Ostend travel guide

Ostend, often referred to as 'The Queen of the Belgian Sea,' has a rich and vibrant history. This coastal city in Belgium has been inhabited since the Middle Ages, but it wasn't until the late 18th century that it started to gain prominence as a seaside resort for the European elite.

It was under the reign of King Leopold II that Ostend truly blossomed. The King had a profound fondness for the city, leading to the construction of many iconic landmarks, including the Royal Galleries and the Thermae Palace Hotel.

During both World Wars, Ostend was heavily bombarded and suffered extensive damage. However, the resilient city managed to rebuild and restore its historic landmarks, maintaining its allure as a premier seaside destination.

Today, Ostend is a blend of old-world charm and modern vibrancy. Its history is still very present in the cityscape, from the majestic belle-époque facades to the Fort Napoleon, a testament to Ostend's strategic importance in the past.

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 5 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!

While Ostend, Belgium is a city that can be appreciated throughout the year, the best time to explore Ostend is during the summer months, typically from June to September. During this period, the weather is pleasantly warm with average temperatures ranging from 15 to 20 degrees Celsius, offering ideal conditions for beach activities and outdoor exploration. This is also the time when the city hosts its celebrated events such as the 'Ostend at Anchor' maritime festival in May and 'Theater by the Sea' in late July to early August. However, these months draw the largest crowds, so if you prefer a quieter visit, consider traveling during the shoulder seasons of spring (April-May) and autumn (September-October). During these times, the city is quieter yet still offers mild weather and the chance to experience local events like the Ostend Film Festival in September. No matter when you choose to visit, do remember to pack rain gear as Ostend does experience frequent rainfall throughout the year.

When visiting Ostend, a truly local experience that is often missed by tourists is a visit to the weekly 'Ostend Market.' This bustling market takes place every Thursday morning in the Wapenplein Square. Here, you can sample a variety of local delicacies, fresh produce, and unique Belgian trinkets. But the insider tip is to arrive early - not just to beat the crowds, but to enjoy a traditional Ostend breakfast of 'pistolets' (small, round bread rolls) with local cheese and a cup of strong Belgian coffee at one of the nearby cafes. The marketplace comes alive as the locals start their day, offering an authentic taste of Ostend's vibrant community life. This experience is a hidden gem that encapsulates the true spirit of this charming Belgian seaside city.

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. 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. Go to this page to compare all 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 5 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.

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.

Ostend, Belgium offers a variety of transportation options to its visitors, ensuring a seamless and convenient travel experience. The city's public transit system is exceptionally efficient, with a well-connected network of buses and trams operated by De Lijn. These services are an affordable and reliable way to navigate the city and its surroundings.

For those who prefer private transportation, taxis are readily available throughout the city. Taxi services can be hailed from the street or booked in advance. Offering both convenience and flexibility, they are a popular choice among travelers.

Car rental services are also an option in Ostend. Several local and international car rental companies operate in the city, providing a wide range of vehicles to suit different needs and budgets. This option provides the freedom to explore Ostend and the wider West Flanders region at your own pace.

Lastly, cycling is deeply ingrained in Belgian culture and Ostend is no exception. The city offers numerous bike rental services for those looking to experience the local culture, enjoy the scenic routes and navigate the city in an eco-friendly manner.