Map of Ostend, Belgium

🏖️ What to Do in Ostend

Immerse yourself in the vibrant coastal city of Ostend with activities that cater to all budgets. From exploring sandy beaches to cultural experiences, there's something for everyone to enjoy in Ostend!

• Best Budget Activity in Ostend:

  Ostend Beach: Spend a relaxing day sunbathing, swimming, and enjoying the beautiful North Sea views at Ostend's pristine beaches.

• Best Mid-Range Activity in Ostend:

  Mu.ZEE: Visit the Mu.ZEE art museum to admire contemporary art exhibitions and dive into Ostend's cultural scene.

• Best Luxury Activity in Ostend:

  Wellness Center ROYAL: Treat yourself to a luxurious spa day at Wellness Center ROYAL, offering a range of pampering treatments and relaxation facilities.

🍽️ Where to Eat in Ostend

In Ostend, indulge in a culinary journey filled with fresh seafood, Belgian waffles, and exquisite chocolates. Don't miss out on trying the famous Ostend shrimps and delicious moules-frites!

• Best Budget Restaurant in Ostend:

  De Koekoek•$$:

  Cuisine specialty: Traditional Belgian dishes and hearty comfort food.

• Best Mid-Range Restaurant in Ostend:

  Brasserie Manuscript•$$$:

  Cuisine specialty: Seafood specialties and creative fusion cuisine.

• Best Luxury Restaurant in Ostend:

  Ostend Queen•$$$$:

  Cuisine specialty: Fine dining with a focus on upscale Belgian and international cuisine.

• Best Budget Bar in Ostend:

  Café Botteltje•$:

  Try their extensive selection of Belgian beers.

• Best Mid-Range Bar in Ostend:

  Tapas&Co•$$:

  Enjoy their delicious tapas paired with a refreshing cocktail.

• Best Luxury Bar in Ostend:

  Bar Bernard•$$$:

  Sip on premium wines and cocktails in a sophisticated ambiance.

🏰 What to See in Ostend

Discover the rich history and charm of Ostend through its must-visit landmarks that showcase the city's cultural heritage and architectural beauty.

• Fort Napoleon:

  Explore the well-preserved fortress that once served as a defense structure against Napoleon's invasion, offering panoramic views of the city and the sea.

• Ostend City Hall:

  Admire the stunning Neo-Gothic architecture of the City Hall, a historic building that represents Ostend's municipal administration and houses beautiful artwork and sculptures.

• The Mercator Ship:

  Step aboard the iconic Mercator Ship, a floating maritime museum that allows visitors to experience the life of sailors and explore a piece of Belgium's nautical history.

• James Ensor House:

  Visit the former home of renowned Belgian artist James Ensor, now a museum showcasing his life, art, and influence on the local art scene.

• Ostend Casino-Kursaal:

  Marvel at the grandeur of the Ostend Casino-Kursaal, a legendary seaside resort complex that hosts concerts, events, and gaming facilities, adding a touch of glamour to Ostend's skyline.

🛍️ Where to Go Shopping in Ostend

Experience the diverse shopping scene in Ostend, offering everything from local boutiques to international brands, ensuring a satisfying retail therapy experience for every shopper.

• Best Budget Shopping Place in Ostend:

  Kapellestraat: Explore Kapellestraat, a bustling shopping street lined with affordable fashion stores, souvenir shops, and cozy cafes, perfect for budget-conscious shoppers.

• Best Mid-Range Shopping Place in Ostend:

  Adolf Buylstraat: Stroll along Adolf Buylstraat, a popular shopping district in Ostend offering a mix of mid-range fashion boutiques, accessory stores, and trendy eateries.

• Best Luxury Shopping Place in Ostend:

  Wittenonnenstraat: Indulge in luxury shopping at Wittenonnenstraat, known for its upscale designer boutiques, high-end jewelry stores, and exclusive fashion labels, catering to those seeking a lavish shopping experience.

🚌 Getting Around Ostend

• Public Transport

  In Ostend, the primary mode of public transportation is buses operated by De Lijn. Buses cover the city as well as the surrounding areas, with frequent services and a reliable schedule. A single journey ticket costs around €3, but various pass options are available for more cost-effective travel if you plan to use public transport extensively during your stay.

• Main Transportation Hubs

  The main transportation hub in Ostend is the Ostend railway station, located centrally and providing easy access to train services connecting to major cities in Belgium. Additionally, the city is served by Ostend-Bruges International Airport, which offers flights to various destinations in Europe.

• Rental Services

  🚗 Car Rentals: Visitors can opt for car rentals from providers like Europcar, Avis, and Hertz, with prices starting from €40 per day for a basic vehicle. 🚲 Bicycle Rentals: For a more eco-friendly and leisurely way to explore Ostend, bike rentals are available from companies like Blue-bike and Velo, starting at €10 for a daily rental.