Practical Tips & Hacks: Ostend

Money-Saving Strategies

Clever choices stretch your budget further in Ostend.

Discount Cards and Passes

De Lijn Day/Multi-Day Passes for public transport.
Museum Passes or combination tickets.
Carry International Student/Senior IDs for reduced rates.
Inquire about group or special discounts.

Free Activities and Attractions

Walk the promenade and relax on the beach.
Explore "The Crystal Ship" street art murals.
Visit St. Peter and St. Paul's Church.
Take the free ferry to the Eastern Bank (Oosteroever).

Happy Hours and Dining Deals

Seek "dagschotel" (daily special) or "menu van de dag".
Look for early bird specials at restaurants.
Enjoy multi-course meals at a good value, often at lunchtime.
Check for online restaurant promotions before booking.

Transportation Savings

Walk or cycle extensively; Ostend is compact.
Use public transport via the De Lijn app for individual tickets.
Consider a Belgian rail pass for extensive inter-city train travel.
Plan your route to minimize individual journey costs.

Time-Saving Tips

Optimize your time in Ostend to discover more.

Skip-the-Line Options

Purchase tickets online in advance for popular attractions.
Review official websites for pre-purchase options.
Secure entry for specific time slots to avoid queues.
This method streamlines entry, especially during busy times.

Best and Worst Times to Visit

Worst: Mid-day, July-August for major museums and the Mercator.
Best: Early morning right after opening.
Best: Later afternoon, closer to closing time.
Off-peak hours mean fewer crowds.

Express Transportation

Trains for swift travel between Belgian cities from Ostend.
Train from Brussels Airport for the quickest airport transfer.
Plan train journeys in advance for better rates.
High-speed options for minimal transit time.

Efficient Routing and Pre-Booking

Group attractions by area to reduce travel time.
Utilize the De Lijn app for optimal public transport paths.
Pre-book accommodation, especially during high season.
Reserve tickets for major attractions, events, or popular restaurants.

Local Insights

Understand Ostend's refinements with these insider observations.

Common Tourist Missteps

Focusing solely on Bruges; Ostend has its own unique character.
Missing local seafood specialties like grey shrimp croquettes.
Underestimating coastal weather changes; pack layers.
Not utilizing the De Lijn app for public transport.

Local Customs to Know

Politeness is valued; use "Alstublieft" and "Dank u wel".
Punctuality for appointments and reservations is customary.
Many smaller shops close on Sundays.
Wear comfortable, sturdy shoes for cobblestone streets.

Unofficial Rules and Social Norms

Queue orderly for services.
Be mindful of cyclists and their dedicated lanes.
Coffee often comes with a small piece of chocolate or cookie.
Engage in polite conversation.

Phrases to Impress Locals

"Het is lekker!" (That's delicious!)
"Mooi weer, hè?" (Nice weather, isn't it?)
"Een Westmalle Dubbel, alstublieft." (A Westmalle Dubbel, please.)
Even a few Dutch phrases show effort.

Solo, Family & Group-Specific Advice

Tailor your trip planning to your travel companions.

Solo Traveler Safety and Social

Ostend is generally safe; watch surroundings, secure valuables.
Hostels, pubs, and cafes offer social opportunities.
Consider joining walking tours to meet others.
Be mindful of poorly lit areas late at night.

Family-Friendly Adaptations

The beach, Earth Explorer, Fort Napoleon, and Mercator are popular.
Fries, waffles, and fresh seafood are kid-pleasers.
Public transport is simple for families; promenade is Stroller-friendly.
Apartments with kitchens offer flexibility for meals.

Managing Group Logistics

Book accommodation and popular restaurants well in advance.
Inquire about group tickets or discounts for trains or attractions.
Designate one group leader for communication and bookings.
Plan activities with group interests and pace in mind.

Accessibility Considerations

Research specific venue accessibility in advance.
Contact Ostend Tourism or venues directly for details.
Plan routes that avoid cobblestones where possible.
Look for information on ramps, lifts, and accessible facilities.

Travel Note

Careful planning with these tips yields a more enjoyable and efficient Ostend adventure.

Resources & References

Access these helpful tools for your Ostend journey.

Digital Tools

Applications and websites for on-the-go planning.

Print Materials

Offline guides for exploration.

Emergency Info

Critical contacts and procedures for safety.

Digital Resources

Essential Apps for Ostend

De Lijn app for public transport schedules and tickets.
SNCB/NMBS app for national train travel.
Google Maps/Apple Maps for navigation (download offline maps).

Useful Websites

Visit Oostende (visit.oostende.be) for official tourism information.
De Lijn (delijn.be) for public transport routes.
KMI (kmi.be) for reliable weather forecasts.

Additional Digital Tools

Google Translate (offline Dutch pack), WhatsApp for local communication, Booking.com/Airbnb for reservations, a reliable weather app, and NordVPN (Nordvpn.com) for secure browsing.

Emergency Information

Critical Contacts

Emergency Numbers

General Emergency (Police, Fire, Ambulance): 112
Police (non-emergency): 101
Fire Department/Ambulance (non-emergency): 100
These numbers function from any phone, including mobile.

Hospital Location

AZ Sint-Jan Brugge - Campus Ostend
Henri Serruyslaan 2, 8400 Ostend
Offers emergency services and general medical care.

Lost Document Procedures

Passport: Report to local police, obtain a police report.
Contact your country's embassy/consulate in Brussels.
Credit Cards: Call your bank's international lost/stolen card number immediately.
Keep emergency numbers stored separately.

Print Resources

Recommended Guidebooks

Comprehensive guidebooks on Belgium or Flanders regions.
Local maps of Ostend are often available at the Tourism Office.
For a comprehensive Belgium and Netherlands guide, consider a Rick Steves Belgium & Netherlands guidebook.

Books About the Destination

Explore books about James Ensor for artistic context.
Books on World War I or general Belgian history.
For insights into Belgian beer, "The Beers of Belgium" is a resource.

Local Publications

Available Locally

Free city maps from the tourism office.
Event guides at hotels and cafes.
Brochures on current exhibitions.
Local recommendations for dining and activities.
These publications often list current events.

Where to Find Them

Ostend Tourism Office.
Hotel lobbies.
Selected cafes and public spaces.
Look for display racks near entrances.
Information points in the city center.

Additional Digital Content

Podcasts

Search for podcasts on Belgian history, culture, or travel.

Articles

Find online articles about James Ensor or Ostend's maritime past.

Local News

Follow local news outlets (e.g., focus-wtv.be) for regional updates.

Emergency Protocol

While natural disasters are rare, heed all instructions from local authorities during alerts. Information typically comes from hotel staff, local news, or public announcements.

Pre-Trip Checklist

Essential Preparations

Months Before Departure

Passport Validity Check
Confirm validity for six months beyond your return date.
Visa Requirements
Research Belgium (Schengen Area) visa rules; apply early if needed.
Book International Flights
Secure flights to Brussels Airport (BRU).

Month Before Departure

Detailed Itinerary
Plan day trips and desired activities.
Book Tours/Attractions
Secure tickets for popular experiences with limited capacity.
Document Copies
Make physical and digital copies of important documents.

Pre-Trip Research & Home Prep

Pre-Trip Research

Explore Ostend's maritime past, royal resort history, and artistic heritage (James Ensor). Investigate local festivals or events during your visit. This research deepens your appreciation.

Home Preparation

Secure your home by locking doors and windows. Pause mail and newspaper deliveries. Arrange for plant or pet care. Settle any upcoming bills. Share travel plans with trusted contacts.

Financial Readiness

Inform your bank and credit card companies about your travel plans to avoid card freezing. Obtain some local currency (€) or plan for ATM access upon arrival.

Arrival Checklist

First Steps Upon Arrival

Clear immigration and customs with documents ready.
Collect luggage from baggage claim.
Activate local SIM or confirm roaming service.
Locate an ATM for initial cash withdrawal.

Orientation and Transport

Find nearest public transport stops from accommodation.
Obtain a local map from tourism office or hotel.
Familiarize yourself with the neighborhood: restaurants, supermarkets, pharmacies.
Purchase a De Lijn day pass for frequent public transport use.

Departure Preparation

Souvenirs and Shipping

Complete last-minute souvenir shopping a day or two before leaving.
Arrange item shipping a few days before departure if needed.
Ensure carry-on liquids meet airline security rules.
Consider items from Eagle Creek for travel organization.

Pre-Departure Timing

Allow ample travel time to the airport/station.
Arrive 2-3 hours before international flights; 1.5-2 hours for Schengen.
Check out of accommodation, verifying nothing is forgotten.
Confirm return flight/train details and check for changes.

Travel Insurance Reminder

Obtain comprehensive travel insurance that covers medical emergencies, trip cancellation, and lost luggage. Consider World Nomads for coverage.

Practical Tips & Hacks