Location: Ostend
Top Things to do in Ostend
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What to do and see in Ostend, Flanders: The Best Budget-friendly Things to do
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. Museumschip Amandine
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 257 reviews
Reviewed By Bubbles73uk - Weedon Bec, United Kingdom
I'm not all that interested in fishing, but my visit to the Amandine ended up being one of my favourite attractions in Ostend. Located right near the port, Amandine sailed her last journey in 1995 & is now an enjoyable little museum showing you what life would be like on a fishing vessel in extreme conditions. Fishing in the cold, stormy waters of the south coast of Iceland for months at a time was both physically & emotionally exhausting. The heroic fishermen of Ostend worked long hours, & lived & worked togeter 24/7 in tight quarters. So why did they do it? The catches consiting mainly of Cod, Haddock, Pollack, Red Mullet, Red Sea Bream, Flounder & Scottish Plaice were HUGE - much bigger than what was found in the North Sea. My visit to the Amandine made me realise that I had never really thought about what life would be like on a fishing vessel, let alone one in extreme conditions. I love museums that make you think about things you hadn't previously considered & this one did, so was a worthwhile experience.
4. 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.
5. 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.
6. Stadsbrouwerij 't Koelschip Oostende - Blonde Kuif
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 28 reviews
Great shop with rare & special beers, also the beer brewed by the owner. Take cash, no (credit) cards accepted. Stefan Massart
7. Maria Hendrikapark
8. De Nieuwe Oostende Pier
9. Wellington Racetrack (Wellington Renbaan)
10. James Ensor House (James Ensorhuis)
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 164 reviews
Reviewed By stevenenhilde - Antwerp, Belgium
The museum has 3 parts: the experience center ... Ensor the essentials by audio guide. The second part is the old house of the painter. Well conservated. The third part is a small exposition room with temporary expositions.
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