Top Tourist Places to Visit in Ostend, Belgium, Europe
Ostend is a main region in the West Flanders province in the region of Flemish in Belgium, covering an area of 37.72 square kilometers (14.56 square miles). Ostend is situated along the cost of North Sea and the economy of the city depends on fishing, tourism, hotels and commerce and home to one of the major airports in the country Ostend-Bruges International Airport.
Ostend is surrounded by Middelkerke, Bredene, De Haan, Westende, Oudenburg, Jabbeke, Gistel, Eernegem, and Nieuwpoort and situated at the distance of 115 kilometers from Brussels, capital of Belgium. Coordinates of Ostend are 51.2333° N, 2.9167° E.
History of Ostend:
Ostend was a small village along the North Sea and major source of income form was from fishing and due to its strategic location it was frequently destroyed by army attacks during the 15th century. Ostend became the major port town during the Dutch rule and became the part of the Austrian Empire Charles VI. In the year 1838, a railway line was developed connecting Brussels and Ostend port grew rapidly and major trade was carried out through the Ostend port.
Attractions in Ostend:
James Ensorhuis:
James Ensorhuis is the residence of the Anglo-Belgian artist James Ensor resides since 1916 and later converted into a museum and tourists can view the studio and lounge on the second floor and open from May to November from 10 am to 5 pm.
Leopold:
Leopold Park was established in the year 1860 along the old city walls in British method and open to the public from 1885 is surrounded by ponds, paths and flowerbeds and entry is free to the tourists.
Oostends Historisch Museum De Plate:
Oostends Historisch Museum De Plate is situated 3 kilometers away from center of the city was the summer residence of the King Leopold’s, during 19th century situated close to the ocean.
Ostend Beach:
Ostend Beach is renowned beaches in the country crowded during the July and August and tourists from British, Germans, French and Dutch visit the beach throughout the year.
Places to see in Ostend:
- Kunstmuseum aan Zee
- Sint-Petrus-en Pauluskerk
- Driemaster Mercator
- Noordzeeaquarium
- Museumschip
Climate in Ostend:
Ostend experiences enjoyable climate throughout the year due to Oceanic climate and summers are cooler than other parts of the country and Ostend can be visited throughout the year.
Transportation to Ostend:
Ostend is well connected by road, rail and air mode of transport. Many National Highways and Expressways pass through this city making the place quite easily accessible from other major cities. Ostend is also well connected by train link that connects to Ostend and Bruges. Ostend is around 30 kilometers from Bruges and approx 113 kilometers from capital city Brussels. Ostend major international airport is Ostend-Bruges International Airport located 4 kilometers away has direct air links to all the major cities in Europe.
Accommodation in Ostend:
There are many high end lavishness hotels providing unbelievable world class amenities and services to the tourists taking lodging facilities in such hotels. Hotels range from 1 star to 5 star and tourists can select a hotel of their choice based on their requirements, needs and budget and offers facilities like gym, laundry service, cable TV, air-conditioned rooms etc., for cost of $ 20 to $ 200 and above per day. List of hotels located in Ostend are as follows:
- Hotel Europe
- Ramada Ostend
- Apollo Arthotel Brugge
- Best Western Premier Weinebrugge
- Campanile Brugge
- Best Western Hotel Richmond
- Hotel Olympia
- Kempinski Hotel Dukes Palace
- Leonardo Hotel Brugge
- Aragon Hotel
- Floris Hotel Bruges
- Hotel de Castillion