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Day trip
From: Hull
To: Rotterdam
 
 
Day trip
 
Day trip

Belgium

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. Top 10 attractions and activities to do in Ostend include - 

 

  1. Adolf Buystraat

  2. Groentemarkt

  3. St. Peter’s & St.Pauls Church

  4. Mu.Zee Art Museum

  5. Koninklijke Gaanderijen

  6. Plage D’Ostende

  7. Albert I Promenade

  8. Seafood

  9. Taz Festival 

  10. Paulusfessten

DVR

Dover

CQF

Calais

Morning

02:00

04:25

06:50

09:15

Midday

11:40

Afternoon

14:05

16:30

Evening

18:55

21:15

23:40
Book from £ 126

Shopping in Ostend

Adolf Buystraat
Adolf Buystraat

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.


Groentemarkt
Groentemarkt

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.

Churches and Landmarks to See in Ostend

Mu.zee Art Museum
Mu zee Art Museum

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.


St. Peter & St. Paul Church
St. Peter & St. Paul Church

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.


Popular Coastal Walks in Ostend

Albert I Promenade
Albert I Promenade

While not a sandy beach itself, the Albert I-promenade is the iconic seaside walkway that perfectly traces the shoreline, acting as the vibrant boundary between the city and the North Sea. Named in honor of Belgium's King Albert I, this elegant, wide-paved boulevard captures the historical grandeur of Ostend as a former royal resort. It is the beating heart of the local coastal lifestyle, offering unobstructed maritime views on one side and a fascinating blend of historical and modern architecture on the other.



Koninklijke Gaanderijen
Koninklijke Gaanderijen

The most popular stretch of Ostend beach is in front of Koninklijke Gaanderijen, the Royal Galleries. Built in 1905,the 380 meer long promenade runs parallel to the coastline and was designed perfectly to protect the upper classes from sun and rain. The promenade is usually pretty busy and if you prefer a quieter walk, you can head closer to the fort which tends to be less crowded.



Plage d’ Ostende
Plage d’ Ostende

Strand Oostende is the sprawling main city beach that serves as the crown jewel of the Belgian Coast. Stretching elegantly along the North Sea, this wide, fine-sand shoreline has been a beloved summer retreat since the 19th-century Belle Époque era. The beachfront is naturally divided into different zones including the lively Groot Strand right off the city center and quieter, wider expanses further down ensuring a perfect spot for both active vacationers and those seeking a peaceful seaside escape.


Seafood to Try 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.


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Seafood to Try in Ostend
Garnaalkroketten
Garnaalkroketten
The Shrimp Croquettes is one of the most beloved snacks in Belgium. The main ingredient of the dish is the grey shrimp which has a sweet and distinctively briny flavour. Chefs fold a generous amount of these tiny shrimps into a thick, richly seasoned béchamel sauce (often flavored with fish stock). The mixture is chilled and shaped in logs, breaded and deep fried. Garnaalkroketten are traditionally served with a wedge of lemon and a side of fried parsley.
Verse Mosselen
Verse Mosselen

Verse Mosselen or Fresh Mussels are one part of Belgium’s national dish, the other being fries.The mussels are served in the iconic tall, black enamel pots that they are cooked in. The mussels are steamed with fragrant broth of white wine, butter, shallots, celery and parsley. The mussels are eaten using an empty mussel shell like a pair of tweezers to pull the meat out of other shells. 


Vissoep
Vissoep

The fish stew is a comforting stew that relies heavily on the local fisherman's catch of the day. The soup is rich, opaque and deeply savory with the base often featuring robust tomato or saffron infused fish stock. The dish is served with toasted bread, a dollop of rouille and sometimes a sprinkle of grated cheese.


Other Fun Things to do in Ostend

Taz Festival
Taz Festival

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.


In the summer, 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.


Paulusfeesten
Paulusfeesten

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.


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Things to do in Ostend 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!


5 What is the best time to visit Ostend?

The best time to visit Osten depends on the kind of trip you’d like. However, the most popular time to make the trip is during the summer months. Between the months of June and August, you have the perfect conditions to visit the beach with temperature comfortably warm. Making it the perfect time to go for a swim, outdoor dining and experiencing the lively coastal atmosphere and events.