Oostende
Things To Do
It goes without saying that there are plenty of seaside activities in Oostende. The wide, sandy beaches provide perfect relaxation and there are numerous bars, cafes, restaurants and shops on the seafront.
Oostende is more than just a beach resort, though. It has several interesting museums and galleries, such as the De Plate folklore museum, which outlines all aspects of life in Oostende throughout the ages. It’s located in the former Royal Residence of Leopold I and has ancient exhibits from the Neolithic and Roman periods as well as sections on the city’s maritime heritage and local customs, traditions and folklore.
The Museum voor Schone Kunsten or Museum of Fine Arts includes works by 19th and 20th century artists such as local painters James Ensor and Leon Spilliaert, and the Provincaal Museum voor Moderne Kunst or Provincial Museum of Modern Art, which contains an informative section on the history of modern art in Belgium as well as an extensive collection of works by artists such as Magritte, Panamarenko, de Troyer and Peeters.
The life and times of celebrated Anglo-Belgian artist James Ensor are retraced in the James Ensor House, where he lived from 1916 until his death. Although the museum doesn’t contain any of his works, the renovated lounge and studio where he found the inspiration for most of his works is accessible to the public.
Oostende is also a good town for shopping. There are several pedestrianised streets that make shopping relaxing and stress-free – such as Adolf Buylstraat, Kappellestraat and Witte Nonnestraat. For a more traditional shopping experience, Oostende has a market every Thursday on the Groentemarkt, Wapenplein and Mijnplein.
Oostende is more than just a beach resort, though. It has several interesting museums and galleries, such as the De Plate folklore museum, which outlines all aspects of life in Oostende throughout the ages. It’s located in the former Royal Residence of Leopold I and has ancient exhibits from the Neolithic and Roman periods as well as sections on the city’s maritime heritage and local customs, traditions and folklore.
The Museum voor Schone Kunsten or Museum of Fine Arts includes works by 19th and 20th century artists such as local painters James Ensor and Leon Spilliaert, and the Provincaal Museum voor Moderne Kunst or Provincial Museum of Modern Art, which contains an informative section on the history of modern art in Belgium as well as an extensive collection of works by artists such as Magritte, Panamarenko, de Troyer and Peeters.
The life and times of celebrated Anglo-Belgian artist James Ensor are retraced in the James Ensor House, where he lived from 1916 until his death. Although the museum doesn’t contain any of his works, the renovated lounge and studio where he found the inspiration for most of his works is accessible to the public.
Oostende is also a good town for shopping. There are several pedestrianised streets that make shopping relaxing and stress-free – such as Adolf Buylstraat, Kappellestraat and Witte Nonnestraat. For a more traditional shopping experience, Oostende has a market every Thursday on the Groentemarkt, Wapenplein and Mijnplein.