Author's product rating: 
| Advantages: |
English is widely spoken;Nice beaches;Clean; |
| Disadvantages: |
Some items are expensive . Wide use of the Euro |
| Recommend to potential buyers: |
yes |
Ostend was the very first place overseas that I visited when I was
just 18 years of age. Later on I passed through the resort numerous times
on my way to UK from Germany,where I was stationed near Munchen Gladbach
Last October I went back to Ostend for a two day stay and found this popular
seaside resort had changed considerably since my last visit.
Ostend is easily reached from Dover-I took the excellent Seacat Catamaran
service which is both efficient and fast.The journey time was only
around two hours. The ferry terminal at the Belgian resort is very
convenient with the rail station- if you want to go to Bruges ,Bruxelles,or Liege- and the tram stops where you can conveniently catch the tram to take you along the pleasant coast line-all nicely integratd at the terminal. Oh how I wish that was the case in Dover where both the Eastern and Western Docks are a considerable distance away from the Dover rail station whilst the Stagecoach bus services only go to the Western Docks.
Accommodations in Ostend- or Oostende in the local lingo- are very reasonably priced-I stayed in a two star hotel for only around 17 pounds and even if you want to move to a 3 star place you could find such as place at approximately 30 pounds per night. Hoverspeed also do some good deals where you can stay at the likes of the Holiday Inn or the Tulip Inn Bero
Ostend is renowned for the quality of its restaurants,especially its seafood eateries, and my
five meals were all first rate. The moules (mussels) and frittes (chips)are a Belgian
speciality, so too is the fish soup and the beefsteak and frittes is another good choice. You will probably be surprised at the prices - you can get a good steak and chips for about eight pounds and my moules and frittes cost some 500 Belgian Francs. These can be washed down with great lager beers such as Stella Artois. Lamott and various dark beers. Be warned the local beers are very,very, strong - the alcoholic content of Belgian beers can often be 8 or 9 per cent.If you prefer wine that too is no problem for most restaurants carry a good stock of wines and at prices much lower than in the UK.
The promenade at Ostend is very attractive and what is most interesting and appetising are all the wonderful stalls selling thoroughly delectable seafood.Here you can get yourself a plate of cockles,mussels,whelks, prawns, crayfish and hot fish soup- that is something really special.Move over Margate and Southend- you have been upstaged.
There are long sandy beaches although the best of them are further along the coast. The colourful harbour is thoroughly fascinating complete with all the fishing vessels bobbing about. some very sleek and expensive looking yachts and the 3-Masted Sailing Ship Museum.You could also take in a visit to the attractive Marine Aquarium and two small art museums in town..The Cathedral is a spectacular and very attractive piece of architecture.
Shopping in Ostend is excellent . Good buys include lace, heavenlyand yummy Belgian chocolates, French brandy and other spirits,tobacco and cigarettes which are markedly cheaper than in UK .Some of the pattiserie are really delightful and there are plenty of lively and night clubs and pubs to let your hair down in. There is even a Casino in town if you enjoy a flutter,although I didn't sample its attractions.I should add that the local people seem to be good linguists and most people in the tourist industry at least speak excellent English,as well as Flemish, French and sometimes German as well !
Frankly after a wet and dreary Sunday in Dover I thoroughly enjoyed
my short sojourn in Ostend and thought most of the changes that have taken
place in this pleasant resort were for the better. At least the architecture
of the seaside apartments was attractive and the new high rise buildings give extra vitality to this busy resort.Check it out if you have the time !
