Ostend has long been known as Belgium’s queen of seaside resorts, but it’s also a city with serious architectural flair. One of the standout styles you’ll see while staying at Leopold Hotel Ostend is Art Deco. With its clean lines, geometric patterns and glamourous aesthetic, Art Deco shapes much of the city’s character.
This walking guide brings you through the best examples of Ostend’s Art Deco architecture. All are within easy reach of your accommodation at Leopold Hotel Ostend.
Start: Leopold Hotel Ostend
You’re starting in the right place. The Leopold Hotel Ostend is itself housed in an Art Deco building from the 1920s. Take a moment to look up at the curved balconies, ornate facade, and elegant proportions before you set off. Staying here gives you direct access to one of the city’s most stylish neighbourhoods.
1. Petit Paris District
Walk five minutes south to the Petit Paris area. This district was heavily redeveloped in the early 20th century and showcases a variety of Art Deco homes and apartments.
Keep an eye out for:
• Rue des Capucines: Decorative ironwork balconies, tiered facades and symmetrical layouts.
• Avenue de la Reine: Many buildings here feature mosaics and etched glass panels.
It’s not a tourist-heavy area, so take your time wandering and snapping photos.
2. Feest- en Kultuurpaleis (City Hall)
From Petit Paris, head towards the Feest- en Kultuurpaleis, also known as Ostend’s City Hall. Originally opened in 1957 on the site of a previous Art Deco building, it still includes preserved elements from the earlier structure. The bold columns and clean lines are classic of the movement.
Stop in the surrounding Leopold Park on your way for a quick rest by the fountains.
3. Kursaal Oostende
A 10-minute stroll brings you to Kursaal Oostende, the city’s famous casino and concert hall. While the current building leans more towards post-war modernism, it still carries the spirit of its earlier Art Deco predecessor, which was destroyed during World War II. Look at the symmetry, the large rounded canopy and use of stone and steel.
This area also gives you views of the promenade and the sea, ideal for a short break.
4. Royal Galleries of Ostend
From the Kursaal, walk along the promenade to reach the Royal Galleries of Ostend. Built between 1902 and 1906, they predate the Art Deco era but were remodelled later to reflect the style. The covered arcade features clean arches, marble floors and ornate lamps.
Walk the length of the galleries to experience the symmetry and elegance that defined the style’s rise in Europe.
5. James Ensor House
End your walk with a cultural stop. The James Ensor House is not Art Deco, but it gives vital context to the visual history of the city. Ensor’s work influenced many Art Deco designers and his rebellious style mirrors the flair of the movement. The house is now a museum with original furnishings and personal objects.
Wrap-Up: Where to Eat and Stay
After a day of exploring, head back to Leopold Hotel Ostend to freshen up. You’re steps from some excellent restaurants that echo the era’s design with rich interiors and seafood-forward menus. Try Bistro Mathilda or Histoires d’O. for a fitting finish.
.Staying at Leopold Hotel Ostend means you’re never far from the best things to do in the city, especially if you’re keen on design, architecture, and walking tours that skip the obvious.
