Originally a small fishing village, the city of Oostende received its
city charter in the 13th century and now has a population of 91,000
people, the largest population on the Belgian coast. Set half way along
the 40 mile Belgian coastline, it became popular as a resort in the
19th century, when Kings Leopold I and II spent their summers there.
During World War II the city was badly bombed.
The city is protected from the North Sea by a series of large dikes
built in the late 14th century. However, the city often fell victim to
invading armies. Its importance as a harbour rose in the 18th and 19th
centuries, and a railway link to Brussels was built in 1838. In 1846 it
became a transit harbour to England, sending its first ferry boat to
Dover. Today, hundreds of passengers travel between Oostende and
England in a space of just two hours, which makes it a good weekend
resort for British travellers.
Named ‘The Queen of the Belgian sea-side Resorts, Oostende boasts a
long and sandy beach and is a popular beach resort for locals as well
as visitors to Belgium, many of whom come to surf and sail. The old
town and fishing harbour are popular attractions, and Oostende has much
to offer in the way of shopping, eating and entertainment.
Places of interest:
The twin-towered church of St Peter & Saint Paul, close to the
railway station, is a neo-gothic building built of sandstone in 1904-5.
It houses the mausoleum of Queen Louise-Marie, Belgium’s first Queen,
who died in 1850 in Oostende.
The ‘Fort Napoleon’, north of the city centre, is the only Napoleonic
fortress still intact in the whole of Europe. Built by Napoleon during
the French occupation in 1810 and completed in 1812, it housed 260
soldiers. In the Second World War it was used as a German barracks.
Between Oostende and Middelkerke, near the beach, lies a large group of
dunes known as the ‘Raversijde Domain', which is a natural nature
reserve. Here also is the ‘Atlantikwall', a complex of tunnels and
bunkers built by occupying German troops in the First and Second World
Wars. Nearby is also an archaeological site of a medieval fishing
village from 13th to 15th centuries.
For garden lovers, the Japanese Garden in the Koningspark is worth a
visit and can be found opposite the swimming baths, near the sea wall.
Things to do:
A walk along the splendidly clean and unspoilt beach, with a swim or
paddle in the sea, is one of Oostende’s pleasantest activities, but
there are plenty of further activities in the centre and close to
Oostende.
Oostende has several shopping centres, including the traffic-free
Kappellestraat, Adolf Buylstraat and Witte Nonnestraat. Also, at the
Alfons Pieterslaan and the Torhoutsesteenweg you can shop all year
round. Market day in Oostende is on Thursdays on the Wapenplein,
Groentemarkt and Mijnplein.
For those interested in history and culture, Oostende has several
museums and galleries to visit. The Museum of Local History holds
collections from the Neolithic and Roman times, a maritime section and
sections on the two wor
ld wars. The Museum of Fine Arts holds works
from the Belgian Masters, and at the Museum of Modern Art you can see a
wide range of paintings, sculptures and objects from Belgium’s recent
history. Other places are the Museum Sint-Pieterstoren, the Museum of
Religious Arts, the North Sea Aquarium and the Schooner Mercator which
is a former Merchant Navy training ship now restored as a nautical
museum. James Ensor House is where the famous impressionist painter
lived.
One of the most popular places for families with children is the Maria
Hendrika Park. Here you will find minigolf, rowing and pedal boats,
playgrounds and woodland walks. Refreshments are available at the café.
You can also take a horse-drawn carriage tour around the city, where you will be shown the interesting sights of the city.
Food & Drink:
Whatever kind of food or restaurant you are looking for you are likely
to find it here. Oostende has plenty of restaurants, cafes, bars and
taverns both within its lively city centre, and along the promenade.
Wherever you go, you will find kiosks selling mussels, fresh fish
restaurants, and the ice cream is not to be missed.
There are several bars selling real ale, including the Café Botteltje
and the Ostens Bierhuus. Oostende also has a selection of English style
pubs.
One of the most popular restaurants in the city is the James Tavern in
James Ensor Galerij 34, off Vlaanderenstraat. In its friendly
atmosphere, you can sample a wide range of local cuisine, including
their specialty, garnaalkroketten, or shrimp croquettes.
Of course, Oostende’s best-loved food is fresh fish, and you do not
have to look too far to find a wide choice of places specialising in
seafood. One of the best fish restaurants is the Old Fisher on the
Fisherman’s Wharf. This has a relaxed but elegant atmosphere where you
can sample a wide range of local fresh fish dishes. Another fish
restaurant is the David Dewaele, a family-run restaurant serving French
cuisine and fish fresh from the North Sea.
Hotels & Accommodation
Alpha Hotel
Hotel Ter Kade
Royal Astrid
Hotel Princess
Hotel Burlington
Ambassadeur
Entertainment:
If you are seeking the local nightlife, the first place to head for is
Langestraat where you will find cabarets, night clubs and bars, as well
as the famous Kursaal Oostende, one of the largest casinos in Europe.
The casino contains gaming rooms, a concert hall where you can
regularly hear concerts, operettas and ballet, disco, rooftop
restaurant and gaming rooms.
Many of the bars and pubs offer live performances, including jazz,
blues or contemporary music. There are English pubs, at least one Irish
pub, and, of course, good strong beer.
Between May and September is the racing season and anyone interested in the sport must take a trip to Wellington Racecourse.
Every year in the first week in March, Oostende holds a carnival with a
different theme each time and in October there is the annual
fun-fair.
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