We have a free day in Brussels and are wondering if it's worth hiring a car to go all the way to Ypres to see Flanders cemetery and museum? Are there things to do or places to see between Ypres and Brussels?
It has been a few years, but to answer your question,, it was a wonderful place to visit. The history of the area, and the way it has been preserved is amazing. I spent several days in museums, and exploring Trappest monasteries, sampling all their fine beers and cheeses. As a veteran, the cemetery was overwhelming as were many of the preserved battle grounds of past conflicts. I spent several weeks in and around that area, and just can’t say enough….but that’s just me. Hope you enjoy your visit.
There is a lot to see in Belgium. We were there just before covid. It depends on what you like. If you are military person and you are focusing on that then you can stop at Waterloo. If you have a driver it should not be an issue to do both Waterloo and Ypres. Other easy day trips from Brussels are Lille France, Namur Belgium, or even though you are going to Brugge on your tour, there is a lot to see there: Belfort, canal ride, De Halve brewery tour, and of course more Beer and Chocolate to taste. Brugge is worth more than a afternoon stop. Its actually best in the evening. Its about an hour by train.
Highly recommend a trip to Ypres. There was so much to see we stayed overnight. A good book to check out is Major & Mrs Holt's Battlefield Guide To Ypres Salient & Passchendaele. They also publish a Battle Map which is well done and makes it easy to plan.
Thank you for comments about going to Ypres!! Now we're looking for suggestions of things to do and see around the Amigo Hotel in Brussels before our tour begins!!
Comments
It has been a few years, but to answer your question,, it was a wonderful place to visit. The history of the area, and the way it has been preserved is amazing. I spent several days in museums, and exploring Trappest monasteries, sampling all their fine beers and cheeses. As a veteran, the cemetery was overwhelming as were many of the preserved battle grounds of past conflicts. I spent several weeks in and around that area, and just can’t say enough….but that’s just me. Hope you enjoy your visit.
There is a lot to see in Belgium. We were there just before covid. It depends on what you like. If you are military person and you are focusing on that then you can stop at Waterloo. If you have a driver it should not be an issue to do both Waterloo and Ypres. Other easy day trips from Brussels are Lille France, Namur Belgium, or even though you are going to Brugge on your tour, there is a lot to see there: Belfort, canal ride, De Halve brewery tour, and of course more Beer and Chocolate to taste. Brugge is worth more than a afternoon stop. Its actually best in the evening. Its about an hour by train.
Highly recommend a trip to Ypres. There was so much to see we stayed overnight. A good book to check out is Major & Mrs Holt's Battlefield Guide To Ypres Salient & Passchendaele. They also publish a Battle Map which is well done and makes it easy to plan.
Thank you for comments about going to Ypres!! Now we're looking for suggestions of things to do and see around the Amigo Hotel in Brussels before our tour begins!!
Obligatory picture in front of Mannekin Pis. Evening visit to the Grand Palace square at and just after sunset. Belgium Royal Museum of Art
La Roue D’Or is a very good Belgian restaurant just around the corner from the Amigo.
What is the distance/available transportation from the dock to the Grand Place?