A Belgian coastal city with casinos and a fishing port. Home to an annual beach race and gateway for continental voyages. Served by rail and airport.
Ostend, a coastal city in Belgium's West Flanders, sits along a 9-kilometer promenade bordered by sandy beaches. You can explore the Atlantic Wall Open Air Museum, view James Ensor's artwork at Mu.Zee, or discover street art murals scattered throughout the city. Ostend's seaside atmosphere blends with its growing reputation as an open-air gallery, thanks to the annual Crystal Ship festival.
Ostend's Beaches
Ostend's 9-kilometer coastline includes several distinct beaches. The Groot Strand (Large Beach) fills with sunbathers and swimmers during summer. For a calmer day, visit the Oosterstrand (Eastern Beach) near Fort Napoleon. At the Sportstrand, you'll find beach volleyball nets and a small climbing wall. Lifeguards patrol the beaches during peak season, monitoring swimming and water sports areas.
Ostend's Art Scene
Street art has become a significant part of Ostend's identity. The Crystal Ship festival, Europe's largest street art event, has added over 50 large-scale murals and installations to the city. You can take a self-guided tour to find works by international artists hidden throughout Ostend. For indoor art viewing, visit Mu.Zee, which houses a collection of modern and contemporary Belgian art.
Ostend's Maritime History
Ostend's connection to the sea is evident throughout the city. You can tour the Mercator, a former training ship for the Belgian merchant navy, now a floating museum. Explore its decks and cabins to learn about life at sea in the early 20th century. The Port of Ostend, once a key link to England, now focuses on renewable energy projects and provides insight into modern maritime operations.
Local Food in Ostend
Many Ostend restaurants serve fresh seafood. You can try moules-frites (mussels with fries), a local favorite, at eateries along the Visserskaai. For tapas with a view, visit Histoires d'O on the promenade, where you can watch the sunset while dining. The Spanish Inn, an old pub, offers live Flemish music and a wide selection of Belgian beers.
Getting Around Ostend
You can easily explore Ostend on foot or by bicycle. Rent an electric bike or a tandem to ride through the city streets. The Coast Tram connects Ostend with neighboring coastal towns. If you arrive by train, the Ostend railway station serves as a major hub with frequent connections to Bruges, Ghent, and Brussels.
