Mechelen

Parking Mechelen (Malines)? Free Advice!

car parking mechelen city centre
Photo by Thomas Saupe © via Canva.com

Car Parking in Mechelen

Mechelen is often overlooked between Antwerp and Brussels, but the city centre is worth a stop. Parking is manageable and rates are friendlier than its bigger neighbours. Several garages sit close to the Grote Markt and the main shopping streets. Street parking exists but time limits apply in most central spots. Below you'll find the best options and current rates.

Street parking rates in Mechelen

street parking Mechelen

In Mechelen, the centre and station area use paid street parking. The green zone is the main central visitor zone, with a maximum stay of 2 hours, every day from 8:00 to 20:00.

In the green zone, 30 minutes costs €1.80 and 120 minutes costs €8. Some less central paid areas are cheaper and allow a longer stay.

Parking area Rate What to expect
Green zone €1.80 for 30 min to €8 for 120 min Centre and station area, max. 2 hours
Blue zone Free with disc Maximum 2 hours
Purple zone Zandpoortvest Paid Up to 24 hours, 24/7

Street parking in central Mechelen is mainly useful for short stays

For a longer visit, a parking garage or a free edge parking area with the Shopping Shuttle is usually easier.



Cheap car parking in Mechelen: how to do it

cheap parking Mechelen

Mechelen has several edge parking options and a free Shopping Shuttle to the centre. Free examples include Douaneplein, while Zandpoortvest is a useful paid option if you want to stay longer.

Street parking Mechelen

Paid in the centre Green zone is the main short-stay option

Lower-cost option

Douaneplein or Shopping Shuttle parking Good if you do not need to park right in the centre

Practical longer-stay option

Zandpoortvest Paid, but much easier for a longer visit

Our advice for car parking in Mechelen

Parking in Mechelen is easy to understand. Use the central paid zones for short visits, and choose a garage or edge parking with the Shopping Shuttle if you want to stay longer.

Based on official City of Mechelen information about street parking zones, edge parking and the Shopping Shuttle.

Events in Mechelen

Some of the biggest events in Mechelen include:

  1. Maanrock Festival: This free music festival takes place in August and features a variety of musical genres and performers.

  2. Mechelen Houdt je Warm: This winter festival takes place from late November to early January and features a variety of winter activities, including ice skating, Christmas markets, and live music.

  3. Dijlefeesten: This summer festival takes place in July and features a variety of musical acts, street theater, and food and drink stalls.

  4. Mechelse Culinair: This food festival takes place in September and features a variety of local cuisine and beer.

  5. Bruisend Mechelen: This summer festival takes place in August and features a variety of cultural events, including music, dance, and theater.

  6. Christmas in Mechelen: This festive event takes place in December and features a variety of Christmas markets, live music, and seasonal activities.

Popular tourist Attractions in Mechelen

  1. St. Rumbold's Cathedral: This stunning Gothic cathedral dates back to the 13th century and features a beautiful tower with panoramic views of the city.

  2. Grote Markt: This historic square is lined with beautiful buildings and is a popular spot for outdoor cafes and restaurants.

  3. Palace of Margaret of Austria: This Renaissance palace dates back to the 16th century and is now home to the City Museum.

  4. Kazerne Dossin: This former military barracks is now a Holocaust museum and memorial.

  5. Mechelen Beguinage: This UNESCO World Heritage Site is a beautifully preserved complex of buildings that once housed a community of religious women.

  6. Het Anker Brewery: This historic brewery offers tours and tastings of its famous beers, including the award-winning Gouden Carolus.

  7. Toy Museum Mechelen: This charming museum showcases a collection of antique toys and games from around the world.