Ostend

Belgium, Europe

Ostend, often referred to as the 'Queen of the Belgian Coast', is a vibrant seaside city famous for its stunning beaches, lively boardwalk, and rich maritime heritage. Visitors can explore the beautiful Albert I Promenade, indulge in fresh seafood at local eateries, or relax on the golden sands. The city also offers cultural gems like the Mu.ZEE contemporary art museum and the historic Fort Napoleon. With a thriving events calendar, including the annual Ostend Film Festival, Ostend combines relaxation with entertainment and cultural exploration.

Quick facts

Target stay

3-4 days

Type

City

Vibe

Relaxing

Airport

Oostende

Known for

Beach

Hiking

Leisure

Wildlife

Best time to visit
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec

13 Best Things to Do in Ostend

1

Est. 1 hr

Year round

Family-friendly

Stroll along Ostend Beach

Relax on sandy shores and enjoy coastal views.

No booking required
2

Est. 2 hrs

Year round

Family-friendly

Visit the Mu.ZEE

Explore modern art and local exhibitions in this museum.

No booking required
3

Est. 1.5 hrs

Year round

Family-friendly

Tour the Royal Galleries

Marvel at stunning architecture and historical significance.

No booking required
4

Est. 1.5 hrs

Year round

Family-friendly

Explore Fort Napoleon

Discover a historic fortress with panoramic views.

No booking required
5

Est. 2 hrs

Year round

Family-friendly

Sample local seafood at a restaurant

Taste fresh seafood dishes at local eateries.

No booking required
6

Est. 1 hr

Year round

Family-friendly

Visit the Ostend Fish Market

Experience the vibrant local fish market atmosphere.

No booking required
7

Est. 4 hrs

Seasonal

Family-friendly

Attend the Ostend Festival of Flanders

Join in the celebration of music and culture.

Booking required
8

Est. 1 hr

Year round

Family-friendly

Relax at Leopold Park

Enjoy nature and peaceful surroundings in the park.

No booking required
9

Est. 1.5 hrs

Year round

Family-friendly

Visit the Ostend Museum

Learn about the city's rich maritime history.

No booking required
10

Est. 2 hrs

Year round

Family-friendly

Take a bike ride along the coast

Cycle through scenic coastal pathways and enjoy views.

No booking required
11

Est. 1 hr

Year round

Family-friendly

Enjoy a sunset at the Pier

Witness breathtaking sunsets over the North Sea.

No booking required
12

Est. 3 hrs

Seasonal

Family-friendly

Attend the Ostend Carnival

Join the vibrant festivities of this colorful parade.

No booking required
13

Est. 1.5 hrs

Year round

Family-friendly

Explore the Mercator

Visit the historic sailing ship turned museum.

No booking required

Need to know, before you go

Country info

Tipping

Included in bill

Tapwater

Generally safe to drink

Safety

1 2 3 4 5

High

LGBTQ+ safety score

8 (#21 globally)

Cost

Expensive

Currency

Euro

Majority religion

Christian

Language

Dutch

(50-80% speak English)

Best dishes to try

Moules-Frite

Mussels served with fries. (National dish)

Belgian Waffles

V

Sweet, fluffy waffles, often topped.

Stoofvlees

Beef stew, slow-cooked in beer.

Speculoos

V

Spiced shortcrust biscuit, often caramelized.

Waterzooi

Creamy chicken or fish stew with vegetables.

Phrases to learn

English

Dutch

Hello

Hallo

(Hah-loh)

Yes/No

Ja / Nee

(Yah / Nay)

Thank you

Dank je

(Dank yuh)

Excuse me

Pardon

(Par-don)

How much?

Hoeveel?

(Hoo-vel)