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If you are in Belgium there are a number of destinations that you’d be hitting. Visiting Ypres soon and wondering what to see in Ypres? Let me help you find the best and filter the rest!
Through this Ypres blog, I will share with you some of the most interesting things to do in Ypres.
Going on a 4 days trip is sufficient to see some of the most interesting places in Ypres. But if you can add 2-3 days more you’d be able to experience rather than ‘see’ that an ordinary tourist does. So, without further ado, let me present you some of the best things to do in Ypres, top things to do in Ypres and some helpful travel tips.
1. Menin Gate
A beautiful monument located in central Ypres, Menin Gate makes for a quick visit.
The monument commemorates the troops who died battling the enemy during the war. Looking close you will see the inscriptions with names and personal stories.
Quick Facts:
- This whole structure that you see was the brainchild of Reginald Blomfield.
- The war memorial was opened on July 1927.
Address: Menenstraat, 8900 Ieper, Belgium
2. In Flanders Fields Museum
A prominent museum in Ypres chronicling the horrors of country’s one of the worst wars.
Not just a museum, the place is a stark reminder of human cruelty. The exhibits include military equipments and assisting technology such as maps, tanks, military equipments and vehicles.
Quick Facts:
- The war museum’s collection include exhibits related with the WWI.
A natural crowd puller, In Flanders Fields Museum is right up there in the list of best things to do in Ypres.
Address: Grote Markt 34, 8900 Ieper, Belgium
3. Cloth Hall
Cloth Hall is a beautiful building standing as a slice of city’s past.
One look and you will realize that it inherits the rich heritage of the Ypres itself.
It is a commanding edifice that lends the plaza a sense of grandeur and cultural significance. Known for its intricate ornamentation which was created by the some of the most distinguished craftsmen of Ypres.
Quick Facts:
- It doesn’t take an expert to see that it is built in a Gothic style.
- The historic building has a height of around 70 m.
Address: Grote Markt 34, 8900 Ieper, Belgium
4. Bellewaerde
Without a doubt this wonderful amusemeny park is one amongst the top things to do in Ypres.
5. Tyne Cot
Follow the winding paths lead upto a sprawling centuries old burial ground.
As you take peaceful walk, you would come across myriad of structures – tombstones, sculpters and a chapel. The entrance is through a rustic but ornamental gate, covered with vines all over.
Quick Facts:
- Tyne Cot is also the final resting place of greats such as Clarence Jeffries, Lewis McGee, James Peter Robertson.
Address: Vijfwegestraat, 8980 Zonnebeke, Belgium
6. Brouwerij de Sint-Sixtusabdij van Westvleteren
It is a knowledge hub of religious studies. Chant echo through around the place, adding to its charm.
Quick Facts:
- Built in 19th-century, the highlight of the monastery includes the excellent beer at the Trappist brewery.
An incredible sight, Brouwerij de Sint-Sixtusabdij van Westvleteren scores high in the list of the best things to do in Ypres.
Address: Donkerstraat 12, 8640 Vleteren, Belgium
7. Memorial Museum Passchendaele 1917
For anyone interested in military history of the region, Memorial Museum Passchendaele 1917 is a good place to start.
There are exhibits in the large outdoor area as well. Some of these include armoured vehicles and anti aircraft guns. I find medals & documents to be quite an interesting thing to observe.
Quick Facts:
- Some of the things Memorial Museum Passchendaele 1917 features include recreated trenches, uniforms from World War I.
- Also worth seeing here include life-size trenches.
Address: Berten Pilstraat 5a, 8980 Zonnebeke, Belgium
8. Sanctuary Wood Museum Hill 62
A beautiful monument located in central Ypres, Sanctuary Wood Museum Hill 62 makes for a quick visit.
It serves as a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made by the brave soldiers. Every year festivities honoring the Armed Forces are held at the monument and the plaza.
Quick Facts:
- The war memorial is dedicated to mainly the Canadian soldiers who laid their life in WWI.
- The war memorial is located hill.
Add it to your Ypres trip if you have time.
9. St Martin’s Cathedral
St Martin’s Cathedral is a majestic Cathedral standing tall in the city of Ypres, Belgium.
The cathedral’s importance is further underscored by the presence of the tomb of the patron saint. You will observe the rows of richly decorated arches and columns on the front.
Quick Facts:
- The cathedral was opened on 1370.
- It doesn’t take an expert to see that it is built in a Gothic architecture style.
- This 102 m tall structure is certainly magnificent to look at.
Address: Vandenpeereboomplein, 8900 Ieper, Belgium
10. Hooge Crater Museum
Hooge Crater Museum is a museum with unique collection situated in Ypres.
If you have time, it makes for a nice addition to your Ypres trip.
Address: Meenseweg 467, 8902 Ieper, Belgium
11. De Zonnegloed Animal Sanctuary vzw
A compact zoo located in the city of Ypres.
If you get tired you can sit in the on-site cafe and relax.
Quick Facts:
- The highlight of the place includes tours by fun tractor ride.
Address: Kasteelweg 22, 8640 Vleteren, Belgium
12. Lijssenthoek Military Cemetery
Quick Facts:
- Lijssenthoek Military Cemetery is also the final resting place of greats such as Frederick Tubb, James Ogilvie-Grant.
Add it to your Ypres trip if you have time.
Address: Boescheepseweg 37, 8970 Poperinge, Belgium
13. Passchendaele Canadian Memorial
A beautiful monument located in central Ypres, Passchendaele Canadian Memorial makes for a quick visit.
Every year, the Armed Forces Day is marked with events at the monument and in the plaza in front of it. No wonder, visiting Passchendaele Canadian Memorial could be quite an emotional experience.
Address: Canadalaan, 8980 Zonnebeke, Belgium
Thanks for reading this travel blog, hope now you know plenty of must see places in Ypres. All in all, whether you are a backpacker, a solo traveler, slow traveler, a female traveler or a couple there are plenty of interesting things to do in Ypres for everyone.
And it’s not difficult to create an itinerary that includes some of the best tourist attractions in Ypres. If you have any questions or suggestions on sightseeing in Ypres, I would love to hear them in the comments section below.