Things to Do in Ostend, Belgium: 7 Best Places to Visit
Ostend is a coastal city in West Flanders, Belgium, located about 35 kilometers from the Dutch border and around 30 kilometers from the French border. It is one of the most popular destinations along the Belgian coast and is known for its long beaches, busy seafront, port, and Ostend-Bruges International Airport.
The city is an important tourist and economic center in Belgium. Ostend has a population of around 72,000 people, but its population and visitor numbers increase significantly during the summer as tourists arrive to enjoy the North Sea coast.
History of Ostend
If you enjoy history, Ostend has a fascinating story. The city has been affected by storms, flooding, and changes to the coastline for centuries.
In the Middle Ages, repeated storms and floods forced the settlement to change and expand toward safer areas. The town was fortified in the late 14th century, but major storms continued to affect the area. Historical records describe severe flooding, including the Saint Clement’s Flood in 1334 and the Saint Vincent’s Flood in 1394.
Researchers from Ghent University discovered remains of the former settlement offshore in 2016. The remains are located a few hundred meters from today’s coastline and provide evidence of how the coastline and the city have changed over the centuries.
Today, Ostend is also well connected to other Belgian coastal towns by the Belgian Coast Tram. The tram makes it easy to travel along the coast without a car and is especially useful for visitors who want to explore several seaside towns during the same trip.
Now, let’s look at some of the best things to do and see when visiting Ostend, one of Belgium’s most popular coastal destinations.
1. Take a Boat Trip on the North Sea in Ostend
One of the best things to do in Ostend is take a boat trip on the North Sea. The tour departs from the port of Ostend and gives visitors a chance to enjoy the fresh sea air while seeing the Belgian coast from a completely different perspective.
During the trip, the boat heads out into the open sea before turning back toward the coastline. Along the way, you can see sailing boats, fishing vessels, the beach, and the dunes. It is also a great opportunity to take photos and videos of Ostend from the water.
The regular boat trip lasts about 45 minutes and departs from the Visserskaai, near the Vistrap and the North Sea Aquarium. The location is also easy to reach from Ostend train station, which is about a five-minute walk from the departure point.
How Much Does the Ostend Boat Trip Cost?
As of 2026, tickets cost 20 euro for passengers aged 12 and older. Children between 3 and 11 years old pay 14 euro, while children under 3 can join for free. Tickets can be purchased online or at the departure point, although trips can depend on weather conditions.
For more information and current departure times, visitors can contact Captain Blue at +32 59 70 62 94. The official tourist information lists the location as Visserskaai 29, 8400 Ostend.
The boat trip is a simple and relaxing way to experience Ostend, especially if you want to see the city, harbor, beach, and Belgian coastline from the water.
2. Go on a Sea Fishing Trip
If you are looking for a different way to experience the Belgian coast, a sea fishing trip in Ostend is worth considering. Captain Blue offers a full day of sea fishing, and you do not need previous fishing experience to participate. Both adults and children can join this activity.
When the boat reaches the fishing area, the ship’s siren sounds, signaling that it is time to cast your fishing line. Any fish you catch can be taken home for free.
The types of fish you can catch depend on the season. From around mid-June to mid-October, catches commonly include mackerel, red gurnard, and garfish. During the colder months, you may catch species such as whiting, dab, pouting, and, with some luck, cod.
Sea Fishing Prices in Ostend
As of 2026, an online e-ticket starts at 85 euro per person. If you book manually through the Captain Blue office, the price starts at 90 euro per person. Fishing equipment is not included in the ticket price.
If you do not have your own equipment, you can rent or buy what you need on the boat. Renting a fishing rod with a reel, line, and swivel costs 10 euro for the day. Hook sets cost 4 euro, while sea bait costs 8 euro.
When Do the Fishing Trips Operate?
The current schedule runs from February through the end of November, with fishing trips available on Saturdays, Sundays, and public holidays. Advance ticket purchase is required. The trip lasts from around 8:00 a.m. until approximately 5:00 p.m., although the exact departure time should be checked on your ticket.
The boarding point is at Hendrik Baelskaai 38, 8400 Ostend. There is free parking on the quay directly opposite the boat. Passengers should arrive well before departure because boarding closes 30 minutes before the scheduled departure time.
What Happens if the Weather Is Bad?
The captain can postpone or cancel a trip if weather conditions are unsafe, such as strong winds or high waves. If possible, passengers will be notified by email the day before.
For online bookings, tickets are non-refundable in the event of a cancellation, but they remain valid for 12 months and can be used for a later sailing, subject to availability. If you book directly through the office, different refund conditions may apply if the trip is canceled. Rain alone is not necessarily a reason to cancel the trip.
Can Children Go Sea Fishing?
Children aged 6 and older can participate when accompanied by an adult. Captain Blue does not allow children under 6 on these fishing trips for safety reasons. The company also recommends keeping in mind that spending a full day at sea can be tiring for young children.
The trip is a good choice for visitors who want to spend a full day on the North Sea, enjoy the sea air, and try something different from the usual beach activities in Ostend.
3. Visit Belgium’s Offshore Wind Turbines in the North Sea
One of the most interesting things to do in Ostend is take a boat trip to Belgium’s offshore wind farms in the North Sea. This educational cruise gives you a chance to see the huge wind turbines up close while learning more about offshore wind energy, coastal navigation, marine wildlife, and life at sea.
The boat travels to the wind farm at Thornton Bank, located about 30 kilometers off the Belgian coast. The journey takes around five hours in total, including the trip to and from the wind farm, entering and leaving the port, and a stop near the southwestern side of the wind farm.
A guide is on board during the cruise. The main explanations are given in Dutch, but visitors can ask questions in English, and English information folders about the wind turbines and offshore wind energy are available on the boat.
How Much Does the Wind Farm Boat Trip Cost?
As of 2026, an e-ticket costs 69.50 euro when booked online. Booking through the office costs 75 euro. Advance booking is required.
The cruise departs from Hendrik Baelskaai 38 in Ostend. Passengers should arrive at least 30 minutes before departure because boarding closes half an hour before the scheduled departure time.
Children aged 6 and older can join the excursion when accompanied by an adult. Children under 6 are not allowed on the trip for safety reasons.
If five hours at sea sounds too long, Captain Blue also offers a shorter speedboat trip to the offshore wind farms. That option takes around 1.5 to 2 hours and currently costs 98 euro per person when booked as an e-ticket, but it does not include a guide.
The wind farm cruise is a great choice for visitors who want to combine sightseeing with a closer look at Belgium’s renewable energy projects while enjoying the North Sea.
4. Take a Speedboat Ride on the North Sea
If you are looking for an adrenaline-filled activity in Ostend, a speedboat ride on the North Sea is a great option. Captain Blue offers visitors the chance to experience the Belgian coast from a completely different perspective while traveling at high speed across the water.
The current speedboat is a Gemini Waverider 8.80 RIB equipped with two 200-horsepower Suzuki engines. It can reach speeds of up to 75 km/h and has space for 11 passengers and two crew members. Experienced and certified captains operate the boat, while passengers receive life jackets and a safety briefing before departure.
The speedboat departs from Visserskaai, opposite number 11, on the pontoon between Ostend train station and the ferry. The departure point is about a five-minute walk from the train station and can also be reached by the coastal tram.
How Much Does a Speedboat Ride in Ostend Cost?
As of 2026, the regular adrenaline speedboat trip costs 49 euro per person. The experience lasts about 60 minutes, including around 40 minutes of sailing in the port and at sea.
Captain Blue also offers a more adventurous speedboat trip to Belgium’s offshore wind farms. This experience takes around 1.5 to 2 hours and currently costs 98 euro per person when booked online. There is no guide on the speedboat wind farm trip.
What Should You Know Before Going?
Because this is an adventurous boat trip, passengers should be in good physical health. People with back or knee problems and pregnant women are not allowed to participate. The boat is equipped with safety and communication equipment and operates under Belgian maritime safety regulations.
Trips are subject to availability and weather conditions. If bad weather forces Captain Blue to cancel a trip, tickets remain valid for 12 months and can be used for another similar trip, depending on availability. Tickets are otherwise prepaid and non-refundable.
For visitors who want more than a traditional sightseeing cruise, the speedboat is one of the more exciting ways to experience the North Sea and see Ostend from the water.
5. Visit the Mercator Ship
If you are interested in maritime history, visiting the Mercator ship is one of the things worth doing in Ostend. I visited the Mercator in February 2020, walked around the ship, and even did a live broadcast on the Belgium Brief Facebook page. In my opinion, it is worth visiting at least once.
Inside the ship, you can explore the different rooms and see photographs, objects, and information about the history of the Mercator and its voyages. You can also learn about the ship’s connection to Belgium and see historical photographs, including images of King Philippe of Belgium during his visit to the ship.
How Much Does It Cost to Visit the Mercator?
The entrance fee is relatively affordable. A ticket costs 5 euro for adults, while children and young people from 4 to 18 years old pay 3 euro. Children under 4 can enter for free.
You can buy your ticket online or purchase one at the entrance when you arrive. However, opening hours can change depending on the season, so it is a good idea to check the current schedule before visiting.
The Mercator is located at Mercatordok, just a short walk from Ostend train station. Its central location makes it easy to include the ship in a day of sightseeing around the city.
For visitors interested in Belgian maritime history, the Mercator offers a simple and affordable experience and can easily be combined with other attractions in central Ostend.
Here are some more photos from inside the ship:
6. Walk Along the Seafront and Shopping Street
Ostend is located on the North Sea coast, so a walk along the seafront is a must when visiting the city. The main waterfront area is a great place to enjoy the beach, watch the waves, and take in the lively atmosphere.
The seafront and nearby shopping streets are lined with cafés, restaurants, and stores. They can get especially busy during the summer, when visitors come to Ostend to enjoy the beach and the city.
Prices vary from place to place, but you can still find reasonably priced cafés and restaurants. For example, a coffee at a café overlooking the sea may cost around 3 euro, although prices can be higher at some locations.
Nearby, you can also find the former Royal Palace, which is now part of the Royal Galleries area. The surrounding public spaces are free to visit, making them a nice addition to a walk along the Ostend waterfront.
7. Visit Fort Napoleon
Fort Napoleon was built near the sea in Ostend in 1811 on the orders of Napoleon Bonaparte. The French feared a British attack on the port, so the fort was built in the dunes to protect the area from a possible invasion.
The fort has witnessed several important periods in European history. It was originally used by the French, while German soldiers later used it during both World Wars. Today, visitors can explore its impressive architecture and follow a story trail that explains the fort’s history.
The current standard admission price is 11 euro for adults and 9 euro for children aged 6 to 12. Children under 6 can enter for free. A visit usually takes about one hour, and booking online in advance is recommended, especially on weekends and during school holidays.
Fort Napoleon is located on Ostend’s eastern shore, and visitors can also reach it by a free ferry from the city center, followed by about a 15-minute walk.
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