Things To Do
in Ostend
Ostend is a lively Belgian coastal city on the North Sea, renowned for its broad sandy beaches and grand Belle Époque architecture. Its seafront buzzes with promenades, seafood markets, and cultural venues that blend maritime heritage with contemporary art. The city pairs a vibrant tourist scene with easy coastal access, making it a flexible base for seaside adventures and day trips along the Belgian coast.
With excellent transport links, approachable gastronomy, and a charming harbor atmosphere, Ostend offers a quintessential Flemish seaside experience.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Arrive in Ostend and check in to your beachfront hotel for a relaxing start to your vacation. Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at a local café, sipping on a fresh cup of Belgian coffee while savoring a warm croissant. Afterward, take a stroll along the sandy shores to soak in the beautiful sea views.
Spend your afternoon on the beach, basking in the sun and enjoying the gentle sea breeze. You can participate in beach sports or simply lounge with a good book. For lunch, indulge in some fresh seafood at one of the many beachside restaurants.
As the sun sets, take a romantic walk along the promenade, where you can feel the vibrant atmosphere. Choose a cozy restaurant for dinner to sample some traditional Belgian dishes. End your day with a nightcap at a local bar, where you can enjoy live music or simply chat with the friendly locals.
Start your day with a visit to the Mu.ZEE, Ostend's contemporary art museum, where you can admire both Belgian and international art. The museum's unique exhibitions will inspire and captivate you as you wander from piece to piece. A light breakfast at the museum café will keep you energized.
After your cultural morning, visit the historic James Ensor House, the former home of the famous painter, to learn about his life and work. The quaint atmosphere and the stories within will transport you to a different era. For lunch, try a local crab dish at a nearby eatery, showcasing Ostend’s seafood heritage.
As evening descends, explore the lively streets of Ostend, leading you to find hidden gems in the form of local shops and art galleries. Have dinner at a trendy bistro that features locally sourced ingredients and innovative cuisine. Cap off your night with a stroll along the beach, watching the stars reflect on the water.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $12-20 |
| ☕Coffee or tea | $3-5 |
| 🍽️Lunch at mid-range restaurant | $15-25 |
| 🚆One-way public transport pass | $3-4 |
| 🏨Mid-range hotel per night | $90-150 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Beautiful, expansive beaches and a vibrant seafront
- Compact city center with strong transport links
- Excellent seafood and diverse dining options
- Rich cultural venues including Mu.ZEE and Kursaal
- Windy and sometimes chilly outside of summer
- Crowds and higher prices during peak season
- Some attractions can feel tourist-oriented in peak times
- "Goedemorgen" - Good morning
- "Dank u wel" - Thank you
- "Alstublieft" - Please/Here you go
- "Waar is de badkamer?" - Where is the bathroom?
- "Een tafel voor twee, alstublieft" - A table for two, please
- "Hoeveel kost dit?" - How much does this cost?
Places to Visit in Ostend
Visit one of these nice places.
An iconic 1930s art deco casino along the seafront; dramatic lines and ocean backdrop create striking sunset shots.
A long seaside promenade framed by Belle Époque facades and expansive beach horizons—great for wide-angle coastal photography.
Historic ship exhibit anchored near the harbor with a maritime silhouette against the water.
Harbor views with fishing boats and morning light; reflections on calm days are ideal for composition.
Contemporary Belgian art museum with glass walls and sea-facing exterior; combine indoor artworks with exterior seascapes.
Food in Ostend
Ostend Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Mussels cooked in white wine, shallots, and herbs served with a generous portion of crispy fries.
Must-Try!
Battered white fish bites served with tartar sauce or lemon wedges.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Traditional fish market with daily catches, ideal for sampling fresh seafood and watching local traders.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Dutch is the main language; a polite greeting such as 'Goedemorgen' or 'Goedemiddag' goes far; handshakes are common in formal settings.
Tipping is modest unless service is included; use 'alstublieft' for please and 'dank u wel' to thank someone.
Safety
Tipping in Ostend
Ensure a smooth experience
Service charges are often included; rounding up or leaving 5-10% for good service is common if not included.
Credit/debit cards are widely accepted; contactless payments are common; carrying some cash is useful for small markets and markets stalls.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Long days, peak beach life, and outdoor events; expect crowds and lively promenades. Pack sunscreen and prepare for sea breezes.
Milder temperatures and fewer crowds; excellent for coastal walks, seafood markets, and cultural events; expect some rain.
Cool and windy with festive lights; indoor venues like Mu.ZEE and cafes are appealing; prepare for chilly walks along the coast.
Pleasant temperatures for cycling and walking; blooming coastal flora and spring markets add color to the quay and streets.
Ostend at Night
Hiking in Ostend
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Coastal dunes with sea views and bunker sites; a moderate walk suitable for most hikers.
Flat nature reserve with marshes and birdlife; easy loops suitable for a relaxed hike.
Airports
How to reach Ostend by plane.
Nearby airport just a short drive from the city center; serves domestic and several European routes.
Major international hub about 100-140 minutes by train or car from Ostend.
French airport within a couple of hours’ drive; convenient for broader European connections.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Mostly Dutch-speaking Belgians with families and retirees; seasonal tourism brings additional international visitors in summer.
Year-round visitors focusing on beaches, seafood, and cultural events, with a peak in summer.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
A widely followed sport with local clubs and matches across the region.
Extensive coastal and inland routes; bike rental is common and convenient.
Coastal winds create ideal conditions for year-round water sports during warmer months.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Ostend.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options are widely available; look for vegetable dishes, salads, and dairy or egg-based dishes. Many places can adapt seafood dishes to accommodate vegetarians when possible.