Car Hire Ostend

Mini guide to Ostend

This recreational haven on the North Sea blends a fascinating history with a thriving modern culture. It is also a busy ferry port, receiving regular ferries from the UK.

The elevated Albert I Promenade runs the entire length of Ostend's 5-kilometer beachfront. Lined with elegant private seaside villas and modern hotels, the Promenade is the heart of Ostend’s thriving tourist culture. During the summer you will find the five beaches of the city crowded with sunbathers and swimmers, and during the winter it is an excellent place to sit and enjoy the scenery in peace.

Other places of interest in Ostend include the De Plate Folklore Museum (Heemkundig Museum De Plate), and the Fine Arts Museum (Museum voor Schone Kunsten). The Folklore Museum contains a fascinating display of Neolithic and Roman artifacts excavated in the area and a history of the city. The Fine Arts Museum features paintings by native sons James Ensor, Jan de Clerck Constant Permeke and Leon Spilliaert.

For entertainment, the Kursaal Oostende is Belguim’s largest casino. With all of the most popular games, plus a disco, restaurant and concert hall, the Kursaal makes for a fun night indeed! Another popular attraction is the North Sea Aquarium. This aquarium contains a marvelous display of North Sea Flora and fauna.

Not far from Ostend, and easily reached by train or car, are some of Belgium’s other wonderful cities such as the medieval wonder of Bruge or the unofficial capital of Europe, the lively Brussels.

Not far from Ostend and easily reached by train or car are some of Belgium’s other wonderful cities such as the medieval wonder Bruge and the unofficial capital of Europe, the lively Brussels.

The best way to get to Ostend is by car or train via the international airport in Brussels. From England and the other coastal counties on the North Sea it is possible to take a ferry.