If you were asked to point out Ostend on a map, would you be able to do so? Thanks to Visit Oostende I had the opportunity to explore little-known sights of Ostend.

You’re not the only one if you haven’t heard about this Belgium town, perhaps you have a vague idea of where it might be but have never been? Ostend is a quiet seaside town on the Belgian Flanders coast, it is a hidden gem that is often overshadowed by a more famous neighbouring cities such as Brugge or Gent.

Rock Strangers, Ostend

Privileged Seaside Location

Ostend is quite different to its neighbours, mainly due to is its highly privileged location on the Flanders coast.

Like most seaside towns, Ostend is pretty laid back with locals having an outdoor type of lifestyle, regardless of the weather. It has also taken its time developing into a city unlike many other places in Belgium and still doesn’t feel too big or overwhelming.

Its location, which is now an advantage, used to be the city’s biggest source of destruction. Ostend used to be an easy target for attacking enemies due to its coastal location, the damage that was inflicted is noticeable in its architecture as Art-Noveau buildings sit side-by-side to those built in the 20th century.

Exploring The City By Walkumentary

Ostend isn’t short of surprises. The city’s fresh sea air inspired a famous resident to write ‘Sexual Healing’, one of his biggest hits. Any guesses? Soul legend Marvin Gaye of course. Marvin had retreated to Ostend when his producer attempted to get his life back on track. It proved an effective strategy, as Marvin Gaye lived in Ostend for around a year before returning to LA.

More about this city’s eminent resident can be found in a very special ‘Walkumentary’ around the city. It is an excellent alternative to traditional guided tours as you are given your own iPod touch and left to explore the sights of importance at your own pace. There are also some great videos accompanying the tour, some of which were shot locally. It was an interesting and innovative way to see the city and learn about Marvin Gaye and his time in the city.

Ostend Promenade

Lottos Kite Festival

Whilst we were there the city was hosting the Lottos Kite Festival. Ostend is the perfect place for such an event as it is the windiest place I have ever been to! The sky was filled with extravagant kites with more and more taking flight by the minute and turning the sky into an explosion of movement and colours.

With so much colour and flamboyance in the sky and so much happening on the promenade, it was difficult to know where to look. The promenade was packed with people enjoying the festival, walking their dogs and riding what seems to be Ostend’s official transport, go-carts that can take up to 8-people. It looked like great fun!

Ostend is within easy reach from London as only a 2-hour journey to Brussels Midi on the Eurostar and just over one hour on the train from Brussels.

The trip to Ostend was organised by Visit Oostende.