Things to Do in Dunkerque

A small, tidy public garden that runs along the canal near the town hall. It’s not a wilderness, but a pleasant patch of green with benches, a pond and rose beds. Good for a quiet sit after the museum or belfry. No entrance fee, ever.

🕐 Open 24 hours; gates technically unlocked 07:00–21:00

💡 Best in late spring when the roses are out. Bring a sandwich from the nearby covered market (open Tue–Sun mornings) and eat on the bench facing the water. Free public toilets at the east end.

A seaside park with flower gardens, a playground, and a bandstand. Quiet spot for a break away from the beach crowds.

🕐 Open 24 hours

💡 Best in late spring when the roses are out. Free public toilets at the nearby casino building.

A wide sandy beach backed by a long promenade and Belle Époque villas. Popular for walking, kite-flying, and watching ferries.

🕐 Open 24 hours

💡 Go at low tide for the best walking space. Beach cafes get busy—bring a picnic if you want to save money.

A long, flat sandy beach with a wide promenade, perfect for a free day out. It’s the main local beach, busy in summer but never overwhelming. The water is cold—this is the North Sea—but the dunes behind offer shelter for picnics.

🕐 Always open; lifeguards present late June to early Sept, 11:00–18:00

💡 Walk east from the main jetty for quieter spots. The beachfront car park is free after 19:00, and the 'Malo plage' ice cream kiosk (open April–October) does the cheapest cone on the strip.

A maritime museum in the old harbour district, housed in a former tobacco warehouse. Exhibits include historic ships, models, and port machinery.

🕐 Wed-Mon 10:00-12:30, 13:30-18:00; closed Tue

💡 Free on the first Sunday of each month. The attached harbour tour boat is extra, but the museum alone is worth an hour.

A solid regional art collection spanning Flemish masters to modern works. The building itself is a handsome 19th-century structure right in the centre. Highlights include paintings by Rubens and sculptures by local artists. The permanent collection i

🕐 Tue–Fri 10:00–18:00, Sat–Sun 11:00–18:00, closed Mon

💡 Check the temporary exhibition schedule online—some are free too, and the café downstairs does a decent, affordable lunch special on weekdays.

A focused, well-presented museum telling the story of the 1940 evacuation. Housed in a former bunker, it covers the military and civilian perspective with real vehicles, uniforms and personal letters. Cheap entry—under €8 for adults, less for student

🕐 Daily 10:00–17:00 (last entry 16:30), closed Jan & 25 Dec

💡 Visit late afternoon on a weekday to avoid coach groups. The 15-minute introductory film is worth your time but runs every 30 minutes. Allow 90 minutes max.

A small, free museum dedicated to the Dunkirk evacuation in 1940. Located in a restored bunker, it contains artifacts, photos, and a film.

🕐 Tue-Sun 10:00-12:30, 14:00-17:30; closed Mon

💡 Allows 30–45 minutes. Combine with a walk along the nearby beach. No cafe on site.

A 58-metre belfry, UNESCO-listed, with 268 steps to the top for panoramic views of the city and coast.

🕐 Daily 10:00-12:30, 13:30-17:30 (last entry 16:30)

💡 Cost is €5 for adults, but you get a guided tour. Go mid-morning for clear light. Skip if you have mobility issues.

The iconic 58-metre belfry, a UNESCO World Heritage site. You can climb to the top for panoramic views over the port, city and sea. Admission is low—about €5 for adults, less for kids. The carillon plays a short tune at the top of each hour.

🕐 Daily 10:00–12:30 & 14:00–18:00 (closed Mon Oct–Mar); last entry 30 mins before close

💡 Skip the queue by buying tickets online the day before. The climb is 256 steps with no lift—doable but steep. Best photo spot is from the terrace, not the very top window.