Home › Destinations › Belgian Coast
Belgian Coast, België / Belgique / Belgien - Things to Do in Belgian Coast

Things to Do in Belgian Coast

Belgian Coast, België / Belgique / Belgien - Complete Travel Guide

The Belgian Coast stretches for 67 kilometers along the North Sea, offering a delightful blend of seaside charm, Belle Époque architecture, and rich maritime heritage. From the elegant resort town of Knokke-Heist to the bustling port city of Ostend, this coastal region provides a perfect escape with sandy beaches, historic fishing villages, and world-class seafood. The coastline is dotted with iconic beach cabins, Art Nouveau villas, and modern seaside developments that cater to both luxury seekers and families looking for traditional seaside fun. What sets the Belgian Coast apart is its unique combination of cultural sophistication and laid-back beach atmosphere. Visitors can explore world-renowned museums, indulge in fresh North Sea delicacies, and experience the vibrant nightlife, all while enjoying the refreshing sea breeze. The region is also famous for its tram line - the longest in the world - which connects all coastal towns, making it incredibly easy to explore multiple destinations in a single visit.

Top Things to Do in Belgian Coast

Explore Ostend's Maritime Heritage

Discover Belgium's 'Queen of Seaside Resorts' through its fascinating maritime museums, historic fishing port, and beautiful seafront promenade. Visit the Mu.ZEE art museum and the Atlantic Wall Open Air Museum to understand the city's rich cultural and wartime history. The city also offers excellent shopping along the pedestrian streets and vibrant nightlife scene.

Booking Tip: Many museums offer combination tickets for €15-20. Visit during weekdays for smaller crowds, and book restaurant reservations in advance during summer months. The tourist office near the station provides free maps and discount coupons.

Beach Hopping Along the Coast

Experience the diverse character of Belgian beaches from the upscale sands of Knokke-Heist to the family-friendly shores of De Panne. Each beach town has its own personality, from the artistic vibe of Middelkerke to the natural beauty of De Haan with its preserved dune landscape. Rent colorful beach cabins, try beach sports, or simply relax with a Belgian beer while watching the sunset.

Booking Tip: Beach cabin rentals cost €20-50 per day depending on location and season. Book accommodations 2-3 months ahead for July-August. Consider staying in less crowded towns like Bredene or Wenduine for better value and authentic local experience.

Ride the Coast Tram

Take a journey on the world's longest tram line, stretching 68 kilometers from De Panne to Knokke-Heist with stops at all major coastal towns. This scenic ride offers spectacular views of the North Sea and allows you to easily explore multiple destinations in one day. The vintage trams themselves are part of the experience, representing over a century of coastal transportation history.

Booking Tip: A day pass costs around €7 and allows unlimited rides. Peak season can be crowded, so travel early morning or late afternoon for better seats. Download the De Lijn app for real-time schedules and consider the 3-day tourist pass for €15 if staying longer.

Culinary Adventures and Seafood Tours

Indulge in the Belgian Coast's exceptional seafood scene, from traditional grey shrimp croquettes to fresh mussels and oysters. Visit local fish markets, family-run restaurants, and beachfront brasseries to taste authentic North Sea specialties. Many establishments also serve excellent Belgian beers and wines that pair perfectly with seafood dishes.

Booking Tip: Seafood restaurants range from €25-60 per person for a full meal. Make reservations for waterfront restaurants during peak season. Local markets operate Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday mornings - perfect for sampling regional specialties at lower prices.

Art and Architecture Walking Tours

Explore the stunning Belle Époque and Art Nouveau architecture that defines much of the Belgian coastline, particularly in towns like De Haan and Blankenberge. Discover impressive villa districts, historic hotels, and unique seaside architecture that reflects the region's golden age as a European resort destination. Many towns also feature contemporary art installations and galleries showcasing local maritime-inspired works.

Booking Tip: Self-guided architecture maps are available free at tourist offices. Guided tours cost €8-15 per person and run weekends year-round, daily in summer. Photography is encouraged, and many buildings have historical plaques in multiple languages including English.

Getting There

The Belgian Coast is easily accessible by train from major Belgian cities, with direct connections from Brussels (1 hour to Ostend), Antwerp (1.5 hours), and Ghent (45 minutes). Brussels Airport is about 1.5 hours away by public transport via Brussels Central Station. For international visitors, the coast is well-connected to major European cities, with high-speed trains from Paris, Amsterdam, and London (via Brussels). By car, the E40 motorway provides direct access from Brussels and Ghent, while the A18 connects from France. Several bus companies also operate seasonal services from major European cities during summer months.

Getting Around

The iconic Coast Tram (Kusttram) is the best way to explore the region, running along the entire 68-kilometer coastline with frequent stops at all major towns and attractions. Local buses connect inland areas and provide access to nature reserves and smaller villages. Most coastal towns are very walkable, and bicycle rentals are widely available and popular - many accommodations provide free bike use. Taxis and ride-sharing services operate in larger towns like Ostend and Knokke-Heist. For those with cars, parking can be challenging and expensive in town centers during peak season, but most hotels offer parking facilities.

Where to Stay

Ostend City Center
Knokke-Heist
De Haan
Blankenberge
De Panne
Nieuwpoort

Food & Dining

The Belgian Coast offers exceptional dining focused on fresh North Sea seafood and traditional Flemish cuisine. Waterfront restaurants serve everything from casual fish and chips to haute cuisine featuring local specialties like grey shrimp, sole, and turbot. Don't miss trying the famous Belgian Coast grey shrimp croquettes, fresh mussels prepared in various styles, and local oysters. Many establishments pair their seafood with excellent Belgian beers or wines from nearby regions. Beach bars and brasseries offer more casual dining with stunning sea views, while inland restaurants often feature traditional Flemish dishes like waterzooi and carbonnade. The region also has several Michelin-recommended establishments, particularly in Ostend and Knokke-Heist, offering innovative takes on coastal cuisine.

Top-Rated Restaurants in Belgium

Highly-rated dining options based on Google reviews (4.5+ stars, 100+ reviews)

View all food guides →

Pasta Divina

4.6 /5
(2986 reviews) 2

A L’Angolo

4.5 /5
(2732 reviews) 2
store

Pasta Factory

4.8 /5
(1083 reviews) 2

Dolce Amaro

4.7 /5
(858 reviews) 2

Osteria Bolognese

4.7 /5
(680 reviews) 2

La Mamma

4.6 /5
(672 reviews) 2
all dining options →

When to Visit

The Belgian Coast is most popular from May through September, with July and August being peak season featuring the warmest weather, longest days, and fullest range of activities and events. However, these months also bring crowds and higher prices. Late spring (May-June) and early autumn (September) offer pleasant weather, fewer tourists, and better accommodation rates while most attractions remain open. Winter visits can be magical with dramatic seascapes and cozy seaside cafes, though many seasonal attractions close and weather can be unpredictable. The shoulder seasons are perfect for cultural activities, spa treatments, and enjoying the region's excellent restaurants without summer crowds.

Insider Tips

Purchase the Coast Card for discounts on attractions, restaurants, and activities - it pays for itself after just a few uses and includes free public transport
Visit local fish markets early in the morning (around 7-8 AM) to see the daily catch arrive and get the freshest seafood at the best prices
Many beach restaurants offer 'happy hour' pricing on seafood platters between 5-7 PM, providing excellent value for high-quality meals with sunset views

Explore Activities in Belgian Coast