Things to Do in Belgian Coast, België / Belgique / Belgien

The Belgian Coast stretches for 67 kilometers along the North Sea, offering a unique blend of seaside charm, Art Nouveau architecture, and vibrant resort towns. From the elegant promenades of Ostend to the trendy beach bars of Knokke-Heist, this compact coastline packs remarkable diversity into its sandy shores. The region seamlessly combines traditional Belgian culture with seaside leisure, featuring everything from fresh seafood markets to world-class spas, historic piers to modern beach clubs. Despite its relatively small size, the Belgian Coast attracts millions of visitors annually with its distinctive character that sets it apart from other European beach destinations. The coastline is dotted with charming seaside towns like Blankenberge, De Panne, and Nieuwpoort, each offering their own personality and attractions. Whether you're seeking family-friendly beaches, cultural experiences, or sophisticated dining, the Belgian Coast delivers an authentic European seaside experience with excellent accessibility and infrastructure.

Top Things to Do in Belgian Coast

Explore Ostend's Cultural Scene

Discover Belgium's largest coastal city with its impressive array of museums, including the Mu.ZEE contemporary art museum and the fascinating Fort Napoleon. The city combines seaside relaxation with rich cultural offerings, from James Ensor's house-museum to the bustling fish market and historic casino. Ostend's long promenade and beautiful beach provide the perfect backdrop for cultural exploration.

Booking Tip: Many museums offer combination tickets for €15-20. Visit on weekdays for smaller crowds, and check for free museum days. The tourist office near the station offers city passes that include public transport and museum entries.

Beach Activities and Water Sports

The Belgian Coast offers excellent opportunities for kitesurfing, windsurfing, and sailing, with consistent North Sea winds creating ideal conditions. Popular beaches like Knokke-Heist and De Panne feature well-organized water sports centers and equipment rental facilities. Beach volleyball courts, beach soccer fields, and children's play areas make the beaches perfect for active families.

Booking Tip: Water sports equipment rental costs €30-50 per day. Book lessons in advance during summer (€40-60 per session). Many beach clubs offer day passes for €10-15 including loungers and facilities. Check weather conditions as North Sea can be choppy.

Historic Coastal Tram Journey

Take the world's longest tram line that runs the entire length of the Belgian Coast, connecting all major seaside towns from De Panne to Knokke-Heist. This scenic 68-kilometer journey offers stunning coastal views and convenient access to different beach towns, making it both a tourist attraction and practical transportation. The vintage trams provide a nostalgic way to explore the entire coastline in a single day.

Booking Tip: Day passes cost around €7 and allow unlimited travel. Buy tickets at any tram stop or use contactless payment. Peak summer times can be crowded, so travel early morning or late afternoon. The journey takes about 2.5 hours end-to-end.

Seafood and Local Cuisine Tours

Experience the Belgian Coast's renowned seafood scene with visits to traditional fish markets, mussel farms, and seaside restaurants. Sample local specialties like North Sea shrimp croquettes, fresh mussels, and the famous Belgian fries served beachside. Many tours combine food tastings with visits to local breweries and traditional fishing harbors.

Booking Tip: Food tours range from €45-75 per person and often include 4-5 tastings. Book weekend tours well in advance. Look for tours that include market visits and cooking demonstrations. Summer evening tours offer the best atmosphere with outdoor dining.

Cycling the Coastal Route

Follow the well-marked coastal cycling paths that wind through dunes, nature reserves, and charming seaside villages. The flat terrain and dedicated bike lanes make this perfect for all skill levels, with routes passing through the beautiful Zwin Nature Park and historic sites like the Atlantic Wall bunkers. Bike rental stations are available in every major coastal town.

Booking Tip: Bike rentals cost €12-18 per day, with electric bikes at €25-35. Many hotels offer free bike loans. The 67km full coastal route takes 4-6 hours with stops. Spring and early fall offer the best cycling weather with fewer crowds.

Getting There

The Belgian Coast is easily accessible by train from major Belgian cities, with direct connections from Brussels taking about 1.5 hours to reach Ostend, the main coastal hub. International visitors can fly into Brussels Airport and take the train directly to coastal destinations. By car, the coast is well-connected via the A10 highway, with ample parking available in all major seaside towns, though summer parking can be expensive (€2-4 per hour). The coastal tram provides excellent connectivity between all beach towns once you arrive.

Getting Around

The iconic coastal tram is the best way to explore the Belgian Coast, running every 10-20 minutes during peak season and connecting all major destinations along the 67-kilometer coastline. Local buses provide connections to inland attractions and nature areas. Most coastal towns are very walkable, and bicycle rental is widely available and highly recommended for exploring at your own pace. Taxis and ride-sharing services are available but can be expensive during peak summer months.

Where to Stay

Ostend City Center

Knokke-Heist

Blankenberge

De Panne

Nieuwpoort Marina

Middelkerke

Food & Dining

The Belgian Coast's culinary scene centers around exceptional fresh seafood, with beachfront restaurants serving everything from casual fish and chips to sophisticated North Sea cuisine. Local specialties include grey shrimp croquettes, fresh mussels prepared in numerous ways, and the famous Belgian fries served in paper cones. Many restaurants feature outdoor terraces with sea views, and the fish markets in Ostend and Nieuwpoort offer the freshest catches. Don't miss trying local Belgian beers paired with seafood, and save room for authentic Belgian waffles and chocolates available at seaside cafes and promenades throughout the coast.

When to Visit

The Belgian Coast is most popular from May through September, with July and August being peak season featuring the warmest weather (18-22°C) and longest days, though also the largest crowds and highest prices. Late spring (May-June) and early fall (September) offer pleasant weather, fewer tourists, and better accommodation rates while still maintaining good restaurant and attraction hours. Winter visits can be atmospheric with dramatic North Sea storms and cozy seaside cafes, though many seasonal attractions close and weather can be quite cool and windy.

Insider Tips

Purchase the Coast Card for discounts on attractions, restaurants, and activities - it pays for itself with just 2-3 uses and includes the coastal tram

Visit local fish markets early in the morning (around 7-8 AM) to see the daily catch arrive and get the best selection at seafood restaurants later

Many beaches have free sections alongside paid beach club areas - look for public access points to avoid unnecessary fees while still enjoying excellent facilities

Things to Do in Belgian Coast