Though the Dutch name Ieper is the official one, the city’s French name Ypres is most commonly used in English.
Visiting Ypres, Belgium, was a journey through history for my partner and me. We took a comfortable train ride from Brussels, with one quick transfer, and within two hours, we arrived in Ypres, a city known for its deep historical significance from World War I. The moment we stepped off the train, we could sense that Ypres was a place with a story to tell, and we were eager to explore its many monuments, museums, and memorials that commemorate the events and people of the Great War.
Best things to do in Ypres
There are a tremendous number of historical things to see and do, from visiting historical old town to cultural attractions.
Market Square Lakenhalle (Cloth Hall) – Flanders Fields Museum
Our first stop was the heart of Ypres, the Market Square, dominated by the striking Lakenhalle (Cloth Hall). Once a hub for the city’s booming textile trade, this magnificent Gothic building was heavily damaged during the war but has since been meticulously restored. Standing in front of it, we were both in awe of the resilience it represented.
Today, it houses the In Flanders Fields Museum, a powerful tribute to the soldiers who fought in the Ypres Salient. We spent a few hours exploring the museum’s exhibits, which included personal stories, letters, and artifacts from soldiers and civilians alike. Walking through, we found ourselves deeply moved by the interactive exhibits, including one where you can follow the story of an individual soldier or nurse, bringing their experiences to life.
Menin Gate Memorial
Next, we made our way to the Menin Gate Memorial, one of the most famous war memorials in the world. This grand archway, inscribed with the names of more than 54,000 British and Commonwealth soldiers who went missing during the war, is a solemn reminder of the lives lost in the Ypres Salient.
Every evening at 8:00 p.m., the Last Post ceremony is held here, where buglers play to honor the fallen. There you can watch as people gather, some carrying wreaths or wearing medals. When the buglers began to play, it was a profoundly emotional moment. The silence of the crowd, combined with the haunting sound of the bugles, created an atmosphere of deep reverence. Standing there, we both felt the weight of history in a way that’s hard to put into words.
Tyne Cot Cemetery
Ypres is surrounded by cemeteries and memorials, each with its own significance. We took a short car ride to Tyne Cot Cemetery, the largest Commonwealth war cemetery in the world, located just outside Ypres. Walking through the rows of pristine white headstones, we were struck by how young many of the soldiers were. The sheer scale of the cemetery was humbling, with thousands of graves, each marking a life cut short. The Cross of Sacrifice and the Memorial Wall, bearing the names of over 34,000 soldiers whose remains were never found, further emphasized the scale of loss. We walked in quiet reflection, taking time to read some of the inscriptions, which ranged from heartbreaking messages from families to words of comradeship and pride.
Battle of Passchendaele
Next, we visited the Passchendaele Memorial Museum which is devoted to the Battle of Passchendaele, where interactive exhibits and personal artifacts gave us a haunting sense of the brutal battles fought here. Driving further, we stopped at Polygon Wood, where memorials rise among the trees, creating a peaceful tribute to those who fought. This area carries the weight of history in every corner.
Hill 60
Later we visited Hill 60, a battlefield site preserved as it was during the war. Trenches, craters, and bunkers still scar the landscape, serving as a reminder of the brutal conditions soldiers endured. Walking along the trails, we came across several memorials dedicated to the regiments that fought here. The peaceful surroundings felt at odds with the history of the place, and it was a moving experience to stand there and imagine what these fields would have looked like over a century ago.
Ramparts Cemetery
We ended our day with a quiet walk around the Ramparts Cemetery, located near the city’s historic ramparts. Set beside a tranquil canal, it’s a small but beautifully maintained cemetery with graves of Commonwealth soldiers. The setting, with its willow trees and the evening sun casting a soft glow over the headstones, felt peaceful and contemplative, a fitting tribute to those who had found their final resting place here.
More to see
Ypres was a deeply meaningful experience for us, blending historical insight with moments of quiet reflection. This small city, so deeply scarred by war, is also a testament to peace and remembrance. From the In Flanders Fields Museum to the Last Post ceremony at Menin Gate, Ypres is a place that invites visitors to remember, reflect, and honor those who sacrificed so much. We left with a renewed sense of appreciation for history, humbled by the stories of bravery, resilience, and loss that have made Ypres the place it is today.
When is a good time to go to Ypres?
One thing to bear in mind is that all WWI related highlights are open every day throughout the year. Many visitors go there June to early September when the weather is warm.
How many days do you need to visit Ypres?
We’ve visited Ypres several times over the years. Ideally you need two full days to explore and absorb this significant historical place.
Is Ypres Safe for Tourists?
Ypres is a relatively small community and found it to be very safe.
Getting Around YpresGetting to Ypres is pretty easy and the community is very walkable however, we rented a car to get to the various sites we wanted to visit.