Holiday in Ostend: city and beach in one stay
Ostend is different from other coastal destinations on the Belgian coast. Where De Panne or Knokke are mainly residential coastal villages, Ostend is a real city with its own identity, history and cultural dynamic. Here you find a seaside casino, a fish market where fishermen land their catch directly, the Ensor house and the Mu.ZEE museum, a train station in the heart of the centre, and of course 9 kilometres of sandy beach.
Short answer
Ostend is different from other coastal destinations on the Belgian coast. Where De Panne or Knokke are mainly residential coastal villages, Ostend is a real city with its own identity, history and cultural dynamic. Here you find a seaside casino, a fish market where fishermen land their catch directly, the Ensor house and the Mu.ZEE museum, a train station in the heart of the centre, and of course 9 kilometres of sandy beach.
- •Booking direct with DLVX Rentals avoids Airbnb and Booking.com platform fees.
- •The apartments are in Ostend, close to the beach, coastal tram, and city center.
- •Guests speak directly with the owner for check-in and local questions.
What to see and do in Ostend
The Zeedijk is the beating heart of Ostend: 9 kilometres of walking or cycling along the North Sea, with restaurants, terraces and beach pavilions. The Casino Kursaal has been an icon since 1953, designed by Léon Stynen. The fish market on the Visserskaai opens every morning around 7 am, with fresh shrimp, sole and sea bass directly from the Ostend fishermen. The Mu.ZEE museum shows work by Ensor and Spilliaert.
Day trip to De Haan
De Haan is only 9 kilometres from Ostend and accessible by the Kusttram, the coastal tram that runs along the entire Belgian coast. From the Marie-José Square it takes 20 minutes. This charming coastal village is one of the best preserved belle époque villages in Europe, with white half-timbered villas, a leafy central park and a quiet beach. Albert Einstein lived here in 1933 before fleeing to the United States.
Why Ostend over De Panne or Knokke?
De Panne is quiet and has Plopsaland and the Westhoek nature, but is sleepy outside the beach season. Knokke is expensive and exclusive, focused on shopping and starred restaurants. Ostend is the best of both worlds: a lively city that works all year round, with enough culture for a rainy day, strong restaurants in every price range, and a station in the centre so you can come without a car.
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