Ostend

Travel Guide

Ostend showing heritage architecture and heritage elements
Ostend featuring signage
Ostend featuring heritage architecture
Ostend
Ostend

Enjoy hours of fun on the beach, sample local beers and dig into military history at this popular seaside location.

Ostend is the largest coastal resort in Belgium, a friendly commune with proud Flemish traditions. Its beaches, range of accommodations and welcoming ambiance make it an ideal trip for the nearby inhabitants of Bruges. Vacationers also come from across the globe for the vibrant nightlife, restaurants and historic attractions.

With more than 5 miles (8 kilometers) of sandy beaches, there is lots of space for seaside fun. Sunbathe and swim at Ostend Beach and then stroll along its promenade. Another popular beach in the neighborhood is Groot Strand.

One of Ostend’s major draws is its military history. The harbor city was occupied by German forces during both world wars and is where they constructed sections of their Atlantic Wall. This colossal coastal defensive structure stretched all the way from the Spanish border to Scandinavia. See part of these fortifications at the Atlantic Wall Open Air Museum. Explore more than 60 bunkers and gun positions which are connected by trenches and subterranean corridors.

Visit Fort Napoleon, a polygonal fortress, used by the Germans as a headquarters during World War I. Napoleon Bonaparte initially built the fort to protect the coast from potential English attacks.

Look around The Mercator, a floating museum ship that was used as a base for submarines after World War II. During its history, the vessel was also a training ship, went on scientific expeditions and took part in sailing competitions.

Good food and drink are staples of life in Ostend with seafood dominating many of the restaurant menus. Accompany your meals with popular local beers such as those from the Dikke Mathile and Keyte brands, which are brewed just outside the city. Buy fresh produce at the Thursday morning market in the city center.

Ostend is a very accessible city, a 15-minute train ride from Bruges and approximately 60 miles (97 kilometers) from Brussels. Enjoy Ostend's absorbing history, exciting gastronomy and coastal playgrounds.

Where to stay in Ostend

Ostend

Ostend City Centre

4/5(5 area reviews)

Travelers come to Ostend City Centre for its beaches, and you can see top attractions like Ostend Beach and Casino Kursaal while you're in town.

Ostend City Centre
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Vogelzang

While Vogelzang isn't home to many top sights, Wellington Racetrack and Mercator Floating Museum are some notable places to visit nearby.

Vogelzang
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Vuurtorenwijk

While there might not be top attractions in Vuurtorenwijk, you can explore the larger area and discover places like Fort Napoleon and Turkeyenhof.

Vuurtorenwijk
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Westerkwartier

When in Westerkwartier, you can plan a visit to Wellington Racetrack and Mariakerke Beach, some noteworthy sights in the nearby area.

Westerkwartier
Yacht harbor with the central railway station in the background.

Konterdam

While Konterdam isn't home to many top sights, Maria Hendrika Park and Mercator Floating Museum are some notable places to visit nearby.

Konterdam
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Nieuwe Koerswijk

Nieuwe Koerswijk might not have many top sights, but Mariakerke Beach and Wellington Racetrack are two attractions nearby that you can check out.

Nieuwe Koerswijk
Leopold Hotel Ostend
Leopold Hotel Ostend
4 out of 5
Van Iseghemlaan 110, Ostend
The price is ¥10,115 per night from Jun 16 to Jun 17
¥10,115
¥11,539 total
includes taxes & fees
Jun 16 - Jun 17
Stay at this 4-star hotel in Ostend. Enjoy free WiFi, 11 beach bars, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular attractions ...
8/10 Very Good! (582 reviews)
"I had a pleasant 4-nights stay. Very helpful reception and housekeeping staff. Highly recommending this hotel for a pleasant and worry-free stay."

Reviewed on May 30, 2025

Leopold Hotel Ostend
Hotel Mercure Oostende
Hotel Mercure Oostende
4 out of 5
Leopold II Laan 20, Ostend
The price is ¥15,981 per night from Jun 25 to Jun 26
¥15,981
¥17,756 total
includes taxes & fees
Jun 25 - Jun 26
Stay at this 4-star eco-certified hotel in Ostend. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and 24-hour room service. Our guests praise the property condition ...
7.8/10 Good! (532 reviews)
"Friendly staff and good facilities."

Reviewed on Apr 2, 2025

Hotel Mercure Oostende
Hotel Du Parc
Hotel Du Parc
4 out of 5
Marie-Joseplein 3, Ostend
The price is ¥17,390 per night from Jun 4 to Jun 5
¥17,390
¥19,250 total
includes taxes & fees
Jun 4 - Jun 5
Stay at this 4-star hotel in Ostend. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and room service. Popular attractions Ostend Beach and Casino Kursaal are located ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (79 reviews)
"short but pleasant stay."

Reviewed on Dec 27, 2024

Hotel Du Parc
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Sunny Apartment 500m From the Beach
Sunny Apartment 500m From the Beach
Oostende
Stay at this apartment in Ostend. Popular attractions Ostend Beach and Mariakerke Beach are located nearby.
Lovely
"Perfect little apartment that had everything we needed! Great location with transport and shops."

Reviewed on Oct 1, 2024

Sunny Apartment 500m From the Beach
Casselbergh Residences Sky Bridge
Casselbergh Residences Sky Bridge
Leopold III-laan, Ostend
Stay at this apartment in Ostend. Enjoy free WiFi, parking (surcharge), and patios. Popular attractions Ostend Beach and Mercator Floating Museum are located ...
Casselbergh Residences Sky Bridge
Ostend studio
Ostend studio
16 Kon. Astridlaan, Ostend, Vlaanderen
Book a stay at this beach apartment in Ostend. Enjoy free WiFi, parking (surcharge), and an in-room espresso maker. Popular attractions Ostend Beach and Wellington ...
So Much More Than a Hotel
"I had a few days to spend and found this suite to be excellent value and much more homey than a hotel room. Wifi was perfect, so I could work, and the sea a short walk away. The management was excellent to deal with and it was an enjoyable four-day break."

Reviewed on Jun 10, 2024

Ostend studio
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Things to do

Reviews of Ostend

4.7
Top Destination
5 - Excellent
2
5 - Excellent 67%
4 - Good
1
4 - Good 33%
3 - Okay
0
3 - Okay 0%
2 - Disappointing
0
2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
0
1 - Terrible 0%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

Wonderful city. The people are very friendly and welcoming. Great food!! Wonderful boardwalk and great shops.

4/5 - Good

Lorejas

Nice beach, great dining options and overall fun City to visit.

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