Things to Do in Ostend, België / Belgique / Belgien

Ostend, Belgium's premier seaside resort city, has been welcoming visitors to its sandy beaches and vibrant promenade since the 19th century. Known as the 'Queen of Belgian seaside resorts,' this charming coastal city combines historic elegance with modern attractions, offering everything from world-class museums and fresh seafood to beautiful Art Nouveau architecture and bustling beach life. Located on the North Sea coast in West Flanders, Ostend serves as Belgium's main ferry port and has maintained its reputation as a sophisticated yet accessible destination. The city seamlessly blends its maritime heritage with contemporary culture, featuring excellent museums like the Mu.ZEE contemporary art museum and the fascinating Fort Napoleon. Ostend's long sandy beach stretches for miles, backed by an elegant promenade lined with belle époque hotels, trendy beach bars, and excellent seafood restaurants. Whether you're interested in art, history, beach relaxation, or culinary experiences, Ostend offers a perfect mix of seaside charm and Belgian sophistication.

Top Things to Do in Ostend

Beach and Promenade Walking

Stroll along Ostend's magnificent 9-kilometer sandy beach and elegant Albert I Promenade, lined with beautiful belle époque architecture, beach clubs, and cafés. The wide promenade is perfect for walking, cycling, or simply enjoying the sea views while watching the bustling beach life and colorful beach huts.

Booking Tip: Free activity, best enjoyed during morning or late afternoon for optimal lighting and fewer crowds. Beach chair rentals cost around €8-12 per day, and many beach bars offer free WiFi and reasonable drink prices.

Mu.ZEE Art Museum Visit

Explore Belgium's premier museum for Belgian art from 1830 to present, featuring works by James Ensor, Léon Spilliaert, and other masters of Belgian art. The museum showcases an impressive collection of modern and contemporary art in a beautifully designed space near the beach.

Booking Tip: Admission costs €12 for adults, €8 for students/seniors. Open Tuesday-Sunday 10am-6pm. Purchase tickets online for slight discounts and to skip queues during peak summer months.

Fort Napoleon Exploration

Visit this fascinating pentagonal fortress built by Napoleon in 1811, now housing a museum about Ostend's military history and coastal defense. The fort offers excellent views over the harbor and North Sea, plus interactive exhibits about the city's strategic maritime importance.

Booking Tip: Entry costs €8 for adults, €6 for children. Open daily April-September, weekends only in winter. Guided tours available in multiple languages for €3 extra - highly recommended for historical context.

Fresh Seafood Market and Harbor Tour

Experience Ostend's fishing heritage at the bustling Visserskaai fish market and harbor area, where you can watch fishing boats unload their daily catch and sample the freshest North Sea seafood. The harbor also features the historic Amandine fishing vessel museum.

Booking Tip: Fish market is free to visit, most active early morning (7-10am). Amandine museum entry is €6. Many nearby restaurants offer 'catch of the day' menus for €18-25, best value during weekday lunch hours.

James Ensor House Visit

Tour the former home and studio of James Ensor, one of Belgium's most famous painters and a precursor to expressionism. The house museum preserves his living quarters and studio exactly as he left them, offering intimate insights into the artist's life and creative process.

Booking Tip: Admission €6 for adults, €4 for students. Open Wednesday-Monday 10am-12pm and 2pm-5pm. Combine with Mu.ZEE visit for a comprehensive art experience - some combo tickets available for €16.

Getting There

Ostend is easily accessible by train from major Belgian cities, with direct services from Brussels (1 hour 15 minutes), Antwerp (1 hour 30 minutes), and Ghent (45 minutes). The city serves as a major ferry port with regular services to/from Dover, England (4 hours). Brussels Airport is about 1 hour 30 minutes away by train via Brussels, while Ostend-Bruges International Airport handles some charter flights. By car, Ostend is well-connected via the A10 motorway from Brussels and other major Belgian cities.

Getting Around

Ostend is very walkable, with most attractions within easy walking distance of each other along the coast and city center. The efficient De Lijn bus network connects all parts of the city, with day passes costing €8. Bicycle rental is extremely popular and practical, with numerous rental shops offering bikes from €12-15 per day. Taxis are readily available but more expensive. The coastal tram (Kusttram) is perfect for exploring neighboring seaside towns like Knokke and De Panne, running the entire 67-kilometer Belgian coast.

Where to Stay

City Center

Beachfront Promenade

Mariakerke District

Harbor Area

Raversijde

Bredene

Food & Dining

Ostend's culinary scene revolves around exceptional fresh seafood, with the harbor area offering numerous restaurants serving North Sea specialties like sole, turbot, and the famous Ostend shrimp croquettes. The Visserskaai and surrounding streets feature everything from casual fish and chips stands to Michelin-recommended establishments. Don't miss trying local specialties like waterzooi (creamy fish stew), moules-frites (mussels and fries), and fresh oysters from nearby Zeeland. The city center offers diverse international cuisine, cozy brown cafés serving Belgian beers, and elegant brasseries. Beach clubs along the promenade provide casual dining with sea views, while the pedestrian shopping streets feature charming cafés perfect for Belgian waffles and coffee.

When to Visit

The best time to visit Ostend is from May to September when temperatures are warmest (18-22°C) and beach activities are most enjoyable. July and August are peak season with the liveliest atmosphere, numerous festivals, and warmest sea temperatures, but also the highest prices and crowds. Late spring (May-June) and early autumn (September) offer pleasant weather, fewer crowds, and better accommodation rates while most attractions remain fully operational. Winter can be atmospheric for those who enjoy dramatic seascapes and cozy indoor activities, though many seasonal beach establishments close and weather can be quite windy and cool.

Insider Tips

Visit the fish market early morning (around 8am) to see the daily auction and get the freshest seafood at nearby restaurants

Take the coastal tram to nearby Blankenberge or De Haan for a different perspective on Belgian seaside culture - the full coast journey is scenic and affordable

Many museums offer free entry on the first Wednesday of each month for EU residents under 26, and several restaurants offer excellent value 'menu du jour' lunches for under €20

Things to Do in Ostend