Poperinge(Belgium) Travel 2026: Cheap Flights, Hotels & Top Attractions

For first-time visitors, staying in the historic town center of Poperinge is ideal. This area offers easy access to key landmarks like the Grote Markt (Main Square) and the 15th-century Town Hall, with charming cobbled streets perfect for leisurely exploration. Many boutique hotels, such as Hotel De Grote Kerk, are located here—originally a church, now a stylish boutique hotel with original stone vaults and modern comforts.

Another great option is the quiet residential district near the Yser River, offering peaceful retreats like B&B Huis 't Stille Ogen, where guests enjoy authentic Flemish hospitality, homemade breakfasts featuring local cured meats, and proximity to scenic walking trails along the riverbanks.

To experience authentic Flemish culture in Poperinge, stay near the Grote Markt and visit the Historical Museum of Flanders, housed in a 17th-century merchant’s house. The town hosts a weekly Flemish Folk Music Evening at Hotel De Grote Kerk, where local musicians perform traditional ballads using period instruments.

Don’t miss the chance to dine at De Vlaamse Tafel, a family-run restaurant serving regional specialties like waterzooi stew and mussels with fries. You’ll also find local artisans selling handwoven textiles and antique ceramics in the covered market stalls every Saturday morning—ideal for cultural immersion and unique souvenirs.

In Poperinge, must-try dishes include Waterzooi, a rich, creamy stew made with fish or chicken, traditionally served with local pale ale from the Poperinge Brewery. Visit De Vlaamse Tafel for an authentic version prepared with seasonal ingredients and served in a centuries-old dining room.

On Saturdays, head to the weekly market to sample artisanal cheeses like Hertog Jan and Léonard, both produced in nearby Flanders. For dessert, join a traditional Belgian waffle workshop at Hotel De Grote Kerk, where you’ll learn to make crispy, buttery waffles with real vanilla and chocolate drizzle—perfect for taking home as a souvenir.

Yes, Poperinge offers several family-friendly accommodations. B&B Huis 't Stille Ogen features spacious family suites with play areas, baby cots, and a dedicated children’s activity pack including Flemish fairy tale books and guided tours of the ancient church stained glass.

Hotel De Grote Kerk hosts a monthly "Little Soldier Day", where kids can wear replica WWI uniforms, participate in mock patrols, and learn about wartime history through interactive games. The hotel also has themed rooms with projection walls showing animated stories of Flanders’ past—perfect for engaging young travelers while preserving cultural heritage.

Near Poperinge, the Yser River Trail is ideal for cycling and walking—about 8 km long, it winds through wetlands, WWII memorials, and birdwatching spots. Stop at Sint-Maartenshuis, a historic rest station offering homemade apple pie and hot chocolate.

For hikers, the Poperinge–Kruisstraat Heritage Path (6 km) traces medieval farmland and stone bridges, ending at the ruins of St. Mary’s Abbey. The route is well-marked with safety signage and accessible to all ages. Both trails offer stunning views of Flanders’ rural landscape and are perfect for nature lovers and history enthusiasts alike.

Must-visit cultural landmarks in Poperinge include the Town Hall (15th-century Gothic architecture), St. John’s Church (featuring one of Belgium’s most complete medieval fresco cycles), and the World War I Memorial Wall, inscribed with over 2,000 names of fallen soldiers.

The Flemish Art Gallery, housed in the former courthouse, showcases works by 19th-century local artists like Jan van Beers. The town also hosts a quarterly Folk Music Festival, drawing performers from across Europe and celebrating Flanders’ rich musical heritage. Guided tours are available—highly recommended for deeper historical context.