Ostende by Eurostar

Oostende is a Belgian city with a population of about seventy thousand people. This city began as a small village built on an island near the North Sea. Even though this quaint city began small it was very important because of its market hall. Fishing is the primary income for this North Sea city. To keep the shape of the city from changing from the eroding beaches, dikes were constructed to protect the city from the sea.

The city has been a strategic location because of its harbour on the North Sea but this has led to a great deal of trouble as well. Several times the city has suffered from takeovers by other conquering armies including the horrific events of the three year siege in 1601 through 1604. More than eighty thousand souls lost their lives during this standoff. Ostend has often been able to provide an alternative access to the sea.

During the nineteenth century, this city was known as the Queen of the Coast and was a popular vacation spot for the most prestigious European visitors. The city boasts fine beaches, a racetrack, shopping, museums, casinos, and an abundance of water sports and access to fine seafood. Seawater enthusiasts have long enjoyed the many water activities this city has to offer.

Travel to Oostende By Eurostar

Travel to this once tiny village can be done by using the Eurostar London to Brussels train. The trip is very convenient and free of stress. Eurostar train is a special train that provides high-speed travel to help the people of London connect to Paris, Brussels, Lille and many other great destinations in Europe. While this trip using Eurostar may cost a little more than the inexpensive flights and ferries, the punctuality, high-speed access, and on board facilities make this the choice that everyone should make when travelling to Europe. You can visit Frankfurt by using Eurostar that has partnered with several other train companies in the United Kingdom.

To begin your journey, you can board the London Brussels Train from London's St. Pancras International Station to Brussels Midi Train Station and then you can take a local train to Oostende for not additional charge as long as you travel within twenty-four hours with your original ticket from Eurostar. The journey for Eurostar train to Oostende from London is around two hours.

Eurostar Prices for Eurostar London Oostende Train

Travelling to Oostende is easy and can be done for about £89.50 depending on the number of stops you choose.

Attractions in Oostende

There is a great deal of things, places, and beaches to visit while enjoying the city. Museums, historical landmarks, examples of architecture, and pristine beaches are just a few of the many places that no visitor should miss.

James Ensor House is the home of the Belgian artist James Ensor who died in 1949. The house has been restored to prime condition and has many reproductions on display. This artist was born in Oostende and he created many fantastical, hallucinatory, and sexually ambiguous visions of expressionist paintings. One painting that should not be missed is the Entry of Christ into Brussels.

Oostende Historical Museum was restored in the nineteenth century by King Leopold I. You can enjoy Roman and Neolithic objects that were discovered nearby. Exhibits of the Ostend folklore, history, and traditional clothes are on display. You can learn a great deal about shipbuilding and other marine topics.

Art Museum by the Sea is located near the Yacht Harbour and contains sculptures, films, paintings, graphics, and more. This museum has many pieces of Modern Art by native sons of the city. Many international displays make their round to this museum including children's art and other workshops for young people. Enjoy the art and lunch at the Art Cafe.

No visit would be complete without visiting the many fine beaches of this city. People from all over Europe come to the beaches in Ostend because of the fine and beautiful sands.

Atlantic Wall is an interesting section of the wall used in World War II

St. Petrus and St. Paulus Church are examples of the Neo Gothic style buildings of the era.

Events in Oostende

Ostend's New Year Dive takes place at the beginning of each year and the truly mad often enjoy the ice cold waters for a swim. You can watch or join the many participants that enjoy the freezing waters.

Lotto Kites International allows people of all ages to fly kites or watch others do the same. Teams from around the globe compete to show their skills, colours, and kite engineering skills. So many experimental types of kites are present that have to be seen to be enjoyed.

Paulusfeesten takes place every August when the streets are filled with people and music. More than twenty-five thousand visitors enjoy the many mixes of concerts.

The Ostend Christmas Market and Ice Skating Rink are open from November to January each year and it is illuminated with the lights of the Christmas holidays. Enjoy the music, food and wine that make up part of this fair.

Winter Ice Christmas Square is the place to visit during November through January. The entire area is transformed into a magical area with a huge Christmas tree. Enjoy the twinkling lights, the skating rink and festive music.

Nightlife in Oostende

There is something for everyone in Oostende from gambling, dancing, ballet, drinking, singing, and cabarets. Enjoy the nightlife by trying out one of the many great rooftop restaurants, coffee houses and dance halls.

Popular Nightclubs in Oostende

• Kursaal Oostende
• Casino Kursaal Complex
• Ostend Queen
• Lounge Bar
• Cafe Rubens
• George's

Hotels in Oostende

Several great hotels are available for visitors to this fine city. The hotels range from economy to luxury and have beautiful views of the city and its attractions. Most of the hotels are close to major transportation hubs and have views of the harbour. Enjoy the restaurants and bars that many of the hotels have as part of their services.

Popular Hotels in Oostende

• Strandhotel
• De Hofkamers
• Thermae Palace

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