Ostend Travel Guide: Best Things to Do, Eat & Drink

Looking for a Belgian seaside city with beautiful beaches, street art, good food and a lively atmosphere? Ostend might be exactly what you are looking for.

Ostend, or Oostende as we call it in Dutch, is one of Belgium’s most popular coastal cities. And while the beach is obviously one of the main reasons people come here, there is so much more to discover.

From The Crystal Ship street art and Oosteroever to cosy cafés, seafood restaurants, beach bars, nightlife and summer festivals, Ostend is a city where you can easily spend a full day, or an entire weekend.

In this Ostend travel guide, I’ll share the best things to do, where to eat and drink, how to get around and some practical tips to help you make the most of your visit.

If you’re planning to explore more of Belgium beyond the coast, check out my Belgium Complete Travel Guide for more ideas on where to go, what to see and how to plan your trip.

Where to Stay in Ostend

Where you stay in Ostend really depends on what kind of trip you’re planning.

If you want to explore the city, go out for drinks, eat at restaurants and spend plenty of time at the beach, I’d recommend staying close to the city centre or Albert I Promenade. You’ll be within walking distance of the beach, restaurants, cafés, the casino and most of Ostend’s nightlife.

If you’d rather have a quieter or more budget-friendly stay, you don’t necessarily have to stay in Ostend city centre. Nearby areas such as Raversijde and Bredene are great alternatives, especially for families or travellers who don’t mind taking public transport.

Ostend is well connected by the coastal tram, so staying a little further away doesn’t mean you’re stuck without easy access to the city.

I’ve written a separate guide where I go into much more detail about the best areas to stay in Ostend, including specific hotel recommendations for each area.

→ Where to Stay in Ostend: Best Areas & Hotels

Short on time?

Here are my 3 favourite hotels in Ostend:

How to Get Around Ostend

Walking

My number one recommendation is simply: walk!

Ostend isn’t a huge city, and the city centre is very easy to explore on foot. Most of the main sights, restaurants, cafés and nightlife are within walking distance.

If you are mainly staying around the centre and beach, you really don’t need a car.

Tram

If you are staying further away from the centre or want to explore another part of Ostend, the coastal tram is very useful.

It connects different parts of the Belgian coast and makes it easy to get around without a car.

Electric Scooters

You can also find electric scooters around Ostend.

They can be a convenient way to get around, especially when you don’t feel like walking, but be careful! There are plenty of pedestrians, cyclists and cars around, and you really don’t want to end your holiday with a broken ankle.

If you’re planning to visit several places in Belgium, my guide to Getting Around Belgium: Trains, Buses & Public Transport explains how to travel between Belgian cities and when having a car is useful.

Walking through Ostend city centre in Belgium

Planning your Belgium trip?

I created a Google Map with 540+ saved places from my years living and travelling around Belgium, including towns, things to do, cafés, nightlife, restaurants, shopping and hidden gems.

Explore the Belgium Map → €5

Activities & Sights

There are plenty of things to do in Ostend, whether you are visiting in summer or during a rainy Belgian weekend.

Want a more detailed list of activities and attractions? I’ve also put together a guide to the 10 Things to Do in Ostend, including the best sights and things to do around the city.

1. Go to the Beach

Obviously, the beach has to be number one.

Ostend has a long sandy beach where you can spend a summer day swimming, relaxing or simply walking along the sea.

Even outside summer, I love walking along the beach. There is something about being by the North Sea that makes a visit to Ostend feel like a proper little escape.

2. Walk Along the Albert I Promenade

The Albert I Promenade runs along the beach and is one of the liveliest parts of Ostend.

You’ll find plenty of restaurants, cafés, terraces and beach bars here, many with beautiful views over the sea.

It is also a great place for a sunset walk.

One thing to keep in mind: restaurants and cafés directly on the promenade can be more expensive because of their location.

3. Discover The Crystal Ship

One of my favourite things to do in Ostend is exploring The Crystal Ship.

The Crystal Ship is a huge street art project that has turned Ostend into an open-air art gallery, with impressive murals created by Belgian and international artists.

You can follow a dedicated route through the city and discover the different artworks along the way.

It’s a great way to explore Ostend while seeing parts of the city you might otherwise miss.

4. Do a Street Art Walk

Even if you don’t follow the complete Crystal Ship route, keep an eye out for street art while walking around Ostend.

There are murals and smaller pieces spread throughout the city, so exploring on foot can turn into a little treasure hunt.

You can also find walking routes and street art information through local tourism resources.

5. Explore Ostend with a Local Guide

If it’s your first time in Ostend and you want to get a better feel for the city, joining a guided walking tour can be a fun way to explore.

A local guide can take you through the city centre while sharing more about Ostend’s history, architecture, culture and local highlights. It’s also a good option if you want some context behind the places you’re seeing rather than simply walking around on your own.

→ Check the Ostend walking tour on GetYourGuide

Personally, I’d still recommend exploring The Crystal Ship on your own as well, especially if you’re interested in street art. You can combine the two really easily.

6. Explore Oosteroever

For a completely different side of Ostend, head to Oosteroever.

This part of the city feels quieter and more open than the busy centre and promenade.

It’s a great place to walk around and see a different side of the Belgian coast.

If you’ve already spent most of your day around the main beach, I definitely recommend making the trip over here.

7. Visit Mu.ZEE

If you are visiting Ostend on a rainy day, head to Mu.ZEE.

The museum focuses on Belgian art and is a great way to experience a more cultural side of the city.

Ostend has a strong connection to art, so this fits perfectly into a city trip here.

8. Visit the Japanese Garden

The Japanese Garden is a peaceful little escape from the busier parts of Ostend.

It is a nice place to slow down, especially on a busy summer day.

If you enjoy gardens and quiet places, definitely add it to your list.

9. Play Glow-in-the-Dark Mini Golf

Looking for something to do when the weather is terrible?

Try glow-in-the-dark mini golf.

It is a fun option for a rainy day, a date or an evening with friends and a nice alternative to simply sitting inside a café waiting for the rain to stop.

Where to Eat & Drink in Ostend

Ostend has plenty of options when it comes to food and drinks, from a quick coffee break and Belgian fries to proper dinners overlooking the North Sea.

I wouldn’t feel like you have to plan every meal in advance. One of the nicest things about eating in Ostend is simply walking around the city and seeing what catches your eye.

Here are some of my recommendations, grouped by what you’re looking for.

Coffee & Something Sweet

Need a coffee break while exploring Ostend? Or just looking for something sweet?

Sweet Lips – Perfect if you’re craving something sweet during your day.

Cappucino – A nice option for coffee and a little break while exploring the city.

Best Restaurants in Ostend

Restaurants in Ostend

Ostend isn’t just about seafood. You’ll find a surprisingly varied selection of restaurants, so there’s something for pretty much every mood.

Jilles – Burgers and a casual atmosphere. A good choice for an easy meal with friends.
La Siesta – Spanish-inspired food and tapas. Great if you want to share several dishes.
Mister Spaghetti – A casual option when you’re in the mood for pasta.
Ronin – Asian food and a nice alternative if you want something different from Belgian or European cuisine.
Bajatzu – A good option if you’re looking for a slightly more special dinner.
Le Basque – Worth considering if you’re looking for something more traditional.
Marebello – Italian food, including pasta and pizza. A good choice when you want something beyond the typical Belgian seaside food.

Want to know more about where to eat in Ostend? I’ve put together a separate Best Restaurants in Ostend guide where I go into more detail about each restaurant, what kind of food they serve and what I’d recommend them for.

Something Different

If you’re looking for more than just a standard restaurant, Ostend has a few fun food experiences worth adding to your list.

Ice Ice Amy – Homemade ice cream with more unusual flavours, including options such as basil and éclair-inspired flavours. Definitely worth checking out if you like trying something a little different.
Madam Kroket – A fun place to experience Belgium’s love for croquettes. You can even join a croquette-making workshop and learn how to make them yourself.

Belgian croquettes at Madam Kroket in Ostend, Belgium

Eating Along the Albert I Promenade

For the classic Belgian seaside experience, head towards the Albert I Promenade.

You’ll find plenty of restaurants and cafés overlooking the North Sea, making it a great place to stop for lunch, dinner or simply a drink with a view.

Keep in mind that restaurants directly along the promenade tend to be more expensive. You’re partly paying for the location and the sea view.

Personally, I think it’s worth doing at least once, especially on a sunny evening when you can sit outside and watch the sunset over the water.

For better value, walk a few streets away from the promenade and explore some of the restaurants further into the city.

Don’t Leave Without Trying These Belgian Classics

You’re at the Belgian coast, so this is a good opportunity to try some local food.

I’d especially recommend:

Mussels – A Belgian coastal classic.
Shrimp croquettes – One of the foods I would definitely try along the Belgian coast.
Fresh North Sea fish – Perfect if you’re a seafood lover.
Belgian fries – Obviously. You can’t come to Belgium and skip the fries.

If you’re particularly interested in Belgian food, check out my Belgian Food Guide.

And if you want to understand the whole Belgian frituur experience, I’ve also written a guide on How to Eat Belgian Fries Like a Local.

My Food Tip for Ostend

Don’t feel like you need to eat directly on the seafront every time.

The Albert I Promenade is beautiful, but walking a few streets inland can give you more choice and often better prices.

I’d mix it up: have a coffee somewhere in the city, grab Belgian fries for lunch, try a proper restaurant for dinner and finish the evening with ice cream or a drink by the sea.

That’s probably the way I’d do a food day in Ostend.

Beach Bars & Summer Drinks

During summer, Ostend gets a completely different atmosphere. The beach fills up with people, terraces are busy and beach bars pop up along the coast.

It’s one of my favourite ways to enjoy Ostend in good weather: grab a drink, sit near the sand and spend a few hours enjoying the sea views.

Keep in mind that most beach bars are seasonal, so always check whether they’re open during your visit.

Et Alors

Et Alors is one of my favourite spots right by the beach.

It’s the kind of place where you can sit down with a drink and simply enjoy the seaside atmosphere without having to plan anything.

For me, this is exactly what Ostend in summer should feel like: sunshine, drinks, the beach and people everywhere.

Nightlife in Ostend

Ostend has a surprisingly lively nightlife scene, particularly during summer and on Friday and Saturday nights.

Don’t expect a city full of huge nightclubs, though. Ostend’s nightlife is much more about bars, cafés and dance cafés, which actually makes it quite easy to have a spontaneous night out.

If you’re mainly visiting Ostend for its nightlife, I’ve also put together a more detailed guide to Nightlife in Ostend, including the best bars, beach clubs and places to go out.

Where to Go Out

The main area to know is Langestraat.

This is one of Ostend’s main nightlife streets, with several bars and dance cafés close together.

My favourite way to go out in Ostend is honestly not to plan too much. Start with dinner, grab a drink somewhere in the centre and then walk towards Langestraat.

Once you’re there, just see where it is busy that night.

Some places you can check out include:

OHK – A music venue with a different vibe from the typical dance cafés.
La Fayette – A classic nightlife spot in the city.
Copador – A lively option for drinks and going out.
Manuscript – Another place to check out around the nightlife area.
Twilight – A popular bar for an evening out.
Hemingway – A good option if you’re looking for drinks and atmosphere.

My Ostend Nightlife Tip

You don’t need to commit to one place for the entire night.

The bars are close enough together that you can easily walk from one to another. If somewhere is quiet, simply move on and see what else is happening.

This is especially useful because the atmosphere can change depending on the day, season and events happening in the city.

If you’re visiting on a summer weekend, Langestraat is where I’d start.

Festivals & Summer Events

Ostend becomes particularly lively during the warmer months, with concerts, beach events, DJs and festivals taking place throughout the summer.

If you’re visiting between June and August, it’s worth checking the event calendar before your trip. You might just find that there’s a festival happening during your stay.

Q-Beach House

Q-Beach House is one of the big summer hotspots in Ostend.

You can expect DJs, live music, concerts and a proper summer beach atmosphere.

It is especially nice around sunset when the beach starts filling up with people enjoying drinks and music.

Ostend Beach Festival

If you’re into electronic music, check out Ostend Beach Festival.

It brings DJs and electronic music to the Belgian coast and is one of the bigger music events in Ostend.

Summerlove Festival

Summerlove Festival is another summer event worth checking out.

As always, check the latest programme and dates before your trip because festival schedules can change each year.

Ostend is a pretty easy place to be social, especially during summer.

The beach, beach bars, festivals and nightlife naturally create a very social atmosphere.

If you want to meet people, summer events are probably your best bet. You can also check the programmes of places like OHK for concerts and other community events.

And honestly, sitting at a beach bar at sunset is a pretty easy way to make friends. 😉

Tips & Tricks

You Can Walk Almost Everywhere

If you’re staying in central Ostend, don’t bother with a car.

Walking is usually the easiest and most enjoyable way to explore the centre.

Stay Slightly Outside the Centre to Save Money

Accommodation and restaurants directly along the promenade can be more expensive.

If you’re travelling on a budget, consider staying a little further from the beach and walking or taking the tram into the centre.

Use the Coastal Tram

If you want to explore more of the Belgian coast, the coastal tram is one of the easiest options.

It means you can stay in Ostend but easily visit other coastal towns as well.

Don’t Just Stay Around the Beach

The beach is obviously beautiful, but don’t spend your entire visit on the promenade.

Make time for:

The Crystal Ship
Oosteroever
Mu.ZEE
The Japanese Garden
OHK
The streets behind the promenade

You will see a much more interesting side of Ostend.

Watch Out on Electric Scooters

If you decide to rent an electric scooter, be careful.

There are plenty of pedestrians and cyclists, and the busy streets aren’t always the easiest place to ride.

So please don’t let your scooter become the most memorable part of your Ostend trip. 😉

Reflection & Notes

What makes Ostend memorable to me is how easy it is to combine different kinds of activities.

You can have a slow morning at the beach, discover street art in the afternoon, eat seafood for dinner and go out for drinks afterwards.

It doesn’t feel like you have to choose between a city trip and a beach holiday, you can have both.

And if you visit during summer, the festivals, beach bars and events make the city feel completely different from a quiet winter day on the Belgian coast.

For me, that’s what makes Ostend worth coming back to.

How Long Do You Need in Ostend?

You can definitely visit Ostend as a day trip, especially if you mainly want to see the beach, promenade and city centre.

But I would recommend two days if you want to take things slower and include street art, Oosteroever, restaurants and nightlife.

One day in Ostend

Morning: Beach + Albert I Promenade + coffee

Afternoon: The Crystal Ship + lunch + Oosteroever

Evening: Dinner + beach walk + drinks

Two days in Ostend

Day 1: City centre + beach + street art + Mu.ZEE + dinner + nightlife

Day 2: Oosteroever + coffee + Japanese Garden + beach + beach bar + sunset

If you are visiting in summer, I would also check the event calendar before deciding how to plan your days. A festival or concert can be a great addition to your trip.

If you’re still deciding which Belgian seaside destination to visit, have a look at my guide comparing the best Belgian coastal towns to see how Ostend compares with other places along the Belgian coast.

Final Thoughts: Is Ostend Worth Visiting?

Ostend is much more than just a Belgian beach town.

Of course, the beach and sea are the main attraction, but there is so much more to experience. From impressive street art and museums to seafood, cosy cafés, beach bars and nightlife, you can easily fill a weekend here.

I especially love that you can make your trip whatever you want it to be. Want a relaxing beach day? Easy. Want culture and street art? You’ve got it. Want seafood and drinks with a sea view? Absolutely. Want to go out at night? Ostend has plenty of options for that too.

So if you’re looking for a Belgian destination that combines beach, city life, food, culture and nightlife, add Ostend to your Belgium itinerary.

Still wondering whether Ostend is actually worth adding to your Belgium itinerary? I’ve also shared my honest opinion on whether Ostend is worth visiting, including what I love about the city and what kind of traveller I think it suits best.

Planning Your Trip to Belgium?

Planning a trip to Belgium can be surprisingly difficult, especially when you’re choosing between historic cities, lively student towns, coastal destinations and smaller hidden gems.

That’s why I’ve created my Belgium Travel Guide, where I share destination guides, things to do, local tips and my personal experiences from travelling around Belgium.

→ START HERE: Belgium Travel Guides
→ GET MY GOOGLE MAP: Belgium Google Map

Is Ostend Worth Visiting? My Honest Opinion About Belgium’s Coast
Where to Stay in Ostend: Best Areas & Hotels
10 Things to Do in Ostend: Best Activities & Sights
Nightlife in Ostend: Best Bars, Beach Clubs & Going Out Guide
Best Restaurants in Ostend: Where to Eat in 2026

Frequently Asked Questions About Ostend, Belgium

What are the best things to do in Ostend?

The best things to do in Ostend include relaxing on the beach, walking along the Albert I Promenade, discovering The Crystal Ship street art, exploring Oosteroever, visiting Mu.ZEE and enjoying the city’s cafés, restaurants, beach bars and nightlife.

Is Ostend worth visiting?

Yes, Ostend is worth visiting if you want to combine a Belgian beach destination with food, culture, street art and nightlife. It works well as a day trip from other Belgian cities, but I’d recommend staying one or two nights if you want to experience more of the city.

Is Ostend good for a day trip?

Yes! Ostend is a great Belgian day trip destination because the city centre is compact and easy to explore on foot. In one day, you can visit the beach, walk along the promenade, see some of The Crystal Ship street art, explore the city centre and enjoy a meal by the sea.

What is Ostend known for?

Ostend is best known for its long sandy beach, Belgian seaside atmosphere, seafood, lively promenade and strong connection to art. The Crystal Ship street art project has also made Ostend a popular destination for street art lovers.

How many days do you need in Ostend?

One day is enough to see the main highlights of Ostend, including the beach, promenade and city centre. I recommend two days if you want to explore The Crystal Ship, Oosteroever, Mu.ZEE, restaurants and Ostend’s nightlife without rushing.

Does Ostend have good nightlife?

Yes, Ostend has a lively nightlife scene, especially on Friday and Saturday nights and during summer. Most nightlife is centred around Langestraat, where you’ll find bars, cafés and dance cafés close together.

What should you eat in Ostend?

When visiting Ostend, try Belgian coastal classics such as mussels, shrimp croquettes, fresh North Sea fish and Belgian fries. The city also has plenty of international restaurants, cafés, ice cream shops and casual food spots.

What is the best time to visit Ostend?

Summer is the best time to visit Ostend if you want to enjoy the beach, beach bars, outdoor terraces and summer events. However, Ostend can also be enjoyable outside summer if you’re interested in street art, museums, restaurants and walking along the coast.

Can you explore Ostend without a car?

Yes, you can easily explore central Ostend without a car. Most major sights, restaurants, cafés and the beach are within walking distance, while the coastal tram is useful if you want to travel further along the Belgian coast.

Where should you stay in Ostend?

The best area to stay in Ostend depends on your trip. The city centre and Albert I Promenade are ideal if you want to be close to the beach, restaurants and nightlife, while Raversijde and Bredene can be better options if you prefer a quieter or more budget-friendly stay.