Things To Do
in Oostakker
Oostakker is a tranquil suburb of Ghent in the Flemish region of Belgium, nestled along the Scheldt river just east of the city center. It blends rural charm with convenient access to Ghent’s historic sights, markets, and restaurants. The area features leafy lanes, church-dotted hamlets, and plenty of cycling paths that connect to the surrounding countryside.
With Ghent’s offerings only a short ride away, Oostakker serves as a peaceful base for exploring Flemish culture, architecture, and cuisine.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a leisurely breakfast at a local café, where you can savor freshly baked pastries and aromatic coffee. Afterward, take a stroll through the charming streets of Oostakker, admiring the beautiful historic architecture and quaint houses. Visit the nearby Sint-Jozefkerk, a stunning church known for its impressive stained glass windows and peaceful ambiance.
In the afternoon, dive into local history by visiting the nearby Museum of Fine Arts, which showcases works from both Belgian and international artists. Enjoy a delightful lunch at a traditional Belgian brasserie, where you can sample local specialties like Flemish stew or moules-frites. After your meal, wander around the local markets, where you can find fresh produce and handmade crafts from local artisans.
As the sun sets, head to a cozy bistro for dinner, where the atmosphere is filled with laughter and the aroma of delicious food. Indulge in a hearty meal of Belgian waffles topped with seasonal fruits and whipped cream for dessert. End your evening with a leisurely walk along the canals, soaking in the serene nighttime views of the city lights reflecting on the water.
If you're visiting during a festival, start your day by immersing yourself in the vibrant local culture at the festival grounds. Enjoy breakfast from food stalls offering traditional Belgian treats, from waffles to pancakes. Participate in workshops where you can learn about local crafts and meet the artisans behind them.
In the afternoon, explore the various performances and exhibitions at the festival, including live music, dance, and theater. Engage with local artists and performers, and perhaps even join in on a dance or two. Grab lunch from one of the many food trucks, sampling various local delicacies and drinks.
As night falls, find a prime spot to enjoy the main event of the festival, whether it’s a concert or a fireworks display. Relish the lively atmosphere with locals and tourists alike, bonding over shared experiences. Wind down with a nightcap at a nearby bar, reflecting on the day’s festivities.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $12-18 |
| ☕Coffee | $3-5 |
| 🧀Cheese or local snack | $5-8 |
| 🚆One-way public transport ticket | $2-4 |
| 🏨Budget hotel room per night | $60-110 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Charming, walkable historic center within easy reach from Oostakker
- Excellent Flemish cuisine, beer culture, and canal-side scenery
- Strong cycling network and scenic nature reserves nearby
- Friendly locals and a safe, compact city vibe
- Oostakker itself is quiet; nightlife is more vibrant in Ghent city center
- Weather can be rainy and unpredictable; plan outdoor activities accordingly
- "Hallo" - Hello
- "Dank u wel" - Thank you
- "Alstublieft" - Please / Here you go
- "Spreekt u Engels?" - Do you speak English?
- "Waar is het station?" - Where is the station?
- "Hoeveel kost dit?" - How much does this cost?
- "Ik ben vegetarier" - I am vegetarian
- "Ik heb een reservering" - I have a reservation
Places to Visit in Oostakker
Visit one of these nice places.
A dramatic medieval fortress with ramparts and reflections along the river, great for wide-angle and detail shots.
Iconic canal-side rows of step-gabled houses and boats; especially photogenic at dawn or dusk.
Architectural masterpiece with soaring Gothic lines and the Ghent Altarpiece; ideal for interior and exterior photography.
Lowland wetlands offering expansive skies, water, and abundant birdlife—great for landscape and wildlife shots.
Pastoral streetscapes and the quiet charm of a Flemish village, especially appealing in golden hour light.
Food in Oostakker
Oostakker Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A creamy chicken or fish stew with vegetables; a quintessential Ghent dish worth trying in a traditional restaurant.
Must-Try!
Beer-braised beef stew with rich flavors, commonly served with Belgian fries or bread to soak up the sauce.
Mussels cooked in white wine and herbs, served with crisp Belgian fries—an iconic Belgian duo found at many Ghent eateries.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Historic market square hosting seasonal stalls, local produce, and street bites on market days.
Vibrant market area with food stalls, cheeses, breads, and ready-to-eat snacks in the city center.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
A handshake is common; greet locals with a polite 'hello' (hallo) or 'good day' (goede dag). Speak calmly in public spaces and queues.
Give priority to pedestrians in narrow areas; cyclists should signal turns and ride predictably in traffic and on shared paths.
Dress modestly and speak softly; photography rules vary by site—always check signs.
Safety
Tipping in Oostakker
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is appreciated but not obligatory; rounding up the bill or leaving 5-10% in restaurants is common if service is good.
Credit/debit cards widely accepted; cash is useful for small markets and cafés. ATMs are common in Ghent city center.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Warm days with occasional showers; enjoy early morning walks, canal boat rides, and outdoor terraces. Bring light rain gear and sunscreen; late sunsets extend photography hours.
Mild to cool with colorful foliage; great for nature walks in Bourgoyen-Ossemeersen and picturesque cityscapes with golden light.
Cold and damp with short days; expect occasional frost. Museum visits and cozy cafes are ideal, while canal scenes can be dramatic with mist.
Pleasant temperatures and blooming trees; perfect for bike rides along the Lieve and canal routes, plus vibrant street markets reopening.
Oostakker at Night
Hiking in Oostakker
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Wetlands with boardwalks and easy loops ideal for short hikes and birding.
Gentle, scenic hikes and bike-friendly routes along historic waterways.
Airports
How to reach Oostakker by plane.
Main international gateway for the region; about 60-90 minutes by train or car to Ghent. Regular services and car rental available.
Smaller regional airport with domestic and some international connections; useful for short trips.
Coastal airport serving select international routes; typically a longer drive to Ghent but feasible for certain itineraries.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Ghent’s universities attract a large student population; the city center often features a youthful, energetic vibe with affordable dining and nightlife options.
Residential areas like Oostakker appeal to families seeking a quieter base with easy access to city amenities.
Ghent’s growing international community contributes to a multilingual, multicultural atmosphere.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Popular sport across Flanders with local clubs and leagues; easy to watch in Ghent’s stadiums or public viewing spaces.
Extremely common for transportation and recreation; Ghent hosts cycling routes and weekend rides, plus nearby trails.
Active along Ghent’s canals and rivers; opportunities for rowing, kayaking, and canal-based activities.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Oostakker.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Most Ghent-area restaurants offer vegetarian options; look for vegetable stews, cheeses, and mushroom dishes. Inform staff about any allergies and ask for meat-free adaptations.