The Bruul in city of Mechelen

The Bruul makes downtown Shopping Fun

Shopping in the Bruul, in a cultural and historical city, that is the Flemish center city of Mechelen. The Dijl city is also known far and wide in Belgium for its pleasant shopping streets and public Saturday market. The commercial heart of the city is not like cities like Antwerp or Brussels. Shopping in the downtown area of this center city, has its own charm.

Both big chain stores and retailers, know that Mechelen is something special. Shopping in Mechelen combined with dinner in the numerous good bistros and restaurants, is always a unique experience. The trade association Mechelen Meemaken bundles the core shopping area including Bruul, Ijzerenleen and O.L.Vrouwstraat and regularly organizes events in Mechelen.

Shopping in the Bruul

The biggest shopping street in the center of Mechelen is undoubtedly the Bruul, also described as the Abdijstraat. This shopping boulevard is actually divided into two. The first part from the Grote Markt is the Korte Bruul which turns into the actual Bruul from the Botermarkt . This shopping promenade extends from the Grote Markt to the Fontein Bridge ( Vijfhoek ).

A Take-away coffee bar, the smallest coffee bar, and Milkshake bar on Fountain Bridge, are in a unique location. These commercial establishments are located in one of two pavilions from the 17th century. Remains of the entrance gate of the former Commandery of Pitzemburg, today the Royal Athenaeum.

Party is almost every day in the Bruul, especially the permanent fairy lights, and the Christmas season provide a warm atmosphere during your shopping. By the way, do you know that because of its commercial character, since the existence of Monopoly, the Bruul has been included in the Dutch-language party game ?

Low-traffic shopping in the Bruul

Since 2014, a large-scale project has begun to create one large traffic-free shopping street from the Grote Markt to the Cardinal Mercier Square. In the future, this should become the longest shopping street in Flanders. The Central Station will be completely renovated at the same time, and will satisfy the most demanding train and public transport users. The new SNCB station will open in 2030.

As mentioned, the Bruul, along with the Ijzerenleen, is the main shopping area of our city. Here you can store in peace and quiet, as the street is largely traffic-free or traffic-free from the Grote Markt to the Hazestraat. On Saturdays, for the safety and perception of visitors, bicycles, scooters and e-steps are prohibited from 11 a.m. onwards.

The green character due to the planted trees, the seating elements, the wide range and diversity mean that shopping in this shopping street can take place in peace.

Here and there you can still see the facades of historic buildings. The success of the Bruul has brought large retail chains and department stores to Mechelen. The first department stores moved into the Bruul as early as 1910.

Just think of Galeria Inno, H&M, Hema, Kruidvat, Decathlon, Burger King, Flying Tiger and many other well-known brands lure passers-by daily with their beautiful display windows. Clothing, shoes, handbags, electronics, jewelry, in short, you can find it all in the Bruul. Numerous merchants in this shopping street have built up a reputation over the years, and are known beyond the borders. Mechelen is also more and more on the wish list of foreign tourists as a city trip or city break or even as a short vacation.

Bargains during the Holidays and Street Fair

Every year, the city government and merchants of Mechelen organize numerous events. These include the shopping Sundays where most stores open their doors on the first Sunday of the month. There are extra discounts and street entertainment then.

At the beginning of Spring, you can then once again enjoy the Spring Shopping event. For 3 days the stores will be open on Sunday. The merchants are then happy to offer you extra discounts on their products. As an extra, there will be street entertainment such as brass bands, as well as old crafts demonstrated here and there.

We all know a Street Fair (Braderie), but these of Mechelen are very special. All shopping streets in the center take part in this shopping event. The Bruul, Ijzerenleen, Onze-Lieve-Vrouwstraat, Graaf van Egmontstraat and numerous side streets are happy to participate in the Braderij.

When the weather is nice, it is great to linger at the many sales stands and market stalls. Twice a year the merchant committee organizes a Street Fair, the Ascension weekend during the month of May, and the second weekend of September.

Children also enjoy coming to the Braderij because of the numerous children’s entertainment, carnival and play equipment organized under the name Mechelen Kinderstad. (Children’s City)

Mechelen Keeps You Warm in the Bruul

Even during the dark and cold winter days, Malines merchants are not sitting still. The Warm Welcome Weekend takes place in spring and autumn. During this event, merchants are happy to present their new season collections.

Just like the Street Fair, there will be workshops and entertainment. At the end of November, vzw Mechelen MeeMaken, the traders’ organization, organizes Black Friday, which came over from the USA. The following December is the bargain month par excellence. The Bruul and other shopping streets are also part of the “Mechelen Keeps You Warm” theme. The Christmas lights are at their best then, and street entertainment provides a wonderful shopping experience.

How to reach the Bruul ?

By car: Follow the signs to the nearest underground car parks. These are Parking Bruul, Parking Grote Markt
By public transportation: Nearest bus stops of De Lijn are Kardinaal Mercierplein, Veemarkt, Steenweg, Korenmarkt.

Share Your Experiences and Suggestions about the Bruul!

Have you been to the Bruul recently? We would love to hear about your adventures and experiences! Your insights help us keep this tourist shopping page updated and improved. Whether you’ve discovered a hidden gem, found a great restaurant or local store or have tips for other travelers, your feedback is invaluable. Share your experiences and suggestions with us and help others get the most out of their visit to the Bruul. Together we will create the ultimate guide to Mechelen!