Things To Do
in Blankenberge
Blankenberge is a classic Belgian seaside town on the North Sea coast known for its long sandy beach, lively promenade and historic pier. The town blends family-friendly attractions, Belle Époque architecture and a working harbour with modern leisure facilities. In summer it hums with tourists and beach activities, while off-season it’s valued for storm-watching, quiet walks and coastal nature.
Blankenberge also serves as a practical base to explore nearby Bruges, Ostend and coastal nature reserves.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Arrive in Blankenberge, a charming coastal town known for its vibrant seaside ambiance. Check in to your beachfront hotel and take a leisurely stroll along the promenade to soak in the fresh sea air. Enjoy a delicious breakfast at a local café, sampling Belgian pastries and coffee.
Explore the beach and watch the waves lap against the shore, or settle down with a good book on the soft sand. If you're feeling adventurous, rent a bike to discover the nearby scenic cycling paths. Visit the bustling local market to pick up unique souvenirs and fresh local delicacies.
Indulge in a seaside dinner at a restaurant with a view of the sunset over the North Sea. Taste fresh seafood dishes, paired with local Belgian beers, while listening to the sound of waves. End your evening with a romantic walk along the illuminated beach promenade.
Start your day with a hearty breakfast before heading to the iconic Blankenberge Pier. Enjoy breathtaking views from the top and take a moment to appreciate the coastal scenery. Don’t miss out on visiting the nearby Oosterstak, a serene natural reserve just a short walk away.
Visit Sea Life Blankenberge, an aquarium that provides fascinating insights into marine life. Afterward, explore the town's charming shops and boutiques filled with local crafts and gifts. Take a leisurely break at a café, observing the local life as you sip a refreshing drink.
Experience the local culture by attending a music or theatre performance at one of the local venues. Afterwards, enjoy a casual dinner at a cozy bistro, featuring regional favorites. Stroll along the beach, taking in the night sky illuminated by the stars.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $10-15 |
| 🍽️Three-course meal for two at mid-range restaurant | $50-80 |
| ☕Coffee or tea | $3-4 |
| 🍺Domestic beer (pub/pint) | $3-5 |
| 🏨Hotel (mid-range per night) | $80-150 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Beautiful sandy beach and classic seaside atmosphere
- Good base to explore Bruges, Ostend and coastal nature reserves
- Family-friendly with a wide range of seafood and local cuisine
- Accessible by coastal tram and regional trains
- Can be very busy and expensive in high summer
- Weather can be windy and changeable due to the North Sea
- Limited late-night entertainment compared with larger nearby cities
- Some attractions and businesses close or reduce hours off-season
- "Hallo" - Hello
- "Dank u wel / Dank je" - Thank you
- "Alstublieft" - Please / Here you go
- "Spreekt u Engels?" - Do you speak English?
- "Waar is het strand?" - Where is the beach?
- "Hoeveel kost dit?" - How much does this cost?
Places to Visit in Blankenberge
Visit one of these nice places.
Iconic promenade pier with panoramic sea views, sunset and night-light photography opportunities; good for long exposure shots of the sea.
Photogenic late-19th/early-20th-century villas and seaside architecture lining the promenade—great for architectural and street photography.
Colourful fishing boats and yachts, lively quayside activity and seafood stalls offer candid maritime scenes.
Nearby dune landscapes at De Haan and Bredene for wide open skies, birdlife and textured foregrounds.
During autumn and winter, dramatic waves and clouds along the coast create powerful seascapes—suitable for dramatic black-and-white compositions.
Food in Blankenberge
Blankenberge Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Steamed mussels served with fries — a Belgian classic available at many seaside restaurants and seafood bars.
Must-Try!
Fresh hand-peeled grey shrimp often served on bread or in salads; find them at fishmongers and markets near the harbour.
A warming, savoury soup made with local fish and shellfish — common in coastal bistros and specialty restaurants.
Sweet treats from street vendors and cafés—great for an afternoon snack on the promenade.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Small daily fish stalls near the harbour where you can buy fresh catch; try smoked fish and shrimp croquettes.
Seasonal kiosks selling fries, mussels, waffles and seafood snacks — ideal for casual eating while walking the beach.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
A brief handshake is common when meeting; greet shopkeepers with a polite 'Hallo' or 'Goedemorgen' depending on the time of day.
Belgians value punctuality and polite, reserved interaction—keep noise levels reasonable in public spaces and use 'alstublieft' (please) and 'dank u wel' (thank you).
Blankenberge is in Flanders (Dutch-speaking). Many locals speak English and some French—using basic Dutch greetings is appreciated.
Safety
Tipping in Blankenberge
Ensure a smooth experience
Service charges are often included in the bill, but leaving a small tip (5–10%) for good service is appreciated. Round up taxi fares or leave small change in cafés.
Credit and debit cards (Visa, Mastercard) and contactless payments are widely accepted; have some euros in cash for small vendors, market stalls and parking machines.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
High season with warm weather, crowded beaches, many festivals and full opening hours for restaurants and attractions; book accommodation in advance and expect lively nightlife.
Milder temperatures, fewer crowds and blooming dunes—good for cycling and walking; some attractions open gradually as the season progresses.
Cooler, windier weather ideal for storm-watching and dramatic photography; quieter town and lower prices, but check opening times for attractions.
Quiet, peaceful coastline with cold sea air—many restaurants and shops reduce hours, but the town is great for reflective walks and off-season rates.
Blankenberge at Night
Hiking in Blankenberge
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A short drive east near Knokke-Heist—salt marshes, tidal flats and boardwalk trails ideal for birdwatching and easy walking.
Marked long-distance coastal walking routes and local coastal paths linking Blankenberge with neighbouring towns for multi-kilometre shoreline hikes.
Scenic dune systems with varied terrain, offering quieter paths and panoramic views over the North Sea.
Shorter inland trails through woodlands and heathland for a change from seaside landscapes (accessible by car from Blankenberge).
Airports
How to reach Blankenberge by plane.
Closest regional airport (~20–30 minutes by car), limited scheduled flights; access to Blankenberge by car or train via Ostend.
Largest international airport (~100–120 km / 1.5–2 hours by car or 1.5–2.5 hours by train) with frequent connections to Bruges and onward local transport to the coast.
Another option for regional flights (~1–1.5 hours by car); good road and rail connections to the Belgian coast, though fewer direct services than Brussels.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Year-round residents who work in local commerce, fishing and tourism; Dutch (Flemish) is the primary language.
Day-trippers and holidaymakers from across Belgium and the Netherlands dominate summer crowds, with family groups and beach visitors common.
Visitors from Germany, UK and other countries arrive seasonally; some retirees and second-home owners choose the coast for quieter months.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Belgium’s most popular sport—local clubs and youth teams are active and TV broadcasts are widely followed.
Cycling is hugely popular for both commuting and sport; the flat coastal routes attract recreational cyclists and touring riders.
Sailing, windsurfing and kitesurfing are common along the coast with rental schools and clubs catering to different skill levels.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Blankenberge.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options are available at cafés and bistros (salads, omelettes, pasta and veggie burgers), though coastal towns emphasize seafood—ask staff for vegetarian specials.
Vegan choices are growing but still limited; seek out modern cafés or request adaptations (plant milk, vegetable plates). Carry a translation note for ingredients if needed.
Many restaurants can accommodate gluten-free needs (gluten-free bread and fries are widely available), but always confirm cross-contamination and check menus in advance.