2 Days in Dunkirk Itinerary - A Journey Through History and a Heart Full of Memories

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Prelude

When I watched the  Christopher Nolan’s Oscar-winning movie Dunkirk (2017) with papa almost eight years ago, I never imagined I’d one day visit the city and time travel through history itself! It is a brilliantly made war film that brings the 1940 Dunkirk evacuation (Operation Dynamo) to life through three gripping angles, land, sea, and air. Hans Zimmer’s intense ticking soundtrack kept everyone on edge; I still remember the tension rising in that packed cinema hall. With barely any dialogue, it turned out to be one of Nolan’s most powerful and unforgettable films. The images of history narrated through the film remain etched in my mind, the British soldiers wading through neck-deep waters, waiting to be rescued by ships and small boats, all while under relentless Nazi air raids. What a vivid portrayal of history that was! And I still remember papa, utterly absorbed, his face tense, almost as if he himself were part of the rescue mission. Watching him so immersed brought a smile to my face back then.

Today, I find myself in Dunkirk. It feels bittersweet. Bitter, because papa is not here with me. I hadn’t realized how close Dunkirk was to home, and I missed the chance to bring him here, to let him relive the details of the movie and the history he admired so much. He was such a war movie enthusiast. Yet sweet, because being here now allows me to relive those moments with him in spirit, watching, learning, and remembering.

Miracle of Dunkirk

But the true story of Dunkirk goes far beyond what any film could capture. The evacuation in 1940, often called the “Miracle of Dunkirk,” saved more than 330,000 Allied troops who were trapped on the beaches under German fire. It was not only a turning point in the Second World War but also a story of courage, resilience, and civilian solidarity, as hundreds of “Little Ships” from Britain crossed the English Channel to assist in the rescue. At the same time, for the people of Dunkirk, it was a period of devastation. As a major French port city, Dunkirk was heavily bombed and almost entirely destroyed, its inhabitants suffering tremendous loss of life and livelihood.

My blog post below shares more about the places that keep this incredible story alive, the museums, the fort, and even the beach where it all happened.

2 Days in Dunkirk Itinerary

You can easily explore Dunkirk in 2 days. If you visit in summer, spending 3 days in this seaside haven would be even better. We went in autumn and it rained most of the time, so we focused on indoor places instead of the beach. It was a pity we couldn’t stroll along the shore. We did enjoy seafood at beach-side restaurants though.

For us, the museums are what Dunkirk is really about, the Musée Dunkerque 1940 – Opération Dynamo, the Musée Maritime & Portuaire de Dunkerque (the Port and Maritime Museum), the Dunkirk War Museum, and many more. The whole place has deep historical weight.

Dunkirk lies on the northern coast of France between the Belgian border and the English Channel, in the Hauts-de-France region. It’s not a major tourist city in the sense of big resorts, but because of its history it attracts many visitors. Its city centre is lively with cafés, bakeries and coastal atmosphere, perfect for a long weekend away.

Getting to Dunkirk

We started our trip from The Hague with a heavy breakfast stop at Zevenbergschen Hoek, about an hour into the drive. It was the perfect pitstop before hitting the French coast, with paninis, pastrami sandwiches, and strong coffee. The full drive to Dunkirk takes around 2.5–3 hours by car. You’ll cross through Belgium before reaching northern France, and having a car is a big plus here, the museums, fort, and promenade are a bit spread out. Parking is available near all the major attractions, and once in the city center, everything is walkable.

If you dont have a car, don't worry, travelling to Dunkirk is easy.

• From Paris, take a TGV train from Paris Gare du Nord to Dunkerque. It takes about 2 hours 30 minutes.

• From Belgium, you can take a train from Brussels to Dunkerque with one change in Lille, which takes around 2.5 to 3 hours.

• From the Netherlands, take a train to Lille (via Antwerp or Brussels) and then a regional train to Dunkerque. The full trip usually takes about 4 to 5 hours.

• From the UK, the easiest way to reach Dunkirk is by crossing the Channel and continuing by road or public transport. Take a DFDS Seaways ferry from Dover to Dunkirk. The journey takes about 2 hours. Once you arrive at Dunkirk Port, you can take a bus or taxi to the city centre, about 15–20 minutes away.

• The quickest option is to take the Eurostar from London to Lille (about 1 hour 20 minutes), then change to a regional TER train from Lille to Dunkirk, which takes around 1 hour 10 minutes.

Once you reach Dunkirk station, local buses and taxis are available to get around the city and the beach areas.

Where We Stayed

Our stay at Chez Monique, right in the heart of Dunkirk, was such a fun and comfortable experience. The apartment is just 700 metres from the train station and a short 600-metre walk from the Belfry, so everything in the city centre is within easy reach.

It’s a spacious two-bedroom apartment with two sofa-cum-beds in the living room, easily sleeping up to eight people. There are two bathrooms, one with a bathtub and shower, the other with just a shower, though note that there’s only one toilet. The kitchen is fully equipped, perfect for cooking a family meal or a quick breakfast before heading out.

What really makes Chez Monique special is its vibrant and artistic design. The whole apartment is adorned in colourful patterns, bold wallpapers, and quirky decor that feels modern yet warm. There’s even a private terrace with outdoor seating, a lovely spot to relax with a drink after exploring the city lest it doesn't rain and dampen your spirits!

Day 1 – Grand Large, Dynamo Museum & Fort des Dunes

Musée Dunkerque 1940 – Opération Dynamo

Our first stop was the Dynamo Museum, dedicated to the legendary Dunkirk evacuation of 1940. Right at the entrance, we bought a little souvenir magnet along with our tickets, a small keepsake before diving into history. The museum itself pulled us straight into the story: interactive displays, detailed ship models, and videos explaining how 338,000 soldiers were evacuated under fire. We spent just over an hour here, enough to absorb the essence without overwhelming the kids.

Good to know:

• Hours: Daily, 10:00 – 18:00 (closed 24–25 Dec & 1 Jan). Last entry 17:00.

• Tickets: Adults €8, reduced €5 (students/teens), free for under 12. Twin ticket with Fort des Dunes €10.

• Must-do: Don’t miss the introductory film and the giant ship models — they bring the evacuation story vividly to life.

If you love history, don’t miss the Dunkirk Operation Dynamo Battlefield Tour. It’s a great way to understand the real stories behind the 1940 evacuation, guided by locals who bring the events to life. You can book it easily on GetYourGuide here, perfect for anyone visiting Dunkirk for a weekend.

Lunch at Plage de Malo-les-Bains

Next, we headed to Plage de Malo-les-Bains, Dunkirk’s main beach. This wide sandy stretch is perfect for walks, especially on breezy days, and is dotted with cafés and seafood restaurants.

Today it’s calm and peaceful, but it holds deep historical significance. This is where thousands of Allied soldiers gathered during Operation Dynamo in 1940, waiting to be rescued during the Battle of Dunkirk.

When we visited, it was almost eerily quiet. The long, empty stretch of sand and the sound of gentle waves made it hard to imagine the chaos that once unfolded here.

We tucked into steaming mussels and fresh fish at a cozy, family-friendly spot near Face à la Mer. The rain outside only made the warm plates and view of the bobbing boats even more inviting.

Tip: Many restaurants here specialize in seafood. Mussels (moules) are a regional must-try when in season.

Fort des Dunes

A short 10-minute drive brought us to Fort des Dunes, hidden among rolling sand dunes. At reception, we were given audio guides, which made exploring much more meaningful. We wandered through underground bunkers, climbed staircases to the top, and admired sweeping views of the North Sea. The open terraces were perfect for a family stroll, and the kids had fun running along the ramparts. We easily spent two hours here.

Good to know:

• Hours: Tue–Sun, 10:00 – 18:00 (Mar–Oct), closed Mondays.

• Tickets: €7 adults, €3.50 kids 7–18/students, under 7 free. Combo with Dynamo Museum €10.

• Must-do: Walk up to the terrace for views, and don’t skip the outdoor ramparts — they’re atmospheric even in cloudy weather.

Shopping Stop at Market Dunkerque Malo-Les-Bains

On the way back, we stopped at Carrefour Market Dunkerque Malo-Les-Bains. It’s an easy place to pick up local cheeses like Maroilles or Boulogne, handmade chocolates, and good French wines. You’ll also find fresh baguettes, butter, and pastries that are perfect for a quick picnic by the sea. For souvenirs, grab jars of Dijon mustard, tins of sardines, or local craft beers (i picked up the 0% , all small but tasty souvenirs of France.

Inside the market at Malo-Les-Bains itself, the stalls are full of local treats. You’ll see cheeses, fresh bread, cured meats, and seasonal fruits. For something sweet, try Les Chocolats de Beussent or Jeff de Bruges Dunkerque, and don’t miss the Dunkirk specialty Doigt de Jean Bart, a chocolate-and-almond “finger” named after a local hero.

There are also jars of miel du Nord or miel de Flandre (regional honey), often marked with the Saveurs en’Or label for quality local products. For drinks, check out French wines and champagnes. Shops like Mont Di’Vin offer a nice selection from Burgundy, Rhône, and Bordeaux, great to take home as gifts or enjoy later.

Dinner at L’Estaminet Flamand

Dinner that evening was at L’Estaminet Flamand, a quirky restaurant decorated with witch-themed (sorcières) trinkets. The atmosphere was fun, and it was packed with locals, which made for a lively experience. We ordered two regional specialties: chicken in Emmental cheese, and chicken in beer sauce. To be honest, the flavors didn’t quite suit us, but it was still worth the stop for its authentic vibe and originality. Sometimes the memory of the place is stronger than the food itself!

Tip: If you enjoy hearty northern French cooking, this is a great spot to taste something local. If you’re a bit picky with flavors, maybe stick to the safer options on the menu.

Day 2 – Port of Dunkirk & Place Jean-Bart

Breakfast at Aux Doigts de Jean Bart

We kicked off our second day with fresh pastries and coffee at Aux Doigts de Jean Bart Pâtisserie Vandewalle. A proper French start to the morning, flaky croissants, buttery gâteaux, and a bit of sweetness to fuel our walk.

Grand Large, Port of Dunkirk & Maritime Museum

We drove straight to Grand Large, Dunkirk’s marina and waterfront promenade. Even though it was drizzling, the place had a calm, peaceful charm.

We stopped by the Bassin du Commerce, one of Dunkirk’s most recognizable waterfront spots, lined with modern marina buildings and the Hôtel Borel. It’s close to both the Dunkirk Maritime Museum and the Dunkerque 1940 Museum, a lovely area to take a walk and watch the boats.

Just a five-minute walk later, we found ourselves by the Port of Dunkirk (Musée Portuaire de Dunkerque) or Dunkirk Maritime Museum with its cranes, ships, and buzzing harbour life. It’s located in a former tobacco warehouse by the Bassin du Commerce, and its exhibits cover Dunkirk’s maritime history. One of the most interesting parts of the Musée Portuaire de Dunkerque is the outdoor area by the harbour. Several historic vessels are docked here, and you can actually step aboard and explore them. Among them are a traditional sailing ship, a lightship, and an old tugboat. The kids loved watching the giant cargo ships and tugboats move in and out. The highlight was climbing aboard the old ships. Standing by the old ships at the harbour, I couldn’t help but think of my sailor man. I missed him so much, Papa must be smiling from the heavens.

Good to know:

• Hours: Daily (closed Tuesdays outside school holidays), 10:00–12:30 & 13:30–18:00.

• Tickets: €8.50 adults, €6.50 reduced, family ticket ~€22.50 (2 adults + 2 children).

• Must-do: Step aboard the historic lightship Sandettié if it’s open, and check the Risban lighthouse for panoramic harbor views.

Lunch at Le Protocole

For lunch, we took a break at Le Protocole, a modern restaurant in the city. It was a nice change of pace after a morning by the port, with good food and a more relaxed vibe.

Place Jean-Bart & Belfry

In the afternoon, we wandered into the heart of Dunkirk at Place Jean-Bart, a wide square dominated by a statue of the famous privateer. The kids had space to run around while we admired the surrounding architecture. Just a few steps away stands the Belfry of Dunkirk, a UNESCO World Heritage site. It’s a photogenic spot and worth a quick climb if you have time. Before leaving, we grabbed sweet treats from a local vendor. Gaufres (waffles) and beignets were the perfect ending to our short city break.

Things to see in the city center of Dunkirk:

1️⃣ Place Jean-Bart, Dunkirk - The iconic statue of Jean Bart, the city’s beloved privateer, standing proudly in the heart of Dunkirk.

2️⃣ Dunkirk War Memorial - A grand tribute honouring the soldiers who fought bravely in both World Wars.

3️⃣ Saint-Éloi Church (Église Saint-Éloi de Dunkerque) - A beautiful Gothic church that dominates the old town square.

4️⃣ Colourful corners of Dunkirk - A temporary art display made with bright, colorful hangers hung outside a church in the center of Dunkirk.

5️⃣ Dunkirk Town Hall (Hôtel de Ville) - The stunning neo-Flemish landmark with its famous belfry, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

6️⃣ Rue Clémenceau, Old Town Dunkirk - Charming pastel façades and blooming flowers make this street perfect for a peaceful stroll.

Tip: The square is lined with bakeries and chocolate shops, great for an afternoon snack or edible souvenirs.

Closing Thoughts

And just like that, our 2 days in Dunkirk came to an end a mix of powerful history, seaside relaxation, and quirky local flavors. It’s a compact destination, easy to navigate, and perfect for a family trip.

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