Ypres

Travel Guide

Ypres Market Square showing heritage architecture and a square or plaza
Menin Gate Memorial which includes heritage elements
Ypres Market Square showing heritage architecture
West Flanders showing heritage architecture and flowers
West Flanders featuring 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 RM585 per night from 9 Jun to 10 Jun
RM585
RM628 total
9 Jun - 10 Jun
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in Ypres. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
9/10 Wonderful! (977 reviews)
"The hotel staff are very accommodating helpful and friendly, the location to the town is perfect easy walk into the hub where there are plenty of places to sit eat and drink, the shops are great although opening times are much different to ours in the UK. Everyone is polite and helpful. Ypres is ..."

Reviewed on 4 Jun 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 RM232 per night from 22 Jun to 23 Jun
RM232
RM273 total
22 Jun - 23 Jun
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in Lille. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and parking (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,005 reviews)
Modern comforts in an excellent location.
"Excellent location for railway stations and shopping. Only a short walk to the old town. Modern hotel, clean and with good facilities including a bath and a fan. Could be improved by putting a charging socket on both sides of the bed, changing lumpy flat pillows and supplying a second luggage rack. ..."

Reviewed on 17 May 2025

Hotel Lille Europe
Novotel Suites Gare Lille Europe
Novotel Suites Gare Lille Europe
4 out of 5
Boulevard De Turin, Lille, Nord
The price is RM387 per night from 8 Jun to 9 Jun
RM387
RM453 total
8 Jun - 9 Jun
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Lille. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a 24-hour fitness center. Our guests praise the helpful staff ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (986 reviews)
Great location for EuroStar and super breakfast
"Great location, good level of comfort. Spacious room, very decent breakfast and served until midday. Would use the hotel again if coming to Lille on Eurostar. 5 mins walk to Westfield and to the Metro, if it is running!"

Reviewed on 25 May 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 WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a 24-hour front desk. Popular attractions ...
9/10 Wonderful! (124 reviews)
"Building is brand new we stayed in family room and it was quite big so all in all very satisfied."

Reviewed on 31 May 2025

The Originals Residence, Le Wax, Lille Est
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 WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and room service. Popular attractions Pierre Mauroy Stadium and L'Aeronef are located ...
7.2/10 Good! (1,095 reviews)
"Appart hôtel de bon"

Reviewed on 17 May 2025

Séjours & Affaires Lille Europe
Citadines City Centre Lille
Citadines City Centre Lille
3 out of 5
Avenue Willy Brandt - Euralille, Lille, Nord
Stay at this 3-star family-friendly aparthotel in Lille. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and parking (surcharge). Our guests praise the property condition ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (810 reviews)
Perfect location for me
"It was fine, served my purposes."

Reviewed on 30 May 2025

Citadines City Centre Lille
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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Things to do

Reviews of Ypres

4.8
Top destination
5 - Excellent
41
5 - Excellent 84%
4 - Good
7
4 - Good 14%
3 - Okay
1
3 - Okay 2%
2 - Disappointing
0
2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
0
1 - Terrible 0%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Beautiful town, chocolate shops and a great museum.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

We visited several First and Second World War museums, memorials and places on interest and used Ypres as a base which worked well.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Excellent food and drink options, very safe at night.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Great town, WW 1 memorials amazing and moving, people very friendly, 4th time there and still finding something new

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Really picturesque very historic great place to visit

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Ypres is a beautiful place with so much history. Well worth a visit!