About The Port Of Ostend
Ostend sits on Belgium's North Sea coast, a resort town shaped by grand 19th-century architecture and a long relationship with the sea. A wide promenade runs along the beach, backed by cafes, boutiques, and buildings from its Belle Époque heyday, while the historic center rewards walking with eclectic architecture and a notable collection of street art. Fort Napoleon, built in the early 1800s, recalls the coastline's military past, and the city's maritime museums trace its fishing and shipping heritage.
Traditional moules marinière and other North Sea seafood remain a highlight of any visit. Ostend also serves as the seaport gateway to Bruges, whose medieval canals and squares lie a short trip inland, making it a practical base for combining coastal air and inland heritage in a single call.
Pavlus Recommendations
How our planners would spend a day in Ostend.
Day-Trip to Bruges by Train
Direct trains from Ostend station reach Bruges' medieval center in about 15 minutes, making it easy to wander canals and guild-hall squares before returning to the coast.
Board the Mercator Tall Ship
This retired Belgian training ship, now permanently moored in Ostend's harbor, can be toured deck to hold and offers a hands-on look at the city's seafaring past.
Visit the James Ensor House
The preserved home of the pioneering Belgian painter sits just off the seafront and gives insight into the eccentric art scene that shaped Ostend's cultural identity.