Things to do in Westhoek
Discover the best attractions and experiences Westhoek has to offer
Historic Monuments
Explore the Westhoek's enduring landmarks that recall medieval times and the Great War.
Menin Gate (Menenpoort)
World War I memorial at Ypres commemorating missing soldiers, with the daily Last Post ceremony.
Cloth Hall (Lakenhalle) in Ypres
A monumental medieval building beside the Menin Gate, rebuilt after WWI.
Ypres City Ramparts
Historic defensive walls and bastions offering views over the surrounding fields.
Museums
Devoted to war history, regional life, and the landscape of Flanders Fields.
In Flanders Fields Museum (Ypres)
Exhibits about the Battle of Ypres and the human stories of the war.
Hooge Crater Museum
A private collection focusing on the Ypres Salient and trench warfare.
Memorial Museum Passchendaele 1917
Site-specific museum remembering the Passchendaele offensive and its impact.
Religious Monuments
Religious buildings and sacred sites across Westhoek.
Sint-Niklaaskerk (St. Nicholas Church), Poperinge
A historic Gothic church in Poperinge’s town center.
Sint-Martinuskerk, Ypres
A historic church dedicated to Saint Martin in the Ypres area.
Onze-Lieve-Vrouwekerk, Veurne
Grand parish church reflecting Veurne's medieval religious heritage.
National & Theme Parks
Theme parks and parks along the Westhoek coast and countryside.
Plopsaland De Panne
Family-friendly theme park with rides and character shows near the coast.
Zwin Nature Park
Coastal nature reserve north of the region, with birdlife and marshland paths.
Neighborhoods
Vibrant centers to wander through and soak up local life.
Old town center of Ypres (Ieper)
Medieval heart with plazas, guild houses, and atmospheric streets.
Poperinge town center
Lively market square, cafés, and historic architecture.
Veurne historic center
Compact, well-preserved Flemish town with a relaxed ambiance.
Diksmuide waterfront and historic core
Riverside streets and memorial sites with a peaceful feel.
Free Things to Do
Enjoy Westhoek without an entry fee.
Walk the Market Squares of Ypres and Poperinge
Explore historic squares, shops, and outdoor statues.
Stroll the Ypres ramparts and viewpoints
Take in views across fields and war memorials from the old walls.
Outdoor War Memorials along the Yser river
Visible memorials and trenches along public paths.
Gastronomy
Taste Flemish dishes and regional brews.
St. Bernardus Brewery, Watou
Heritage brewery known for rich abbey-style ales.
Hop Museum, Poperinge
Exhibits and tastings around the region's hop history.
Westhoek seafood and Belgian classics in De Panne
Coastal specialties and Belgian favorites in local eateries.
Nightlife
Evenings in the Westhoek offer pubs, plazas, and live music.
Grote Markt evening atmosphere, Ypres
Historic squares come alive with cafés and nightlife.
Poperinge bar scene in the town center
Casual pubs and late-night spots in a compact town.
Entertainment
Cultural events and shows around the region.
Last Post ceremony at Menin Gate, Ypres
Moving wartime remembrance ceremony held daily.
Local theatre and cultural events in Ieper
Seasonal performances and concerts in historic spaces.
Sports
Active ways to explore the landscape.
Flanders Fields cycling routes
Bike routes through the battlefield landscapes and villages.
Coastal walks and bike paths in De Panne-Koksijde
Seaside trails along the North Sea.
Off the Track
Hidden corners and unusual sights.
Tyne Cot Cemetery
The largest Allied WWI cemetery in the Ypres Salient.
Passchendaele Memorial & Battlefield sites
Sites around Passchendaele with trenches and memorials.
Hooge Crater and surrounding memorials
Crater and battlefield locations with informative signs.