Ypres Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Ypres Market Square which includes a square or plaza and heritage architecture
Menin Gate Memorial featuring heritage elements
Ypres Market Square showing heritage architecture
West Flanders showing flowers and heritage architecture
West Flanders showing heritage architecture

Monuments, museums and trenches provide insights into this Belgian city’s World War I history, while the reconstructed buildings demonstrate a survivor spirit.

The attractive Belgian city of Ypres (Ieper) is made of stern stuff. During World War I it was the scene of horrendous battles and nearly wiped off the map. Many of its buildings were levelled to the ground, but extensive reconstructions brought them back to their original majesty. Learn about the war’s effect on the area through its museums and memorials and enjoy the city’s medieval character.

Following the war, Belgium rebuilt its historic sites using reparation money from Germany. Study the Renaissance-style buildings that surround Ypres Market SquareOpens in a new window, including the Three Taverns, three adjacent taverns and cafés that have been serving customers since before the war.

Among the fascinating reconstructions you will see at the square is the Cloth Hall (Lakenhalle)Opens in a new window. This was an important centre for Flemish weaving in the Middle Ages and was completely destroyed during the war.

From the fountain in the centre of the plaza, gaze up at the hall’s famous belfry. It soars to a height of 230 feet (70 metres). Go inside to visit the In Flanders Fields Museum, which depicts the devastation of war. Browse photos of the city before and after World War I.

One of the most poignant reminders of the tragedy of war is the Menin Gate MemorialOpens in a new window. This huge monument is engraved with the names of many of the Commonwealth soldiers who fought at Ypres and whose graves are unknown. The list runs to more than 50,000.

Like many places in Belgium, Ypres has a love of good food and gastronomy. Try some of the local favourites, such as mussels and fries with mayonnaise. Sample a range of Belgian beers in the bars.

Situated in northwest Belgium, Ypres is near the border with France and easy to reach by road, rail and air from many European destinations. Fly to Lille Airport in France or Ostend-Bruges International Airport and connect by car or bus to the Flanders region. While you are here, join a daily battlefield tour. Visit the trenches, key World War I battlegrounds and memorials.

Novotel Ieper Centrum Flanders Fields

Novotel Ieper Centrum Flanders Fields

3.5 out of 5
Sint-Jacobsstraat 15, Ypres
The price is Rp1.998.602 per night from 21 Sept to 22 Sept
Rp1.998.602
Rp2.154.457 total
21 Sept - 22 Sept
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3.5-star business-friendly hotel in Ypres. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their ...
9/10 Wonderful! (998 reviews)
"Located in an amazing community, Front desk person Troy took good care of us"

Reviewed on 20 Aug 2025

Novotel Ieper Centrum Flanders Fields
Hotel Lille Europe

Hotel Lille Europe

3 out of 5
Avenue Le Corbusier, Allée de Liege, Lille, Nord
The price is Rp907.679 per night from 14 Sept to 15 Sept
Rp907.679
Rp1.065.029 total
14 Sept - 15 Sept
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in Lille. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and parking (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,001 reviews)
"Great location very close to Lille Europe and Lille Flanders train stations. Very short walk to get to old town (10 minutes walk). Basic hotel, but clean, quiet and comfortable. Small, but nice bathroom. Small room with minibar fridge. Air conditioning being installed right now which will be a bonus. ..."

Reviewed on 13 Aug 2025

Hotel Lille Europe
Mercure Lille Centre Grand Place

Mercure Lille Centre Grand Place

4 out of 5
2 Boulevard Carnot, Lille, Nord
The price is Rp1.702.381 per night from 28 Aug to 29 Aug
Rp1.702.381
Rp1.976.653 total
28 Aug - 29 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star eco-certified hotel in Lille. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (753 reviews)
"Wasn't aware of the amazing balcony view of belfry tower. Nice cool older building in summer but with modern refit, really enjoyed our stay and will likely return if in Lille again."

Reviewed on 13 Aug 2025

Mercure Lille Centre Grand Place
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Séjours & Affaires Lille Europe

Séjours & Affaires Lille Europe

2 out of 5
271 Avenue Willy Brandt, Lille
Stay at this aparthotel in Lille. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and room service. Popular attractions Pierre Mauroy Stadium and L'Aeronef are located ...
7.2/10 Good! (1,127 reviews)
"Conveniently located near mall and transit. No AC unfortunately."

Reviewed on 1 Jul 2025

Séjours & Affaires Lille Europe
The Originals Residence, Le Wax, Lille Est

The Originals Residence, Le Wax, Lille Est

3 out of 5
161 Av. le Notre, Villeneuve-d'Ascq, Nord
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly aparthotel in Villeneuve-d'Ascq. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and a 24-hour front desk. Popular attractions ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (148 reviews)
Breakfast is so so
"breakfast is horrible bread is not fresh I went at 7AM to breakfast, there were: no milk anymore, no yogurts anymore, no eggs anymore and no ham either. I needed to ask for eggs.. and I waited and told myself, when they will bring eggs, they will also bring the rest (milk, ham, yogurts...) but no.. ..."

Reviewed on 21 Aug 2025

The Originals Residence, Le Wax, Lille Est
Holiday Suites Nieuwpoort

Holiday Suites Nieuwpoort

Brugse Steenweg 41, Nieuwpoort, Belgium
Stay at this spa apartment in Nieuwpoort. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a full-service spa and a sauna. Our guests praise the property condition in their reviews. Popular ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (139 reviews)
"Perfect for a family of four with young children. Clean and lovely play area and bouncy castle. Would recommend"

Reviewed on 11 Aug 2025

Holiday Suites Nieuwpoort
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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