Travel Guide Ostend
For some time now, Ostend has been one of our favorite destinations when we want to escape from everyday life for a while. This port city on the Belgian North Sea coast doesn't immediately conjure up images of relaxation and beauty, as the beach promenade, unfortunately, as is often the case along Belgium's coast, is completely built over and no longer shines in its former glory. But in Ostend, it's worth a second look; you'll be rewarded with street art, a modern and vibrant city, delicious mussels and fries, and lovely shops. Discover this cosmopolitan seaside resort at its best ;)
Shopping in Ostend is fun
In the city center, you'll find large chain stores as well as small, lovingly designed shops. But the area around Leopold II-Laan is particularly interesting. I visit my two favorite stores, L'Oxygène and Pied de Poule, on every one of our short trips.
L'Oxygène
My absolute favorite store in Ostend! In this charming boutique, you'll find the latest fashion trends alongside great, high-quality basics and Belgian designers. The selection changes every three weeks, and thanks to the sales in July and January, you can take home even more favorite pieces.
Leopold II-Laan 30
www.maisonloxygene.be
Chicken Leg
The inspiring PIED DE POULE shop has two entrances on different streets, and both never fail to amaze me with their creative window displays. Bright colors and patterns are a hallmark of the store, but more minimalist cuts can also be found here. High-end brands from Anine Bing and Alexander Wand to Gianni & Heartmade make fashionistas' hearts beat faster.
Koningstraat 19
www.pieddepoulesuper.be
Lily
The downtown fashion store is perfect for browsing on two floors. The range includes Scandinavian labels, interior treasures, and lifestyle products. A bench in front of the store invites you to sip Belgian lemonade, which can also be purchased at LILY, or it's the perfect place for waiting companions.
Hertstraat 5
www.shoplily.be
Culinary hotspots
Stories of the O
Histoires D'O is located right on the beach promenade. This tapas bar offers delicious burgers and tapas, but the highlight is enjoying one of their excellent gin and tonics on the terrace at sunset. It tastes like vacation!
Albert 1 Promenade-Zeedijk 53
www.histoiresdo.be
Kombuis
Belgium's coast is known for its mussels and fries, and KOMBUIS is the best place in Ostend to eat mussels! The decor is cozy, with old nautical posters on the walls, and it's always busy. But the wait is worth it.
Van Iseghemlaan 24
Our tip: Take the ferry
Next to the fish market, there's a ferry dock that takes you to the other side for free. After the short ride, you can walk around the fort, have a picnic on the beach, and enjoy the view. If you explore the other side a little further, you'll see empty warehouses, street art on the walls, and abandoned boathouses.
Hotel tip: Upstairs
The urban city hotel describes itself as a meeting place for travelers, artists, creatives, and anyone who loves something special. Reason enough for us to check in at UPSTAIRS!
Arrival
Belgian Railways offers a 10-journey pass for €77.00. This pass allows you to travel 10 times free throughout Belgium. Our round-trip ticket to Ostend costs €28.00 for two people. It couldn't be cheaper, and there are still free rides to visit other beautiful cities like Brussels, Ghent, or Bruges.
