Hidden Gems & Popular Spots in Ostend: Queen of the Belgian Coast

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Hidden Gems & Popular Spots in Ostend: Queen of the Belgian Coast

Restaurants

The iconic Bar Bristol tavern revives. Charlotte and Bruce reopened the place on Leopold I Square and spoil your taste buds, from oysters to shrimp croquettes. Delicious and Ostend cosy.
Bar Bristol
10 Leopold I-plein
The iconic Bar Bristol tavern revives. Charlotte and Bruce reopened the place on Leopold I Square and spoil your taste buds, from oysters to shrimp croquettes. Delicious and Ostend cosy.
Histoires d'O definitely deserves a place in the list of top spots! A breathtaking view, tasty casual food, a selection of excellent music and the easy-going vibe characteristic of this seaside town. But when it comes to cocktails and G & T's, Histoire d'O is truly unbeatable. Outside on the pleasant terrace or inside in the stylish vintage-inspired brasserie, Histoires d'O is always a great idea!
29 lokale anbefaler
Histoires D'O
53 Zeedijk
29 lokale anbefaler
Histoires d'O definitely deserves a place in the list of top spots! A breathtaking view, tasty casual food, a selection of excellent music and the easy-going vibe characteristic of this seaside town. But when it comes to cocktails and G & T's, Histoire d'O is truly unbeatable. Outside on the pleasant terrace or inside in the stylish vintage-inspired brasserie, Histoires d'O is always a great idea!
Frenchette is not just a restaurant, but a place that appeals to those seeking new experiences. It is a meeting place and a gastronomic bar with a food sharing concept.
6 lokale anbefaler
Frenchette
12 Madridstraat
6 lokale anbefaler
Frenchette is not just a restaurant, but a place that appeals to those seeking new experiences. It is a meeting place and a gastronomic bar with a food sharing concept.
Hotel Du Parc is an elegant charming hotel in the heart of Ostend. The most attractive part of the Hotel du Parc, is the magic of the authenticity of Art Deco style in a relaxing, unpretentious atmosphere. Enjoy a delicious buffetbreakfast with view on a lovely square, full of flowers. At the authentic and extremely valuable Art Deco brasserie you can taste the delicious local beer Keyte and enjoy delicious, fresh food and salads. Brasserie du Parc is, because of its charming and artistic look, since decades the place to be of artists, intellectuals and Ostend people.
Hotel du Parc
Hotel Du Parc is an elegant charming hotel in the heart of Ostend. The most attractive part of the Hotel du Parc, is the magic of the authenticity of Art Deco style in a relaxing, unpretentious atmosphere. Enjoy a delicious buffetbreakfast with view on a lovely square, full of flowers. At the authentic and extremely valuable Art Deco brasserie you can taste the delicious local beer Keyte and enjoy delicious, fresh food and salads. Brasserie du Parc is, because of its charming and artistic look, since decades the place to be of artists, intellectuals and Ostend people.
A beautiful restaurant in the heart of Ostend that flawlessly combines grill, bbq and bar. And there's a great cook behind the stove... at walking distance from the Mariejosé apartment.
Smowk
62 Van Iseghemlaan
A beautiful restaurant in the heart of Ostend that flawlessly combines grill, bbq and bar. And there's a great cook behind the stove... at walking distance from the Mariejosé apartment.
Fries are an institution in Belgium and the people love their Frituur and Ostend is no different than any other town in Belgium. Marleen serves very good simple dishes at very reasonable prices. Frituur Marleen is more than your standard frituur. It has a lovely vintage interior with great furnishings and the moody low lighting makes this place a cozy establishment to enjoy a nice local meal and drink.
Frituur Marleen
11 Dwarsstraat
Fries are an institution in Belgium and the people love their Frituur and Ostend is no different than any other town in Belgium. Marleen serves very good simple dishes at very reasonable prices. Frituur Marleen is more than your standard frituur. It has a lovely vintage interior with great furnishings and the moody low lighting makes this place a cozy establishment to enjoy a nice local meal and drink.
The Catch is a cocktail and seafood bar that focuses on superlative aperitifs. They offer mainly fine cocktails, good wine and Ostend seafood. Here, you will find fresh fish prepared in an amazing no-nonsense style. Their offering ranges from fish tacos made with fresh whitefish or genuine fish ‘n chips made from cod cheeks or haddock and served with home-made tartar sauce and Poke Bowls with salmon or tuna to fried razor clams, traditional shrimp croquettes, scallops or oysters. The menu is changed each month and there is a weekly special. The Catch prefers a short supply chain, in which their fish is supplied by ‘Het Vispaleis’.
6 lokale anbefaler
The Catch
6 Hertstraat
6 lokale anbefaler
The Catch is a cocktail and seafood bar that focuses on superlative aperitifs. They offer mainly fine cocktails, good wine and Ostend seafood. Here, you will find fresh fish prepared in an amazing no-nonsense style. Their offering ranges from fish tacos made with fresh whitefish or genuine fish ‘n chips made from cod cheeks or haddock and served with home-made tartar sauce and Poke Bowls with salmon or tuna to fried razor clams, traditional shrimp croquettes, scallops or oysters. The menu is changed each month and there is a weekly special. The Catch prefers a short supply chain, in which their fish is supplied by ‘Het Vispaleis’.
Since the opening of this restaurant in 1971, chicken on a spit has been their absolute specialty, and for that reason also the star of the menu. The only expansion of the menu is the very recent addition of a delicious vegetarian ravioli for the enthusiasts. Everything else revolves around the famous chicken and once you try it, you'll understand why! Tip: Don't ask for cutlery, because here you eat with your hands.
21 lokale anbefaler
Koekoek Tavern
38 Langestraat
21 lokale anbefaler
Since the opening of this restaurant in 1971, chicken on a spit has been their absolute specialty, and for that reason also the star of the menu. The only expansion of the menu is the very recent addition of a delicious vegetarian ravioli for the enthusiasts. Everything else revolves around the famous chicken and once you try it, you'll understand why! Tip: Don't ask for cutlery, because here you eat with your hands.

Bars & Cafés

If Marvin Gaye were still alive, Lafayette would be his favourite bar in Ostend. Lafayette is a maverick in the nightlife of Ostend. The music bar brings soul and funky music to life under the approving eye of Marvin Gaye, whose picture adorns the wall.
45 lokale anbefaler
Bar La Fayette
12 Langestraat
45 lokale anbefaler
If Marvin Gaye were still alive, Lafayette would be his favourite bar in Ostend. Lafayette is a maverick in the nightlife of Ostend. The music bar brings soul and funky music to life under the approving eye of Marvin Gaye, whose picture adorns the wall.
Victor's is your new roaring ‘20s-style bar. Experience an unforgettable night with a fine selection of drinks and appetizers. It's a cosy, stylish cocktail bar in the centre of Ostend, right next to Casino Kursaal. It's a brisk 2 minute walk from the Mariejosé apartment, so no excuses!
Victor's Boutique Bar
1 Kursaal-Oosthelling
Victor's is your new roaring ‘20s-style bar. Experience an unforgettable night with a fine selection of drinks and appetizers. It's a cosy, stylish cocktail bar in the centre of Ostend, right next to Casino Kursaal. It's a brisk 2 minute walk from the Mariejosé apartment, so no excuses!
Chiri is the beach bar where Ostend locals feel at home, and where tourists are charmed by that typical Ostend cosiness and hospitality. Finally a beach bar where you can eat delicious food but also just relax. Chiri is different every day, and brings a mix of culinary events and live music.
CHIRI BEACHBAR
Albert I-promenade
Chiri is the beach bar where Ostend locals feel at home, and where tourists are charmed by that typical Ostend cosiness and hospitality. Finally a beach bar where you can eat delicious food but also just relax. Chiri is different every day, and brings a mix of culinary events and live music.

Food stores & Markets

An open-air fish market, created by the commercialisation of the port in the 19th century. De Vistrap is open daily, except on Christmas Day, New Year’s Day and when it has been stormy at sea. Already very early in the morning, you can find fresh North Sea fish and Ostend grey shrimps...
18 lokale anbefaler
Vistrap
35 Visserskaai
18 lokale anbefaler
An open-air fish market, created by the commercialisation of the port in the 19th century. De Vistrap is open daily, except on Christmas Day, New Year’s Day and when it has been stormy at sea. Already very early in the morning, you can find fresh North Sea fish and Ostend grey shrimps...

Culture

Mu.ZEE is the only place in the world that focuses on modern and contemporary art in Belgium, from 1880 to the present day. Mu.ZEE would like to share its iconic building, its beautiful collection and the growing knowledge about it with you and as many others as possible. In a warm, welcoming and generous manner. An evolving yet constant museum embodying the pleasure of collecting. Mu.ZEE wants to let everyone enjoy, and obtain an insight into, the fascinating, unfinished story of art in Belgium, artist by artist. Bringing people from far and wide, both for the 'mu' and the 'sea' in its name. How wonderful!
70 lokale anbefaler
Mu.ZEE
11 Romestraat
70 lokale anbefaler
Mu.ZEE is the only place in the world that focuses on modern and contemporary art in Belgium, from 1880 to the present day. Mu.ZEE would like to share its iconic building, its beautiful collection and the growing knowledge about it with you and as many others as possible. In a warm, welcoming and generous manner. An evolving yet constant museum embodying the pleasure of collecting. Mu.ZEE wants to let everyone enjoy, and obtain an insight into, the fascinating, unfinished story of art in Belgium, artist by artist. Bringing people from far and wide, both for the 'mu' and the 'sea' in its name. How wonderful!
You can only understand James Ensor and his art if you visit Ostend. The house where he worked and lived from 1917 until his death has been preserved in its original state, so you can still visit it today. The buildings were converted into an interactive experience centrum that introduces you to Ensor and his world. These rooms, which are decorated with authentic furniture, life-size reproductions and small documentary presentations, offer a unique opportunity to explore the space where the artist worked and lived.
34 lokale anbefaler
Ensor Museum
27 Vlaanderenstraat
34 lokale anbefaler
You can only understand James Ensor and his art if you visit Ostend. The house where he worked and lived from 1917 until his death has been preserved in its original state, so you can still visit it today. The buildings were converted into an interactive experience centrum that introduces you to Ensor and his world. These rooms, which are decorated with authentic furniture, life-size reproductions and small documentary presentations, offer a unique opportunity to explore the space where the artist worked and lived.
This building was built between 1947 and 1953, to a design by Ghent architect Gaston Eysselinck (1907 - 1953) who was inspired by Le Corbusier at a young age. Initially the building received no attention, not even from modernist architects. Only after 1963 was it recognized as one of the most powerful architectural achievements of the post-war period in Belgium. When a post office building was transformed into a cultural factory, the original structure remains legible and experienceable.
59 lokale anbefaler
Kulturcenter De Grote Post
18A Hendrik Serruyslaan
59 lokale anbefaler
This building was built between 1947 and 1953, to a design by Ghent architect Gaston Eysselinck (1907 - 1953) who was inspired by Le Corbusier at a young age. Initially the building received no attention, not even from modernist architects. Only after 1963 was it recognized as one of the most powerful architectural achievements of the post-war period in Belgium. When a post office building was transformed into a cultural factory, the original structure remains legible and experienceable.

Shopping

De Zoeten Inval is a family business that sells unique second-hand items with a story. From jewellery to works of art, from furniture to decoration, you will find it all at the Zoeten Inval.
Verkoopzaal "De Zoeten Inval"
66 Nieuwpoortsesteenweg
De Zoeten Inval is a family business that sells unique second-hand items with a story. From jewellery to works of art, from furniture to decoration, you will find it all at the Zoeten Inval.
It's not just the smell of books and the special atmosphere that makes Corman such a unique experience. The selection of literature and non-fiction is so surprisingly overwhelming that every visitor is amazed again and again. Books in Dutch, French or English, as well as in German and Spanish. You can also lose yourself in the range for children's and youth books, art books, cookbooks and hobby books.
Boekhandel Corman
18 Wittenonnenstraat
It's not just the smell of books and the special atmosphere that makes Corman such a unique experience. The selection of literature and non-fiction is so surprisingly overwhelming that every visitor is amazed again and again. Books in Dutch, French or English, as well as in German and Spanish. You can also lose yourself in the range for children's and youth books, art books, cookbooks and hobby books.
Retro Shack is a shop that sells second-hand items from the last century, including a wide range of vinyls, as well as audio gear, gadgets, clothes and movie props. They also have a bar and a cosy sun terrace!
Retro Shack
7 Bonenstraat
Retro Shack is a shop that sells second-hand items from the last century, including a wide range of vinyls, as well as audio gear, gadgets, clothes and movie props. They also have a bar and a cosy sun terrace!
White Interiors is a well-known name among Ostend vintage lovers. In the end - or is it the beginning? - of Langestraat you'll find quieter places and above all a very large shop window full of beautiful furniture. At White Interiors you will find an impressive collection of Scandinavian vintage furniture. Mike, owner of White Interiors, also offers a beautiful collection of Belgian and Italian masterpieces from the 50s and 60s and new design with the collection of Jos Devriendt and Muller Van Severen.
White interiors
55 Langestraat
White Interiors is a well-known name among Ostend vintage lovers. In the end - or is it the beginning? - of Langestraat you'll find quieter places and above all a very large shop window full of beautiful furniture. At White Interiors you will find an impressive collection of Scandinavian vintage furniture. Mike, owner of White Interiors, also offers a beautiful collection of Belgian and Italian masterpieces from the 50s and 60s and new design with the collection of Jos Devriendt and Muller Van Severen.
Everyone enters the Kringwinkel, which sells pre-loved items, with a different idea in their head. Some go to snap up useful second-hand items for themselves or others, but passionate collectors also often spend hours browsing this paradise and sometimes spot an item they have been looking for for quite some time. The offering changes daily and you can find items in every style and price category here, from retro to more contemporary. Do visit regularly to see what’s available. The laidback, pleasant ambience means shopping here is fun for the whole family, without breaking the bank.
De Kringwinkel Kust
304c Oostendelaan
Everyone enters the Kringwinkel, which sells pre-loved items, with a different idea in their head. Some go to snap up useful second-hand items for themselves or others, but passionate collectors also often spend hours browsing this paradise and sometimes spot an item they have been looking for for quite some time. The offering changes daily and you can find items in every style and price category here, from retro to more contemporary. Do visit regularly to see what’s available. The laidback, pleasant ambience means shopping here is fun for the whole family, without breaking the bank.
Comic book lovers can indulge themselves in specialty store De Striep. This comics dealer has been the best-known in Ostend and the surrounding area for over a quarter of a century.
Striep (De)
36 Sint-Paulusstraat
Comic book lovers can indulge themselves in specialty store De Striep. This comics dealer has been the best-known in Ostend and the surrounding area for over a quarter of a century.
Ferm offers a lovely selection of trendy brands that are still difficult to get a hold of in Belgium. Ferm/Homme is their recently opened second shop. The range of interior items, accessories, and gadgets has been expanded with brands such as Bloomingville and House Doctor. Ferm also has its own clothing line with a unique Ostend touch! In addition to these treats for your eyes, you may also become spoiled by our personal style recommendations.
Ferm Homme
38 Sint-Paulusstraat
Ferm offers a lovely selection of trendy brands that are still difficult to get a hold of in Belgium. Ferm/Homme is their recently opened second shop. The range of interior items, accessories, and gadgets has been expanded with brands such as Bloomingville and House Doctor. Ferm also has its own clothing line with a unique Ostend touch! In addition to these treats for your eyes, you may also become spoiled by our personal style recommendations.
Jacqueloot is the specialty store for hats, caps and caps in Ostend. Jacqueloot is a household name in the city of Ostend, but hat lovers from all over the world are also regular customers.
Jacqueloot / Karine
29/A Wittenonnenstraat
Jacqueloot is the specialty store for hats, caps and caps in Ostend. Jacqueloot is a household name in the city of Ostend, but hat lovers from all over the world are also regular customers.

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Getting around in Ostend

Ostend can easily be visited on foot or by bike. In the summer, you can also hire a skelter at one of the many stalls at the beach promenade. The Coastal Tram will bring you to any Belgian coastal city. It’s the world’s longest single tramline and from Ostend you can get anywhere along the coast. In summer there's one in each direction every 15 minutes. Ostend is a pleasure to stroll and cycle around but if you’re in a hurry there are taxi ranks around. For the more adventurous, Bird is also offering rental electric scooters across the city.