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Things to do in Ypres

Ypres' Gothic architecture, guild houses, and military fortifications are especially popular with tourists who flock to see the Great War battlefields, and the iconic poppy-lined Flanders Fields, but there is far more to this charming place than its past. With both family friendly things to do in Ypres and lots of tourist attractions, restaurants and shops, Ypres is a top place to visit.

Surrounded by the lush West Flanders countryside, Ypres is a perfect place to visit for lovers of the great outdoors. Walkers and cyclists alike can enjoy some of the best things to do in Ypres by taking advantage of the guided routes on offer through quiet forests and along picturesque canals. Enjoying the landscape is one of the top 10 things to do in Ypres and with so much outdoor space it’s a perfect destination for all travellers, whether its families, couples, or you are travelling in a group.

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Afternoon	14:05	16:30
Evening	18:55	21:15	23:40

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Architecture in Ypres
2
Explore on two wheels
3
Discover Flanders Field
4
Eating in Ypres

Things to do in Ypres

Architecture in Ypres

With Gothic churches and gorgeous buildings all around, it's easy to forget that much of Ypres was rebuilt after WWI. One of the best things to do in Ypres is visit the Grote Markt, — especially since it was built after WW1 it is now regarded as one of the most beautiful town squares in all of Belgium.

Essential things to do in Ypres to give you a feel for its amazing architecture include visiting the 70m high Belfry tower, seeing the magnificent Cloth Hall, and admiring the Renaissance-style Flemish courthouse.

To see Ypres from a different perspective, take a walk along the 17th century ramparts which now form the perimeter of some of the prettiest parks in the town. Here, you will also see the huge stone Menin Gate, one of the most famous war memorial sites in Flanders, which bears the names of 54,896 missing soldiers from World War I making it one of the most poignant must see things in Ypres.

Things to see and do in Ypres - Explore on two wheels

One of the top things to do in Ypres is exploring the city on bike. Their traffic-free cycle tracks, well-marked routes, and scenic views all around mean that one of the best ways to explore Ypres and the local area without being stuck in traffic. Simply hire a bicycle and take off on an adventure to discover peaceful woodland, hidden abbeys, and stunning castles - all within a day.

A more challenging route can be found in the hills of Kemmelberg and Rodeberg, where mountain bikers tackle steep inclines and narrow paths through trees, or you might like to cycle to the meadows that make up the WWI battlefields and memorials of Flanders Fields.

After viewing these moving tributes to the fallen, another popular thing to do in Ypres is learn more about the personal stories of soldiers by visiting Ypres' In Flanders Fields museum.

Best things to do in Ypres - Discover Flanders Fields

One of the most important things to do in Ypres is to visit Flanders Fields and take the time to discover what happened there during World War I.

You will have the opportunity to see the fields themselves, bunkers, war cemeteries, and memorials, and there are a number of tours that you can choose to take. Each tour is informative but also respectful, and will give you the chance to remember those who died during these battles, making it one of the must see things in Ypres and in Belgium altogether.

Best things to do in Ypres - Eating in Ypres

Ypres has a surprisingly diverse selection of food options for a town of its size, with plenty of Belgian and international delights on offer there are lots of things to do and see in Ypres as well as places to eat afterwards.

Many of the most popular restaurants and bistros are clustered on the terrace of the market square, giving visitors the chance to enjoy fantastic views of the cathedral while they dine. The best thing to do in Ypres in the evening is eat here as you can enjoy the nighttime skyline, lovely company, and gorgeous food.

Further eateries can be found in century-old townhouses or in the bakeries where you can tuck into the residents' favourite dish, bread pudding.You will also find that famous specialty dishes come in the form of hearty Flemish stews infused with rich, dark beer, so make sure that you give one of these a try too as this is a top thing to do in Ypres!

If these things to do in Ypres have inspired you to visit this fascinating Belgian town, book your Dover to Calais crossing and start planning your trip today.

Take a walk along the 17th century ramparts which now form the perimeter of some of the prettiest parks in the town

FAQs:

1. Where is Ypres?

Ypres is a city located in the western part of Belgium, in the province of West Flanders. It is situated near the border with France, about 50 kilometers (31 miles) from Ostend. Ypres is historically significant for its role during World War I and is home to several important memorials and museums, including the Menin Gate and the Flanders Fields Museum.

2. What to do in Ypres?

There are plenty of things to do in Ypres from exploring all the historical and memorial sites, as well as visiting the local squares, shops, markets, and restaurants. One of the best things to do in Ypres in the evening is visit the Menin Gate and attend the moving Last Post ceremony, honoring WWI soldiers. After visiting all the historical sites, don’t miss St. Martin’s Cathedral, for the most impressive Gothic landmark. Don’t hesitate and book your ferry to Belgium today for the most interesting and poignant trip with plenty of things to do in and around Ypres.

3. Where to stay in Ypres?

Wherever you stay in Ypres, there are plenty of choices to best match your trip and where you want to visit. Whether it’s to stay at modern hotels with easy access to the town centre and key attractions, or a more budget-friendly hotel, there are plenty to choose from. There are also spacious hotels offering convenient locations for exploring the city so you can complete all the things to do in Ypres.

4. How far is Ypres from Bruges?

Ypres is about 50 kilometers (31 miles) from Bruges. The drive typically takes around 50 to 60 minutes, depending on traffic. Travelling between the cities in Belgium couldn’t be easier with P&O Ferries, whether it's by car, van, or motorhome, we make it possible to travel regardless of the vehicle you are travelling with or if you are a foot passenger. So why not book your ferry to Belgium today and start planning your trip now!

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