Ypres tours

Things to do in Ypres

Ypres is a place where every corner seems to whisper a tale of endurance and peace. Picture yourself at the Menin Gate as the sun dips below the horizon, while the Last Post ceremony pays nightly homage to the past. With a local guide in Ypres, history becomes personal, as you wander through Flanders Fields, absorbing stories that linger. Private tours here aren't just about seeing sights; they're about peeling back layers of history at the In Flanders Fields Museum or tracing the town's medieval roots on a walking tour. Whether it's exploring battlefields or reflecting on the city's rich narrative, your guide ensures Ypres leaves a lasting impression. If you’re looking for more inspiration, take a look at our curated list of things to do in Ypres. Explore Ypres your way At ToursByLocals, we believe that how you explore is just as important as where you go. That’s why every Ypres tour is private, flexible, and built around you: Move at your own pace, skip the crowds, make connections and follow your curiosity. Find local guides offering private tours in Ypres for every interest, including: History tours: Stand with your guide under the Menin Gate for the nightly Last Post, then trace trench lines at Sanctuary Wood and Hill 60 while hearing about the Ypres Salient. You might also visit Essex Farm Dressing Station, where John McCrae wrote In Flanders Fields, and pay respects at Tyne Cot Cemetery. Museums tours: Explore the In Flanders Fields Museum inside the Cloth Hall with a guide who decodes artefacts and soldier stories. Add the Hooge Crater Museum or the Passchendaele 1917 Museum in Zonnebeke for recreated trenches and practical, hands-on exhibits. The old centre is easy to cover on foot, and regional buses exist but won’t efficiently reach scattered battlefield sites. If you want to see distant cemeteries and woods without hassle, you can book chauffeured tours or ask your local guide about tours with private transportation. This isn’t a one-size-fits-all itinerary, you can tailor your private tour to match your interests, pace and personality with a local who knows Ypres inside and out. Walking tours & neighbourhoods Consider taking a private walking tour to explore Ypres and include some popular neighborhoods in your itinerary with a local guide. There's no better way to know a neighborhood than having someone who truly knows Ypres by your side. - City Center: Known for its historical significance, the city center is perfect for history buffs. Visit the Menin Gate and In Flanders Fields Museum to learn about Ypres’ role in World War I. - Vandenpeereboomplein: Ideal for families and groups, this area offers charming cafes and shops. It’s a great place to relax and enjoy local Belgian treats while exploring the city. - Rijselstraat: Known for its quaint shops and local artisans, Rijselstraat is perfect for those interested in unique finds and supporting local businesses. - Zillebeke: Just outside the city, Zillebeke offers beautiful natural landscapes and serene walking paths. It’s a wonderful spot for families and those looking to enjoy the outdoors. Day trip ideas from Ypres From Ypres, you can branch out to Flemish cities and nearby First World War sites for straightforward day trips, and your tour can focus on remembrance, Belgian beer, or coastal air as you prefer. Bruges: canals, stepped-gable houses, and quiet back streets set an easy pace, and you can pair art in small galleries with a walk between the Markt and Burg while sampling chocolate from a favourite local maker. Ghent: medieval towers meet street art and student energy, so you get bold murals, waterfront alleys, and hearty dishes in lively neighbourhoods that keep the day full without feeling rushed. Lille, France: grand squares and a brick old town bring a Flemish look with a French accent, and it suits design fans and shoppers who want markets, brasseries, and a compact centre that is simple to navigate. Poperinge: hop fields, cosy cafés, and calm lanes offer a different side of Flanders, and the town pairs well with nearby remembrance sites if you want a mix of local beer culture and quiet reflection. Arras, France: handsome squares and golden façades sit above a deep wartime story, and the nearby countryside holds cemeteries and memorials that add context to Ypres, making a balanced history-focused day. A private tour with a local guide is the best way to really get to know a place. Skip the crowds, follow your interests, and see a side of Ypres most travellers miss.