Instead of taking a trip abroad for our eight year anniversary, this year Rens and I decided to stay a little closer to home and spent a weekend exploring Mechelen, the second largest city in Antwerp. I'd previously fallen for its charm when I did my internship there nearly three years ago and I'd been wanting to go back ever since. With stunning architecture like the St. Rumbold's Cathedral, Mechelen is an interesting destination to spend a day or two. It's jam-packed with coffee shops and concept stores, but without all the hustle and bustle of uptown Antwerp. Just the way I like it! I've put together a little list of the places we loved and are definitely worth a visit!
Sister Bean
One of the best-known coffee bars in town, Sister Bean is located on Mechelen’s old fish market square. Sadly we were too late for breakfast and missed out on the blueberry pancakes, but my toast with goat’s cheese was very tasty as well. If you can, go sit upstairs where there’s a beautifully decorated seating area with large windows and a beamed ceiling.
VISMARKT 26 | sisterbean.be
Beans
On the Ijzerenleen you’ll find a small breakfast spot called Beans. Whether you’re craving something sweet or savory, this place has got you covered with buckwheat waffles, banana bread and overnight oats as well as wraps, salad bowls and lots of bagels to choose from. They have amazing scones too!
IJZERENLEEN 37 | beansbar.be
Kaffee-Ine
The award for Mechelen’s best cappuccinos goes to Kaffee-Ine. In this no nonsense espresso bar you sip your coffee seated in worn out second-hand sofas and can feast your eyes on walls decorated with large world maps and old coffee grinders.
My Ex Boyfriend
For dreamy vintage furniture and other home knick knacks, you can pay a visit to My Ex Boyfriend. I fell in love with a gorgeous dresser that I really need in my living room one day and their art prints and illustrated tableware are just adorable!
Hut
HUT is a mini concept store that’s full of gifts ideas, from books and stationary to ceramics and kitchen gadgets. All items are selected from independent labels by owner Hilde.
ONZE-LIEVE-VROUWESTRAAT 88 | hutshop.be
Noen
If
you fancy a break from shopping in Mechelen’s main shopping street
Bruul, you’ll find the perfect lunch spot nearby. Noen offers a variety
of delightful toasts, salads and daily fresh soup. For dessert
there’s ice cream and milk shakes from their own brand Eiskreem.
LEERMARKT 24 | denoen.com
Also check out:
FOR COFFEE
Dora's Coffee Bar | doras.be
Sweet B | facebook.com/SweetBMechelen
FOR SWEETS
Niki's Bakery | nikisbakery.be
Cups 'n Cakes | cups-n-cakes.be
Zoet | snoepzoet.be
FOR THE BEST BURGERS IN TOWN!
Il Cardinale | ilcardinale.be
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