Ostend travel guide

Ostend, a vibrant coastal city, boasts a rich history that dates back to the Middle Ages. Originally a small fishing village, Ostend gained prominence in the 13th century when its strategic location made it an important port for trade and defense.

In the 18th and 19th centuries, Ostend flourished as a fashionable seaside resort, attracting European aristocracy and royalty. The city’s development continued with the construction of the Kursaal, a luxurious casino and concert hall, in 1852, and the establishment of the Royal Galleries in the early 20th century.

Ostend played a significant role during both World Wars, serving as a vital military base and experiencing substantial damage. Post-war reconstruction efforts revitalized the city, transforming it into a modern urban center.

Today, Ostend is known for its beautiful beaches, cultural heritage, and vibrant arts scene, making it a popular destination for tourists seeking both relaxation and enrichment.

Ostend, known as 'The Queen of the Belgian Coast,' is rich in culture and traditions that reflect its maritime heritage and vibrant community life. The locals, or Ostendenaars, take pride in their seaside customs, including the famous shrimp fishing on horseback, a unique practice recognized by UNESCO. Visitors can often witness this centuries-old tradition and even sample the freshly caught shrimp at local markets.

Ostend is also known for its bustling cultural scene, with numerous festivals and events throughout the year. The Theater aan Zee (Theater by the Sea) festival is a highlight, offering a blend of theater, music, and visual arts. When attending these events, it’s customary to greet people with a friendly “Hallo” or “Goeiedag” and to thank hosts with a “Dank je wel.”

Dining in Ostend offers a taste of local flavors, with seafood being a staple. When dining out, tipping is not obligatory but appreciated, usually rounding up the bill or leaving a small amount. Embrace the local dining etiquette by savoring meals slowly and engaging in conversation, as mealtime is a cherished social activity.

Respecting personal space is important; while Belgians are friendly, they value their privacy. A handshake is a common greeting, and it's polite to address people with titles and surnames unless invited to use first names. By observing these cultural nuances, tourists can enrich their experience and connect more deeply with Ostend's unique charm.

The best time to explore Ostend is from late spring to early autumn, specifically between May and September. During these months, the weather is typically mild and pleasant, with temperatures ranging from 15°C to 25°C (59°F to 77°F), making it ideal for beach activities, outdoor dining, and exploring the city's attractions. July and August are peak tourist months, which means the city is bustling with energy, and numerous events and festivals, such as the Theater aan Zee and the Ostend at Anchor maritime festival, take place. However, these months also bring higher crowd levels and increased accommodation prices.

For those who prefer a quieter visit, May, June, and September offer a perfect balance of good weather and fewer tourists. This period allows for a more relaxed experience while still enjoying the many outdoor activities Ostend has to offer. Additionally, visiting in late spring or early autumn gives you a better chance to explore the city's rich cultural heritage and stunning coastal landscapes without the hustle and bustle of peak season.

To make the most of your trip, it’s recommended to book accommodations and any event tickets in advance, especially if visiting during the summer months. Whether you’re interested in sunbathing on the beach, exploring historical sites, or attending local festivals, planning your visit during these optimal months will ensure a memorable experience in Ostend.

For a truly authentic Ostend experience, make sure to visit 'De Visserskaai' early in the morning. This bustling quay is where local fishermen bring in their fresh catch of the day, and it's the perfect spot to savor the freshest seafood. An insider tip: arrive around 7 AM when the fishermen are just returning from their overnight expeditions. Not only will you get the chance to purchase seafood directly from the source, but you can also enjoy the serene morning atmosphere before the area becomes crowded with tourists. Additionally, many locals recommend trying the 'shrimp croquettes,' a regional delicacy that you can find at nearby stalls. By taking advantage of this early morning opportunity, you'll get a glimpse into the daily life of Ostend's fishing community and indulge in flavors that epitomize the city’s culinary heritage.

On this page, you'll find all the top travel services in Ostend, Belgium. Enjoy the convenience of planning and booking every detail of your trip to Ostend, including flights, accommodations, activities, and more, in one place.

Discover the cheapest and most popular flights offered by a variety of airlines that fly to Belgium. Check out the best things to do in Ostend. Compare the rates and services of the 6 types of stays and car rental companies offering CDW insurance coverage.

Experience the best of Ostend with an expertly curated and fully customizable itinerary. Get answers to questions about the routes and services offered in Ostend from our free 24/7 customer support. We make it easy for you to find and book every detail of your trip to Ostend with this travel guide.

Continue reading this Ostend travel guide to learn how you can enjoy a stress-free and memorable vacation in the city of Ostend!

With destinations such as Ostend, a trip to Belgium needs no further explanation. Spanning over 30,688 square kilometers, Belgium is an expansive playground of discovery, offering a wealth of diverse landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and captivating experiences awaiting exploration. From bustling metropolises to historic towns and modern urban hubs, Belgium has something to enchant every traveler.

In Ostend alone, travelers are spoiled for choice with an array of experiences and world-famous attractions such as Leopoldpark, Mercator, and Atlantikwall Raversyde. Thus, a trip to Belgium becomes essential. Whether you're drawn to historical sites, natural wonders, or vibrant cultural experiences, Belgium offers an abundance of treasures waiting to be discovered.

There's so much to explore and uncover in Belgium. Click or tap the link below to discover more about Belgium and its offers.

Expect an exhilarating journey through Ostend, a haven brimming with attractions to suit every traveler’s taste. From historical landmarks to natural wonders, and delectable cuisine, Ostend offers an abundance of experiences waiting to be discovered. Dive into this ultimate Ostend travel guide to uncover must-visit spots and get the scoop on what makes the city so special.

International travelers can fly to Ostend by booking flights with TUI fly Belgium, offering flights to Ostend-Bruges International Airport. From the arrival airport, travelers can choose from various public and private transfer options to Ostend.

For those seeking the best flight ticket deals to Ostend, knowing the cheapest travel times and which airlines offer the most affordable flights is helpful. Luckily, we provide this information to help you discover the cheapest and most popular flights to Ostend.

An essential factor to consider when traveling to a new place or country is accommodation. While visiting a city as fantastic as Ostend is always exciting, any avid traveler knows that accommodations often make or break the vacation experience. The best place to stay in Ostend usually depends on travelers' needs and preferences. However, booking accommodations in central Ostend offers a ton of benefits.

Staying in the heart of the city allows you to easily walk to many of the top sights and dining areas in Ostend and cut down on your travel expenses. Centrally located accommodations are also an excellent choice for travelers in Ostend planning to go on a quick tour or drive to the neighboring regions.

In Ostend, you'll find 6 different types of places to stay, catering to every taste, budget, and reason for travel. For example, honeymooners or travelers on a romantic getaway in Belgium can experience the ultimate relaxation at one of the luxury hotels in Ostend. Travelers whose purpose is sightseeing can also find plenty of mid-range and budget-friendly hotels in the city, allowing access to many of the top attractions in Ostend.

Learn more about the most popular places to stay and the top-rated hotels in Ostend in the following sections.

To navigate Ostend effortlessly, renting a car is an excellent choice. With your own wheels, you can explore every nook and cranny of the destination without relying on public transportation and even venture off the beaten path.

Learn more about the different types of cars you can rent in Ostend, Belgium below.

The city of Ostend is just one of the many unique and scenic destinations you can visit in Belgium. So if you're itching for another cultural adventure, a relaxing road trip, an action-filled city break, or a memorable weekend getaway, know that Belgium has it all.

Each destination in Belgium offers something unique to experience! Take the opportunity to visit other captivating places in Belgium that are as magical as the city of Ostend. The most popular travel destinations in Belgium are listed below. Click on the name of the place you want to explore next to learn more about it.

Ostend, a bustling coastal city in Belgium, offers a variety of transportation options to help visitors navigate its attractions with ease. Public transit is efficient and widely available, with De Lijn buses providing comprehensive routes throughout the city and surrounding areas. The coastal tram, which runs along the Belgian coast from De Panne to Knokke-Heist, is a unique and scenic way to explore the region, with several stops in Ostend.

Taxis are readily available for those preferring a more direct and personalized mode of transport. They can be hailed on the street, booked through apps, or found at designated taxi stands near popular areas such as the train station and city center. For travelers looking for more independence, rental cars are a convenient option, with several agencies offering vehicles for hire.

Cycling is also a popular way to get around Ostend, thanks to the city's flat terrain and extensive network of bike paths. Bike rentals are available at various locations, providing an eco-friendly and enjoyable way to explore the city. For a truly local experience, consider hopping on one of the public bike-sharing systems, which offer short-term rentals ideal for quick trips around town.

Experience the authentic charm of Belgium by expanding your travels beyond the boundaries of Ostend. Explore other destinations around Belgium with a domestic flight. A domestic flight is typically a short-haul flight, with the longest duration not exceeding two hours. To find the best flights from Ostend to other amazing locations in Belgium, add the required details below and select 'Search' to view the best domestic flights in Belgium for your chosen dates. You can also jump to the last section of this travel guide to find the most popular domestic flights from Ostend.