Map of Ostend, Belgium

🏖️ What to do in Ostend

Experience the vibrant seaside atmosphere and rich cultural heritage of Ostend through a variety of engaging activities. From beach relaxation to exploring historical landmarks, Ostend offers something for every traveler.

• Best Budget Activity in Ostend:

  Ostend Beach: Spend a day soaking up the sun, swimming in the North Sea, or taking a leisurely stroll along the sandy shores of Ostend Beach.

• Best Mid-Range Activity in Ostend:

  Mu.ZEE: Explore the contemporary art museum Mu.ZEE, showcasing a diverse collection of Belgian art from the 19th century to the present day.

• Best Luxury Activity in Ostend:

  Mercator Ship: Embark on a guided tour of the historic Mercator Ship, a magnificent three-masted sailing vessel, offering a glimpse into Ostend's maritime history.

🍽️ Where to eat in Ostend

In Ostend, indulge in the culinary delights of fresh seafood, Belgian waffles, and world-class chocolates. Don't miss out on trying the local specialty, shrimp croquettes!

• Best Budget Restaurant in Ostend:

  De Kombuis•€ - €€:

  Traditional Belgian dishes with a modern twist

• Best Mid-Range Restaurant in Ostend:

  Kokpit•€€ - €€€:

  Fusion cuisine blending Belgian and international flavors

• Best Luxury Restaurant in Ostend:

  Ostend Queen•€€€ - €€€€:

  Fine dining experience with a focus on seafood and seasonal ingredients

• Best Budget Bar in Ostend:

  Marie-Anne•€ - €€:

  Belgian beer selection and tapas

• Best Mid-Range Bar in Ostend:

  De Koningin•€€ - €€€:

  Craft cocktails and bar snacks

• Best Luxury Bar in Ostend:

  Lou's Lounge•€€€ - €€€€:

  Premium champagne and gourmet bar bites

🏰 What to see in Ostend

Explore the captivating blend of historic sites, modern architecture, and scenic coastal views that make Ostend a must-visit destination. From iconic landmarks to hidden gems, Ostend boasts a treasure trove of sights awaiting your discovery.

• Ostend City Hall:

  Admire the elegant Renaissance-style architecture of Ostend City Hall, a historic building dating back to the 18th century located in the heart of the city.

• Ensor House:

  Step into the world of renowned Belgian artist James Ensor at Ensor House, his former home turned museum, showcasing a collection of his artworks and personal belongings.

• Fort Napoleon:

  Discover the impressive Fort Napoleon, a historic military fortress offering panoramic views of the city and the North Sea, along with interactive exhibitions on its fascinating history.

• Leopold Park:

  Find tranquility amidst lush greenery at Leopold Park, a picturesque urban oasis featuring a pond, botanical garden, and charming pathways ideal for a leisurely stroll.

• Ostend Pier:

  Walk along the iconic Ostend Pier, Belgium's longest pier stretching into the North Sea, offering stunning views and the perfect spot to watch the sunset over the water.

🛍️ Where to go shopping in Ostend

Discover a shopping paradise in Ostend, where charming boutiques, trendy stores, and lively markets cater to every shopper's preferences. From affordable finds to luxury brands, Ostend offers a diverse shopping experience for visitors to enjoy.

• Best Budget Shopping Place in Ostend:

  Adolf Buylstraat: Explore Adolf Buylstraat, a bustling shopping street lined with a variety of shops, boutiques, and cafes, perfect for budget-friendly shopping sprees and picking up souvenirs.

• Best Mid-Range Shopping Place in Ostend:

  Kapellestraat: Wander along Kapellestraat, Ostend's main shopping district, filled with a mix of popular high-street stores, fashion boutiques, and specialty shops, ideal for mid-range shopping excursions.

• Best Luxury Shopping Place in Ostend:

  Wittenonnenstraat: Indulge in a luxurious shopping experience at Wittenonnenstraat, known for its upscale designer boutiques, jewelry stores, and high-end fashion labels offering the latest trends and exclusive collections.

🚌 Getting Around Ostend

• Public Transport

  In Ostend, public transportation options include buses and trains. De Lijn operates the bus services in the city, with a comprehensive network covering various routes. The cost for a single journey on the bus is around €3, but daily and multiple journey tickets are also available at discounted rates. Buses typically operate from early morning until late at night, with schedules varying depending on the route. The train station in Ostend, known as Ostend Railway Station, is a major transportation hub serving both local and regional train routes. Trains provide convenient connections to cities like Brussels and Ghent. The train schedule varies throughout the day, with more frequent services during peak hours. Ticket prices for train journeys depend on the destination and type of service.

• Main Transportation Hubs

  - Ostend Railway Station: Located in the city center, the railway station is a key transportation hub for train travel. - Ostend Bus Station: The main bus terminal in Ostend is situated near the railway station, providing easy transfers between bus and train services.

• Rental Services

  🚗 Car Rental: - Providers: Major car rental companies like Europcar and Avis operate in Ostend. - Price: Daily rates for car rentals start from €30, depending on the vehicle type. 🚲 Bicycle Rental: - Providers: Local shops and rental companies offer bicycle rental services. - Price: Daily bicycle rentals can cost as low as €10, with discounts for longer rental periods.