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 leveled 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 center for Flemish weaving in the Middle Ages and was completely destroyed during the war.

From the fountain in the center of the plaza, gaze up at the hall’s famous belfry. It soars to a height of 230 feet (70 meters). 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 favorites, 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 ฿3,802 per night from 2 Sept to 3 Sept
฿3,802
฿4,102 total
2 Sept - 3 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)
Great place to stay
"We stayed here for 1 night and were really pleased to have chosen the Novotel. Not sure if it has recently been refurbished or not but our room was in excellent condition, very clean and modern. Ideally located for local restaurants and of course the Menin Gate daily rememberance."

Reviewed on 29 Jul 2025

Novotel Ieper Centrum Flanders Fields
Mercure Lille Centre Grand Place

Mercure Lille Centre Grand Place

4 out of 5
2 Boulevard Carnot, Lille, Nord
The price is ฿3,390 per night from 6 Aug to 7 Aug
฿3,390
฿3,936 total
6 Aug - 7 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! (745 reviews)
"Excellent hotel in excellent location."

Reviewed on 7 Jul 2025

Mercure Lille Centre Grand Place
Novotel Suites Gare Lille Europe

Novotel Suites Gare Lille Europe

4 out of 5
Boulevard De Turin, Lille, Nord
The price is ฿3,201 per night from 19 Aug to 20 Aug
฿3,201
฿3,728 total
19 Aug - 20 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star eco-certified hotel in Lille. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and a 24-hour fitness centre. Our guests praise the helpful staff in ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (988 reviews)
"Excellent for transport links walk to the station in minutes"

Reviewed on 1 Aug 2025

Novotel Suites Gare Lille Europe
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.
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! (145 reviews)
Renard
"Très bien propre et confortable"

Reviewed on 21 Jul 2025

The Originals Residence, Le Wax, Lille Est
Citadines City Centre Lille

Citadines City Centre Lille

3 out of 5
Avenue Willy Brandt - Euralille, Lille, Nord
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly aparthotel in Lille. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and parking (surcharge). Our guests praise the property condition ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (834 reviews)
"Awesome location between train station and the main part of town. Could walk anywhere from the location. Spacious rooms were great. Coffee machine was a bonus. They were doing some maintenance which meant some waiting at the lifts. They weren’t keen to change towels and rooms weren’t cleaned due ..."

Reviewed on 29 Jul 2025

Citadines City Centre Lille
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! (133 reviews)
"Nice place, however, there was no soap at the property. That would have gone a long way in making us feel better."

Reviewed on 25 Jul 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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