Amazing Seafood
The city has thrived as a fishing village since the 9th century, making it a veritable paradise for seafood lovers. Expect passionately prepared shrimp risotto and fresh saffron infused lobster.
Colourful events, world class spa experiences, culinary masterpieces, unconventional museums and a centuries old fishing culture burst through the seams of Ostend and bewitch those who wander through. Ostend is a popular seaside city in Belgium and has an estimate population of just over 70,000. Attractions include Mu.ZEE, Sint-Petrus-en-Pauluskerk and Fort Napoleon.
Lose yourself in the easy going rhythm of the Belgian coast with cheap flights to Ostend. Ostend is home to Ostend–Bruges International Airport (OST), which is a 10-minute drive, or 25-minute train ride, from the heart of the city. The airport serves EgyptAir. Popular international flights to Ostend depart from Johannesburg, Cape Town and Durban. Flight duration from Johannesburg to Ostend is approximately 17 hours 35 minutes.
| Flight Route | Airline | Trip Type | Travel Dates | Searched | Price From |
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The city has thrived as a fishing village since the 9th century, making it a veritable paradise for seafood lovers. Expect passionately prepared shrimp risotto and fresh saffron infused lobster.
From the quirky James Ensor Museum, to the Mu.ZEE, with its unique art collection dating from the 19th century to present day, museums are a big part of Belgian culture.
Feel the pulsing spirit of Ostend at the 2-day Ostend Beach Festival; TAZ theatrical, musical and cultural summer festival; North Sea Beer Festival; 7-day Paulusfeesten music festival; and Filmfestival Oostende.
Essential details you need to know before your trip
| Country | Belgium |
|---|---|
| Currency | Euro |
| Exchange Rate | 1 ZAR = 0.07 EUR |
| Language | Dutch |
| Hub Airport | Ostend–Bruges International Airport |
| Time Zone | GMT + 1 |
| Travel Adaptor | Standard type E |
Ostend experiences an oceanic climate, with warm summers and no dry season. The island experiences significant rainfall throughout the year. Average temperatures range from 20 degrees Celsius in summer to 1 degree Celsius in winter. The best time to visit is during summer, which is between June to September. Temperatures during these months range from 14 degrees Celsius to 21 degrees Celsius. While you may require a light jacket, the city bustles, giving you a chance to experience the spirited soul of the city. For cheap flights to Ostend, the best time to visit is November to March. Average temperatures range from 1 degree Celsius to 6 degrees Celsius. The highest snowfall occurs toward the end of January.
Average temperature (°C) & rainfall (mm) per month
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Low °C | 2°C | 1°C | 4°C | 6°C | 9°C | 12°C | 14°C | 14°C | 13°C | 10°C | 6°C | 4°C |
| High °C | 5°C | 5°C | 8°C | 11°C | 14°C | 17°C | 20°C | 20°C | 18°C | 15°C | 10°C | 7°C |
| Rainfall (mm) | 70 | 40 | 50 | 40 | 50 | 60 | 40 | 40 | 40 | 50 | 60 | 60 |
Although the city of Ostend has been a thriving fishing village since the 9th century, it was King Leopold I who first set it up as a Riviera-style resort for aristocrats and royalty, after ascending the throne in 1831.
The city has since shed the hedonistic elegance of its Belle Époque days and assumed an easy going rustic charm.
Ostend is famed for its exceptional walks.
The Crystal Ship walk takes you on a stimulating 8.5 km meander through the city centre to discover Belgian artworks. A Tasteful Heritage will take you on a titillating hunt for Belgian beer, moules frites (mussels) and flammèche (baked cheese tart). The more obscure walks include a Marvin Gaye Midnight Love tour and Perfume of Ostend tour.
Other interesting attractions include Kraampjes, a bustling hub for delectable seafood delicacies; the Villa Savoyarde, home to Albert Einstein for several months during 1933; Lafayette Music Bar; and Walraversijde, an archaeological site dedicated to the vibrant fishing villages and culture of Ostend.
Compare several airlines, and book your cheap flights to Ostend online at Travelstart!
South African passport holders do require a visa when travelling to Ostend, or anywhere else in Belgium. Passports may not be older than 10 years, must have 2 blank pages and be valid for at least 3 months beyond your date of departure from the Schengen state. You can apply for a Schengen Visa through TLScontact.
Visa registration must be done online via the TLScontact website before an appointment can be made at the Consulate of Belgium in Johannesburg or Cape Town.
Johannesburg - 158 Jan Smuts Avenue, Rosebank, 2196
Cape Town - 1 Thibault Square, 19th Floor, Corner Long Street and Hans Strijdom Avenue, 8000
Although Ostend is safe, crime does happen, particularly in tourist areas. It is advisable to take certain precautions and maintain vigilance as you would in any other unfamiliar city. Travel insurance to cover theft and medical expenses is recommended.
Be vigilant when travelling alone at night and only make use of marked taxis or car rentals. Pick-pocketing and bag snatching can be a problem in crowded areas. Avoid carrying large sums of cash and important documents.
Proof of yellow fever vaccination is required if you are travelling from a yellow fever endemic area. Immunisation against Hepatitis A & B and rabies are recommended. Other routine and recommended vaccinations include MMR, diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis, varicella and polio.
| Item | Cape Town | Johannesburg | Ostend |
|---|---|---|---|
| Meal inexpensive restaurant | R 100.00 | R 120.00 | R 213.00 |
| Domestic beer (0.5 litre draught) | R 30.00 | R 28.00 | R 57.00 |
| Cappucino (regular) | R 24.00 | R 25.00 | R 38.00 |
| Taxi 1km (normal tariff) | R 10.00 | R 20.00 | R 28.00 |
| Packet of cigarettes (Marlboro) | R 40.00 | R 40.00 | R 88.00 |
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