population: 0.69 million

extension: 37.72 square kilometers

Museums

If you are in Ostend and interested in museums, I would suggest visiting the Mu.ZEE. It is a modern art museum that features works by Belgian artists from the 1830s to the present day. If you are looking for similar museums nearby, you could also visit the Groeningemuseum in Bruges or the Royal Museums of Fine Arts of Belgium in Brussels.

Food

Some of the most recommended, popular, and typical dishes to eat in Ostend according to locals include:

1. Tomate crevettes - this is a dish made with small grey shrimp and mayonnaise stuffed into a hollowed-out tomato.
2. Mosselen-friet - mussels served with fries, a very popular dish in Belgian cuisine.
3. Garnaalkroketten - deep-fried croquettes filled with shrimp.
4. Waterzooi - a creamy stew made with chicken or fish, vegetables, and herbs.
5. Stoofvlees - beef stew made with beer and served with fries.

These dishes can be found in many local restaurants and cafes, and are definitely worth trying if you're visiting Ostend!

Activities

Here are some fun activities that locals enjoy in Ostend:

1. Visit the beach: Ostend has a beautiful sandy beach that is perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and relaxing.

2. Explore the city on foot or by bike: Ostend is a small and walkable city, so you could easily explore its main attractions such as the Church of St. Peter and St. Paul, the Mercator Museum Ship, and the Fort Napoleon. Alternatively, you could rent a bike and cycle along the coast.

3. Enjoy seafood: As a coastal city, Ostend is famous for its fresh seafood. You can try local specialities such as shrimp croquettes, fish soup, and North Sea sole in one of the many seafood restaurants.

4. Visit the Saturday morning market: On Saturday mornings, there is a lively market in the center of Ostend where you can buy local produce, clothes, and souvenirs.

5. Attend a concert or event: Throughout the year, Ostend hosts a variety of concerts, festivals, and cultural events. Check out the schedule at the Kursaal Oostende or De Grote Post to see what's on during your visit.