Out and about in Ostend

The Albert I Promenade runs along several kilometres of beach. In summer the sand fills with swimmers and sunbathers; in winter it is a quieter place to walk and watch the light on the water. The hotels and private villas that line the front still give the town its characteristic profile.

Museums and the front

Art in Ostend is now centred on Mu.ZEE, the museum that took on the role of the older Museum voor Schone Kunsten and shows modern and fine art, including work by artists from the region. The Mercator, a former training ship, is moored as a museum ship. A smaller folklore collection, De Plate, looks at the town's own past. On the seafront the Kursaal is a large hall used for concerts and events — a landmark of the promenade rather than a reason, on this guide, to go out for the evening.

From Ostend it is easy to reach other Belgian cities. The coastal tram, the Kusttram, runs along the shore; Bruges is a short train ride inland; Brussels is a little over an hour by rail. For the practical side of arriving — by train, car or, these days, not by a direct ferry from Britain — see Getting to Ostend.