Discover Mechelen while escaping the zombies! Escape room

Discover Mechelen while escaping the zombies — a quirky blend of city exploration and puzzle-solving

This review covers a unique activity in Belgium’s charming city of Mechelen: a self-guided zombie escape game that takes you on a two-hour adventure through the streets. Using your smartphone, you’ll answer puzzles and uncover secret corners of the city, all while trying to outwit a virtual zombie apocalypse. It’s a fresh way to see Mechelen, combining lighthearted storytelling with some real sightseeing.

What I like most about this experience is how it encourages you to look closely at your surroundings — it’s not just about solving puzzles but also about discovering the city’s hidden gems. The game’s flexibility is another strong point: it’s private, with no crowds, and the support from Coddy seems reliable, making the whole process smooth.

However, a point to consider is that some players found the puzzles unclear, which could dampen the fun if you’re expecting a more straightforward challenge. One reviewer mentioned that the assignments sometimes didn’t match the actual locations, which might make navigation frustrating if you’re not patient or don’t have a good sense of direction.

This activity offers a fun, active way to experience Mechelen — especially if you enjoy puzzles, a bit of storytelling, or just want a different perspective on the city’s sights. Whether you’re traveling with family, friends, or even solo, it’s a playful, engaging experience worth considering.

Key points / Takeaways

• Self-guided adventure using a mobile app makes it flexible and private
• Focus on city discovery combined with interactive puzzles enhances sightseeing
• Support available 24/7 if you get stuck or need hints
• Duration of about 2 hours offers a manageable, immersive activity
• Cost of $23 provides reasonable value for an interactive city walk
• Good for all ages, especially those who enjoy a challenge or storytelling games
• Some puzzles may cause slight confusion, so patience and observation are key
• The game’s ending returns you right at the starting point, perfect for combining with other activities

Exploring Mechelen in an unexpected way: a detailed look

If you’re visiting Mechelen and looking for a way to see more than just the usual sights, the Zombie Escape Room offers an unusual twist. Instead of wandering aimlessly or following a typical itinerary, you’re guided by your smartphone through a scenario that combines city exploration with puzzle-solving. Think of it as a scavenger hunt, but with a storyline involving zombies, which adds a bit of humor and excitement to your walk.

How the experience begins and what to expect

The activity kicks off at the Melaan square, a lively area in Mechelen, where you meet the game’s start point. From there, the game’s narrative unfolds via your phone, leading you through various streets and hidden corners. The goal? Outwit virtual zombies and complete missions that are sprinkled throughout the city.

You’ll need to pay close attention to your surroundings — some puzzles require you to find specific objects or locations, which can lead to discovering parts of Mechelen you might have missed otherwise. The game also adapts to your choices, meaning no two adventures are exactly alike, providing a personalized twist on your sightseeing.

The puzzles and their challenges

According to reviews, the core of the game involves answering riddles or solving puzzles that are sometimes a bit tricky to decipher. One reviewer noted that “the assignments were not clear,” which could mean that some puzzles felt disconnected from their locations or lacked clarity. That’s an important consideration if you expect a perfectly polished experience; patience and teamwork will help you get through these moments.

A different reviewer loved the experience, especially for sharing it with their 12-year-old grandson. They appreciated that the puzzles led them to see even more beautiful aspects of Mechelen and that they felt they learned new things about the city. This suggests that, despite some rough edges, the game can be both fun and educational.

The support system and overall value

The activity includes 24/7 online support from Coddy, the provider, which is reassuring if you get stuck. The game also provides a summary of your adventure with photos at the end, giving you souvenirs of your experience. Plus, once purchased, your game remains valid up to three years, offering flexibility for future visits or revisiting the city on your own.

At $23, it’s reasonably priced, especially considering that it combines sightseeing, puzzle-solving, and entertainment into one activity. The price point makes this a good value for those wanting a more interactive experience than just walking around with a guidebook.

Who is this perfect for?

This experience is best suited for adventurous families, groups of friends, or solo travelers who enjoy puzzles, storytelling, or just doing something a bit different. It works well for those who are patient with puzzles, as some reviewers mentioned that the assignments could sometimes be confusing. It’s also ideal for travelers who want a flexible activity that can be started at any time of day — as the activity is available throughout the day, thanks to its online support and open hours.

Final thoughts on the experience

While this isn’t a traditional city tour, it offers a playful, interactive way to explore Mechelen’s streets and discover its hidden corners. For those tired of standard sightseeing, the game’s storyline and puzzles can add an extra layer of engagement. The activity’s local support and long validity mean you can enjoy it at your own pace and revisit for future adventures.

Be prepared for some puzzles that might need a bit of patience, but if you’re up for a challenge and love a good story, this adventure will not disappoint. Plus, you’ll walk away with a fresh appreciation for Mechelen’s sights and secrets.

Practical details and tips

• The start point is at Melaan, 2800 Mechelen; make sure to arrive prepared with your smartphone charged, as it’s the main device for the game.
• The game lasts about 2 hours, but depending on your pace, it might take longer or slightly less.
• You’ll be guided via your phone, so good cellular reception is helpful.
• The activity is suitable for most travelers, including service animals and those with mobility considerations, since it mostly involves walking around the city.
• The cost of $23 is fair, considering the length and depth of the experience, especially with the added bonus of a photo summary.
• Remember, this is a private activity, so you won’t be sharing your adventure with strangers, which makes for a more relaxed experience.

FAQ

What is included in the price?
You get the mobile app-guided game, 24/7 online support, a fun city tour, and a summary with photos after your adventure.

Are there any food or drink options?
No, food and drink are not included in this experience, so plan to grab a snack before or after your game.

Do I need to bring my own smartphone?
Yes, your smartphone (and a charged battery) is essential since it guides the game and provides clues.

How long does the activity take?
The game takes approximately 2 hours, but the actual time can vary based on how quickly you solve puzzles and explore.

Is this experience suitable for children?
Yes, it’s suitable for most travelers, including families, though it involves some problem-solving that may require patience.

Can I cancel?
Yes, you can cancel free of charge up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund.

What if I get stuck on a puzzle?
Support is available online 24/7 to help you out if you need hints or assistance.

Is it easy to start and finish at the same point?
Yes, the activity begins and ends at the same location, making it convenient to incorporate into your day.

What are the opening hours?
The activity runs from 12:00 AM to 11:30 PM daily, allowing you to choose a time that fits your schedule.

Final thoughts

If you’re after a light-hearted, interactive, and slightly adventurous way to see Mechelen, this zombie-themed escape game offers a decent value at $23. It’s particularly well-suited for families or groups who enjoy puzzles and storytelling, and it provides a different perspective on the city’s sights. The flexibility, support, and long validity period make it a practical choice for visitors looking to add a fun twist to their trip.

While some puzzles might be tricky or slightly confusing, the overall experience is engaging and offers the chance to discover hidden corners and local secrets. Keep your phone charged, your patience handy, and prepare for a memorable, playful exploration of Mechelen.