To See and Do
Ostend is famous for our 7 kilometers of fine sandy beaches, promenade, beautiful parks and gardens and plenty of great things to see and do.
Highlights include a well preserved section of the fortified Atlantic Wall, Casino-Kursaal, Mercator sailing ship now open to the public and Mu.Zee art gallery.Â
Casino-Kursaal
kursaaloostende.be | Kursaal-Westhelling
The striking white Portland stone building has dominated the view on the Albert I promenade for quite some time. In 1852, King Leopold I ordered the casino to be built. He had grand plans for the seaside resort and wanted to turn it into a hotspot for Europe’s elite. Today, the 2,000 spectators do not need to have a royal title and can simply book a ticket for one of the concerts, theatre performances, and shows that take place there. Or just try your luck in the casino.
The Atlantic Wall Open Air Museum
raversyde.be | Nieuwpoortsesteenweg
Dig deep into the past and wander through two world wars in bunkers and trenches. The Atlantic Wall is one of two museums at Raversyde consisting of over 60 bunkers, observation posts, positions and a 2 kilometer network of trenches and subterranean corridors. After touring the museums take a reflective walk through the scenic park.
Raversyde is 6 kilometer outside Ostend. Coastal Tram stop 32 ‘Domein Raversijde’ is just outside the entrance.
Leopoldpark
Behind the hotel lies Leopold Park, a 5-hectare green oasis designed by Louis Fuchs in 1860. Despite the fact that the architect had German roots, this park makes you feel as if you are in England. The romantic bridges over the water, the walkways and the plants push all modern-day concerns to the background.
Sint-Petrus- en Sint-Pauluskerk
Sint-Pietersstraat
The elegant spires of Sint-Petrus-en-Pauluskerk (Church of Saint Peter and Saint Paul) can be seen from across the city. Inside the magnificent interior is lit through beautiful stained-glass windows.
Mercator
zeilschipmercator.be | Pensjagersstraat
Immersing yourself in history has never been easier than aboard the mighty Mercator. This ship was once used for scientific expeditions and even a rescue mission, more specifically the repatriation of the remains of Father Damien. In 1960, it became a museum ship in Ostend’s marina. You can discover the different rooms such as the captain’s cabin, the wheelhouse, and the crew’s quarters.Â
Open every day between 10h and 17h.
Ostend City Museum
oostende.be | Langestraat
Discover our cities fascinating past, and a few of our secrets. The Stadsmuseum Ostend is located in the former residence of our most famous resident, Louise-Marie, the first Belgian Queen in the old town.Â
Mu.ZEE
muzee.be | Romestraat
Just around the corner from our hotel, Mu.ZEE is the art gallery by the sea. A unique collection of Belgian art since 1830 it also welcomes wonderful temporary exhibitions.
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Fort Napoleon
fort-napoleon.be | Vuurtorenweg
Fort Napoleon has been guarding Ostend for over 200 years. Originally built to repel an English invasion it also saw use during both world wars as an artillery quarter for the German Army. The fort has been carefully restored and turned into an open monument.
The fort is on the opposite side of the harbour, about 5 minutes walk from the ferry.Â
Ostend Sea P'Lace
Ostendeseaplace.be | Koningin Astridlaan
From family party to company party, for small and large groups, the conference complexes in the Wellington racecourse are perfect to organise your event at.
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Koningspark and Japanese Garden
Koninginnelaan
Koningspark was commissioned by Leopold II in 1903 as a private garden for the royal chalets. Almost 100 years later, in 2001, the Japanese garden Shin Kai Tei, or Deep Sea Garden, was created in the heart of the park as a symbol of the friendship between Ostend and the Japanese city of Banjarmasin.
