Of course the beach is the biggest attraction of Ostend, but there is much more to see and do.
Below is a selection of the finest sights, museums, nature reserves and activities in Ostend.
The three-masted Mercator is moored as a museum ship in the marina of Ostend, between the station and the town hall. It was the training ship of the Belgian merchant navy and is now one of the city's best known sights. What can you expect at the Mercator? - History: The ship was built in 1932 in Leith, Scotland, to a ...
An impressive relic of World War II, part of an extensive defensive line built by Nazi Germany along the North Sea coast. This historical site offers a unique opportunity to learn more about wartime history and its impact on the region. What to Expect at the Atlantikwall in Oostende? - Historical Bunkers: Explore ...
This beautiful garden is a perfect place for peace and reflection, inspired by traditional Japanese garden culture. What can you expect at the Japanese Garden Shin Kai Tei in Ostend? - Traditional Japanese landscape: This garden of around 2,500 m² offers an authentic Japanese experience with its carefully designed ...
Discover the captivating history of Ostend at the Ostend City Museum, where a treasure trove of objects, posters, documents, and multimedia applications takes you on a journey through time. This museum brings to life the evolution of the city, from its early days to the modern tourist hub it is today. What to expect at ...
A historic monument that provides a unique insight into military history. This fort, built in the early 19th century on the orders of Napoleon Bonaparte, is a fascinating destination for anyone ...
Mu.ZEE in Ostend is the Art Museum by the Sea, with Belgian art from around 1830 to today. The main building on the Romestraat has been closed for renovation since January 2025 and is due to ...
An architectural masterpiece and one of the most iconic landmarks in Ostend. This impressive church, known for its neogothic style, offers visitors a unique glimpse into religious art and ...
Jumpsquare, Ostend's ultimate trampoline park and play paradise! With 1,000 square metres of trampolines, a gigantic ball pit, and an adventurous play area specially designed for toddlers, ...
The enchanting Raversyde nature park in Ostend, a unique combination of nature, history, and art. This park offers a special experience for visitors of all ages. What can you expect at ...
Immerse yourself in the world of the famous Belgian artist James Ensor at the James Ensor House in Ostend. This museum, located in the former home and studio of Ensor, offers a unique glimpse ...
The Maria Hendrikapark is the largest and best-known city park in Oostende. It lies just outside the busy centre and is often simply called ’t Bosje by locals. What can you expect at the ...
On the opposite side of the busy and touristy centre of Oostende, across the harbour entrance, lies a surprisingly quiet and remarkable nature area: Oosteroever. What can you expect in the ...
An authentic fishing vessel transformed into a living museum. This ship, which once sailed the North Sea, now offers a unique opportunity to experience the history of sea fishing and life aboard ...
An open-air museum that transports visitors to a 15th-century medieval fishing village. This fascinating historical site offers a rare glimpse into the life and culture of medieval coastal ...
A green oasis in the heart of the city, perfect for both relaxation and recreation. This picturesque park, named after King Leopold II, offers a peaceful escape from the urban hustle and ...
In Nieuwpoort, just 4 km from the town centre, lies the nature reserve De IJzermonding, a unique area where fresh and saltwater meet. This beautiful nature reserve, with its rich variety of ...
The Schuddebeurze nature area in Westende is a special nature reserve of around 40 hectares. The area consists of ancient lime-poor dunes, pools, historic landscapes and striking traces of ...
Located between Blankenberge, Wenduine, Nieuwmunster, and Zuienkerke, the nature reserve Uitkerkse Polder offers a unique meadow landscape with numerous ditches and cattle drinking pools. This ...
The Sint-Laureinsduinen form a beautiful and varied nature area between Westende-Bad and the military domain Kwartier Lombardsijde. The dune area covers just over 45 hectares and is a pleasant ...
Between Blankenberge and Zeebrugge, a narrow dune belt hosts a unique nature reserve: De Fonteintjes. This area offers an enchanting landscape of dune ponds, dune scrub, and wet dune grasslands, ...
The Warande Dunes form a narrow nature area along the coast between Middelkerke and Westende. What can you expect in the Warande Dunes? Thanks to the many walking paths, the area is a favourite ...
The Turkeyenhof in Bredene is the local history museum and home of the Ter Cuere heritage society. It is housed in a polder farmstead from 1737. What can you expect at the Turkeyenhof? - ...
These tips help you get even more out of your visit to Ostend.
» View our complete 'see & do' list with many more museums, attractions, monuments and other places of interest.
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