Location: Ostend
Top Things to do in Ostend
Countries
The 10 Best Things to do in Ostend, Flanders
Ostend (Dutch: Oostende [oːstˈɛndə]; French: Ostende [ɔstɑ̃d]; German: Ostende [ʔɔstˈʔɛndə]) is a Belgian coastal city and municipality, located in the province of West Flanders. It comprises the boroughs of Mariakerke, Raversijde, Stene and Zandvoorde, and the city of Ostend proper – the largest on the Belgian coast.
Restaurants in Ostend
1. Raversyde
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 234 reviews
In accordance with the instructions of the National Security Council, you must book your visit in advance. You can do so by means of the online ticket system. See www.raversyde.be Raversyde has developed a circulation plan for both its sites, making sure visitors virtually always go in one direction and do not cross the path of other visitors. At the ANNO 1465 site, you can enter two of the four cottages; you can look inside through the windows of the other two. The rest of the museum is fully accessible save for a few minor elements. The audio guides are currently unavailable. At the Atlantikwall site, we have developed a completely new route avoiding any covered and narrow spaces. You cannot enter most of the bunkers. You can look inside several bunkers and large photo panels showing the interior of the closed spaces have been installed. Additional information panels have been installed to replace the audio guides, which are not handed out.
Reviewed By Bubbles73uk - Weedon Bec, United Kingdom
There are several things to see at Raversyde Domein: the Atlantic Wall which is an open-air military museum , the nearby Raversyde Anno 1465 which is a recreation of a medieval fishing village, and a big nature park which is lovely to walk in. Not forgetting the impressive sea views! From Ostend there's a coastal tram which you get off at the Raversijde Domein stop, just outside the Atlantic Wall. You then walk up the steps and over the dunes (it is not a very long walk). The Atlantic Wall was previously a fortification used by the Germans in both WWI and WWII, with gun emplacements and a museum. Walking through the 2km of trenches is absolutely fascinating. You can also combine your visit with a trip to Raversyde Anno 1465. This is a reconstructed medieval fishing village. The houses are very nicely done and full of authentic-looking artefacts showing the way of life of more and less affluent village members. A reduced combi ticket is available should you choose to visit both attractions but please note Raversyde Anno is only open for three hours from 2:00 - 5:00 in the afternoon, so plan on visiting the Atlantic Wall late morning/early afternoon & then visit Raversyde Anno. You can retuen to Ostend either on foot or by the coastal tram. An enjoyable day out in peaceful surroundings.
2. Atlantikwall Raversyde
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,054 reviews
In accordance with the instructions of the National Security Council, you must book your visit in advance. You can do so by means of the online ticket system. See www.raversyde.be Raversyde has developed a circulation plan for both its sites, making sure visitors virtually always go in one direction and do not cross the path of other visitors. At the ANNO 1465 site, you can enter two of the four cottages; you can look inside through the windows of the other two. The rest of the museum is fully accessible save for a few minor elements. The audio guides are currently unavailable. At the Atlantikwall site, we have developed a completely new route avoiding any covered and narrow spaces. You cannot enter most of the bunkers. You can look inside several bunkers and large photo panels showing the interior of the closed spaces have been installed. Additional information panels have been installed to replace the audio guides, which are not handed out. Dogs are not allowed
Reviewed By account2018 - Nuku'alofa, Tonga
The combined ticket with ANNO 1465 (only €8 with the free Coast discount card) made excellent value. I was there for over 4 hours over both sites, excluding lunch. The WWII battery is very well presented, both gunnery and daily life, with detailed displays and dressed rooms. The newly WW1 section has a lot less to play with, and while some touches are lovely (the horizon of shipwrecks expand in the audio guide), it feels a bit thin. If you wonder where items 15-19 on the WW2 battery are, they are in the tunnel from the WW1 battery, which they assume you will visit first. park well inland and walk round ANNO 1465 to get there.
3. Church of Saint Peter and Saint Paul
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 445 reviews
Reviewed By Bubbles73uk - Weedon Bec, United Kingdom
A beautiful neo-gothic-style church built in 1907, with soaring spires & distinctive stained-glass windows. It certainly has the wow factor with very ornate stone work, and splendid flying buttresses.
4. Zeilschip Mercator
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 387 reviews
Reviewed By Bubbles73uk - Weedon Bec, United Kingdom
This Three-Master ship is anchored in the marina in front of the train station, & was a seagoing ambassador. It attracted a lot of attention at world exhibitions & ceremonies. It also participated in numerous races & won the Oslo-Ostend race, Some consider it to be the crown jewel of Ostend! The ship is in very good condition, but there are some steep steps during the tour, so if you struggle with mobility in any way, I suggest you avoid going on board.
5. Maria Hendrikapark
6. De Nieuwe Oostende Pier
7. The Kusttram
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 1,233 reviews
Reviewed By Steeve17 - Dinant, Belgium
This is by far the best tram ride you can get in Belgium: the tram goes from town to town, along the Belgian coast (about 60 km long). It's wonderful, all year round!
8. Albert I Promenade
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 678 reviews
Reviewed By ChrisMcHugo - Death Valley National Park, United States
The Albert Promenade faces the North Sea and was deserted. I think it was built about 1900. It runs from the centre of town west. You can walk down on the beach side either on the promenade or on the wide beach as far as the Thermae Palace hotel. The hotel bar / restaurant can be entered directly off the promenade and is a great shelter from the wind. The beach is a great kite flying spot. Return to town on the tram or walk off the beach and walk back through the town. There are also electric scooters to hire.
9. Leopoldpark
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 147 reviews
Reviewed By 828sg - Albany, United States
Mini golf and lovely flowers in summer. Lots of Christmas vendors in winter. Always relaxing to walk through or have a bite at the cafe.
10. Plage d'Ostende
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 360 reviews
Reviewed By 828sg - Albany, United States
The beach is clean and like everything in Ostend, it is designed to make your visit enjoyable. For people with kids, there are markers every 100 feet or so with different shapes (like a smiley face or an airplane) so it's easy not to forget your place on the beach. Snacks, drinks and beer are available on the promenade which runs for miles along the beach. And during the summer, the town erects bars and restaurants right on the beach! It is so nice to sit and have a snack under a palm tree! The sunsets are incredible and the people are very friendly and helpful. Everyone goes out of their way to make sure everyone else is having a good time. The train station is maybe a ten minute walk from the beach. There are so many places to stay and with everything there is to see and do in Ostend and the surrounding area, it makes sense to stay a while! There is everything from a great hostel to apartments for rent and every level of hotel in between. Take the world's longest coastal tram up and down the entire length of the country in under 3 hours star to finish - but stop along the way and explore the dozen or so towns along the way. The food in Ostend is excellent - ranging from food stands to rated restaurants. Enjoy this amazing seaside town and you will fall in love with the beach and the town!
