Ostend, Belgium
Worthwhile Journeys
You are going to be spending some time in the ports you embark and disembark from. These aren’t just logistical points; they’re opportunities for further enrichment. Take an extra day to discover what’s beyond the harbour. It’s not merely about filling time; it’s about making the entire journey worthwhile.
Keeping in Touch
The exact location of your ship may not be known until closer to your joining time, you will be informed by email once the exact position has been confirmed. Make sure you take a note of the ship’s mobile or cell phone number with you in case you are delayed or there are any other problems on the day.
What to Do in Ostend
History
Ostend’s maritime past runs deep. Once a modest fishing village, it became the summer retreat of Belgian royalty and an important naval base. The Atlantic Wall Museum provides an insight into the city’s strategic wartime role, while the Mercator, a three-masted training ship turned museum, offers a fine introduction to Belgium’s seafaring heritage. The Mu.ZEE gallery also traces Ostend’s place in the nation’s artistic and cultural evolution.
Culture
Ostend hosts several lively festivals throughout the year, including the Theater aan Zee arts festival in summer and the Crystal Ship street art event each spring. The annual Paulusfeesten brings open-air concerts, food stalls, and dancing to the city’s old quarter, a welcome celebration for any sailor coming ashore.
Sites of Interest to a Sailor
Approaching Ostend by sea, you’ll spot its long breakwaters and the distinctive white lighthouse at the harbour entrance. The North Sea coast here is broad and open, with steady winds ideal for sailing. Ashore, the promenade and the Royal Galleries frame views of passing ships, while the nearby harbour locks and fish market reveal daily working life tied to the sea.
Entertainment
After time aboard, Ostend offers a relaxed but vibrant scene. Beachfront cafés and bars stretch along the promenade, many with live music through the summer. The Kursaal Casino hosts concerts and comedy, and local pubs such as Lafayette or the Penny offer an unpolished charm popular with sailors and locals alike.
Eating Out
Seafood is central to Ostend’s culinary identity. Try freshly caught shrimp, mussels, or sole in one of the harbour restaurants, or head inland for Flemish classics paired with local beer. De Mosselbeurs and Kombuis are well-regarded for straightforward, quality dishes that suit a sailor’s appetite.
Nature
Beyond the city, the dunes and coastal reserves of Raversyde and Zwin offer space to walk and breathe sea air. The beaches stretch for miles, with cycle paths and birdwatching points along the way. For a change of pace, hire a bicycle or take a short tram ride to explore the Belgian coast.
Unique Features
What sets Ostend apart is its blend of working port and seaside resort. It retains the grit of a real harbour town while offering culture and comfort. Few North Sea ports provide such easy access between ship, sea, and city centre.
Accommodation
For those extending their stay, the Hotel du Parc offers Art Deco charm near the seafront, while Thermae Palace provides spa facilities within walking distance of the marina. Smaller guesthouses and apartments are plentiful and well-suited to sailors looking for a night or two ashore.
Official Tourist Website
https://www.visitoostende.be/en
Weather in Ostend
Winters are cool and often breezy, with temperatures around 5°C. Spring brings clearer skies and fresh winds from the sea. Summers are mild, typically 18–22°C, ideal for sailing and sightseeing. Autumn sees shorter days but often calm, sunny spells before winter storms set in.
Sea and Beyond: A Responsible Mariner’s Guide
Since you’re already investing in a unique sailing adventure, why not extend that spirit to your travel choices? Opt for more sustainable methods of transport where possible like trains, coaches, or sharing a car. If you fly, and we realise this may well be the case, you could research some ways to offset the carbon created by the flight.
Special Interests
If you have a special interest that you would like to find out about for this port or to tell us about, we would love to hear from you.
How to Get There
From the UK
Eurostar trains connect London to Brussels, with onward trains to Ostend taking around an hour. Dover to Calais ferries, followed by a short drive or train journey, are also an option. Flights to Brussels or Ostend-Bruges Airport are available but less convenient than train travel.
From Europe
Ostend is well served by rail links from Brussels, Bruges, and other European cities. Buses connect from Paris, Amsterdam, and Cologne, while flights to Brussels offer easy onward connections.
From North America
Travellers can fly from major hubs such as New York, Boston, or Toronto to Brussels, then take the train to Ostend in under two hours. Amsterdam and Paris are also useful gateways.
From Australia
Typical routes connect via Dubai, Doha, or Singapore to Brussels. From there, the train to Ostend offers a comfortable and scenic continuation of the journey.
When Is the Best Time to Book a Flight?
Domestic travel: Book 1–2 months in advance.
International travel: Plan to book 3–6 months ahead.
Holiday travel: Secure your tickets 3–10 months in advance.
High-demand periods: Start monitoring fares as early as possible.
Spring, summer, or autumn international trips: Look at least 4–6 months before departure.
Extra Tips for Finding Cheap Flights
Travel off-peak, avoid busy travel periods, and consider midweek flights. Explore alternative airports, check airline websites for direct deals, and use flight trackers such as Google Flights or Hopper. Signing up for fare alerts or newsletters like Jack’s Flight Club can help you spot sudden price drops.
Tools to Help You Save
Tools like Skyscanner’s Savings Generator can provide insights into the best booking windows for your trip, ensuring you get the most value for your money.
With these tips, planning your next trip doesn’t have to break the bank. Start early, stay flexible, and explore your options for the best results.
