Setting sail on vacation to Ostend is a great way to check out Belgium, as it offers visitors a whole new travel experience that is both exciting and memorable. This recreational haven on the North Sea blends rich history with exciting modern culture. It is also a major ferry port that sees regular ferries from all over Europe.
The elevated Albert I Promenade stretches along Ostend’s five kilometer beachfront. Lined with private seaside villas as well as luxurious hotels, the Promenade is at the heart of Ostend’s thriving tourist culture. During the summer, you will find the five beaches of the city crowded with sun bathers and swimmers, and during the winter it is an excellent place to sit and enjoy the scenery in peace.
Other places of interest in Ostend include the De Plate Folklore Museum, which is known locally as Heemkundig Museum De Plate, and the impressive Fine Arts Museum (Museum voor Schone Kunsten). The Folklore Museum contains a fascinating display of Neolithic and Roman artifacts excavated in the area and offers a look at the history of the city. The Fine Arts Museum features a large collection of paintings by native artists.
For entertainment, the Kursaal Oostende is Belguim’s largest casino. With the most popular games, a disco, restaurant and concert hall, Kursaal makes for a fun night. Another popular attraction is the North Sea Aquarium. This aquarium contains a marvelous display of North Sea Flora and fauna.
Not far from Ostend, and easily accessible by train or car are some of Belgium’s other wonderful cities such as the medieval wonder of Bruge or the unofficial capital of Europe, the lively Brussels. The best way to get to Ostend is by car or train via the international airport in Brussels. From England and the other coastal counties on the North Sea it is possible to take a ferry.
