Weekend 1: Leuven - Mechelen - Antwerp

Route: Art Cities Route
Distance: 92 km

Day 1: Leuven – Mechelen: 40 km
Day 2: Mechelen – Antwerp: 52 km

This accessible and flat route will take you through many beautiful cities during the course of two days. Depart from Leuven or Antwerp and enjoy a peaceful bike ride in the greenery along the Vaart (Albert Canal) and the Dyle. Don’t forget to stop off in Lier on the way. You spend the night in convivial Mechelen. Prefer a day longer? Feel free to hang out in one of the art cities and enjoy the art and culture!

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Looking for suitable accommodation? On our route planner you can find a wide range of accommodation along this route.

Not to be missed along the way

The Grote Markt with the Town Hall and St. Peter’s Church in Leuven

The Grote Markt is one of the busiest squares in Leuven. Most of the buildings are built in the famous Brabant Gothic style, such as the monumental town hall. Other notable buildings by the Grote Markt are the Tafelrond, a few beautiful guild houses and the Collegiate St. Peter’s Church. The St. Peter’s Parish is the oldest in Leuven and was probably established in 986. The church suffered greatly during the two world wars. In 1914, for example, the roof burned down and, in 1944, the northern transept was bombed. Of the three planned towers one of which should reach a height of 170 m, only the tower bases now remain. Inside there is a unique collection of Flemish masterpieces that are still kept in their original places.

Farm brewery Hof ten Dormaal

A stately square farmstead in Tildonk has been home to a craft brewery in a unique ecological concept since 2009. The entire production process takes place on site, using home-grown grain and hops. The draff is processed as animal feed for the cattle on the farm. Tasting is possible at weekends; the brewery can only be visited on Saturdays.

St. Rombout’s Cathedral in Mechelen

This jewel of Brabant Gothic architecture, dating from the 13th century, rises far above the city. The climb and impressive skywalk at the top of the 97m high tower are unique highlights. This tower also houses 2 carillons that appear on the UNESCO world heritage list.

Het Steen

As the oldest preserved building in the city, Het Steen has had many functions over the centuries. From castle to prison and from residence to museum. Today, after a thorough renovation, the building now sparkles as a visitors’ centre for tourists. In this centuries-old castle, you can find the Visitors’ Centre, the cruise terminal and a panoramic roof terrace, as well as the multimedia interactive experience trail The Antwerp Story. This attraction is the perfect introduction to the city for local and international guests. After a visit to Het Steen, you will have undoubtedly gained plenty of inspiration for a further exploration of Antwerp.