mechelen City Hall is an iconic historical site. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | Visit the Church of St. John the Evangelist. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | The Mechelen Carnival is celebrated annually. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | The historical center is rich in culture and art. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | Het Paleis is known for its cultural performances. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | Weekly markets at Mechelen Market Square offer local products. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Various venues host live music, especially during the summer. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Check out murals in the downtown area. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Mechelen Cooking School offers local cuisine classes. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Explore exhibitions at Gallery Van Eyck. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | Visit the beautiful Huis Swaen to appreciate historical architecture. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | Mechelen is known for its rich historical heritage tied to Flemish history. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Kasteel Ter Lucht offers beautiful gardens and nature trails. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Hoge Kempen National Park is a notable nearby national park. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | Mechelen has a network of cycling paths connecting parks and town. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | Climb the tower of St. Rumbold for stunning views. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | Mechelen's nature reserves are ideal for birdwatching. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Certain parks allow bonfires with prior permission. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | Bpost provides reliable parcel delivery services. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Various shops like Switch offer tech repair services. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Table Tennis Club Mechelen welcomes enthusiasts. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Flemish Language School offers language classes for expats. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | Mechelen's main library provides quiet study areas. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | De Werf acts as a cultural and community hub. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Gaming Lounge Mechelen offers a space for gamers. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | Casino Mechelen offers gaming and entertainment options. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. €3,600 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = €144,000) |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. €2,800 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = €112,000) |
| 🏠 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. €2,900 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = €232,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. €2,350 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = €188,000) |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | 25% |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | 30% |
| 🏦 Tax System | Based on worldwide income. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | 50% |
| 🧾 VAT | 21% |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, strict rules apply. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Based on cadastral income. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | 10% standard rate, 6% for primary residence. |