Ypres

Travel Guide

Ypres Market Square featuring a square or plaza and heritage architecture
Menin Gate Memorial showing heritage elements
Ypres Market Square showing heritage architecture
West Flanders which includes flowers and heritage architecture
West Flanders showing 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 Suites Gare Lille Europe

Novotel Suites Gare Lille Europe

4 out of 5
Boulevard De Turin, Lille, Nord
The price is ¥13,795 per night from Jul 26 to Jul 27
¥13,795
¥16,123 total
Jul 26 - Jul 27
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star eco-certified hotel in Lille. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a 24-hour fitness center. Our guests praise the helpful staff in ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (991 reviews)
"Great place to stay, Also location wise is excellent."

Reviewed on Jul 16, 2025

Novotel Suites Gare Lille Europe
Hotel Lille Europe

Hotel Lille Europe

3 out of 5
Avenue Le Corbusier, Allée de Liege, Lille, Nord
The price is ¥9,473 per night from Aug 9 to Aug 10
¥9,473
¥11,028 total
Aug 9 - Aug 10
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! (1,008 reviews)
"Good for business trip, convenient for transport."

Reviewed on Jul 20, 2025

Hotel Lille Europe
Séjours & Affaires Lille Europe

Séjours & Affaires Lille Europe

2 out of 5
271 Avenue Willy Brandt, Lille
The price is ¥9,345 per night from Aug 9 to Aug 10
¥9,345
¥10,658 total
Aug 9 - Aug 10
includes taxes & fees
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! (1,118 reviews)
"Conveniently located near mall and transit. No AC unfortunately."

Reviewed on Jul 1, 2025

Séjours & Affaires 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.
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! (1,118 reviews)
"Conveniently located near mall and transit. No AC unfortunately."

Reviewed on Jul 1, 2025

Séjours & Affaires Lille Europe
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 ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (143 reviews)
Renard
"Très bien propre et confortable"

Reviewed on Jul 21, 2025

The Originals Residence, Le Wax, Lille Est
Citadines City Centre Lille

Citadines City Centre Lille

3 out of 5
Avenue Willy Brandt - Euralille, Lille, Nord
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly aparthotel in Lille. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and parking (surcharge). Our guests praise the property condition ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (830 reviews)
Good overall stay
"Good stay at Citadines! Very central, room is quite big and has got all the ameneties. The only minus is the mattress which is quite old as you can fell the springs."

Reviewed on Jul 5, 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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