Ostend Belgium Travel Guide
Morning (Arrival & Seafront): Arrive in Ostend, check into your hotel. Immediately head to the promenade for a refreshing walk along the beach. Visit the Mercator ship, moored in the city center harbor.
Lunch (Local Flavors): Enjoy fresh seafood at one of the restaurants along the Visserskaai (Fish Quay). Try the "Garnaalkroketten" (grey shrimp croquettes).
Detailed plans for a rewarding 2-3 day weekend getaway or a comprehensive week-long stay.
Arrive, settle into your accommodation. Visit the Mercator ship. In the evening, enjoy dinner at a seafood restaurant. Take a leisurely stroll along the illuminated beach.
Dedicate your morning to art at Mu.ZEE and the James Ensor House. In the afternoon, take the free ferry to Oosteroever (Eastern Bank) to explore Fort Napoleon and the Amandine ship.
Take a train for a full day trip to Bruges. Explore its medieval charm and canals. You might consider an overnight stay if you wish to experience its quieter evenings.
Relax on Ostend beach. Rent a bicycle and cycle along the coast to the charming town of De Haan. Alternatively, visit the Atlantikwall Raversyde for more historical insight and nature. Depart in the afternoon.
Combine all elements of the weekend itinerary with longer, more relaxed stays in Ostend. Allocate more time for specific museums and activities.
Dedicate an afternoon to street art hunting. Enjoy a full day of cycling along the Coastal Tram route.
A full day trip to Bruges. A half-day trip to De Haan or Nieuwpoort for a different coastal vibe.
This day allows for relaxation, last-minute souvenir shopping, or revisiting a favorite spot. Depart from Ostend.
For longer stays, dive into Ostend and beyond, or tailor your trip to specific interests.
Combine all elements of the one-week itinerary with longer, more relaxed stays in Ostend (e.g., more beach time, thoroughly exploring all museums and hidden gems).
Concentrate on Ostend's Mercator, Fort Napoleon, Atlantikwall Raversyde, and St. Peter and St. Paul's Church for a deep dive into local history.
Dedicate time to the Visserskaai fish market, dine at numerous seafood restaurants, embark on a "frituur" crawl for fries, and indulge in waffle tasting.
Engage in cycling along the Coastal Route, enjoy long beach walks, try water sports (during summer), and experience beach karting.
Spend ample time on the beach. Explore Fort Napoleon (tunnels are fun for kids) and the Mercator ship. Visit Earth Explorer, an interactive science center.
Focus on Mu.ZEE, the James Ensor House, and hunt for "The Crystal Ship" street art murals. Admire the architecture of Kursaal Oostende and De Grote Post.
These itineraries suggest ways to manage costs for different budget levels and plan around Ostend's seasonal offerings.
Stay in hostels like Jeugdherberg De Ploate or budget-friendly guesthouses. Rely on supermarket groceries for most meals. Enjoy affordable "Frituur" fries and waffles from street vendors.
Choose 3-star hotels or comfortable apartments that offer good value. Enjoy a mix of casual restaurants, local brasseries, and some self-catering meals.
Indulge in fine dining experiences and exclusive seafood restaurants. Arrange private tours, exclusive experiences, spa treatments, and indulge in high-end shopping.
This is the high season, great for beach activities, sunbathing, and swimming. The city features a lively atmosphere with outdoor terraces and events.
Experience a quieter, more contemplative Ostend. Enjoy cozy cafes and restaurants. Focus on indoor attractions like museums and the Kursaal.
Plan your visit around specific festivals for an unique experience. Oostende voor Anker (May/June), The Crystal Ship (spring), and Theater aan Zee (July/August).
During the low season (November-March), prices for accommodation and flights are lower. Enjoy less crowded walks on the beach and more authentic local interaction.
