Sights of Ostend - what to see. A complete guide to iconic places. Oostende: a city whose beaches are steeper than those of Rio de Janeiro (Belgium) Entertainment and attractions in Oostende

Sights of Ostend, Belgium I left what is called dessert. When there are only a few days left before the end of your vacation, and you realize that it’s time to call it a day, Ostend is the best place for this!

The city of Ostend is the largest city in Belgium on the North Sea coast, famous primarily for its beaches. So it is not surprising that this city is called the main resort in Belgium. Due to the relief, the beaches of Ostend are considered almost the widest in Europe; in some places the width at low tide, including the promenade, is about 1 km! All Ostend beaches are free, but due to the considerable distance from the hotel line, they give the impression of being wild, since there are no umbrellas or sunbeds offered for extra money.

The desire to plunge into the cold waters of the North Sea was so great that we decided to go to this seaside city to unwind, especially since it’s just a train ride from Bruges to Ostend - 10 minutes and we’re already at the sea.

The fact that we were going towards the sea was clear from the train passengers: beach umbrellas in their hands, bright summer clothes and noisy kids in Panama hats - typical signs of a resort holiday. The station where the train arrives is almost a stone's throw from the port, where there are ancient or simply old sailing ships, many of them clearly foreign, and the sailors invited them to come on deck, albeit for a small fee.

On that day, some kind of holiday was taking place in Ostend, or maybe it’s always here on weekends, I still don’t understand, but on the square adjacent to the port there was a concert of some rock band, a little later we saw a parade of retired military personnel and there were a lot of police everywhere .

Where to eat in Ostend?

Not far from the port there is a small market with street food, but it’s not clear whether it’s here all the time or only on holidays, but how much seafood and more was there! Each tray was fragrant with goodies, and the bright colors were simply eye-popping! Here we regretted that we had brought provisions with us; there was no need to carry food. And there are dozens of cafes and restaurants along the embankment, go to any one and choose according to your taste and budget. We somehow didn’t imagine this city like that, we thought it was a wilderness...

What to see in Ostend?

If, while walking around other cities in Belgium, you are not tired of ancient buildings and you want to find something similar in Ostend, then it will be difficult to do this, since the city suffered greatly from the war, but it is possible.

One of the iconic buildings of the seaside city, the beautiful Church of Saints Peter and Paul - built at the end of the 19th century, the church is made in the neo-Gothic style and contrasts sharply with modern buildings.

And if you are interested in the history of World War II, then do not forget to visit the fortifications, the so-called Atlantic Wall, which can be seen even from the beach.

True, for the program that you can see this building in Ostend in one day, this building is most likely not suitable; you need to go here for the whole day to get enough of it.

I went for a swim, the water is +14, but I’m seasoned! Moreover, the kids frolicked in the water as if nothing had happened.

At the very beginning of the note, I said that I was putting an end to this trip, but no, rather an ellipsis, I will try to come here again, settle somewhere between Ostend and Bruges, rent a car and patrol!

A large port city and a famous resort. Literally, the name of the city can be translated as Eastern Region, since it was originally located in the eastern part of the island of Testerep. Later, the sea level dropped and the island merged with the mainland, but the name preserves the memory of the times of its founding.

In the warm season, the resort is attractive for its spacious beaches; the swimming season is open from June to the end of September, and the rest of the time the main entertainment for vacationers will be excursions to remarkable places. One of the oldest buildings is the Spanish House, which was erected in 1741. There was once a laundry here, and the building was later converted into a children's toy store. In the middle of the 20th century, all the old buildings were demolished, but the Spanish House miraculously survived. It remained abandoned for a long time, and then the city authorities bought the building. It was restored in 2001, and today it is considered the most beautiful ancient monument and symbol of the city.

The most important religious landmark is the Peter and Paul Church, built in 1905. The height of the towers is 72 meters; the first queen of Belgium, Louise Marie of Orleans, was buried on the church grounds. Not far from the church is the Tower of St. Peter, the main decoration of which is the clock, which craftsmen worked on in the 15th century. It is also worth visiting the Capuchin Church, a stately architectural structure from the early 17th century. The largest open-air museum in the country is the Raversijde Museum Complex. Here you can see a small fishing village, a complex of military fortifications and towers, as well as a beautiful manor that belonged to Prince Charles. Art lovers should visit the house-museum of artist James Ensor, which houses the largest collection of paintings. Copyright www.site

An excellent place for a walk will be Leopold Square, the main decoration of which is the monument to the first king of Belgium - Leopold I. This monument is considered one of the most unusual in the city; it is double-sided. On one side, the monument is decorated in a marine style, which is a vivid reminder of the king’s main hobby - fishing. The second side of the monument symbolizes the monarch’s solemn accession to the throne.

A unique symbol for the resort city is the Thermal Palace. Once upon a time, this luxurious thermal complex was chosen for relaxation by many eminent persons. The thermal complex is still accessible to visitors; it is located on the territory of a luxurious park. During the warm season, vacationers also have access to a public swimming pool located in close proximity to the palace, and there is also an incredibly beautiful Japanese garden. Not long ago, an art gallery was opened in the park, so you can always diversify your wellness holiday with an interesting excursion. There is a popular beach next to the Thermal Palace.

Ostend has an excellent Historical Museum that will introduce visitors to the most important events in the history of the city. This museum stores valuable historical documents, collections of ancient weapons and household items, as well as unique works of art and handicrafts. This museum offers special exciting excursions for children, during which they are allowed to hold some exhibits in their hands.

An unforgettable event will be a trip to the Museum of Maritime History, whose location is the ancient fishing vessel Amandine. On this ship, the atmosphere of past years was completely recreated; today, valuable items of ship equipment, ancient nautical charts, as well as other incredible artifacts related to maritime themes are stored on board.

Ostend is a great opportunity to combine a holiday in a European country, rich in cultural traditions and generous in attractions, with a holiday on the seaside. In Belgium everything is quite compact and the distances between cities are small. Of course, there is something to see in Ostend itself, but considering that Bruges is only a 13-minute drive away, you can stay by the sea at a good price (cheaper than in Bruges) and visit all the famous surrounding tourist routes.

No matter what time of year you choose to visit this resort, swimming here is extremely rare and mostly Russian tourists, but they sunbathe and take healthy air baths almost all year round.

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Weather in Ostend by months:

Month Temperature Cloudiness Rainy days /
Precipitation		 Number of solar
hours per day
During the day At night
January 6.6°C 4.7°C 60.5% 6 days (67.9 mm.) 8h. 27m.
February 6.5°C 4.2°C 54.4% 4 days (41.9 mm.) 10 o'clock 1m.
March 9.1°C 5.7°C 47.7% 4 days (45.6 mm.) 11 o'clock 54m.
April 12.2°C 8.0°C 39.7% 2 days (35.2 mm.) 13:00 52m.
May 15.1°C 10.7°C 43.0% 4 days (59.0 mm.) 15h. 36m.
June 17.9°C 13.4°C 39.2% 4 days (54.2 mm.) 16h. 30m.
July 20.3°C 15.7°C 38.3% 4 days (52.7 mm.) 16h. 3m.
August 20.4°C 16.2°C 39.0% 6 days (78.9 mm.) 14h. 32m.
September 18.5°C 14.5°C 39.0% 4 days (53.9 mm.) 12h. 37m.
October 14.9°C 12.0°C 49.0% 4 days (58.7 mm.) 10 o'clock 40m.
November 10.7°C 8.5°C 55.5% 7 days (70.6 mm.) 8h. 55m.
December 8.6°C 6.8°C 58.8% 6 days (67.7 mm.) 7h. 58m.

*This table displays weather averages collected over more than three years

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Impressions from a holiday in April

Our April Eurotrip had one big advantage - the non-tourist season. The Belgian seaside resort of Ostend was no exception. Of course, we didn’t dare swim in the North Sea at this time, but we studied the situation in order to return again in the most comfortable period (July or August).

Youth recreation

Ostend is famous for its active nightlife. Having the status of the largest Belgian port city, Ostend has a large number of bars and casinos. For active youth, the resort town will be an opportunity to learn or hone their windsurfing skills.

Family holiday

The city is also suitable for family travelers. Ostend has a rich history and a good cultural program. And for a greater immersion in history, you can go to neighboring Bruges.

What to take with you on vacation?

At this time of year it is worth taking care of insulation. The weather can still be unpredictable. A windproof jacket will become an indispensable thing for escaping the North Sea wind.

Where is the best place to stay?

Ostend is a resort town, so you can only save on accommodation by using our method (spending the night in a car). There are many apartments for rent in the city with sea views. I think this is a great option, but the prices are not much different from regular hotels. In summer, the nearby city of Bruges is considered an inexpensive place to live. Many tourists book hotels there, happily commuting to Ostend by bicycle.

What to do at the resort?

The most popular entertainment among tourists is riding the tram, which travels along the North Sea for 70 km. We gladly took advantage of this opportunity, driving the entire route back and forth, enjoying the landscapes spread out outside the window.

A simple walk along the embankment will be a pleasant pastime. Yachts of all colors and sizes moor here in the port. Be careful during strong winds - sand rises from the beach and can easily get into your eyes.

Beaches in the city are free. Despite the absence of tourists, there were sun loungers and umbrellas on the shore waiting for people. The most crowded beach is the coastline in front of the station. During the summer season, on weekends, not only tourists from other countries flock here, but also residents of all nearby Belgian cities.

In the center of Ostend there is a whole “shopping” street, Kapellestraat. There you will find popular middle class stores. In small European towns, I am always attracted to shoe stores with quality products. I found myself on sale and bought comfortable genuine leather boots for 30 euros.

Ostend is a paradise for seafood lovers. When choosing a restaurant, be guided by its appearance and choose one in which you will enjoy spending time, since prices in local establishments do not vary too much. I indulged in the pleasure of forking out for a huge portion of the famous Belgian mussels, complementing my dinner with a glass of inimitable cherry beer.

Is it worth a holiday in Ostend?

My first acquaintance with Ostend in the off-season gave me a desire to be on its beach in the summer. Perhaps even at this time I will not risk stepping into the cold waters of the sea. But I will definitely enjoy the atmosphere of a European seaside city.

High-speed trains TGV and Thalys pass through Belgium. The best way to get to Ostend is from Brussels GareCentrale station (trains depart once an hour). The duration of the trip is 1 hour 20 minutes. The cost is approximately 15 euros. The journey from Ghent will last about 45 minutes, from Bruges - 15 minutes. The main railway station of the city is located near the coast, and the water bus stops near it.

By car

Brussels and Ostend are connected by the E40 motorway. The distance between the cities is 115 km. You can get from the capital to Ostend in an hour and a half. To do this, you first need to take the E17 motorway and then the E40.

On the ship

TransEuropaFerries connects Ostend with the English city of Ramsgate. But ferries carry passengers with cars. Travel time takes about 4 hours.

It is convenient to move around the city using coastal trams. Such trams make up to 70 stops in two and a half hours. Stops every 15 minutes. The price of a one-way ticket is 1.50 euros. Tickets can be purchased at the piers or at specialized DeLijn kiosks. There are also many bus routes in the city.

Sights of Ostend

There are very few historical monuments in the city; almost everything was destroyed during the First and Second World Wars.
The oldest building in Ostend can be called the Spanish House. This is the only surviving building from the 18th century. The three-story house was used for various purposes. At first there was a laundry, then a confectionery. In 1981, the building acquired the status of a historical monument. In 2000-2001, the house was dismantled and rebuilt in the same form and in the same place. Now the Spanish House is considered a symbol of the city. It is located on Christinastraat 67.

The main temple of the city is the Peter and Paul Cathedral (Sint-Petrus-en-Pauluskerk). It was built in 1899-1905 in the neo-Gothic style. Inside there is a mausoleum where the ashes of the first queen of Belgium, Louise Marie, rest. Also, noble people of Ostend are buried there. On the stained glass windows you can see images of all the Belgian kings and saints. I often compare the temple with the Cologne Cathedral. Those who want to see this cathedral should hurry up with the excursion, because it closes early - until 16:00. The cathedral is located on Jozef-II straat.
Another ancient building is the Capuchin Church (Kapucijnenkerk). It was built in 1620.


The monument to Leopold I is located on Leopold I-plein. Six streets diverge from it in different directions of the city. On a high pedestal there is a rider on a horse - the first king of Belgium. On the one hand, the monument is made in a nautical style - it symbolizes the king’s love for fishing, and on the other, it shows the monarch’s accession to the throne. The king's face is directed towards the sea.

Since the 19th century, Ostend has earned a reputation as a fashionable resort town. King Leopold II loved this city very much, and therefore ordered the construction of the Thermal Palace (OstendeThermalPalace) here. This is a very popular place among residents and guests of the city. Since that time, the health resort has specialized in thermal procedures with healing water. Rulers and noble people from many European countries came to Ostend for treatment. Even Nikolai Gogol undergoes treatment at the Thermal Palace. Near the building there is a public swimming pool, an art gallery and a Japanese garden. The palace is located on KoninginAstridlaan street, 7.

Ostend's museums and galleries are open even on Saturday and Sunday. Most often the day off is Tuesday. For children under 14 years of age admission is free.

In Ostend, the main museum complex is the Raverseyde. It consists of three open-air museums and a natural park. The former estate of Prince Charles, the WWII Atlantic Wall fortifications and the fishing village of Walraversijde. The latter is especially popular among tourists. It houses a memorial to Prince Charles. It is fashionable to see military equipment from the First and Second World Wars at the Atlantic Wall museums.

Ostend Historical Museum (DePlate)

Opening hours are from 10 am to 5 pm (lunch 13:00-14:00). Ticket price for adults over 18 years old is 2 euros, for teenagers 1 euro.

James Ensor House Museum (Ensorhuis)

Here is a collection of works by a famous artist who worked at the end of the 19th and beginning of the 20th centuries.
The museum is open from 10:00 to 17:00 (lunch 12:00-14:00). Ticket for adults - 2 euros.

Not far from the city center, near the train station, there is the fishing boat Amandine. There is a maritime history museum on board the ship.

The city is home to the famous sailing ship “Mercator” (1932), which has sailed to distant countries more than once and participated in regattas. Now the ship is used for tourism purposes. It can be visited every day, from November to April from 10:00 to 16:30, and in other months from 10:00 to 17:00. Ticket price for adults is 2 euros, for children over 6 years old - 1 euro.

The Monument to the Lost Fishermen" (Seamen’sMemorial) can be seen on one of the embankments in the northern part of the city. The monument was built in memory of all the sailors who did not return home. It was erected on the site of the first city lighthouse, in 1953.

In the stimulating amusement park (EarthExplorer), which is located at Fortstraat, 128, you can experience all 4 elements of the planet (earth, fire, water and wind). The most interesting thing is to visit the park with the whole family. The park is open daily during the summer.

Ostend has five main and well-equipped beaches. Entry to all these beaches is free. The beaches are famous for their wide width. The swimming season opens at the beginning of June and lasts until the end of September. The first place is occupied by the beach next to Thermalpalace. Tourists who go to Ostend only for the weekend most often choose the beach near the train station.

In the Fishermen's District (Visserskaai) there is the Noordzeeaquarium. This is an ideal place for families with children to explore the underwater world. Entrance cost for adults is 2 euros, for children under 6 years old - free.

Horse riding enthusiasts should visit WellingtonRacetrack. Here they organize daily competitions for professionals, and beginners are taught to confidently stay in the saddle.

Ostend has its own skyscraper. Its height is 103 meters. This is the tallest building on the European coast. It is a little disharmonious with the traditional low-rise buildings of the city.

Shopping

The best month for shopping in Ostend is October. It is during this month that fairs and sales are held in the city. Almost all stores are open from 10:00 to 18:00, some until 20:00. On Saturday they close early, at 16:00. Sunday is a day off.

The main shopping street in Ostend is Kapellestraat. Here you can find a huge number of shops and shopping complexes. The stores offer all European brands with affordable prices. On the same street there is a store of the famous French brand PecheMignon. In it you can find clothes for sports, home and leisure. All things are very comfortable and high quality, prices are average.

A popular shopping complex is FeestenKultuurpaleis. It has more than 15 large stores with a varied assortment.

The Spar chain of stores are stores for every day. Large selection of high-quality household and food products, good service, affordable prices. The store is located on Langestraat 28.

There are several open-air markets in the center of Ostend.
The fish market (Vismarkt) offers a large selection of fresh seafood to suit every taste.
The coastal area of ​​Fishermen (Visserskaai) has numerous cafes and restaurants.

The streets of Ostend are carefully monitored. Smoking in public places is prohibited; violating this law costs 100 euros. And if you throw garbage past the trash can, be prepared to pay 150 euros.
On the embankment, you can see posters in all languages ​​warning that feeding birds is prohibited. Local ecologists believe that additional feeding disrupts the natural balance and can lead to population disruption.

Ostend is a very pleasant European town. He will always find something to please tourists. Beautiful parks, picturesque buildings, the sea, spacious beaches, a large selection of seafood - all this undoubtedly deserves to visit this beautiful city again.

Sights of the resort of Ostend in Belgium

Ostend is a large port city and also a popular tourist destination. It is located on the North Sea coast, approximately twenty-five kilometers west of the city of Bruges. In former times, this place was the summer residence of the Belgian court, which is why Ostend was nicknamed “The King of Coastal Cities.” The royal villa erected here at the beginning of the nineteenth century - this was during the reign of the first Belgian monarch, Leopold the First - has now been converted into a luxury hotel and restaurant.

Nowadays, the royal family visits the city only during business visits. At the same time, Ostend is a working city - a port, where there are passenger and fishing bays. English ferries also arrive at Ostend.

Ostend is a major financial and cultural center, home to approximately seventy thousand people. The name of the city translates as “Eastern Region”. This is explained by the fact that at first it was located in the east of the island of Testerep. Later, the sea level dropped, as a result of which the island and the mainland became one, but the name of the city preserves the memory of those times when this was not the case.

The first settlements were founded here in the ninth and tenth centuries. Livestock farmers who raised sheep lived here, as well as fishermen. In 814, the Abbey of Saint-Bertinue was founded in these places. In 1267, the settlement received city rights and status, but there were no defensive fortifications or walls, but a fair was allowed to be held in the city. After two decades, the city entered into an agreement with Bruges, as a result of which the tidal channel was widened and it was opened to ships.

Port in Ostend:

During the summer season, the city attracts tourists thanks to its wide beaches. The swimming season here lasts from June to the end of September; at other times, the main pastime for tourists is walking around local attractions.

In the second half of the twentieth century, the tourism industry developed in Ostend, and a large number of cultural events took place here. Although history has not saved Ostend, the city still partially managed to preserve its historical face. One of the most ancient buildings is Spanish House. It was built in 1741. Previously, this place was a laundry room; later the premises were converted into a store with children's toys. In the middle of the last century, all the ancient buildings were removed, but thanks to some miracle the Spanish House remained intact. It was “safely” forgotten about for a long time, and later the building was bought by the municipal authorities. Later, in 2001, restoration work was carried out in the Spanish House, and in our time it has become known as the most beautiful ancient monument in Ostend and even a city symbol.

Spanish House:

Among the city's notable places should be mentioned Peter and Paul Church (Sint-Petrus-en-Pauluskerk), which was built in the neo-Gothic style at the end of the nineteenth and beginning of the twentieth centuries. The first Belgian queen, Louise Marie d'Orléans, is buried in this place. The church towers are seventy-two meters high. It is compared with the most famous temple buildings in Europe - Notre Dame in Paris, Cologne Cathedral and Votive Church (Vow Church) in Vienna. The history of the Peter and Paul Church began with a sad event - the fire of an older church that was previously located here. This happened in 1896. All that remains from that building is the brick tower. The construction of the new building was initiated by King Leopold II, and he took up the matter so zealously that he was even suspected of setting the previous one on fire. The unique stained glass windows that were in the Peter and Paul Church were destroyed during the wars. Those that we can see today were made later. On them you can see the Belgian kings and queens, and, of course, Saints Peter and Paul. A curious fact is that the western facade of the building is oriented towards the east, and not the west, as expected. This was designed so that people who arrive at the city port can contemplate the wonderfully executed entrance to the church. Also worth paying attention to Capuchin Churches (Kapucijnenkerk), which was founded at the beginning of the seventeenth century.

Peter and Paul Church:

Those tourists who love ships are recommended to visit three-masted sailing ship "Mercator" (Mercato r), which officers of the Belgian navy used for training in the middle of the last century. This Museum on the Water operates according to the following schedule: during the period January - April, as well as in November - December - from 10:00 to 12:30 and from 14:00 to 16:30. During the periods May - June and September - October - 10:00 - 12:30 and 14:00 - 17:30. In July and August the Museum is open from 10:00 to 17:30. You will need to pay four euros for entry, two euros for children from fourteen to sixteen years old, and free entry for those under six years old.

Historical Museum in Ostend it operates according to the following schedule: 10:00 – 17:00, from mid-June to mid-September, and also on Saturdays. The museum is always closed to the public on Tuesdays. Entrance fee is two euros, teenagers from fourteen to eighteen years old pay one euro. Admission for children under fourteen years of age is free.

Along the line of the coastal dam there are Venetian and Royal Galleries. These buildings were erected at the beginning of the twentieth century according to the orders of King Leopold II. Nowadays they are used as exhibition spaces.

In the sixties of the last century, a high-rise residential building was erected on the sea coast Residentie Europacentrum. This high-rise building, which is one hundred and three meters high and has thirty-five floors, is the tallest building in the city and also the tallest in West Flanders. Previously, there was a cafe on the thirty-fourth floor, from which a wonderful city view could be seen, but for security reasons it was closed - this happened in 1996. By the way, many citizens believe that buildings like the Residentie Europacentrum spoil the harmony of views in the old city.

 

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