Where is Mechelen, Belgium?

Written and Fact-checked by | Updated On: April 09, 2026 14:15 ET

Mechelen sits in northern Belgium within the province of Antwerp, part of the Flemish Region, almost midway between Brussels and Antwerp. It lies north of Brussels, with Leuven to the east and Lier nearby to the north.

Location Map of Mechelen, Belgium

About Map: The map showing location of Mechelen in Belgium.

Where is Mechelen Located?

Mechelen sits in northern Belgium within the province of Antwerp, part of the Flemish Region, almost midway between Brussels and Antwerp. It lies north of Brussels, with Leuven to the east and Lier nearby to the north.

The city covers about 65.2 square kilometers (25.2 square miles) and has a population of roughly 87,000 residents. Population: 87,000 (Census 2023).

Mechelen blends a rich historical core with a lively modern atmosphere, making it one of Flanders’ hidden gems. Visitors often explore St. Rumbold’s Cathedral, Grote Markt, Kazerne Dossin, the Dijle river paths, Planckendael Zoo, and local museums.

Mechelen Facts

CountryBelgium
Province/StateAntwerp
CountyN/A
Settlement TypeCity
RegionFlemish Region
Population87,000 (2023)
Area65.2 sq km
Time ZoneCET
Postal Code2800
Dialing Code+32
Major RoadsE19, N1
Nearest AirportBrussels Airport
Nearest Major CitiesBrussels, Antwerp
Famous ForHistoric center
Main AttractionsCathedral, Grote Markt
TransportRail, road, bus
Official LanguageDutch
CurrencyEuro

Distance from Mechelen to Major Cities in Belgium

  • Mechelen to Brussels - 16 mi (26 km)
  • Mechelen to Antwerp - 16 mi (26 km)
  • Mechelen to Leuven - 16 mi (26 km)
  • Mechelen to Ghent - 37 mi (60 km)
  • Mechelen to Bruges - 62 mi (100 km)
  • Mechelen to Aalst - 31 mi (50 km)
  • Mechelen to Dendermonde - 25 mi (40 km)
  • Mechelen to Sint-Niklaas - 31 mi (50 km)
  • Mechelen to Kortrijk - 68 mi (110 km)
  • Mechelen to Ostend - 75 mi (120 km)
  • Mechelen to Hasselt - 37 mi (60 km)
  • Mechelen to Genk - 44 mi (70 km)
  • Mechelen to Namur - 44 mi (70 km)
  • Mechelen to Liège - 62 mi (100 km)
  • Mechelen to Charleroi - 44 mi (70 km)
  • Mechelen to Mons - 56 mi (90 km)
  • Mechelen to Lier - 9 mi (14 km)
  • Mechelen to Vilvoorde - 9 mi (14 km)