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Before you go
Your trip to Ostende.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
Ostende – Flandres Ocidental Destination Bruges and the coast about 27 km from Bruges
How to get there
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Oostende 1 km
Approximate road distances. Check flights and bus schedules before you travel.
Direct trains link Bruxelas to Ostende, passing through Gante and Bruges; from Bruges the journey takes only a few minutes. Oostende station is next to the port, about a 15-minute walk from the beach. The Kusttram stops beside the station and connects the town to the entire coast.
How many days
One day is enough for the promenade, the church, Fort Napoleon and a tram stretch. With two days, include the Raversyde museum and other beaches along the coast, such as Blankenberge or De Panne.
When to go
From June to September for the beach; July and August are the busiest months. Raversyde is open from mid-March through autumn. In winter the sea wind is cold and the town is quiet — good for walking the promenade well wrapped up.
The seasons shown are the most usual ones; nature doesn't always follow the calendar.
Do you need a car?
No. The train arrives in the center and the Kusttram covers the coastline. A car only helps if you want to reach inland spots far from the tram stops.
Suggested itinerary
An order that works
Built with the places on this page. No rush: it's paced so you have time to see them.
One day in Ostende
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Morning
Church and path to the sea
Leaving the station, pass by the church of São Pedro e São Paulo and the memorial to Queen Luísa Maria. Cross the center toward the Zeedijk.
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Afternoon
Promenade and beach
Walk along the Albert I-Promenade to the Venetiaanse Gaanderijen and the statue of Leopoldo II, with a break at the beach. In summer, obey the flags before entering the sea.
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Late afternoon
Fort Napoleon
Cross to the east side of the port and visit Fort Napoleon, with walks through the surrounding dunes.
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Evening
Fish and seafood
Dine near the port, where restaurants serve fish and North Sea shrimp, then return to the promenade to see the sea at night.
2 days in Ostende
Day 1
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Morning
Center and church
Start with the church of São Pedro e São Paulo and the streets of the center between the station and the sea.
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Afternoon
Zeedijk and beach
Spend the afternoon on the promenade and the beach, between the Kursaal and the Venetiaanse Gaanderijen.
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Late afternoon
Fort Napoleon
Visit the 1811 fort and walk the dunes on the east side of the port.
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Evening
Dinner at the port
Try the coastal fish dishes at the restaurants near the port.
Day 2
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Morning
Tram to Raversyde
Take the Kusttram west to Raversyde and explore the bunkers and trenches of the Muralha do Atlântico, from mid-March through autumn.
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Afternoon
Other beaches by Kusttram
Take the tram to Nieuwpoort or De Panne, or go back and head east to Blankenberge.
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Late afternoon
Return along the coast
Return by tram to Ostende, watching the dunes and seaside villages through the window.
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Evening
Promenade at night
Finish with a walk along the lit Zeedijk.
Check before you go. Opening hours and days change, and places may close for renovations, holidays or events. This itinerary is a suggestion from Cidade Turismo, not a commitment: plan yours by checking directly with each place you intend to visit.
Before you go
Frequently asked questions
Which language is spoken in Ostende?
Flemish, the Dutch spoken in Belgium. On the waterfront and in shops, English and French are usually understood.
Is Ostende far from Bruges?
No. It's about 27 kilometers by road, and the train covers the route in a few minutes.
Is it worth going to Ostende outside the summer?
Yes — to walk the promenade, visit Fort Napoleon and eat North Sea fish. The beach is empty and the wind is cold, so bring warm clothing.
How to go from Ostende to other beaches?
By the Kusttram, the tram that runs the entire Belgian coast, with a stop next to Oostende station.