18 EPIC Things to Do in Ypres, Belgium in 2024
This article may contain affiliate links. This means we receive a small commission whenever you book or purchase something through our links (at no extra cost to you!). You can find more information in our disclaimer.
Wander through the ancient streets of Ypres where every step is a lesson in resilience and remembrance. A city that seamlessly blends the charm of its architecture with the solemnity of its past.
SUMMARY: Ypres is the centre of WW I-history in Belgium. The 3 things you shouldn’t miss are the Last Post Ceremony at the Mening Gate, the In Flanders Fields Museum and the Tyne Cot Cemetery. Visit them independently or on a small-group tour.
Welcome to Ypres Belgium!
As someone who lives just an hour away and has grown up immersed in the stories of World War I (my great-grandfather was part of the resistance – and killed in a concentration camp because of it), I’m here to be your guide through this historic city.
In this article, I’ll take you through the key sites of Ypres, sharing insights and tips that only a local would know. From the famous Menin Gate to the vibrant Market Square, each place tells a part of Ypres’ rich history.
I aim to help you discover the best of Ypres, whether you’re interested in its wartime history, architecture, or just looking to explore a beautiful spot in Belgium.
The Best Things To Do in Ypres
1. Visit the Market Square & the Cloth Hall
Ypres, like most Flemish towns and cities, has a beautiful historical market square.
On Saturday morning, the Market Square becomes a bustling hub of activity, filled with vendors selling everything from local produce to clothes and shoes.
In Ypres, the impressive Cloth Hall runs away with all the attention.
The Cloth Hall, one of the oldest commercial buildings in Europe, was once used for trading some of the best and finest textiles in the world. This building was finished in 1378 and is Europe’s largest civilian Gothic complex.
On one side of the Cloth Hall, you can find the Belfry (a part of the UNESCO World Heritage List together with 31 other Belfries).
Many of the main sights in Ypres can be found in the Cloth Hall, such as the Flanders Fields Museum, the Yper Museum, and the Tourism Office.
Today, visitors can enjoy and wander the halls of the impressive building, admiring the stunning architecture and its rich history.
💡 Tip: Explore Ypres with this self-guided walking tour.
2. Watch the Last Post at Menin Gate
The Last Post Ceremony at the Menin Gate is a daily tribute to the fallen warriors of WWI and is something you can’t miss when you’re in Ypres.
The Last Post was a ritual in the British Army that signified the end of the day and the start of the night’s rest.
Since 1928, buglers from the Last Post Association have played the Last Post every evening at exactly 8 pm. The contemporary ceremony has become a final farewell and the onset of the soldiers’ eternal rest.
Originally, it was meant to honour those from the British Empire, but over time, the meaning has become wider to include all the deaths on both sides.
The buglers stand underneath the Eastern bow of the gate, the left one, the furthest away if you come from the Market Square.
Once finished, look at the 54.896 names of British soldiers that went missing from the start of the war until the 15th of August 1917.
You can find the names of the 34.957 soldiers that went missing from the 16th of August 1917 until the war’s end on the walls of Tyne Cot Memorial.
Practical Information
- Daily at 20:00
- 30 minutes
- At the Menin Gate (or watch the ceremony online)
- Free
3. City Walk
Ypres’ City Walk is a 6,6 km walk through the city centre. We always love following trinkets in the street on a walking tour; in this case, you have to follow the Cloth Hall outline.
This city walk guides you along the main sights, parks and Medieval buildings.
You can buy the brochure at the local Ypres tourist office or online for €4.
Only one version is available, but it features 4 languages: Dutch, French, German and English.
The brochure focuses on the three main themes that determine the city. The first is the history of the Cloth Hall and the Belfry.
The second is the figure of Arthur Mergelynck, a 19th-century nobleman who opened a museum about the nobless in Ypres (you can visit this museum!).
The third theme is the reconstruction of the city after WWI.
If you don’t want or need the brochure, you can see the complete walk here and follow the trinkets starting at Market Square.
4. Tyne Cot Cemetery
This beautiful and moving memorial is dedicated to the soldiers who died during the First World War.
You’ll find the Tyne Cot Memorial, a short 15-minute drive from Ypres, in the little village of Passendale.
It is the largest Commonwealth War Graves Commission cemetery in the world, with almost 12,000 graves of brave soldiers who fought in the First World War.
As of September 2023, it’s recognised as Unesco World Heritage as part of the “Funerary and Memory sites of the First World War (Western Front)”
This impressive graveyard is situated in the middle of the fields and, as such, has some great views. However, great views are not the reason you’re visiting.
In 1917, during the Third Battle of Ieper, the British Army lost around 300 000 men here.
What originally started as a bunker with a medic post resulted in more and more graves. After the war, more bodies were found and buried in the graveyard.
A total of 11 956 Allied soldiers were laid to rest here, as well as some German prisoners.
The 34 957 names you can see on the monument’s wall are from British and New Zealand soldiers who went missing after the 16th of August 1917 (the ones before that date can be found at the Menin Gate).
Visitors to the cemetery can expect to see thousands of headstones, each one representing a life cut short.
You can take a guided tour or explore the place on your own to learn about the area’s history and pay respect to the bravery of those who fought for our freedoms.
PRACTICAL INFORMATION
- Open from February – November: 10:00-18:00
- Located 9 kilometres northeast of Ypres town centre, on the Tynecotstraat, a road leading from the Zonnebeekseweg (N332).
- Entry is Free
5. Yper Museum
While many things in Ypres are connected to the First World War, there are other sights too. One of them is the Yper Museum.
Housed in a stunning 13th-century hospital building, the museum offers a fascinating look at the city’s history and the surrounding region.
In the Yper Museum, you can witness the city’s evolution and learn about the 11 centuries of Ypres’ existence and its strategic importance during World War I.
Visitors can expect to see artefacts, photographs, a unique collection of medieval coins and tools and interactive exhibits that shed light on Ypres’s history.
Make sure to bring your kids to visit this museum, as there is a lot of fun stuff for them to do.
PRACTICAL INFORMATION
- Address: Lakenhallen, Grote Markt, Ieper
- Duration: 1,5 hour
- Opening Hours: April-September: 10:00-18:00 (Tue-Fri), 10:00-17:00 (Sat-Sun) | October-March: 10:00-17:00 (Tue-Sun)
- Closing days: Mondays; December 25 & January 1
- Prices: €8,50 (standard), €5 (19-25y), €4 (7-18y), free (0-7y), €18 (families)
- Combi ticket with IFFM: €15,50 (standard), €9,50 (19-25y), €7 (7-18y), free (0-7y), €36 (families)
6. St George’s Memorial Church
Inside the city centre of Belgium Ypres, there are two main memorial sites. The first is the Menin Gate, and the second is the St George’s Memorial Church.
St George’s Memorial Church is one of the top things to see in Ypres for those looking for a historical and solemn Ypres attraction
The church was built in 1929 in the typical English parish church style. It is a place for worship and serves as a memorial to the soldiers who lost their lives in the First World War.
The church stands tall and proud with its intricate architecture and stunning stained-glass windows.
PRACTICAL INFORMATION
- Opening hours: daily, from 10:00 until dusk (16:00 in winter)
- Address: Elverdingestraat 1, 8900 Ieper.
- For St. George’s Schedule and the latest updates: click here!
7. Bellewaerde
Bellewaerd is the oldest theme park in Belgium and is only a 5-minute drive from Ypres.
It’s primarily geared towards older kids and teenagers, although smaller kids will love it too (especially in the KidsPark).
The park has over 50 attractions, including thrilling roller coasters, family-friendly rides, and water attractions to cool off on hot summer days.
However, Bellewaerde is not just an amusement park; it’s also home to a safari where visitors can get up close and personal with over 300 animals, including tigers, lions, and gorillas.
PRACTICAL INFORMATION
- Opening hours: Open from April to November, from 9:00 to 16:00/17:30
- Duration: Full day
- Address: Meenseweg 497, 8902 Ieper. 5 minutes from Ypres, 25 minutes from Kortrijk and 45 minutes from Bruges.
- Public transport: take the train to Ypres Station (Ieper in Dutch) and then hop on bus 84 to the park.
- Prices: An adult ticket (140cm tall and above) costs €40 if dated and €41 if non-dated. For children (100cm to 140cm tall), a dated ticket costs €36 and a non-dated ticket costs €37. People over 55 or with a disability can get tickets for €33. Book your ticket here.
8. Explore the In Flanders Fields Museum
This informative museum provides visitors with a comprehensive look into the history of World War I in the Ypres Region.
From the moment you step inside the striking modernist building, you’ll be transported back in time, with the museum’s expertly curated exhibits bringing to life the personal stories of soldiers who fought and died in the area’s infamous battlefields.
The exhibits cover everything from battlefield tactics and technology to everyday life during the war.
It allows the visitors to fully engage with the area’s history, giving a greater understanding of the sacrifice and hardship endured by those who fought in the war.
Visitors can see a variety of artefacts, including photographs, weapons, letters and personal belongings of soldiers and civilians.
Overall, the Flanders Fields Museum is a must-see destination for anyone seeking to learn more about the impact of World War I.
PRACTICAL INFORMATION
- Duration: 1.5 to 2 hours
- Address: Lakenhallen, Grote Markt 34, Ieper
- Opening hours: April-September: 10:00-18:00 (Mo-Fri), 10:00-17:00 (Sat-Sun) | October-mid November: 10:00-17:00 (daily) | mid-November-March: 10:00-17:00 (Tue-Sun)
- Prices: €12 (standard), €7 (19-25y), €6 (7-18y), free (0-7y), €26,50 (families)
- Extras: audioguide (+€2pp); entry to the Belfry (+€2pp)
- Combi ticket with Yper Museum: €15,50 (standard), €9,50 (19-25y), €7 (7-18y), free (0-7y), €36 (families)
9. Visit Saint Martin’s Cathedral
With intricate Gothic architecture and a rich history that dates back to the 13th century, this cathedral is a must-see attraction in the city. Note that you can’t visit the tower.
This iconic cathedral was completely destroyed during WWI, but it was rebuilt based on the restoration plans that had been designed before the war.
practical information
- Opening hours: daily from 9:00 to 17:00 except during masses.
- Price: free
- Address: Vandenpeereboomplein, Ieper
10. Go on a day trip to WWI battlefields
Exploring the WWI memorials around Ypres is a deeply moving experience, but it’s important to understanding the town’s, Belgium’s, and the world’s history.
These battlefields, recognized as UNESCO World Heritage sites since September 2023, offer a poignant journey through time.
You can connect with the past through cemeteries, memorials, and museums that narrate the stories of the Great War. Major sites like the In Flanders Fields Museum and the Menin Gate can be found in the centre, but there are so many other sites that you’ll want to visit in the Westhoek region of Belgium.
If you have your own (rental) car available, it’s easy to visit these places independently. However, if you don’t, I recommend you book a guided tour to make the most of your time.
These are the best tours available from Ypres:
11. Explore the Ramparts
The Ramparts is a system of fortification that surrounds the city, consisting of a moat, walls, and cannons used to defend against invaders.
Today, you can take a leisurely walk along the walls, soak up the picturesque views, learn about the city’s history, and witness a piece of Belgium’s architectural heritage.
With the walls dating back to the 17th century, visitors can also witness battle scars from the city’s past, including the old cannons used in battles long ago, as well as several memorials dedicated to those who lost their lives.
The Ramparts are also home to several fascinating historical sites, including the famous Menin Gate Memorial and the Lille Gate, which date back to the 14th century.
Ypres isn’t the busiest destination, but I still loved to retreat back to the calm of the ramparts and its park.
💡 Top Tip: It’s fun that you can walk (nearly) all the way around the city if you want to. This Ramparts Route is 4,5 km long and takes about 2 hours to complete. It’s a circular route and there are 5 entry points to start the walk. You can download the route here.
12. Hill 60 & Caterpillar
Hill 60 was a critical strategic location during World War I. It was the site of intense fighting between Allied and German forces, resulting in many casualties.
Today it’s a peaceful green hill with lush trees and a memorial at the top.
Another nearby attraction is the Caterpillar.
Caterpillar is an enormous crater caused by an explosion during the war. It’s a reminder of the devastation during the conflict.
These days, visitors can explore these areas, see the preserved trenches, craters, and bunkers, and gain insight into the horrific conditions soldiers faced during this time.
PRACTICAL INFORMATION
- Opening hours: Permanent
- Address: Zwarteleenstraat 40, 8902 Ieper (Hill 60) – Caterpillar is on the other side of the train tracks
- Price: free
13. Hooge Crater Museum
With various exhibits, including weapons, personal artefacts, and interactive displays, the museum provides a fascinating look at the experiences of soldiers and civilians during wartime.
Visitors can also learn about the war’s tactics and technology, explore the surrounding landscape, and discover the remains of bunkers, trenches, and bomb craters, allowing visitors to experience what life was like for soldiers on the front lines.
Hooge Crater Museum is the largest museum about WWI history and definitely worth a visit for history lovers or those looking to deepen their WWI knowledge.
There’s a themed cafe on site where you can get snacks, ice cream and Belgian dishes.
PRACTICAL INFORMATION
- Opening hours: Wed-Sat (10:00-18:00), Sun (10:00-21:00)
- Duration: 1h15
- Address: Meenseweg 467, 8902 Ieper, Belgium (about a 10-minute drive from the centre)
- Prices: €9 (regular ticket), € 6.5 (student 18-26yo), €5.5 (7-18yo)
14. Mergelynck Museum
This fascinating museum is dedicated to the life and work of the renowned architect Louis Mergelynck, who designed many of the beautiful buildings in Ypres during the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries.
Margelynck Museum is also known for its extraordinary collection of Flemish art and decorative items from the 17th and 18th centuries.
Visitors can explore the beautifully restored mansion that houses the museum, admire the intricate interior design details and see some rare and exceptional pieces. Including wooden furniture from the 17th century, tapestries from the 18th century, and even archaeological remains of the city’s medieval past.
You can also see a unique collection of toys and games from the early 20th century and a collection of ancient weapons.
PRACTICAL INFORMATION
- Opening Hours: every 1st and 3rd Sunday of the month from April to mid-November. The tour starts at 15:00.
- Duration: 1 hour
- Address: Merghelynckstraat 2, 8900 Ieper
- Prices: Only possible to visit with a guide, per adult €5 the guide costs €70, free for kids <6 years.
- Museum website (only in Dutch)
15. De Kazematten
Built in the early 19th century, the brewery’s underground tunnels were originally used as a military fortification system.
But in 2013, they were repurposed to house top-notch brewing equipment and a cosy tasting room.
It’s not just the historical significance that makes De Kazematten worth a visit, though. The brewery also produces delicious, award-winning beers that impress any beer enthusiast.
Today, you can go on a guided tour of the tunnels while you learn more about the intricate process behind the brewery’s distinctive beers.
And yes! During the tour, visitors can also sample the delicious Belgian beer while enjoying some tasty snacks.
PRACTICAL INFORMATION
- Opening hours: Tours on Saturdays at 15:00, 16:00 & 17:00. Additional tour on Fridays at 17:00 (April-November). Additional tour on Thursdays at 17:00 (July-August).
- Duration: 1 hour
- Address: Houten Paard 1, Ieper
- Prices: €12 per person, 3 degustations included
16. Hamilton Park
With its beautiful trees, winding paths, and tranquil lake, Hamiltonpark is a peaceful spot in the city centre.
You can walk to the park in 5 minutes if you’re coming from the train station or in 18 minutes if you’re coming from the market square.
You can also take a scenic walk to the nearby Ramparts Cemetery, near the Lille Gate, where you’ll find the graves of many soldiers who died in the First World War.
PRACTICAL INFORMATION
- Address: Oudstrijderslaan 19, Ieper
- Price: Free
17. Provincial Domain Palingbeek
With 230 hectares, domain Palingbeek is the largest provincial domain in West Flanders. Unsurprisingly, the area used to be a World War I battlefield. But today, it’s a peaceful escape where you can find a ton of activities.
There’s a visitor centre, a restaurant, different play zones, a bat cellar (cool!), lots of memorial sites and kilometres of hiking and biking trails.
One highlight when visiting Palingbeek is the Hedge Row Trench Cemetry, Waterlock, Sculptuur Remember Me, and many more!
Follow the Palingbeek hike for the easiest way do explore the main sights of the domain.
PRACTICAL INFORMATION
- Address: Vaartstraat 7, 8902 Ieper – Zillebeke
- Opening Hours: The domain is open from sunrise to sunset
- Price: free
18. Try Eel in the Green
There are a lot of historical sights in Ypres, but don’t forget to experience the local cuisine.
One dish that stands out in Ypres is the Eel in the Green which is a popular Belgian dish and a must-try for food lovers.
‘Eel in the Green’ is known for its unique flavour and texture and is cooked in a mixture of herbs and a green-made sauce from parsley, sorrel, spinach and watercress (other herbs might be used too) and other ingredients like butter and starch.
The eel is tender and juicy, often served with boiled potatoes, bread, or potato fries. The green sauce adds a refreshing and satisfying flavour to the dish. You can add squeezed lemon, too!
While this dish is popular all over Flanders and Belgium, in the Ypres version, the eel is caught in De Palingbeek (yep, that’s the small river you’ve read about in item #17).
Where to Stay in Ypres
I stayed at B&B Wellness Yoake, which was absolutely lovely. It came with a wonderful breakfast, an enormous room with a separate dining and living area, and a perfect location in a calm street just minutes away from the Market Square.
But Ypres has several other good hotels and bed and breakfasts, all conveniently located in the compact centre. Here are some recommendations:
BUDGET | Hotel O is an eco-friendly accommodation with modern amenities, centrally located just off the Market Square, and offers a free breakfast buffet with organic and fair trade options. Check rates and availability here.
MID-RANGE | Hotel Ariane is a family-run gem with elegantly furnished rooms, a picturesque garden with pond, a superb breakfast buffet, and free parking. Check rates and availability here.
BOUTIQUE | Main Street Hotel is praised for its exceptional comfort, unique and luxurious rooms, outstanding breakfast featuring local ingredients, and attentive service provided by host Elodie. Check rates and availability here.
APARTMENT | Pilgrim’s Loft is a highly-rated, spacious 2-bedroom apartment set in a serene location, offering a perfect blend of modern amenities in a historical building with easy access to local attractions. Check rates and availability here.
How to Get To Ypres
Ypres, nestled in South West Flanders, has direct train connections to Ghent (1h10), Antwerp (2h10) and Kortrijk (0h37). With a connection in Ghent, it’s also conveniently accessible by train from Brussels (2hrs).
If you’d like to go by car, know that distances in Belgium are relatively small. You should be able to reach Ypres in 1-1.5 hours from most destinations. There are several free parking lots on the edge of the city. I parked at the one in front of the train station. From there, it’s a 10-minute walk to the Market Square.
Frequently Asked Questions About Ypres
So, what are the Best things to do in Ypres?
While Ypres may have been a difficult and dark past , today it’s a beautiful city that definitely deserves a visit.
It’s the place you’ll want to visit if you’re interested in WWI history. Sites like the Menin Gate, the In Flanders Fields Museum and the Tyne Cot Memorial are not to be missed.
But you can find more than war memorials in this charming city in South West Flanders. Exploring the Yper Museum, walking the ramparts and hiking or biking at Palingbeek Domain are great things to do, especially if you’re travelling with young(er) kids.
I hope you agree that Ypres is well worth visiting as a day trip from Brussels or Bruges, but even better as a weekend trip in Belgium.
BELGIUM TRAVEL PLANNING RESOURCES
Getting to Belgium: Fly into one of the main international airports: Brussels Airport (BRU) or Charleroi Brussels South Airport (CRL). Take an international train to Brussels South Station. Or take a ferry to Dover or The Netherlands, then drive or take the train to Belgium.
Getting Around: For the major destinations, the train is by far the best option. You can book your train tickets here. If you’d like to visit smaller places, the most convenient way would be to rent a car. We always use Discover cars, they compare all the rental companies and give you the best rates.
Accommodation: Booking.com is the most popular accommodation platform in Belgium. It’s what I use every single time.
Guided tours: Use Get Your Guide or Viator to find fun tours in Brussels, Bruges, Ghent and Antwerp. Or Guruwalk to find free walking tours in multiple destinations.
