Port of Ostend
About Ostend, Guide and Tourist Attractions
(Ostend, West Vlaanderen, Belgium)
Ostend is one of Belgium's most popular holiday destinations. Although not quite the culture gem of other Belgium cities, the town offers pleasant sandy beaches, a famous racetrack, a prestigious casino, excellent shops, and some of Belgium's best seafood restaurants. It's also a good base from which to explore Flanders and visit some key battle sites of WWII.
What to do in Ostend
Ostend is an ideal location from which to explore the coastline of Belgium. There are some fascinating sights to see which are all easily reachable by car.
The prime attraction in Ostend is the Albert I promenade, which is lined with seaside bungalows and some of the best hotels. The promenade stretches for over 5 km / 3 miles along the town's beachfront. Ostend itself boasts five pleasant beaches, some good shops and some excellent restaurants. Alternatively the surrounding region of Ostend offers some pleasant day trips by car. The Belgian coastline isn't very long, however there are several quaint seaside towns and villages worthwhile visiting.
Tourist Attractions
Ostend offers several fascinating museums. The Museum of Fine Arts displays pieces of art from some of Belgium's most famous artists. The Museum of Local History displays numerous objects dating from Roman and Neolithic times. There is also a collection of many 19th century photos and posters and a maritime area. The North Sea Aquarium attracts many visitors as well. The renowned casino is also popular among visitors coming from England. The Ostend Tourism Information Service can provide information. Their email address is: info@toerisme-oostende.be
Ostend has undergone a remarkable metamorphosis through several renovations during recent years, such as the renovation of the promenade along the sea (from the Kursaal up to Mariakerke), the Fort Napoleon, the popular Albert-I-Promenade, The Visserskaai and several streets and squares in the centre of the city, such as the squares the St. Petrus-and Paulusplein, Stationsplein (Station square), and the Vissersplein (Fishers square).
