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Things to do in Ostend

Discover some of the best things to do in Ostend and book your perfect trip to the ‘City by the Sea’.

Once a sleepy fishing village, Ostend in Belgium has been transformed over the centuries into a cosmopolitan port city that is ideal for a short break. Located in West Flanders, is just over an hour from Calais by car, there’s no shortage of things to do in Ostend.

This pocket-sized city's major attractions are its lively town centre, abundance of seafood restaurants, and the gorgeous sandy beach that hugs its shore, so you are guaranteed to be entertained during your visit here.

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Things to do in Ostend
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The beach
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Eating in Ostend
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Events

Things to do in Ostend

Ostend Activities

For the Shopaholics, one of the best things to do in Ostend is enjoy a unique shopping experience at Adolf Buylstraat, a pretty street that boasts a combination of well-known chain stores and independent boutiques, and Kapellestraat, the city’s main shopping street. There are also plenty of streets in-between which are perfect when hunting down souvenirs in quirky shops.

Open-air markets, such as Groentemarkt, are ideal for bringing home local gifts, with market days usually held on Thursday and Saturday mornings and a small flower market held on Sundays. Visiting the markets can be one of the top things to do in Ostend as you shop around you can explore the beauty of the town and its surroundings.

Culture vultures will love the imposing 19th century Neo-Gothic churches of St Peter and St Paul which are very striking landmarks due to their stained glass windows and towering spires. As one of the most fun things to do in Ostend, you may also enjoy the Venetiaanse Gaanderijen, a series of galleries that stretch along the Ostend seawall and were built for the Belgian king in the early 1900s.

Another essential must see place to visit in Ostend is the Mu.ZEE art museum. This museum which has been completely renovated into a cultural centre and contains a collection of important Belgian art, including work by famous resident James Ensor.

Fun things to do in Ostend - Ostend beach

Known as the ‘City by the Sea’, there are many fun things to do at Ostend beach. Why not wander along the beach, or be brave and even go for a swim. Whatever you decide, visiting Ostend Beach is one of the top things to do in Ostend. Separated from the city by a wide boulevard, the beach is ideal for sunbathing, playing games, and taking part in water sports.

The most popular stretch of Ostend beach is in front of Koninklijke Gaanderijen, the Royal Galleries, but if you prefer a quieter beach you can head closer to the fort which tends to be less crowded.

When it is time for refreshments, you’ll find plenty of choice of restaurants in Ostend by the beachside terraces, restaurants and cafés.

Restaurants in Ostend

It’s not just by the beach where the best restaurants are in Ostend. Like many of the coastal resorts in Belgium, the food options in Ostend are varied, with much of the fresh seafood on offer in its restaurants taken directly from the North Sea. While the city doesn't boast any Michelin-starred restaurants, it does contain a number of gourmet gems that make the area a paradise for foodies making its restaurants some of the best things to go and visit in Ostend.

Explore along Van Iseghemlaan or Langestraat to hunt out some of the best restaurants, or head to one of the more well-known eating spots, such as family owned ‘t Landhuys - the oldest restaurant in Ostend.

For great value seafood, go to the main square, or eat like a local and dine alfresco in one of the brasseries near Bonenstraat and Kadzandstraat. Don't forget to sample the Dover sole and shrimp croquettes to get a taste of its delicacies, as this is one of the most popular things to do in Ostend.

Fun things to do in Ostend - Ostend Events

Ostend hosts a large number of fantastic events throughout the year, and it is worth researching these before you go to see if you would like to plan your trip around one of them.

For example, one of the top things to do in Ostend in the summer is visit the Theatre by the Sea (TAZ) festival that brings thousands of visitors to Ostend for 10 days in late July each year, and offers a wonderful blend of live music, amazing performances, and impressive dancing.

You might also like to visit the alternative art festival, Paulusfeesten, which showcases art, music, poetry, and other shows around a particular theme each year, or Europe's largest annual classic maritime event, the Ostend voor Anker, which boats 172 classic ships, musical performances, and displays. This one really is a must see in Ostend.

With so many great things to do in Ostend, why not start planning your perfect trip to the ‘City by the Sea’ and book your Dover to Calais crossing today.

The most popular stretch of beach is in front of Koninklijke Gaanderijen, but if you prefer a quieter beach you can head closer to the fort which tends to be less crowded

FAQs:

1. Where is Ostend?

Ostend is a coastal city located in the western part of Belgium, along the North Sea. It is in the province of West Flanders, in the Flanders region. Known for its beaches, seaside promenade, and vibrant cultural scene, Ostend is a popular destination for both tourists and locals seeking a relaxing coastal experience.

2. Are there any ferries to Ostend?

Yes, there are ferries to Ostend. The city has a ferry terminal that connects to the UK. The most common route is the ferry route is our Dover to Calais route. Here our ferry service offers a direct link across the English Channel, providing both passenger and vehicle transport. It is a convenient option for travellers between Belgium and the UK. For more information on our Dover to Calais ferry timetables find out more today.

3. How far is Ostend from Bruges?

Ostend is about 30 kilometers (19 miles) from Bruges. The journey by car typically takes around 30 to 40 minutes, depending on traffic. With it so nearby you can plan the most perfect trip to Belgium suitable to everyone of all ages.

4. What to do in Ostend?

There are plenty of things to do in Ostend from things to do at Ostend Beach to the variety of places to eat, there’s plenty for everyone to enjoy. Why not visit the Mu.ZEE museum to explore Belgian art, and take a walk in Leopold Park, which has beautiful gardens and a lake. You can also walk along the Ostend Pier for scenic views of the North Sea. Don’t miss exploring the Royal Galleries for a taste of historic shopping. Get started planning your visit today and book your ferry to Belgium now!

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