Ostende is a cosmopolitan city located in West Flanders, on the Belgian coast.
This charming seaside town is known for its long, sandy beach and promenade, where visitors
can find shops, bars and restaurants.
Ostende is a fairly small city that makes it easy for visitors to get around on foot.
With many interesting attractions such as the Mercator, a 3-masted 1930s sailing ship
that now acts as a floating museum and the Seaside aquarium, Ostende is a great place
for all the family to visit.
Before we get into the top 10 things to do in Ostende, we’ve included links in the
description to various discount codes and links to resources of things to do, so make
sure you check those out.
10) At number 10 is Fort Napoleon
Fort Napoleon is a pentagon-shaped fort, built in the Napoleonic era.
At the end of the 18th century, France annexed the region and Napoleon feared an invasion
from England via Ostend harbour and therefore ordered an imposing fort to be built in the
dunes in 1811.
Since 1995 the Flemish Heritage Association has managed the fort.
It made sure it was restored and turned into an open monument and museum.
9) Number 9 is the Sailing Ship Mercator
This restored former training ship, first launched in 1932 and is now a floating maritime
museum.
Designed by Arctic explorer Adrien de Gerlache, she started her service first as a scientific
expedition vessel.
Then during World War II the ship was conscripted into the British Navy for duty as a submarine
spotter, later on she got to participate in some exciting sailing races.
Built in Scotland, this three-masted schooner is one of Belgium's most prized vessels and
a must see for all the family!
8) At number 8 is the Maria Hendrikapark
The Maria Hendrikapark is an area of about 45 hectares, situated south of the city centre.
The park has a variety of different ponds, open grass areas, two playgrounds and the
Koninginnehof with a cafetaria and restaurant, rowing boats, pedal boats and a miniature
golf course.
It is a brilliant park for joggers and walkers, and great for families with kids.
7) Number 7 is The Royal Galleries of Ostend
The Royal Galleries of Ostend are a seaside neoclassical arcade on an embankment near
the beach.
These architectural points of interest extend from the royal villa in the east, to the Hippodrome
Wellington horse-racing track in the west.
The galleries are over 380 metres long, with a large pavilion at each end.
Built between 1902 and 1906, they were reputedly a highly favoured site by King Leopold II
and were a way for the royal family to travel from the beach to their villa.
6) At number 6 in the Japanese Garden
In the middle of the Konings Park is a beautiful Japanese Garden, called Shin Kai Tei which
means Deep Sea Garden.
The garden was created in the ‘Kaiyusschiki’ style and includes water features, bamboo,
statues and a rock garden.
Visitors can wander the winding paths or simply relax and enjoy the peace and quiet.
5) Number 5 is the Ostend City Museum
This museum has a collection containing the history of the city of Ostend and the surrounding
area.
Located on the Langestraat overlooking the North Sea, the Ostend City Museum is housed
in a building that was once home to Napoleon and Queen Louise-Marie.
After undergoing renovations in 2012, the old manor officially became the Ostend City
Museum.
Those who visit will be greeted with numerous artefacts detailing the history of the former
royal family as well as other exhibits capturing Ostend’s history throughout the years.
4) At number 4 is the North Sea Aquarium
In the North Sea Aquarium visitors can discover over 60 living sea animals in 13 aquariums,
as well as stuffed rare fish and a collection of North Sea shells, crustaceans, and echinoderms.
For kids, there is an informative and fascinating encounter with the fauna and flora of the
North Sea.
3) Number 3 is Sint-Petrus-en-Pauluskerk
Sint Petrus-en-Paulsuerk is the main church in Ostend, and has beautiful Neo-Gothic architecture.
It is built directly on the remains of an older church that succumbed to fire.
Supported by King Leopold II, this church was constructed first in 1899 and took six
years to complete.
It’s a highly attractive must-see for visitors, who will marvel at the magnificent tall spires
of the church as well as the stained glass windows which were replacements for the previous
ones lost to artillery fire during World War II.
2) At number 2 is the Amandine Ship Museum
The Museum Amandine is an ode to Belgium’s maritime history, particularly when it comes
to fishing which was a big part of Ostend’s culture.
The vessel docked after its last voyage in 1995 and after two years of hefty revamping
has become a shipboard museum for visitors who’ll be attracted by its sharp green hull.
While aboard, guests can learn how the Amandine operated while catching huge amounts of cod
and other fish that populate the North Sea.
Thirteen years after dropping anchor for the last time this interactive exhibit makes for
an educational experience for all ages.
1) And at number 1 is Ostende’s art museum
The Mu.ZEE is a museum in Ostend specialising in Belgian art from 1830 onwards.
The art museum has an exceptional collection of modern and contemporary art from Belgian
artists or artists who live and work in Belgium.
This makes the museum unique amongst other museums in Flanders.
The permanent collection focuses on Belgian art from 1850 to the present and highlights
include works by James Ensor, Léon Spilliaert and Constant Permeke.
So that sums up our top 10 things to do in Ostende, we hope you enjoyed, if you did please
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