The area around Mechelen is famous for the culture of Mechelse koekoek is a local poultry breed, fleshy chickens with black and white feathers which extend on the bird's legs, with colours reminiscent of a cuckoo, hence the name.
The city is famous for the Mechlin lace.
Mechelen is home of two of the oldest Belgian Racing Mechelen and K.V. Mechelen, both founded in 1904.
