Mechelen is a city and municipality located in the province of Antwerp within the Flemish Region of Belgium. The municipality encompasses the city center, several outlying quarters, the adjacent hamlets of Nekkerspoel and Battel, and the villages of Walem, Heffen, Leest, Hombeek, and Muizen.
The city is frequently referred to as the Dijlestad because it is situated along the river Dyle (Dijle), which flows through the urban area.