Ostend Belgium. What is worth seeing in Ostend? Churches and temples
Meanwhile, such places have their own unique charm. This fully applies to Ostend, a small Belgian town that has been sung more than once by singers, writers and musicians (just remember the famous French playwright Eric Emmanuel Schmitt and his “Dreamer from Ostend” or the respected performer Leo Ferré in France).
For me, Ostend was a real discovery: before my trip here, I had no idea that you could have a wonderful vacation on the North Sea. I looked in amazement at how, on fine days, hundreds of Belgians travel to Ostend with huge beach bags in their trunks. But for good reason: Ostend has one of the widest beaches I have ever seen. The recreational infrastructure here is also excellent.
Interestingly, Ostend has a very long and rich history. Once upon a time, a town under this name was located on an island. It was inhabited only by fishermen. Gradually the island merged with the mainland, and the city turned into an important international port. When the importance of the port began to decline, Ostend quickly retrained as a resort. People came here from all over the world for health reasons. The most famous of our compatriots who visited Ostend was Nikolai Vasilyevich Gogol.
During World War II, Ostend was almost completely destroyed. Practical Flemings did not restore the city in its former appearance and preferred to adapt it as much as possible for tourists. Thus, a wide promenade, many hotels, as well as casinos, cafes and restaurants appeared in Ostend.
How to get there
The most common way to get to Ostend is by plane plus train. Ostend is also easily accessible by car or bus.
By plane
The nearest airport to Ostend is just 5 km away. But don't rush to rejoice. To date Ostend/Bruges International Airport used exclusively for cargo transportation, intra-European charters and business aviation.
From Moscow to Brussels
Ordinary tourists from Russia have to be content with flights from Russia to the city, which is located 111 km from Ostend.
Two airlines fly from the Mother See to Brussels: Aeroflot and Brussels Airlines. Aeroflot flights depart from Sheremetyevo Airport. Brussels Airlines flies from Domodedovo. Ticket prices for the two carriers are approximately the same. At the same time, Aeroflot operates two flights a day (morning and evening), while Brussels Airlines operates only one (daytime).
Ticket prices range from 220 to 500 EUR. It all depends on how far in advance you book your ticket and what class you choose. You can get acquainted with the current prices for flights from carriers, for example. Travel time will be about 3.5 hours.
From St. Petersburg to Brussels
Only Brussels Airlines flies here from the northern capital. Travel time is exactly 3 hours. Prices start from approximately 300 EUR for economy class.
From Brussels to Ostend
The most convenient way to get from Brussels Airport to Ostend is by train. The train station is located on the ground floor of the airport, you can easily find it by following the signs. The journey to Ostend will take you 1 hour 45 minutes. In the center of Brussels (Brussels Midi) you will have to make one change. The ticket will cost 20-30 EUR. Your final destination should be the main station Oostende, which is located very close to the city center.
You can also take a taxi. True, this pleasure is expensive: the price for a trip can be 250-300 EUR. Travel time will be approximately 1 hour 15 minutes. Distance between the two cities: 106 km.
By train
Many trains from different directions arrive at Ostend station. Theoretically, you can even get to Ostend by train from Moscow.
From Moscow
The smartest thing to do would be to take the Strizh train, which runs from Moscow to. Travel time will be 20 hours. The ticket price ranges from 169.5 to 667.5 EUR one way, depending on the class.
In Berlin, at the Berlin Hauptbanhof station, you will need to change trains towards Cologne. In Cologne (Köln Hauptbahnhof), in turn, take the train to Brussels. From Brussels (Bruxelles Midi) you can travel directly to Ostend. The cost of a section from Berlin to Ostend can be 150-170 EUR. It will take about 9 hours.
In my opinion, the train should be chosen as the main means of transportation only if:
- you have a lot of luggage (baggage allowances by rail are always more liberal);
- you do not tolerate flights well;
- you are traveling with small children and want to save money (you can take one child under 4 years of age on the Strizh train for free).
From Saint-Petersburg
If you live in St. Petersburg and for some reason want to get to Ostend exclusively by rail, you don’t have much choice: take the train to Moscow. A regular train takes about 8 hours, the Sapsan train takes about 4 hours. In Moscow, change to Strizh.
From cities in Belgium
Ostend is connected by direct rail to the already mentioned Brussels, as well as to the cities of Courtrai and. From all other cities in Belgium and Europe, you will have to get to Ostend with transfers. You can view the train schedule on this website.
How to get from the railway station to the center
All trains going to Ostend arrive at the city's main station (station Oostende), which I wrote about in the section above.
You can get from the station to Ostend's main promenade (Albert I promenade) on foot (which will take you about 20 minutes).
Or you can cover this path by coastal tram number 0 (Kusttram De Panne - Oostende - Knokke).
By bus
Of course, you can get to Ostend from the Russian Federation by bus.
From Moscow
If you prefer buses to any other form of transport, then you can travel to Ostend directly from Shchelkovsky station in Moscow. The Ecolines bus departs from here twice a week and takes you to Brussels Centrale in less than two days. Tickets can be purchased on the Ecolines website online. On the way, you will have to change from one Ecolines bus to another (Riga-Paris) in Warsaw.
At the Brussels station you will need to take the train, making one change at the Bruxelles Midi station, in a couple of hours you will reach the main station of Ostend, the same one discussed in the section above.
Such a long trip will cost you approximately 160 EUR. Total travel time: about 45 hours.
By car
From Moscow
To get from Moscow to Ostend, you need to plan at least several days of travel. First, take the exit to Minka (road E30). It will lead you straight to. I advise you to stay here for the night and go to one of the customs points in the morning. This could be Berestovitsa, Warsaw Bridge or Dolmacheva. To find out where the queue is shorter, check with the Belarusian border service a few hours before departure.
In Germany, the autobahn is still completely free, although the German government is discussing introducing a road tax for foreigners. In Poland you have to pay for roads. The price greatly depends on the length of the toll section. Payments are accepted in PLN (zloty), EUR or USD.
The distance from Moscow to Ostend is approximately 2,600 kilometers.
From Saint-Petersburg
If you are heading to Ostend from the northern capital of Russia, your road will be slightly different than from Moscow. From Russia you will get to Lithuania and then to Latvia. There are four border crossing points on the border between the Russian Federation and Latvia:
- Brunishevo - Pededze,
- Ludonka - Vientuli,
- Ubylinka - Grebneva,
- Burachki - Terekhovo.
The closest one to St. Petersburg is the first one. It also has the reputation of being the busiest. If you want to play it safe, head to the other three.
After passing through Latvian territory, follow the route described above. The distance to your destination will also be about 2,600 kilometers.
By ferry
You can only get to Ostend by ferry from England. Ferry service is established between Ostend and English Hull. The ferries are operated by TransEuropa Ferries. You can buy tickets online at. Travel time will be about 13 hours.
Of course, if you have your own boat, you can easily moor in Ostend. :) Here yachts of all stripes slowly rock on the waves. You can stop, for example, at the Eduard Moreauxlaan pier. Prices start from approximately 2.50 EUR per boat meter per day.
Clue:
Ostend - the time is now
Hour difference:
Moscow 1
Kazan 1
Samara 2
Ekaterinburg 3
Novosibirsk 5
Vladivostok 8
When is the season? When is the best time to go
To the question “When is the best time to go to Ostend?” There is a clear answer: in the summer. It is in the summer that the harsh, gray cold sea becomes warmer and friendlier, and the city invites you to take long walks in the healthy air filled with the salty smells of the sea.
Ostend in summer
So, as already mentioned, in the summer Ostend comes to life and turns from a godforsaken Belgian outback into a lively resort. Belgians come here with whole families for a week or two and stay in coastal hotels with stunning views from the windows. You may well follow their example.
In the summer months, the water near the seashore warms up so much that you can sometimes take a dip. The fact is that in Ostend it is very shallow near the coast. By the way, this is very good for families with children: before the kids go too far, you will definitely have time to shout out to them and return them to a safe distance from the depths of the sea.
The average air temperature in the summer months is +20 °C. Water temperature in July and August is +18-20 °C. In June, the water does not warm up above +15-17 °C.
Ostend in autumn
In autumn in Ostend it is quite cold and rainy. I wouldn’t go here especially at this time of year. If you do find yourself on the coast in the autumn months, think in advance about suitable clothing. Rubber boots and an umbrella are a must in your suitcase.
The average temperature in autumn is +13 °C.
Ostend in spring
Warmth comes late to Ostend. Strong gusty cold winds at the beginning of spring still burn the skin. Over time, the sun begins to shine, but do not be deceived: despite the first warm rays, the wind remains very cold.
The average spring temperature in Ostend is +10 °C.
Ostend in winter
In winter, Ostend is gloomy and harsh. Cold winds blow away rare passers-by, and frequent rains leave no chance of staying dry. Nevertheless, even in winter, Ostend has its own charm. Those who understand that the sea is beautiful at any time of the year know this very well. Even in winter, the gray-green shades of the sky and sea create an incredibly beautiful still life.
The average temperature in winter is +1 °C.
Ostend weather by month
Clue:
Ostend weather by month
Districts. Where is the best place to live?
Ostend consists of six districts:
- I - Oostende - Centrum,
- II - Vuurtorenwijk/Voorhaven,
- III - Zandvoorde,
- IV - Stene,
- V - Konterdam,
- VI - Mariakerke + Raversijde.
And here they are on the city map:
As you can see on the map below, the vast majority of hotels are located along the coastline, that is, in Oostende-Centrum and Vuurtorenwijk, as well as in the neighboring municipality of Bredene (indicated by the letter “a” on the map above). The same can be said about housing from local residents, which you can search for.
There is one pricing rule: the closer the hotel is to the coastline, the higher the price per room. If you are looking to save money, hotels on Albert I-promenade(i.e. in Oostende-Centrum) not for you. But, in my opinion, there is no need to be upset about this. In the most expensive hotels in Ostend you feel like you are caught up in the everyday commercial cycle. Usually these are large multi-story buildings with similar rooms.
The only hostel in the city is called Jeugdherberg De Ploate and it is located at Langestraat, 72, in the Center area ( number I). The audience here is exclusively youth. But the conditions there are excellent: clean, there is Wi-Fi and the attractions are within walking distance.
Regarding the crime situation: you can feel safe in all areas of Ostend. As for prices for accommodation and accommodation, I will talk about them below.
What are the prices for holidays?
Ostend is a fairly expensive resort, intended primarily for wealthy Flemings.
Accommodation and meals
The price of accommodation and food here is comparable to Brussels and on average higher than in other Belgian cities:
- for lunch in an inexpensive restaurant you can pay 10-15 EUR, for dinner for two in a decent establishment - about 100 EUR;
- a room in a three-star hotel will cost an average of 100 EUR per night. Finding something cheaper will be very problematic.
- museums and other attractions will cost you quite cheap, BUT... in Ostend it is customary to go to the casino! If you are not going to neglect this tradition, set aside money for possible losses;
- prices in supermarkets are quite high. But cooking yourself is always cheaper than eating in restaurants. So it's a good idea to buy fresh fish from a store or market and then cook it yourself. I will tell you below where to go for it.
Main attractions. What to see
For a small European town, Ostend has quite a lot of attractions. Most of them are connected with the sea. If sea romance is your thing, be sure to try to watch more.
Top 6
Ship "Mercator" (Fort Napoleon Mercator)
Used for training until 1960, the ship is now a museum as well as a venue for various social events and private parties. For example, you can celebrate a wedding here.
Mercator can be visited every day from 10:00 to 17:00. Admission for adults costs 5 EUR, for children - 4 EUR. More practical information about visiting can be found at.
Bunkers from World War II (Atlantic Wall Museum)
In the immediate vicinity of the city was the German defense line of World War II. Everything here has been preserved almost in its original form, because the Germans surrendered the city to the Canadians almost without a fight. You can inspect bunkers, weapons (including air defense systems) and walk along fortified corridors.
Admission for adults costs only 2.50 EUR, for children - 1 EUR. The place is open on weekends - from 12:30 to 17:00, except on some days. The exact schedule can be found at. You can get to the museum by tram that runs along the coastline.
Shore tram (Kusttram)
It is a rare case when a vehicle is also a local landmark. The coastal tram travels along the entire Belgian North Sea coast (from La Panne to Knokke) and stops in particular in Ostend. This is the longest tram route in the world! Its total length is 68 kilometers.
If you're in Ostend, ride it at least a little. In summer, trams run every 10 minutes, the rest of the time - once every 15-20 minutes.
Fort Napoleon
The fortified fort from Napoleonic times is located some distance from the main attractions of the city.
The place is open to the public on weekends - from 10:00 to 17:00, and on Wednesdays - from 14:00 to 17:00. By the way, there is a restaurant on site.
Address: Vuurtorenweg, 13. Ticket costs 6 EUR. More detailed information can be found at.
Fisherman's Village (Raversyde)
We are talking about an ancient fishing village, which the Flemings turned into a tourist attraction. Here you can get acquainted with the life of Belgian fishermen as it was from time immemorial.
Raversyde is open on weekends and during school holidays from 10:00 to 18:00, and at other times from 10:00 to 17:00. An adult ticket here costs 8 EUR. Detailed information in English can be found on the website.
"Amandine" (Museumschip Amandine)
This is another Ostend museum ship. The exhibition inside the ship tells about the difficult fishing industry.
Entry on board costs 4 EUR. And you can visit it every day - from 10:00 to 17:00.
Beaches. Which ones are better
In fact, there is only one beach in Ostend, a long strip along the Albert-I promenade. For the convenience of tourists, it is divided into several sections:
There are toilets and changing cabins everywhere. It is better to take umbrellas and other equipment with you, although, if absolutely necessary, you can buy all this on the spot. Entrance to the beaches is absolutely free, but you will have to pay for sunbeds. All beaches are suitable for swimming.
If you get hungry, you won't have to look for food for long. A line of restaurants, snack bars, cafes and pastry shops stretches along the Ostend embankment.
Churches and temples. Which ones are worth visiting?
Museums. Which ones are worth visiting?
There are also a couple of interesting museums in Ostend, whose galleries you can stroll through for a change of scenery:
Parks
It’s strange to expect an abundance of parks from a seaside city, but Ostend is an exception in this sense. There are plenty of green places here.
Leopoldpark
This is a nice and cozy English-style park with clubs, lawns, benches and fountains. Ducks walk here and the same annoying seagulls fly. The highlight of the park is a flower arrangement in the form of a huge clock with gilded hands.
The park runs along Leopold II-laan street:
The park is not closed at night, so you can enter here at any time of the day.
Maria Hendrikapark
The largest park in the city, created by order of King Leopold II, is named after his wife. It is located in the heart of Ostend:
Here you can relax in the shade of the trees or take a boat ride on the wide pond.
The park is open from 07:00 to 19:00.
Royal Park (Koningspark)
There is a beautiful Japanese garden with themed sculptures and strange oriental plants.
Located on Kon. Astridlaan next to the Oostende Koninginnelaa tram stop.
The park is open on weekends from 10:00 to 18:00.
Tourist streets
The main street of the city, which invariably attracts all tourists and loitering local residents, is Albert I-promenade, i.e. the promenade that runs along the coast.
This is where most of the coffee shops, restaurants, ice cream counters, souvenir shops and shops with beach accessories are located.
What to see in 1 day
Ostend is a small town, and in one day you will have time to explore everything (unless, of course, you spend too much time on the beach). The most basic tour of Ostend will not take you more than a couple of hours. Below I will offer just such a simple and short route, and here is its map:
- let's say in 08:00 you arrive at Ostend main station. Move towards the port. You will notice it immediately. In the port you can admire boats and yachts of all kinds bobbing on the water, and also examine the famous ship “Mercador”, which I described above.
- 10:00 - it's time to have breakfast! This can be done right at the port, where there are a lot of food trucks with stalls filled with seafood delicacies. Below I will describe what kind of food you can buy here, and which ones you should ignore.
- 10:30 - inspection of the Peter and Paul Church in Ostend.
- 11:00 - let's go to the sea! Along the way you can stop by the Aquarium and/or the James Ensor House.
- 13:00 - go out onto the main street of the city. Take a leisurely stroll here, stop by the beach and treat yourself to something delicious.
- 16:00 - slowly head back to the station. Along the way, you can look into Leopoldpark and/or the Museum of Fine Arts (Museum voor Schone Kunsten) at Hendrik Serruyslaan 18. And now the day has passed.
What to see in the area
Bruges (28 km)
In the immediate vicinity of Ostend there is almost the most picturesque town in Belgium -.
Its toy bridges and neat houses blow the minds of all tourists. To get to , you just need to take a direct train to Antwerp from Ostend main station. The journey will take only 15 minutes. You can read more about the sights of this beautiful city in a separate article.
Knokke (32 km)
Another coastal Belgian city that boasts a wide coastline with fine sand.
At the same time, Knokke is not as famous and popular as Ostend, so there are always a little fewer people on the beaches here.
You can get here from Ostend by train or coastal tram. In both cases you will need to get off at the final stop. The direct train from Ostend to Knokke takes about an hour. The journey by tram can take up to two hours.
Dunkirk (66 km)
French ancient city (founded in the 11th century) near the border with Belgium. The history of the city is very rich: from time immemorial the British, French and Flemings fought for it. During World War II, Dunkirk became a theater of war - a major battle took place here, which the allied coalition lost.
Today it is a beautiful port city with many parks. From late February to early April, the city hosts a major carnival. The easiest way to get from Ostend to Dunkirk is by car. The entire journey will take 40 minutes. You can also get there by train, but only with a transfer through the French city of Lille, which will take as much as 3 hours.
Food. What to try
I will hardly surprise you if I say that in Ostend you should try fish dishes - soups, mussels, oysters, shrimp, fried fish...
You will have your first opportunity to get acquainted with the local cuisine almost immediately if you arrive in the city by train. Where the promenade begins, along the seashore, seafood is sold to take away. You will see colorful trays with shrimp and crab sticks with sauce. My advice to you: do not buy into the beautiful appearance and better take smaller trays without sauce, but more expensive. They taste much better.
But most importantly, protect your lunch from seagulls! They will probably fly around you with predatory screams.
As you might guess, these birds did not care about the posters prohibiting tourists from feeding them, and they strive to snatch food from the hands of anyone who loses their vigilance for a second.
When it comes to restaurants, it’s hard to go wrong. Order cod, shrimp, mussels, salmon... it will all be local catch. The most traditional dish is mussels in white wine or cream sauce.
If you want to taste local beer, go to the Oostende "t Koelschip brewery on Van Iseghemlaan, 101. They brew an excellent strong drink here.
For those who like to cook themselves, I recommend checking out fish market (Fishmarkt) at Visserskaai 35. The market is open every day. There are so many fish here! You can choose something fresh and cook it yourself. The taste will definitely not disappoint you.
In Ostend the food is excellent everywhere. The experience accumulated over decades in servicing demanding Flemish pensioners is evident. In any case, you definitely can't go wrong if you order seafood.
The best restaurant in the city has a very pretentious name: Apero Fish Palace. Located at: Nieuwstraat, 5. Fresh fish is brought here early in the morning, and then the cooks work their magic on it. Try the shrimp soup here. Dinner for two will cost you about 50-60 EUR here.
Budget
There are few frankly cheap establishments in Ostend. But I believe that once you have reached this city, it would be a sin not to try the freshest fish, even if at first glance it seems a little expensive. Here are a few worthy establishments in this category:
- Relatively inexpensive place - Italian Restaurant Dolce Mare. The mussels in white wine are simply delicious here. Is located Visserskaai, 19.
- Atmospheric and inexpensive place - Passe-Vite. Order salads here, as the establishment specializes in European healthy cuisine. The restaurant is located on Hertstraat, 1.
- A good Tunisian restaurant where you can order a huge portion of couscous for little money - St. Tropez. For a hearty dinner with wine for one you are unlikely to pay more than 20 EUR here, which is very inexpensive for Ostend.
Things to do
In Ostend, it is customary to leisurely stroll along the seashore during the day and play in the casino in the evening. This is what most Belgian retirees do, who traditionally spend a lot of time in Ostend. For young people, this Belgian resort has prepared something more interesting:
- windsurfing (please contact our Surfclub Inside Outside),
- sailing,
- crazy parties.
If you're looking for a more authentic experience, head to Fischmarkt- fish market. He is on Visserskaai, 35, and is open every day. There are so many fish here! You can choose something fresh and cook it yourself. The taste will definitely not disappoint you.
Shopping and shops
Ostend has great shopping. Everything here is designed for tourists with money. Many shops are open on Sundays, which is very rare in Belgium. At the same time, in Ostend you can find both international brands and private shops. Most of them are located on the already familiar Promenade Albert-I.
All local brands and designers are concentrated in Antwerp; mostly well-known brands are located in Ostend. As for sales, they take place in the off-season.
I can recommend an excellent shop for tea and coffee lovers Javana on Hendrik Serruyslaan, 4.
Bars. Where to go
The most famous bars in Ostend:
- cocktail bar Lafayette on Langestraat, 12(Belgian beer is also on the menu) which positions itself as a musical one - jazz hits are played live here;
- Koekoek on Langestraat, 38-40(here they drink beer and eat aromatic fried chicken with their hands);
- Cafe Botteltje on Louisastraat, 19(just a great bar with a large selection of Belgian beers).
The prices in these bars are reasonable. Everywhere they will ask for the same price for beer - you can taste a delicious intoxicating drink by paying from 2 to 5-6 EUR.
Most bars open their doors in the afternoon and are open until 01:00-03:00.
Clubs and nightlife
In Ostend it is customary to dance in the open air on the beach. Still, you can find a couple of nightclubs here:
- Krush Club open from 22:00 to 06:00 (Fri, Sat, Wed, Thu). Themed parties and DJ sets are held. Entrance fee is around 10 EUR. There is no strict dress code. Taxi. What features exist
There are several taxi services in the city ( Ostend Taxi, Taxi Willy bvba). You should call the car by phone.
It is better to have cash ready to pay. The price is based on kilometers of travel. One kilometer around the city will cost you approximately 1.8-2 EUR.
Transport rental
I advise you to rent a car in Ostend only if you are staying here for a long time and want to travel around neighboring cities. In Ostend itself you definitely won’t need your own vehicle. And it will be very difficult to park it.
In fact, the easiest option would be to rent a car directly at Brussels airport, which, in any case, will be the first city of your Belgian trip.
To rent a car in Belgium you will need an international driving license. In addition, you must be 21 years of age or older.
A manual car for 3 days will cost about 70 EUR, see approximate prices.
You should move very carefully in Ostend:
- Firstly, in Belgium there are large fines for violating traffic rules.
- Secondly, careless tourists are rarely careful on the roads. The same goes for local pensioners, of whom there are quite a lot in Ostend.
Ostend - holidays with children
Ostend is a pretty good place to relax with children. It is suitable for you if you want to protect your children from excessive heat.
Among the entertainments for little travelers are:
, .
Ostend (Belgium) is a world-famous resort located on the coast of the North Sea. Its wide beaches, incredible views and breathtaking architecture attract several million tourists every year, and even its small size (local population of just 70 thousand) does not stop it from being a must-see for those visiting Belgium.
The sights of Ostend will amaze you with their beauty. In this article you will find out which of them are worth visiting first, how to get to them, their opening hours and a lot of useful information about the resort itself.
How to get to Ostend
Since the city does not have an airport accepting passenger flights, the most convenient way to fly from Moscow/Kyiv/Minsk is to Brussels (BRU). Planes between these countries and the capital of Belgium depart several times a day and cost from 5000 RUB, 4000 UAH and 250 BYN one way.
Important! There are two airports in the capital of Belgium, the second one accepts only low-cost flights from different European countries (Poland, Romania, Hungary, Spain, etc.). Be careful not to confuse the names as they are 70 km apart.
Brussels-Ostend: convenient ways
You can cover the one hundred and ten kilometers separating the cities by train or car.
- Between 3 and 9 trains depart from Bru-central station in Ostend every day. The price of a regular one-way ticket is 15-18 €, travel time is 70-90 minutes. You can check the train schedule and buy travel documents on the Belgian Railways website (www.belgianrail.be).
- Upon arrival at Brussels airport, you can rent a car (opening hours from 6:30 to 23:30 daily) and travel to Ostend along the E40 route. A taxi ride in this direction will cost you approximately 180-200€.
From Bruges to Ostend: how to get there quickly and cheaply
If the idea of enjoying the sea air came to you in this picturesque center of West Flanders, you can get to Ostend by train, bus or car. The distance is 30 km.
- Trains that suit your needs leave from Bruges Central Station to Ostend every half hour. The journey takes 20 minutes, and the standard one-way fare is about 5 €.
- Intercity buses No. 35 and No. 54 will take you to your destination in an hour. The fare is 3 euros; tickets can be purchased from the driver upon boarding. Schedule and other details are on the carrier’s website (www.delijn.be);
- By car or taxi (60-75€) you can get to Ostend in 15-20 minutes.
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How to save on travel
The cost of public transport in Belgium is on par with most European countries, but if you don't want to overpay for the road, you can use one (or not one) of the following life hacks:
- Traveling between cities in Belgium is most profitable on weekends (from 19:00 Friday to Sunday evening), when the Weekend Ticket discount system is in effect, allowing you to travel with savings of up to 50% on train tickets.
- All Belgian cities have the same price for single travel – 2.10 euros. For those who want to get to different parts of Ostend cheaper, there are passes for one day (7€), five (8€) or ten (14€) trips.
- Students and people under 26 years of age have a separate opportunity to save on travel. Present your documents and buy tickets at a discount.
- In Ostend, travel is free for children under 12 years old when accompanied by an adult.
Climate Features
Ostend is a seaside resort where the air temperature rarely rises above 20°C. The warmest months are July and August, when Belgians and tourists from other countries decide to enjoy the purity of the North Sea.
In June and September, the Belgian air warms up to +17°C, in October and May – up to +14°C. Autumn in Ostend is rainy and cloudy, with cold winters accompanied by soft snow and wind. Despite this, even in January and February the temperature does not fall below 2-3 degrees Celsius, and the grayish shades of the sky at this time make the sea even more picturesque and attractive.
Accommodation
There are a lot of accommodation options in Ostend. Prices start from 70 euros per person in a three-star hotel without additional services. The most expensive hotels are located in the Oostende-Centrum area, near the main attractions, the most budget ones are Stene and Konterdam. Be sure to check out the only hostel in the city, a favorite place for young people - Jeugdherberg De Ploate, located in the heart of Ostend.
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Nutrition
The city has many food establishments of different classes. On average, the cost of dinner for one, as in other parts of Belgium, ranges from 10-15 € in a local cafe to 60 € in the central restaurants of the resort.
Of course, Ostend also has its signature dishes that every traveler must try:
- Belgian waffles with ice cream and fruit;
- White wine;
- Seafood dishes;
- Crispy potatoes with cheese and vegetables.
Sights of Ostend: what to see first
Beaches, historical museums, churches, breathtaking landscapes, monuments and other cultural sites - you will need several days to explore all the beauties of the resort. If you don't have that much time on hand, check out the following places first.
Advice! Make your own map of the attractions you would like to see. This will help you develop the optimal route and get to different attractions faster, having time to visit them.
Church of Saint Peter and Saint Paul
You will notice it from anywhere in the city. This beautiful Gothic-style cathedral attracts all lovers of architecture and breathtaking photos. Ostend is sometimes called the second Paris and the reason for this is this smaller, but no less charming copy of Notre Dame, which is worth seeing for all tourists.
On any day of the week, anyone can enter the cathedral for free, feel its atmosphere and admire the unique interior. The church is located in the popular area of Ostend, not far from the embankment and the central station. Every Sunday morning, Catholics pray here, so entry for tourist purposes may be temporarily closed.
The popular museum ship will tell you about the difficult life of Belgian fishermen, accompanying your excursion with music and interesting stories.
For 4 euros you can go inside, see the admiral's cabin, the lower cabins and get acquainted with the equipment used by the fishing masters, represented by wax figures. The museum is closed on Tuesday and Friday; on other days, visiting is available from 10:00 to 17:00. Children will especially like it.
Sailboat Mercator (Zeilschip Mercator)
Once you see this three-masted sailboat, you won't be able to pass it by. The main attraction of Ostend will tell you about the life of sailors, officers and scientists who made expeditions on this ship in different years. Tourists can see the cabins, try themselves as a captain, and learn about the history of the ship and its features every day from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Entrance fee is 5 euros.
Immerse yourself in Belgium's glorious past with a visit to the only surviving fishing village of Walraversijde. The Ostend Open Air Museum, a small settlement, will tell you details of the life of fishermen from the 14th century to the present day. It is best to come here in summer or spring, when the grass is green and flowers are blooming around local houses.
You can get to the village by the first tram or car. The entrance ticket to all houses is 9 euros, working hours are 10-18 on weekends, 10-17 on weekdays. Nearby there is a small restaurant with a terrace.
To relax in Ostend and not try your luck in a seaside casino is a real crime. Built at the beginning of the 20th century, this building became a real sensation and was forever cemented in the memory of local residents as the most unusual landmark in Belgium. Today, it not only attracts enthusiastic travelers, but also hosts various exhibitions, concerts and seminars. Admission is free, and guests can try inexpensive drinks and snacks.
Fort Napoleon
The famous conqueror left a piece of himself in Ostend - a huge fortress that has become a centuries-old landmark. Inside there is a museum where excursions are continuously held in English, German and French. You can go up to the observation deck and look at Ostend from the other side. The ticket costs 6 euros, working hours are Wednesday (from 14 to 17) and weekends (from 10 to 17).
Several free ferries operate daily to the fort, and you can also take the coastal tram. There is a cozy restaurant nearby.
A small park for a relaxing holiday with the whole family. Narrow alleys are decorated with various trees and sculptures of Belgian artists, fountains operate in the warm season, and fish swim in the lake. Musicians also perform daily in the park, everyone plays mini-golf, and picnics are held in the gazebos. It is located in the very heart of Ostend and can be reached by the first tram.
The coastal tram is not just a type of Belgian public transport that allows you to get to anywhere in Ostend, but a real attraction. Its route is the longest in the world and is 68 kilometers. If you want to see all the beauties of the resort and save your energy and money, take the kusttram and go on a trip along the coastal area of Ostend.
The War Museum of World War II will show you history from a new side. The exhibition reveals the secrets and peculiarities of the life of ordinary soldiers, allows you to walk through real bunkers, feel the atmosphere of those times and see a huge amount of military equipment. This museum will be interesting for the whole family. Entrance costs 6 euros per person, open from 10 am to 5 pm daily, on weekends until 18:00.
Fish market (Fischmarkt)
It’s not for nothing that this Belgian resort is famous for its seafood. Any of them can be bought at a small fish market located in the embankment area. They sell not only fresh seafood, but also cooked dishes with amazing taste. It is better to arrive at 7-8 in the morning and no later than 11, since the market is popular not only with tourists, but also with local residents.
What to bring from Ostend?
When choosing gifts for your family, opt for delicacies, seafood and alcoholic beverages. This is where these products have really high quality and low prices.
Ostend (Belgium) is a city that you will surely remember. Have a nice trip!
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Sights of the resort of Ostend in Belgium
Ostend is a large port city and also a popular tourist destination. It is located on the North Sea coast, approximately twenty-five kilometers west of the city of Bruges. In former times, this place was the summer residence of the Belgian court, which is why Ostend was nicknamed “The King of Coastal Cities.” The royal villa erected here at the beginning of the nineteenth century - this was during the reign of the first Belgian monarch, Leopold the First - has now been converted into a luxury hotel and restaurant.
Nowadays, the royal family visits the city only during business visits. At the same time, Ostend is a working city - a port, where there are passenger and fishing bays. English ferries also arrive at Ostend.
Ostend is a major financial and cultural center, home to approximately seventy thousand people. The name of the city translates as “Eastern Region”. This is explained by the fact that at first it was located in the east of the island of Testerep. Later, the sea level dropped, as a result of which the island and the mainland became one, but the name of the city preserves the memory of those times when this was not the case.
The first settlements were founded here in the ninth and tenth centuries. Livestock farmers who raised sheep lived here, as well as fishermen. In 814, the Abbey of Saint-Bertinue was founded in these places. In 1267, the settlement received city rights and status, but there were no defensive fortifications or walls, but a fair was allowed to be held in the city. After two decades, the city entered into an agreement with Bruges, as a result of which the tidal channel was widened and it was opened to ships.
Port in Ostend:
During the summer season, the city attracts tourists thanks to its wide beaches. The swimming season here lasts from June to the end of September; at other times, the main pastime for tourists is walking around local attractions.
In the second half of the twentieth century, the tourism industry developed in Ostend, and a large number of cultural events took place here. Although history has not saved Ostend, the city still partially managed to preserve its historical face. One of the oldest buildings is Spanish House. It was built in 1741. Previously, this place was a laundry room; later the premises were converted into a store with children's toys. In the middle of the last century, all the ancient buildings were removed, but thanks to some miracle the Spanish House remained intact. It was “safely” forgotten about for a long time, and later the building was bought by the municipal authorities. Later, in 2001, restoration work was carried out in the Spanish House, and in our time it has become known as the most beautiful ancient monument in Ostend and even a city symbol.
Spanish House:
Among the city's notable places should be mentioned Peter and Paul Church (Sint-Petrus-en-Pauluskerk), which was built in the neo-Gothic style at the end of the nineteenth and beginning of the twentieth centuries. The first Belgian queen, Louise Marie d'Orléans, is buried in this place. The church towers are seventy-two meters high. It is compared with the most famous temple buildings in Europe - Notre Dame in Paris, Cologne Cathedral and Votivkirche (Vow Church) in Vienna. The history of the Peter and Paul Church began with a sad event - the fire of an older church that was previously located here. This happened in 1896. All that remains from that building is the brick tower. The construction of the new building was initiated by King Leopold II, and he took up the matter so zealously that he was even suspected of setting the previous one on fire. The unique stained glass windows that were in the Peter and Paul Church were destroyed during the wars. Those that we can see today were made later. On them you can see the Belgian kings and queens, and, of course, Saints Peter and Paul. A curious fact is that the western façade of the building is oriented towards the east, and not the west, as expected. This was designed so that people who arrive at the city port can contemplate the wonderfully executed entrance to the church. Also worth paying attention to Capuchin Churches (Kapucijnenkerk), which was founded at the beginning of the seventeenth century.
Peter and Paul Church:
Those tourists who love ships are recommended to visit three-masted sailing ship "Mercator" (Mercato r), which officers of the Belgian navy used for training in the middle of the last century. This Museum on the Water operates according to the following schedule: during the period January - April, as well as in November - December - from 10:00 to 12:30 and from 14:00 to 16:30. During the periods May - June and September - October - 10:00 - 12:30 and 14:00 - 17:30. In July and August the Museum is open from 10:00 to 17:30. You will need to pay four euros for entry, two euros for children from fourteen to sixteen years old, and free entry for those under six years old.
Historical Museum in Ostend it operates according to the following schedule: 10:00 – 17:00, from mid-June to mid-September, and also on Saturdays. The museum is always closed to the public on Tuesdays. Entrance fee is two euros, teenagers from fourteen to eighteen years old pay one euro. Admission for children under fourteen years of age is free.
Along the line of the coastal dam there are Venetian and Royal Galleries. These buildings were erected at the beginning of the twentieth century according to the orders of King Leopold II. Nowadays they are used as exhibition spaces.
In the sixties of the last century, a high-rise residential building was erected on the sea coast Residentie Europacentrum. This high-rise building, which is one hundred and three meters high and has thirty-five floors, is the tallest building in the city and also the tallest in West Flanders. Previously, there was a cafe on the thirty-fourth floor, from which a wonderful city view could be seen, but for security reasons it was closed - this happened in 1996. By the way, many citizens believe that buildings like the Residentie Europacentrum spoil the harmony of views in the old city.
High-speed trains TGV and Thalys pass through Belgium. The best way to get to Ostend is from Brussels GareCentrale station (trains depart once an hour). The duration of the trip is 1 hour 20 minutes. The cost is approximately 15 euros. The journey from Ghent will last about 45 minutes, from Bruges - 15 minutes. The main railway station of the city is located near the coast, and the water bus stops near it.
By car
Brussels and Ostend are connected by the E40 motorway. The distance between the cities is 115 km. You can get from the capital to Ostend in an hour and a half. To do this, you first need to take the E17 motorway and then the E40.
On the ship
TransEuropaFerries connects Ostend with the English city of Ramsgate. But ferries carry passengers with cars. Travel time takes about 4 hours.
It is convenient to move around the city using coastal trams. Such trams make up to 70 stops in two and a half hours. Stops every 15 minutes. The price of a one-way ticket is 1.50 euros. Tickets can be purchased at the piers or at specialized DeLijn kiosks. There are also many bus routes in the city.
Sights of Ostend
There are very few historical monuments in the city; almost everything was destroyed during the First and Second World Wars.
The oldest building in Ostend can be called the Spanish House. This is the only surviving building from the 18th century. The three-story house was used for various purposes. At first there was a laundry, then a confectionery. In 1981, the building acquired the status of a historical monument. In 2000-2001, the house was dismantled and rebuilt in the same form and in the same place. Now the Spanish House is considered a symbol of the city. It is located on Christinastraat 67.
The main temple of the city is the Peter and Paul Cathedral (Sint-Petrus-en-Pauluskerk). It was built in 1899-1905 in the neo-Gothic style. Inside there is a mausoleum where the ashes of the first Queen of Belgium, Louise Marie, rest. Also, noble people of Ostend are buried there. On the stained glass windows you can see images of all the Belgian kings and saints. I often compare the temple with the Cologne Cathedral. Those who want to see this cathedral should hurry up with the excursion, because it closes early - until 16:00. The cathedral is located on Jozef-II straat.
Another ancient building is the Capuchin Church (Kapucijnenkerk). It was built in 1620.
The monument to Leopold I is located on Leopold I-plein. Six streets diverge from it in different directions of the city. On a high pedestal there is a rider on a horse - the first king of Belgium. On the one hand, the monument is made in a marine style - it symbolizes the king’s love for fishing, and on the other, it shows the accession of the monarch to the throne. The king's face is directed towards the sea.
Since the 19th century, Ostend has earned a reputation as a fashionable resort town. King Leopold II loved this city very much, and therefore ordered the construction of the Thermal Palace (OstendeThermalPalace) here. This is a very popular place among residents and guests of the city. Since that time, the health resort has specialized in thermal procedures with healing water. Rulers and noble people from many European countries came to Ostend for treatment. Even Nikolai Gogol undergoes treatment at the Thermal Palace. Near the building there is a public swimming pool, an art gallery and a Japanese garden. The palace is located on KoninginAstridlaan street, 7.
Ostend's museums and galleries are open even on Saturday and Sunday. Most often the day off is Tuesday. For children under 14 years of age admission is free.
In Ostend, the main museum complex is the Raverseyde. It consists of three open-air museums and a natural park. The former estate of Prince Charles, the WWII Atlantic Wall fortifications and the fishing village of Walraversijde. The latter is especially popular among tourists. It houses a memorial to Prince Charles. It is fashionable to see military equipment from the First and Second World Wars at the Atlantic Wall museums.
Ostend Historical Museum (DePlate)
Opening hours are from 10 am to 5 pm (lunch 13:00-14:00). Ticket price for adults over 18 years old is 2 euros, for teenagers 1 euro.
James Ensor House Museum (Ensorhuis)
Here is a collection of works by a famous artist who worked at the end of the 19th and beginning of the 20th centuries.
The museum is open from 10:00 to 17:00 (lunch 12:00-14:00). Ticket for adults - 2 euros.
Not far from the city center, near the train station, there is a fishing boat Amandine. There is a maritime history museum on board the ship.
The city is home to the famous sailing ship “Mercator” (1932), which has sailed to distant countries more than once and participated in regattas. Now the ship is used for tourism purposes. It can be visited every day, from November to April from 10:00 to 16:30, and in other months from 10:00 to 17:00. Ticket price for adults is 2 euros, for children over 6 years old - 1 euro.
The Monument to the Lost Fishermen" (Seamen’sMemorial) can be seen on one of the embankments in the northern part of the city. The monument was built in memory of all the sailors who did not return home. It was erected on the site of the first city lighthouse, in 1953.
In the stimulating amusement park (EarthExplorer), which is located at Fortstraat, 128, you can experience all 4 elements of the planet (earth, fire, water and wind). The most interesting thing is to visit the park with the whole family. The park is open daily during the summer.
Ostend has five main and well-equipped beaches. Entry to all these beaches is free. The beaches are famous for their wide width. The swimming season opens at the beginning of June and lasts until the end of September. The first place is occupied by the beach next to Thermalpalace. Tourists who go to Ostend only for the weekend most often choose the beach near the train station.
In the Fishermen's District (Visserskaai) there is the Noordzeeaquarium. This is an ideal place for families with children to explore the underwater world. Entrance cost for adults is 2 euros, for children under 6 years old - free.
Horse riding enthusiasts should visit WellingtonRacetrack. Here they organize daily competitions for professionals, and beginners are taught to confidently stay in the saddle.
Ostend has its own skyscraper. Its height is 103 meters. This is the tallest building on the European coast. It is a little disharmonious with the traditional low-rise buildings of the city.
Shopping
The best month for shopping in Ostend is October. It is during this month that fairs and sales are held in the city. Almost all stores are open from 10:00 to 18:00, some until 20:00. On Saturday they close early, at 16:00. Sunday is a day off.
The main shopping street in Ostend is Kapellestraat. Here you can find a huge number of shops and shopping complexes. The stores offer all European brands with affordable prices. On the same street there is a store of the famous French brand PecheMignon. In it you can find clothes for sports, home and leisure. All things are very comfortable and high quality, prices are average.
A popular shopping complex is FeestenKultuurpaleis. It has more than 15 large stores with a varied assortment.
The Spar chain of stores are stores for every day. Large selection of high-quality household and food products, good service, affordable prices. The store is located on Langestraat 28.
There are several open-air markets in the center of Ostend.
The fish market (Vismarkt) offers a large selection of fresh seafood to suit every taste.
The coastal area of Fishermen (Visserskaai) has numerous cafes and restaurants.
The streets of Ostend are carefully monitored. Smoking in public places is prohibited; violating this law costs 100 euros. And if you throw garbage past the trash can, be prepared to pay 150 euros.
On the embankment, you can see posters in all languages warning that feeding birds is prohibited. Local ecologists believe that additional feeding disrupts the natural balance and can lead to population disruption.
Ostend is a very pleasant European town. He will always find something to please tourists. Beautiful parks, picturesque buildings, the sea, spacious beaches, a large selection of seafood - all this undoubtedly deserves to visit this beautiful city again.
Which attracts with its healing air, wonderful beaches, swimming pools, spas, sailing and windsurfing, unique museums, varied shopping, active nightlife, gambling casinos and, of course, impeccable . The city of Ostend was dubbed “the Queen of the Belgian coast” by the aristocracy during the reign of King Leopold I. And indeed there is a reason for it.
General information about the cityThe name of the city literally translates as “eastern edge”, since Ostend was previously located in the eastern part of the island of Terestep. Later, the island connected with the mainland due to lower water levels in the sea. But the name retained the memory of the time of its founding. The terminus of the state railway Ghent – Ostend is located in the city.
The most suitable time of year for relaxation and sunbathing is summer, when the thermometer reaches an average of +20 degrees and precipitation is very rare. In winter, the weather in Ostend is quite comfortable, the air warms up to +1 degree.
The city's attractionsLike any of the cities in Belgium, Ostend boasts many, among which it is worth highlighting, which was built in the neo-Gothic style at the end of the 19th - beginning of the 20th centuries. The first queen of Belgium, Louise Marie of Orléans, is buried on the territory of this church. Another significant religious attraction is the Capuchin Church, built at the beginning of the 17th century.
You can't help but pay attention to the Spanish House, dating back to 1741. At one time there was a laundry there, then they opened a toy store. During the liquidation of old buildings in the middle of the 20th century, the Spanish House miraculously survived. Now it is a unique ancient monument. In addition, there are many museums in Ostend. The most popular is the Raversijde Open Air Museum. This complex combines a fishing village, a picturesque estate and an amazing collection of towers. Connoisseurs of art and painting can visit the James Ensor House Museum. The house contains a huge collection of his paintings.
There is a monument to Leopold I in Leopold I-plein. The first king of Belgium stands majestically on a high pedestal, looking out to the sea.
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If you are vacationing in the city in the summer, do not miss the unique opportunity to visit photography, caricature and fireworks festivals, visit the antiques market, take part in beach volleyball and triathlon tournaments, sand figure and castle competitions and other equally interesting events.
Nightlife lovers can head to the famous casino and rooftop restaurant - Kursaal Oostende, which is located on Langestrat. The bulk of nightclubs, cinemas, restaurants and other establishments for a great pastime are also located here.
A great place for a family holiday is Maria Hendericki Park. There are playgrounds, a mini golf course and boat and pedalo rides. But still, the main thing that tourists come to Ostend for is delicious food. The best beach is located in the western part of Ostend, near the former royal villa of Leopold II. An unforgettable holiday by the water, a beautiful tan, surfing and sailing will give you the cleanest beaches of the city.
Accommodation and mealsCity guests can choose both budget and expensive accommodation options. The 2-star Albert II hotel is considered a good budget place. Tourists often stay in three-star hotels in Ostend, such as the Imperial and Ramada Ostend. Those who are not used to saving can rent an elite cottage. Everyone can find suitable housing, depending on their desires and wallet size.
The basis of local cuisine is, first of all, seafood. Local delicacies also include chocolate and beer. You can try masterpieces of national cuisine in Burnie's Friethouse, Restaurant Ocean City, Lucien Schepens restaurants. Many catering establishments serve Italian (Pizza Foon restaurant), French (L'apero restaurant) and Greek (El Greco restaurant) cuisine. And at the pier you can always buy fresh seafood.
Shopping in Ostend
Most of the shops in Ostend are located on the streets Witte Nonnstraat, Kapellstraat, Adolf Beilstraat. Among the many shopping centers, Feest-en Kultuurpaleis stands out, with 15 supermarkets. Everyday products, both household and food, can be purchased at the Spar store. There are several open markets in the central part of the city. Most stores are open on weekdays from 10.00 to 18.00 (some until 20.00).
The price level for most goods in the city, as throughout the country, is average, but generally prices in Belgium are slightly higher than in neighboring countries. However, you can still save money if you come to Ostend in October, when fairs and sales take place here.
How to get to the city?There are different ways to get to Ostend. Oostende-Bruges International Airport is located not far from the city center, but it only accepts charter and private flights. Ostend is the terminus of the Brussels-Ghent-Bruges railway, and the country also has high-speed trains TGV and Thalys, with connections to France, Germany and Holland. Those who wish can use this view. You can travel by car along the E40 motorway, which connects Ostend and. The E17 highway leads from here.