4 days in Bruges & Ieper (Ypres) Itinerary

The medieval town of Bruges centers around a canal, and the architecture of its historical district has made it a World Heritage Site.

Start off your visit on the 23rd (Mon): admire the landmark architecture of Stadhuis, indulge your thirst for a good beer at Huisbrouwerij De Halve Maan, explore the activities along Minnewater Lake, then make a trip to The Markt, then pause for some photo ops at Oude Griffie, and finally enjoy breathtaking views from Belfry of Bruges.

To find out how to plan a trip to Bruges, use our trip itinerary maker.

If you are flying in from Australia, the closest major aiports are Brussels Airport, Ostend-Bruges International Airport and Antwerp International Airport (Deurne). Expect a daytime high around 9°C in December, and nighttime lows around 3°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 23rd (Mon) so you can drive to Ieper (Ypres).

Boasting remnants from the Middle Ages, the ancient city of Ieper in West Flanders offers attractions that are as historically significant as Ghent and Bruges, but with fewer crowds.

Kick off your visit on the 24th (Tue): meet the residents at Pairi Daiza and then explore the world behind art at Francois Duesberg Museum. Get ready for a full day of sightseeing on the 25th (Wed): get in on the family fun at PlopsaLand De Panne, learn about all things military at In Flanders Fields Museum, and then pause for some photo ops at Menin Gate Memorial.

To find traveler tips, ratings, maps, and other tourist information, use the Ieper (Ypres) road trip planning site.

Getting from Bruges to Ieper (Ypres) by car takes about an hour. Other options: take a train; or do a combination of train and bus. In December in Ieper (Ypres), expect temperatures between 9°C during the day and 3°C at night. Wrap up your sightseeing by early afternoon on the 26th (Thu) to allow enough time to drive back home.