It toddled along for a few centuries before coming into its own but today it is known as a lovely seaside holiday destination.

With its sandy beaches and classical buildings, Ostende is also becoming a popular location for the productions of films.

The city of Ostende is protected from the North Sea by a network of dykes and has a ferry landing as well as an airport.

In spite of being a favourite vacation spot for Leopold I and Leopold II, Ostende gets few rave reviews. This is not of much concern to the town because they have a thriving commercial fishing industry.

Perhaps visitors are too rough on Ostende because they do try to please. The centre of town is a car-free zone and there are a number of music festivals during summer months.

Ostende also has a magnificent Neo Gothic church, St Petrus and St Paulus Church. This church was completed in 1905.

Other attractions in Ostende include a maritime museum and a racing track.