Is Ostend Worth Visiting? My Honest Opinion About Belgium’s Coast

On By saar.decosterIn Belgium

If you’re planning a trip around Belgium, you might be wondering whether Ostend is worth visiting.

And honestly?

It probably wouldn’t be the very first place I’d send you.

There are simply so many places in Belgium that I would put higher on your list if you’re visiting for the first time.

Bruges for the fairytale streets.

Ghent for the atmosphere, nightlife and beautiful historic centre.

Antwerp for fashion, shopping and city life.

Brussels for its multicultural atmosphere and iconic landmarks.

But…

If you have a little more time in Belgium, especially during the summer?

Absolutely visit Ostend.

I’m Belgian myself, so I’ve spent plenty of time on the Belgian coast. And while Ostend isn’t necessarily the place I would choose for every Belgian weekend away, it has become one of my favourite coastal towns in the country.

It has the beach.

The sea.

Restaurants.

Coffee bars.

Shopping.

Beach bars.

Nightlife.

Street art.

Culture.

And that very specific Belgian feeling of sitting on a terrace with a drink while watching people walk along the promenade.

It’s also ridiculously easy to reach by train, which makes it one of my favourite easy weekend getaways in Belgium.

So…

Is Ostend worth visiting?

I’d say yes.

Especially if you’re visiting Belgium in summer or you’ve already explored the country’s main cities and want somewhere to slow down, get some fresh sea air and experience a completely different side of Belgium.

If you’re planning a bigger trip around Belgium, check out my Belgium Complete Travel Guide for more ideas on where to go, what to see and how to plan your trip.

So, Is Ostend Worth Visiting?

Yes, but I wouldn’t necessarily make it your first stop in Belgium.

If you only have two or three days in Belgium, I would personally prioritise Bruges, Ghent, Antwerp or Brussels.

But if you’re staying longer?

Ostend is a really fun addition.

What makes Ostend interesting is that it doesn’t feel like another historic Belgian city.

Instead, it’s a proper Belgian seaside city.

You can spend the morning walking along the beach, grab coffee somewhere in the city centre, go shopping, have lunch, visit a museum, watch the sunset with a drink at a beach bar and then go out for drinks in the evening.

And during summer, the city becomes even more lively, with beach bars, concerts and events happening throughout the season.

That combination makes Ostend particularly good for a weekend getaway.

Ostend is one of my favourite options for a weekend away in Belgium, but if you’re looking for more ideas, check out my guide to the Best Weekend Trips in Belgium.

Friends enjoying a sunny day at the beach in Ostend, Belgium

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My Honest Experience in Ostend

One reason I like Ostend so much is that it feels easy.

You don’t need to spend days planning your itinerary.

You don’t need to tick off twenty different attractions.

You can simply arrive, walk towards the sea and start exploring.

And because the train station is right by the city centre and waterfront, getting there is incredibly straightforward.

The station itself is actually quite beautiful too, with its distinctive historic architecture overlooking the harbour area.

For me, Ostend is the kind of place where you can have a plan…

…and then completely abandon it.

Maybe you go to the beach.

Maybe you find a cute coffee bar.

Maybe you walk along the promenade for an hour.

Maybe you end up having cocktails somewhere.

And that’s perfectly fine.

It’s a city that works really well for slow travel.

If you’re planning an actual trip to Ostend, check out my Ostend Travel Guide: The Best Things to Do, Eat & Drink for a complete overview of where to go, what to eat, where to stay and how to make the most of your visit.

If you’re staying overnight, I’ve also put together a detailed guide to Where to Stay in Ostend: Best Areas & Hotels, including the best areas for different types of trips.

Short on time?

Here are my 3 favourite hotels in Ostend:

Why I Love Ostend

1. It’s One of Belgium’s Best Coastal Getaways

Let’s start with the obvious.

The sea.

Belgium might not have the tropical beaches you find in Australia, Thailand or Greece, but our coastline has its own charm.

Ostend has a wide sandy beach and a long promenade where you can walk, cycle, sit down for a drink or simply watch the North Sea.

And honestly?

There is something really nice about being able to escape the city and suddenly have the sea right in front of you.

Especially when the sun is shining.

Belgian summers can be unpredictable, so when you get one of those warm sunny days…

Everyone heads to the coast.

And I completely understand why.

2. It’s Surprisingly Good for a Weekend Trip

Ostend is one of those places where you don’t need a week.

One or two nights is enough to get a good feel for the city.

You could arrive on Saturday morning, spend the day exploring the city and beach, have dinner, go out for drinks and spend the night in Ostend.

Then on Sunday you can have breakfast, walk along the beach, visit another attraction and head home in the afternoon.

It’s also an easy place to combine with other Belgian destinations if you’re travelling around the country.

If you’re spending a longer time in Belgium, Ostend can be the perfect little break between city trips.

Restaurant overlooking the beach in Ostend, Belgium

3. There’s More To Do Than Just The Beach

This is probably one of the biggest misconceptions about Ostend.

People sometimes think:

“It’s just a Belgian beach town.”

And technically…

Yes.

But there’s actually quite a lot going on.

You can explore The Crystal Ship, Ostend’s huge open-air street art project, visit the James Ensor House, explore museums, walk through the city, go shopping, visit the harbour or simply explore the different neighbourhoods.

The Crystal Ship is particularly fun because you don’t experience it inside a museum.

The artwork is spread throughout the city, turning your walk around Ostend into a little street-art adventure.

And if you’re interested in Belgian art, Ostend also has a strong connection with James Ensor, one of Belgium’s most famous artists.

Want more ideas for what to actually do during your visit? I’ve put together a guide to the 10 Things to Do in Ostend with the main sights and activities I’d recommend.

4. Ostend Has Great Food & Coffee

Another reason I like Ostend?

You can actually eat and drink very well here.

There are loads of restaurants, cafés, coffee bars, bakeries and bars scattered around the city.

And because you’re by the sea, you’ll obviously find plenty of seafood too.

One thing you absolutely have to try is a Belgian shrimp croquette.

Ostend is particularly famous for its grey shrimp croquettes, which you’ll find on menus throughout the city.

And honestly…

Belgian food + seaside + sunny terrace?

I’m sold.

If food is one of your priorities, check out my guide to the Best Restaurants in Ostend for more specific recommendations on where to eat.

Ostend is also a great place to try some classic Belgian food, especially seafood and Belgian specialities. If you want to know what Belgian food to try while you’re here, check out my Belgian Food Guide: 15 Foods You Need to Try.

5. The Beach Bars Are Perfect in Summer

This is probably when I like Ostend the most.

Summer.

When the weather is good, beach bars pop up along the coastline and suddenly Ostend feels much more like a holiday destination.

You can grab a cocktail, beer or aperitif, sit with your feet near the sand and watch the sunset.

There are quite a few different beach bars, ranging from relaxed and family-friendly places to more stylish spots focused on food, drinks and music.

Some of the beach bars include:

  • Polé Polé Beach
  • Bondi Beach
  • Blue Buddha Beach Club
  • Cocaya Beach
  • Lido Beach Bar
  • Pier Beach Bar
  • Phare East

And Q-Beach House is another well-known summer spot, combining the beach with music events and live performances.

So if you’re visiting Ostend specifically for the beach-bar atmosphere…

Go in summer.

It makes a huge difference.

6. Ostend Actually Has a Nightlife Scene

This is something I think people often underestimate.

Ostend isn’t just a place where you go to the beach during the day and go home.

There is actually a decent nightlife scene.

The main place to know is Langestraat.

It’s packed with cafés and bars, and later in the evening the street turns into one of the main nightlife areas in the city. According to Visit Ostend, you can find dozens of cafés there and the street becomes a place where people can dance into the early hours.

And this is exactly why I like having Ostend on my Belgium travel maps.

You can have a completely relaxed beach day…

…and then go out drinking and dancing afterwards.

You just need to know where to go.

I’ve put my favourite Ostend bars, nightlife spots and places to go out in my separate Belgium guides, so definitely check those out if nightlife is something you’re interested in.

If you’re interested in going out, I’ve put together a separate guide to Nightlife in Ostend: Best Bars, Beach Clubs & Going Out with my favourite bars, beach clubs and nightlife spots.

7. It’s Easy To Reach Without a Car

This is a massive advantage.

You don’t need a car to visit Ostend.

The Ostend train station is right next to the city centre and the waterfront, making the city particularly easy to reach by public transport.

For travellers coming from Brussels, Ghent, Bruges or other Belgian cities, this makes Ostend a very easy addition to an itinerary.

And honestly?

I love destinations like that.

You get off the train and you’re basically already there.

No complicated transfers.

No rental car.

No expensive taxi.

Just walk out of the station and start exploring.

If you’re travelling around Belgium without a car, my guide to Getting Around Belgium: Trains, Buses & Public Transport explains how easy it is to travel between Belgian cities and when public transport makes the most sense.

What To Do in Ostend

If you’re wondering what you should actually do during your visit, these are some of my favourites.

Ostend Beach

Obviously.

Spend some time walking along the beach, relaxing in the sand or simply enjoying the sea views.

If the weather is good, you can also swim in the designated supervised areas during the appropriate hours. The city advises visitors to follow the lifeguard instructions and only swim in supervised zones.

The Promenade

The promenade is perfect for a slow walk along the coast.

Grab a coffee or ice cream and simply walk.

Especially around sunset.

The Crystal Ship

Explore Ostend’s famous street art route and discover enormous murals and installations around the city.

You can even use the free app to help discover the artworks.

James Ensor House

If you’re interested in Belgian art, visit the former home of James Ensor and learn more about the artist and his connection to Ostend.

Mercator

The historic Mercator sailing ship is another interesting stop if you’re interested in maritime history.

Shopping

Ostend has plenty of shops, from larger retail streets to smaller independent stores.

It’s easy to combine shopping with a day at the beach.

Beach Bars

In summer, this is a must.

Pick a beach bar, order a drink and enjoy the sea view.

Langestraat

Come here in the evening if you want to experience Ostend’s nightlife.

There are loads of bars close together, making it easy to move from one place to another.

Ostend Is Especially Good in Summer

If you’re asking me when you should visit Ostend…

Summer.

No question.

Technically, you can visit year-round.

But Ostend really comes alive when the weather is warm.

The beach fills up.

Beach bars open.

People sit outside.

Events take place around the city.

And there is simply more energy everywhere.

The official tourism calendar includes summer events ranging from The Crystal Ship and beach bars to Theatre by the Sea, concerts and other events.

Of course, Belgian weather is Belgian weather.

You can have sunshine one day and rain the next.

But when you get lucky with the weather?

Ostend is such a fun place to spend a weekend.

The Downsides of Ostend

As much as I like Ostend, I don’t want to pretend it’s perfect.

1. It’s Not My Number One Place in Belgium

If you’re visiting Belgium for the first time and have limited time, I wouldn’t put Ostend above Bruges or Ghent.

There is simply more history and sightseeing concentrated in those cities.

Ostend is a different experience.

It’s more about:

Beach + food + drinks + relaxing + nightlife.

And that’s exactly why I like it.

But it means you should choose it depending on what kind of trip you’re looking for.

If you’re specifically looking for a Belgian seaside destination, have a look at my guide comparing the best Belgian coastal towns to see how Ostend compares with the other options along the coast.

2. The Weather Can Make or Break Your Trip

This is probably the biggest downside.

Ostend is a coastal destination.

So if you arrive during a cold, rainy and windy weekend in November…

You might wonder why I recommended it.

The city still has museums, cafés, restaurants and things to do indoors, but the atmosphere is completely different from a sunny summer weekend.

3. It Can Get Busy

When the weather is beautiful, everyone has the same idea.

The Belgian coast gets busy during warm summer weekends, and Ostend is one of the most popular coastal cities.

Personally, I don’t mind the atmosphere.

But if you’re looking for complete peace and quiet, you might prefer visiting outside peak summer weekends.

So… Is Ostend Worth Visiting?

Yes.

But I’d describe it as a “visit if you have time” destination rather than an absolute Belgium must-see.

If you only have one weekend in Belgium?

I’d probably send you to Bruges or Ghent first.

But if you’re spending a week or more travelling around Belgium…

Definitely add Ostend.

Especially if you’re travelling during summer.

It’s an easy train ride away, has a beautiful coastline, loads of restaurants and cafés, plenty of shopping, beach bars, nightlife, street art and enough attractions to keep you busy for a couple of days.

And honestly?

Sometimes you don’t even need a huge list of things to do.

You can just walk along the beach.

Have a drink.

Eat some Belgian food.

Watch the sunset.

Go out for the evening.

And wake up the next day with the sea right outside.

That’s what I love about Ostend.

It’s not necessarily the most impressive destination in Belgium.

But it’s fun.

And after travelling around Belgium and visiting so many cities, I think that’s worth something too.

My Final Thoughts on Ostend

I’m probably not the person who would say:

“You HAVE to visit Ostend before you leave Belgium.”

Because I think Belgium has other places that are more impressive for a first-time visitor.

But if you’ve already seen Bruges, Ghent, Antwerp and Brussels…

Or if you’re staying in Belgium for a little longer…

Go to Ostend.

Especially in summer.

It’s one of my favourite Belgian coastal towns for a reason.

It’s easy.

It’s social.

It’s lively.

It’s beautiful when the sun is shining.

And there’s always something to do.

Whether you want to spend your day on the beach, discover street art, drink coffee, go shopping, eat seafood, sit in a beach bar or go dancing at night…

Ostend has you covered.

And if you’re travelling Belgium as a backpacker?

Don’t overlook it.

I actually did a little solo trip to Bruges myself, including staying in a hostel, and I loved experiencing Belgium from a more backpacker-style perspective.

Ostend works really well for that kind of trip too.

You don’t always need to fly to the other side of the world for an adventure.

Sometimes…

a Belgian weekend by the sea is enough.

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

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FAQ

Is Ostend worth visiting?

Yes, especially if you’re visiting Belgium in summer or have enough time to explore beyond the country’s main cities. Ostend is a great coastal getaway with beaches, restaurants, cafés, shopping, street art, culture, beach bars and nightlife.

Is Ostend worth visiting for a weekend?

Absolutely. Ostend is particularly well suited to a weekend trip because you can easily combine the beach with sightseeing, food, shopping, cafés and nightlife. The city is also easy to reach by train.

How many days do you need in Ostend?

I would recommend one to two days for most visitors. This gives you enough time to explore the city, spend some time at the beach, visit a few attractions, enjoy the food scene and experience the nightlife.

Is Ostend good in summer?

Yes. Summer is my favourite time to visit Ostend. Beach bars, outdoor terraces, events and a livelier atmosphere make the city feel much more like a holiday destination.

Is Ostend good for solo travellers?

Yes. Ostend is relatively easy to explore alone, especially because the train station is close to the city centre and waterfront. You can spend the day walking, visiting cafés and museums, exploring the beach or joining activities without needing a car.

Is Ostend better than Bruges?

I wouldn’t say one is better than the other because they offer completely different experiences. Bruges is better for medieval architecture, canals and a fairytale atmosphere, while Ostend is better for beaches, seaside relaxation, food, nightlife and a more casual atmosphere.

Does Ostend have good nightlife?

Yes. Ostend has a surprisingly lively nightlife scene. Langestraat is the main area to know, with numerous cafés and bars that become increasingly lively later in the evening.

Can you visit Ostend without a car?

Yes. In fact, I would recommend coming by train if possible. Ostend’s train station is conveniently located near the city centre and waterfront, making it very easy to explore the city on foot.

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