What to See & Do in Ostende
Sights
Raversijde Domain: This is where Prince Karel, brother of King Leapold III and the regent of Belgium in the aftermath of World War II spent much of his life. It consists of a large set of dunes and is now an important nature reserve. Its main attraction is the Atlantikwall – a complex number of tunnels and bunkers built by the German troops in both world wars.
Fort Napoleon: This is the only complete Napoleonic fortress left in Europe. It was used in World War II as a barracks for German Officers, and is located in the dunes north of Ostende city centre. It is now used as a training ground for climbers.
Church of SS Peter and Paul: the church was built in 1904-1905, from sandstone, and its twin towers were designed by Declacenserie. Inside can be found the mausoleum of Belgium’s first queen, Louise-Marie.
The Casino: built in 1953, this is one of the largest casinos in Europe, and is one of the main attractions for visitors to the city.
The Provincial Museum of Modern Art: this museum is one of the most important devoted to modern art in Belgium, with a collection of over 2,000 works. It is housed in a former department store built in the style of Le Corbusier.
De Plate Folklore Museum: This museum has various displays of Neolithic and Roman artefacts which have been found in the area. It also has exhibitions of native dress, folklore and history of Ostende. It is housed in a restored 19th century summer home of King Leopold I.
The Mercator: originally an old navy training ship, The Mercator is now a floating museum.
James Ensor House: this is the house where artist James Ensor lived until his death in 1916. It is now a museum devoted to the life and works of the artist.
The Peperbusse: this is the remains of an 18th century church, destroyed by fire in 1896. The tower houses a small museum.
Food & Drink
The town centre spreads out behind the promenade, and has a wide range of quality restaurants and bars, with an emphasis on seafood.
Transport
Most areas of interest in Ostende are within walking distance, but you can also rent a bike from the train station at a nominal charge. Should you decide to explore Ostende by bus, the local service is called De Lijn, and bus numbers 5, 6, and 39 go along the seafront to the west of town. The Kusttram (coastal tram) runs from De Panne through Ostende and on to Knokke, and you can board it next to the train station. There are designated taxi stands at the train station and Casino-Kursaal.
