Things to Do on a Short Break in Ypres Belgium

Last updated: 25 June 2023

Updated June 2022. If you’ve started planning your next weekend trip away from London but still trying to decide on where to go then we have the perfect place for you. If you’re interested in somewhere a little less travelled but still offers plenty of history, culture, and restaurants, then this is why you should plan a short break in Ypres Belgium.

Things to Do on a Short Break in Ypres Belgium

The small town of Ypres (pronounced ee-pra / Flemish pronunciation is Ieper ) is located near the Belgian-French border in the Belgian province of West Flanders.

The (brief) History

Ypres has some pretty impressive history as the town dates back to early Roman times as a settlement in the first century BC. It was during the Middle Ages when Ypres established a reputation as an important trading city where its goods, mostly textiles, were traded with countries around the world.  That success came to an end during the 17th and 18th century as the occupying forces of the French, Spanish, and Austrians ruled Ypres, and greater Belgium.

However, it is Ypres’ modern history and its complex involvement in World War I, which can still be seen and felt throughout your visit. There are museums, memorials, and monuments dotted in and around Ypres that serve as a reminder to the many lives lost during The Great War of 1914-1918.  

You may hear Ypres referred to as the Ypres Salient which is a reference to the battlegrounds which surround the town, the scene of some of fiercest fighting during The Great War. If you’ve ever struggled to comprehend the enormity of World War I then spending time immersing yourself in all that Ypres has to offer will leave you much more informed.

Planning a trip to Ypres? Let’s start off with what you can see and do during your visit

Places to Visit & Things to See

Ypres Reservoir Cemetery

On the edge of Ypres town centre is the Ypres Reservoir Cemetery, a Commonwealth War Graves Commission burial ground which contains the graves of 2615 soldiers from allied countries around the world. Each headstone is adorned with the soldier’s regiment insignia and details of his life and death, a sobering sight when gazing upon the sheer number of tombstones.

Established in 1915, it was used by field ambulances and front line units for the majority of the war. It’s interesting to note that the cemetery was designed by Sir Reginald Blomfield who also designed the Menin Gate memorial, which is dedicated to the Commonwealth soldiers who lost their lives during fighting in the Ypres region.

We visited the Ypres Reservoir Cemetery when we first arrived in town and found parking in the nearby streets. The grounds were immaculately maintained with freshly mown grass which, when combined with the early morning sun, gave the grounds the appearance of a serene landscape painting.   

Be sure to take your time during your visit, stop and read some of the headstones, and pause for quiet reflection before continuing your walk into town.

Russell Recommends: Take a moment and look at the insignia’s on the headstones – they’re from all across the Commonwealth.

Roma Says: Stroll in silence and remember their sacrifice. It’s not a hip or trendy place, but it’s an important one. 

The Essentials

• Price: Free
• Operating Hours: Open 24 hours
• Address: Haiglaan, 8900 Ieper, Belgium

Cathedral of Saint Martin

There’s no missing the Cathedral of Saint Martin (also known as St Martin’s Church), you can spot the soaring 102m spire for miles around. It’s easy to see why the Gothic cathedral is recognised as one of the tallest buildings in all of Belgium.

Once you’ve admired the outside of Saint Martin’s Church then head inside and explore. During our visit there was a First World War photography exhibition which provided a compelling insight into the church’s use during the Ypres salient fighting.  hope it is still there when you visit because it’s definitely worth spending some time.

The Essentials

• Price: Free (donations welcome)
• Operating Hours: Mon-Fri 09:00-18:00 | Sat-Sun 10:00-18:00
• Mass Hours: Sat 16:30 and Sun 11:00 & 18:00
• Address: Vandenpeerboomplein, Ieper (Ypres), Belgium

In Flanders Fields Museum (& Cloth Hall)

There is much to see, do, and learn during a visit to Ypres and we’d recommend you take a couple of days to experience it all. However, with that being said, if you don’t have a lot of time then the one place which is a MUST VISIT is the In Flanders Field Museum.

A visit to the In Flanders Museum will not only provide the opportunity to learn about the struggle and suffering Belgium endured during World War I. The museum is equipped with state-of-the-art technology which brings to life the human story which can sometimes be forgotten when discussing the enormity of World War I.

Visitors are given souvenir Poppy wristbands which offer a bespoke tour experience. Customising language choice, and then, pre-loading with your birthday and basic information so that during your visit you can touch your wristband to exhibits to listen to personal stories of people in your demographic. An interesting way to focus on the personal aspect of those affected during the conflict.

The In Flanders Fields Museum is located inside the 700 year old Cloth Hall, one of the largest medieval commercial buildings in Belgium. The Cloth Hall lay in ruins following the devastation of World War I but it was arduously reconstructed between 1933 and 1967. The Cloth Hall overlooks the famous Grote Markt, the main market square and very popular tourist attraction.

Russell Recommends: Definitely take the time to climb the stairs to the top of the Cloth Hall. The views alone are worth it.

Roma Says: The extensive museum covers many aspects of the war. In parts it can be overwhelming and emotionally draining. Take your time, seating is limited and don’t miss the opportunity to climb the bell tower.

The Essentials

• Price: Adults €10 | Youth (19-25) €6 | Youth (7-18) €5
• Operating Hours: Daily 10:00-18:00 (hours change in winter)
• Address: Grote Markt 34, 8900 Ieper, Belgium
• Phone: +32 57 23 92 20
• Website: https://www.inflandersfields.be/en

Menin Gate

A visit to Ypres is full of history and you will find yourself visiting monuments to pay respects to those who came before us and who selflessly gave their lives for thousands of others. One of the most poignant places you will visit during your time in Ypres is Menin Gate, and the best time to visit is at 8pm when buglers from the local fire brigade play The Last Post to a hushed crowd…

Menin Gate was officially unveiled on July 24th 1927 and contained within the Hall of Memory are the names of 54,896 Commonwealth soldiers who gave their lives in the Ypres Salient but whom have never been found or identified.

Russell Recommends: There are few things which stir the soul more than hearing a live rendition of The Last Post

Roma Says: Ypres city gifted two monumental heraldic lion statues to Australia that used to guard the passage at Menin Gate.   I saw them, fully restored, when visiting the Australian War Memorial in Canberra earlier this year. They have pride of place guarding the entrance to the Commemorative Courtyard which leads to the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. 

The Essentials

• Price: Free
• Operating Hours: Open 24 hours
• Address: Menenstraat, 8900 Ieper, Belgium
• Phone: +32 57 23 92 20
• Website: Menin Gate

Memorial Museum Passchendaele (& Tyne Cot Cemetery)

Ypres was the scene of fierce fighting and unimaginable horror during World War I owing to its key strategic location, it stood in the way of the German advance (referred to as the Schlieffen Plan) through Belgium in an effort to launch an offensive attack on France.

When most people think of World War I they think of trench warfare and the squalid conditions endured by soldiers of both sides. This is what epitomises the Battle of Passchendaele and why a visit to the Memorial Museum Passchendaele is so important and something you will want to do during your visit to Ypres.

The Memorial Museum Passchendaele is located within a large building and features interactive exhibits (opt for the audio guide too, it’s worth it) and a significant amount of detail. At certain points during your visit you will have the opportunity to descend underground to experience what life must have been like in the cramped bunkers.

As you reach the end of the museum, you’ll head outside to walk through recreated trenches. The trenches are designed in British, German, and American styles. Definitely well worth visiting!

The Zonnebeke Church Dugout (no longer available)

One of the best experiences we had during our visit to the Memorial Museum Passchendaele was visiting the temporary exhibit – The Zonnebeke Church Dugout. This exhibition is no longer available but we’ve decided to keep it included in this post for historical reference.  

Did you know that during the Ypres conflict English, Australian, and Canadian men from tunnelling companies built tunnels six metres underground to house between 200 and 2000 men?! The tunnels were discovered and excavated in 1989 but remained in a flooded state until now – the high water levels helped preserve the state of the tunnels.

Tyne Cot Cemetery

Tyne Cot Cemetery is one of the largest Commonwealth War Graves cemeteries in the world containing 11,956 graves. Follow your visit to the Memorial Museum Passchendaele with a 3km walking route which guides you to the visitors centre at Tyne Cot Cemetery.

The Essentials

• Price: Adults €10.50 | Students €6
• Operating Hours: Mon-Fri 09:00-18:00 (last admission 16:30)
• Address: Berten Pilstraat 5a, 8980 Zonnebeke, Belgium
• Phone: +32 51 77 04 41
• Website: https://www.passchendaele.be/en/

Where to Eat in Ypres?

As we spent the majority of the day in Ypres exploring everything we could, we didn’t get the opportunity to have stop for lunch/dinner before we needed to jump back in our trusty chariot and make our way to Leuven for our next adventure. However, we do have one restaurant suggestion for you which has made our list for the next time we’re in Ypres.  

A L’Envers

A L’Envers has received very positive reviews for both the 3 course Menu A L’Envers Surprise menu and the Set Menu. Extra points were awarded by previous diners for the warm and friendly service provided by the staff.

The Essentials

• Price: ££-£££
• Address: Patersstraat 2 | 8900 Ieper, Ieper (Ypres) 8900, Belgium
• Opening Hours: M, Th, Fri, Sun 11:30-14:30 / 17:30-22:00 | Sat 17:30-22:30
• Menu: A L’Envers menu

Where to Drink in Ypres?

There are few places in the world that are as synonymous with the art of brewing of world class beers than Belgium, so doesn’t it make sense that you should set aside some time to sample some of the very best? The next question is, where should you go to drink?

Now, you’re in luck because whilst I may not consider myself a beer connoisseur, I certainly enjoy a pint of liquid gold so I’ve put together a list of bars I’m going to visit on my next trip to Ypres. 

Kaffee Bazaar

Garnering a strong reputation for serving a large selection of quality beers with good friendly service, there’s no wonder that Kaffee Bazaar is one of the most popular bars in Ypres. The reviews from patrons are all positive and one of the reasons that we’ve added this to our To Visit List next time we’re in town.  

The Essentials

• Price: Reasonable
• Address: Boomgaardstraat 9, Ieper (Ypres) 8900, Belgium
• Opening Hours: Sun 16:00-00:00, Wed-Sat 16:00-02:00
• Phone: +32 494 53 32 50
• Website: http://www.kaffeebazaar.be

The Old Bill Pub

Looking for a small local pub with a lively atmosphere, games room, and sport on TV? Then a visit to The Old Bill Pub is in order during your visit to Ypres. Scoring a strong 4.5/5 with 26 reviews, the most common trait that customers comment on is the fun and lively atmosphere provided by both patrons and staff members. It sounds like the perfect place to visit following a day out visiting the battlefields.

The Essentials

• Price: Reasonable
• Address: Sint-Jacobsstraat 10, Ieper (Ypres) 8900, Belgium
• Opening Hours: Mon-Thurs 17:00-01:00 | Sat-Sun 17:00-03:00
• Phone: +32 479 97 21 37
• Website: https://m.facebook.com/Old-Bill-Pub-135648499944566/

Where to Stay in Ypres?

During a visit to Ypres there’s a very good chance that you’re going to want to stay for a few days in order to visit all the museums, historical battlefields, and of course, experience the variety of food and drinks on offer.

Roma and I really enjoyed our visit to Ypres and the only disappointment we had was not having the chance to stay longer so here’s the list of hotels that made our shortlist for our next visit.

Main Street Hotel

Ok, when we were doing our research there was one hotel which just leapt off the screen – Main Street Hotel. Scoring an exceptional 99% guest satisfaction as excellent.

Located a short 7 min walk from the centre of town, the hotel offers free WiFi, breakfast included, and air conditioning. All of the reviews from previous guest rave about the first-class hotel service, amazing breakfasts, and the genuine passion that the staff had for delivering a great experience.

Ok, so this one is a little more than we would normally pay for a hotel but with reviews like these has us interested. Perhaps a one night treat. 

Book Now

The Essentials

• Price: £240 avg per night
• Address: Rijselstraat 136, Ieper (Ypres) 8900, Belgium
• Phone: +32 57 46 96 33
• Website: https://mainstreet-hotel.be/nl/

Ariane Hotel

Coming in a very close second of places we’d be interested in staying during our next visit is the extremely highly rated Ariane Hotel ; achieving an impressive 5/5 stars across 1700+ reviews!

Located a 6 min walk from the town centre and just around the corner from Ypres Reservoir Cemetery, Ariane Hotel offers guests free breakfast, free parking, and some rooms even have a whirlpool tubs (Ok, I’m sold!). The reviews from past guests sing the praises of the hotel team, the service provided, and the quality of the rooms.  

Book Now

The Essentials

• Price: £129 avg per night
• Address: Slachthuisstraat 58, Ieper (Ypres) 8900, Belgium
• Phone: +32 4 268 24 98
• Website: https://www.ariane.be/

Ambrosia Hotel

Rounding out our top 3 hotels in Ypres is the Ambrosia Hotel. An affordable option, this two star hotel is a great option with excellent reviews averaging 4.5/5. Located a short 4 min walk from Ypres town centre, Hotel Ambrosia is ideally located for visitors who would like to be in the centre of everything. The hotel can organise bicycle, scooter, and motorbike rentals for guests quickly and easily.  

Hotel amenities: free hot breakfast, WiFi, on-street parking.

Book Now

The Essentials

• Price: £90 avg per night
• Address: D’hondtstraat 54, Ieper (Ypres) 8900, Belgium
• Phone: +32 57 36 63 66
• Website: https://ambrosiahotel.be/en/

Final Thoughts

If you’re planning a visit to Belgium then we’d recommend adding in a trip to Ypres because not only will you get to explore various historic sites and better understand the complexities of World War I but you will experience a vibrant city offering an assortment of food, drinks, and culture which you’d miss if you only visit Brussels.