Ostend(Belgium) Travel 2026: Cheap Flights, Hotels & Top Attractions

In Ostend, Family Hotel Ostend Beach stands out for its family-friendly features, including an indoor children’s pool, game room, and themed rooms with pirate ship beds. Daily "Beach Adventure Tours" offer sandcastle competitions, shell collecting, and bird-watching lessons. The hotel partners with the Ostend Marine Park to provide free admission, making it ideal for parents seeking relaxation while kids enjoy safe, educational activities along the North Sea coast.

The City Centre (Centre-ville) is ideal for first-time visitors, located just steps from the Promenade des Planches and Grand Place. It offers easy access to key attractions like the Museum of Ostend and Maritime Museum. Hotels here, such as Hôtel de la Paix, blend historic charm with modern comfort, providing a perfect base for exploring the city’s coastal heritage and vibrant local life.

Tourists must attend the Ostend Sea Festival, held annually on the Boulevard du Nord, featuring maritime art installations, street performances, and local music. Don’t miss visiting the Palais de Clémenceau, once a residence of French President Clemenceau, now a cultural hub showcasing Ostend’s naval legacy. Also, try authentic Belgian fish and chips (Frites à l'huile de poisson) served fresh at local bistros for a true taste of coastal Belgium.

Yes, Hôtel des Bains is one of Ostend’s most historic hotels, dating back to the late 19th century and once favored by European aristocracy. Its Art Nouveau décor, original fireplaces, and ornate windows reflect the city’s golden era. Located directly on the Promenade des Planches, it offers private beach access and houses the exclusive Le Cercle bar—perfect for experiencing Ostend’s rich maritime history and elegant ambiance.

Hotel La Perle provides the most romantic sea-view rooms in Ostend, with rooftop suites offering 360-degree ocean vistas and private balconies overlooking the Phare d’Ostende. Each room features luxury bath tubs, ambient lighting, and personalized services like sunset cruises and private beach dinners. Ideal for couples seeking tranquility and intimacy, this boutique hotel blends elegance with coastal serenity.

Locals frequent La Goulue, a cozy bistro tucked in a quiet alley near the Grand Place. Known for its fresh herring (Herring) and craft beers, the restaurant features vintage nautical decor and hand-painted murals. A favorite among residents, it offers an unfiltered glimpse into Ostend’s working-class culinary traditions and seaside lifestyle.

Winter transforms Ostend into a serene retreat. Stay at Hotel de la Mer, which features heated sea-view rooms, indoor hot tubs, and cozy lounges. The hotel hosts monthly events like "Winter Harbour Nights," including warm mulled wine tastings, guided lighthouse tours, and seabird observation walks. Savor hearty seafood chowder paired with local dark beer—a comforting way to embrace the season.

Les Tunnels d’Ostende, a network of 19th-century underground tunnels originally built for defense, now serve as an immersive art space. Exhibitions feature light installations, soundscapes, and experimental performances. Accessible via the Grand Place, this off-the-beaten-path site offers a unique blend of history, creativity, and mystery—perfect for curious travelers seeking depth beyond the usual sights.

Hotel Les Dunes is a top choice for photography lovers, boasting a panoramic rooftop terrace facing the sunrise over the North Sea. The hotel offers free equipment rental and hosts monthly "Coastal Light Workshops" led by professional photographers. Guests can explore iconic spots like the Boulevard du Nord, Phare d’Ostende, and seaside sculptures—ideal for capturing dramatic skies, reflections, and coastal textures.

Hotels like Family Hotel Ostend Beach provide extensive family amenities: indoor pools, playrooms, themed bedrooms, and daily adventure programs. Activities include sandcastle contests, shell hunts, and marine biology talks. The hotel also collaborates with the Ostend Marine Park to offer complimentary entry, ensuring children stay engaged while parents unwind in a safe, enriching environment.