YOU CAN EASILY ATTEND MUSIC EVENTS EVERY WEEKEND IN VARIOUS BELGIAN CITIES FROM ABOUT APRIL TO NOVEMBER.
Mechelen is a small ancient city in the north of Belgium located on the 50km stretch between the Antwerp seaport and Brussels’ industrial axis. The main language is Dutch, but don’ t worry, you can speak English here.
Historical city
Mechelen entered to the industrial age in the 19 th century. In 1835, the first railway in Europe linked Brussels with Mechelen, which became the central and most important part of the Belgian railway network. The city will take lots of time to explore since it contains around 336 buildings and monuments including 8 medieval Gothic and Baroque cathedrals. Make sure to check out St. Rumbold’ s cathedral( Sint-Rombout’ s kathedraal), which was built starting in the 13 th century. Its 97 meter tower up 514 stairs will give you a great panoramic view of the city. There ' s nothing better than when you ' re standing at the top of the tower and seeing Mechelen with the clouds hovering around you.
I loved visiting the Mechelen town houses from the 15 th century along with the clock tower and House De Clippel from the 16 th century. After walking along the surrounding streets, you ought to take the time to visit the Post office De Bayaert, which was built in the 12 th century and originally used as an overnight shelter for pilgrims. It was purchased by the city in the 14 th century and enlarged afterwards to serve as the Mechelen Town Hall, but now it’ s the Central Post Office. Going downtown around Grote Markt, then visiting Margaret statue, De Nekker Park, Plankendael Park, museums, and the local markets around the square, I feel like I’ m lost in a massive medieval studio. If you want to learn more about people’ s lifestyle and have a good time, you can try sailing along the river from Haverwerf Dyle( Dijle) to the pier and observe the colorful riverside houses, Vismarkt( the fish market), and Grootbrug( the stone bridge).
Get drunk on music and beer
Belgium is a land of music festivals. You can easily attend music events every weekend in various Belgian cities from about April to November. The variety of genres ranging from pop, rock, electronic, classical, chamber music, and more makes the atmosphere festive and enjoyable for all tastes. Even in the villages and small towns, there are unique carnivals styled to their region. If you come to Belgium in the summer, you will enjoy the vibrant atmosphere with compelling musical performances, concerts, as well as meetings for performers to extend their chamber choir repertoires.
In Mechelen, the hometown of famous composer Raymond Schroyens, you might especially enjoy the Van Vlaanderen Mechelen classical music festival from April 23 rd to May 15 th. The concerts take place at the Grote Markt, Manufactuur De Wit, and St. Rumbold Cathedral. There is also TENSO Days( mid-May), a series of professional courses aimed at helping young composers and conductors develop their skills. TENSO has been held in Berlin, Paris, Marseille, Oslo, and Amsterdam. 2016 will be the third edition held in Mechelen. Apart from the Belgian artists, you will find artists from around the world.
Itinerary: ü From Vietnam, you can take the straight flight to Belgium( Brussels) with Vietnam Airlines or other airlines. If you are from Paris, you can travel with Megabus or Ouibus to Brussels for a cheap price around 20 euro / turn in 5 hours or take Bla Bla Car with a similar price but the time will be shorter. Then from Brussels, you will have some options:
ü Buy train tickets from Brussels Centraal or Brussels Midi station only 4.50- 7 euro / turn to Mechelen in 25 minutes.
ü From Brussels Airport, take the bus De Lijn( 282, 681, 682, 683) with 2 times / hour and the price is 3 euro / turn. The time is around 50 minutes.
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