Oostende Tourist Information

Originally a fishing village, the city of Oostende received a letter from the city in the 13th century and now has a population of 91,000 people, the biggest town on the Belgian coast. Halfway along the coast, 40 miles from Belgium, became popular as a resort in the 19th century when King Leopold I and II spent their summers there. During the Second World War the city was severely bombed.The city is protected from the North Sea by a series of large dams built in the late 14th century. However, the city often fell victim to invading armies. Its importance as a port for centuries increased 18 and 19, and a rail link to Brussels was built in 1838. In 1846 he became a transit port for England, sending its first ferry to Dover. Today, hundreds of passengers traveling between Oostende and England in the space of two hours, so it is a good week final appeal to the English travellers.Named 'queen of the sea Belgian side Resorts, Oostende boasts a long sandy beach and popular resort for locals and visitors from Belgium, many of whom come from surfing and sailing. Puerto de la Ciudad Vieja and fishing are the most popular rides and Oostende has much to offer in the way of shops, restaurants and entertainment.Places of interest: the twin towers of the church of St. Peter and St. Paul, near train station, is neo-Gothic building built in sandstone in 1904-5. It houses the mausoleum of Queen Louise-Marie, first queen of Belgium, who died in 1850 in Fort Oostende.The 'Napoleon', north of downtown, is the only Napoleonic fortress still intact in Europe. Built by Napoleon during the French occupation in 1810 and completed in 1812, has hosted 260 soldiers. During the Second World War was used as a German barracks.Between Oostende and Middelkerke, near the beach, there are a large group of dunes known as the "Raversijde domain, which is a natural reserve of nature. Here is also the 'Atlantikwall', a complex of tunnels and shelters built to be occupied by German troops during WWI and WWII. Nearby is also an archaeological site of a medieval fishing village, 13 fans from 15 to centuries.For garden, Japanese garden Koningspark worth a visit and meet the pool by the sea to make wall.Things: A walk on the beach splendidly clean and unspoilt with a swim or paddle in the sea, is one of the most pleasant of Ostend, but there are many other activities in and near downtown Oostende.Oostende has several centers, including free traffic Kappellestraat, Buylstraat and Witte Adolf Nonnestraat. Moreover, the Pieterslaan and Torhoutsesteenweg and Alfons' can be bought all year. Market day in Oostende is on Thursdays Wapenplein, Groentemarkt and Mijnplein.For those interested in history and culture, Oostende has several museums and galleries to visit. Local History Museum has collections from Neolithic and Roman times, a maritime section and sections of the two world wars. The Museum of Fine Arts has works by masters of Belgium and the Museum of Modern Art you can see a wide range of paintings, sculptures and objects of the recent history of Belgium. Other sites include the Sint-Pieterstoren, the Museum of Religious Art, the North Sea Aquarium and the Schooner Mercator, who is a former Merchant Marine ship training now restored as a nautical museum. Lived.One James Ensor House is where the famous impressionist painter of the most popular for families with children is the Maria Hendrika Park. Here you will find minigolf, rowing and pedal boats, playgrounds and woodland walks. Mini is available in caf.You can also take a horse carriage tour of the city, showing places of interest city.Food & Drink: Any kind of food or restaurant you are looking for is likely to find here. Ostend is full of restaurants, cafes, bars and taverns both within its downtown and waterfront. Wherever you go, there are kiosks selling mussels, fresh fish restaurants and ice cream should not be missed.There plenty of bars selling beer between Caf and Bierhuus Ostensen Botteltje. Oostende also has a selection of English style pubs.One most popular restaurants in town is the tavern of James Ensor James Galerij 34, outside Vlaanderenstraat. In its warm atmosphere, you can enjoy a wide variety of local cuisine, including specialty, garnaalkroketten course croquettes.Of or shrimp, Oostende most popular fish is fresh food, and no need to look too far to find a wide variety places, especially fish and seafood. One of the best seafood restaurants is the