Ostend: The Belgian Seaside Gem

• HelloHallo
  [hah-loh]
• GoodbyeTot ziens
  [toht zeens]
• YesJa
  [yah]
• NoNee
  [neh]
• Please/You're welcomeAlsjeblieft
  [ahls-yuh-bleeft]
• Thank youDank je
  [dahnk yuh]
• Excuse me/SorrySorry
  [soh-ree]
• How are you?Hoe gaat het met jou?
  [hoo gah-t het met yow]
• Fine. And you?Goed. En met jou?
  [khoot. en met yow]
• Do you speak English?Spreek je Engels?
  [spreyk yuh eng-uhls]
• I don't understandIk begrijp het niet
  [ick buh-gryp het neet]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseIk zou graag de menukaart zien, alstublieft
  [ick zow khrahkh duh menu-kahrt seen, ahl-stoo-bleeft]
• I don't eat meatIk eet geen vlees
  [ick ayt khayn flays]
• Cheers!Proost!
  [prohst]
• I would like to pay, pleaseIk zou graag willen betalen, alstublieft
  [ick zow khrahkh vil-len buh-tah-len, ahl-stoo-bleeft]

• Help!Help!
  [help]
• Go away!Ga weg!
  [gah vekh]
• Call the Police!Bel de politie!
  [bel duh poh-lee-see]
• Call a doctor!Bel een dokter!
  [bel ayn daw-kter]
• I'm lostIk ben verdwaald
  [ick ben ver-dwahld]
• I'm illIk ben ziek
  [ick ben zeek]

• I'd like to buy...Ik zou graag willen kopen...
  [ick zow khrahkh vil-len koh-pen]
• I'm just lookingIk kijk alleen maar
  [ick kike ahl-ayn mahr]
• How much is it?Hoeveel kost het?
  [hoo-veyl kohst het]
• That's too expensiveDat is te duur
  [daht is tuh dyoor]
• Can you lower the price?Kan je de prijs verlagen?
  [kan yuh duh preys fur-lah-hen]

• What time is it?Hoe laat is het?
  [hoo laht is het]
• It's one o'clockHet is een uur
  [het is ayn oor]
• Half past (10)Half tien
  [half teeyn]
• MorningOchtend
  [okh-tend]
• AfternoonNamiddag
  [nah-mid-dahkh]
• EveningAvond
  [ah-vohnd]
• YesterdayGisteren
  [khist-er-en]
• TodayVandaag
  [vahn-daakh]
• TomorrowMorgen
  [mohr-khen]
• 1Een
  [ayn]
• 2Twee
  [tway]
• 3Drie
  [dree]
• 4Vier
  [feer]
• 5Vijf
  [vayf]
• 6Zes
  [zehs]
• 7Zeven
  [zay-ven]
• 8Acht
  [ahkht]
• 9Negen
  [nay-khen]
• 10Tien
  [teen]

• Where's a/the...?Waar is een/de...?
  [vahr is ayn/de...]
• What's the address?Wat is het adres?
  [vaht is het ah-dres]
• Can you show me (on the map)?Kan je me dat tonen (op de kaart)?
  [kan yuh me daht toh-nen (op deh kaart)]
• When's the next (bus)?Wanneer is de volgende (bus)?
  [ven-er is deh vol-hen-duh (bus)]
• A ticket (to ....)Een ticket (naar ....)
  [ayn ticket (nar)]

Ostend, originally a small fishing village, was first mentioned in historical records in 1265. It was located on an island in the North Sea called 'Testerep'. Over time, the settlement expanded, and by the 15th century, Ostend had grown into a significant town with a burgeoning fishing industry.

The strategic location of Ostend made it a focal point during the Eighty Years' War between the Spanish Empire and the Dutch Republic. From 1601 to 1604, the Siege of Ostend occurred, one of the longest and bloodiest sieges in European history. The town was left in ruins, but its resistance became a symbol of Dutch tenacity.

After the devastation of the Eighty Years' War, Ostend underwent reconstruction. By the 18th century, it became the center of the Ostend Company, established by the Austrian Empire to facilitate trade between Europe and the Far East. The company's operations significantly boosted the local economy until its dissolution in 1731.

During the Napoleonic Wars, Ostend was fortified by the French to protect it from British attacks. The town's fortifications were expanded, and it served as a key naval base. However, following Napoleon's defeat, Ostend was integrated into the United Kingdom of the Netherlands in 1815 and later became part of Belgium in 1830.

The 19th century marked a period of prosperity for Ostend. King Leopold II of Belgium took a particular interest in the city, transforming it into a fashionable seaside resort. The construction of grand hotels, casinos, and the famous Royal Galleries turned Ostend into the 'Queen of the Belgian sea-side resorts'.

Ostend was significantly affected by both World Wars. During World War I, the city was occupied by German forces and used as a base for their navy. World War II saw similar occupation, with extensive damage from both German fortifications and Allied bombings. Post-war, Ostend was rebuilt and modernized, retaining its status as a popular tourist destination.

In the second half of the 20th century, Ostend continued to develop its tourism industry while also expanding its port facilities. Today, it is known for its vibrant cultural scene, including the annual Theater aan Zee festival, and its historical landmarks, such as the Church of Saint Peter and Saint Paul, and the Atlantic Wall Open Air Museum.

Ostend is accessible via several transportation options. The nearest international airport is Brussels Airport (BRU), approximately 120 kilometers away. From Brussels, you can take a direct train to Ostend, which takes around 1.5 hours. Alternatively, Ostend-Bruges International Airport (OST) offers limited flights and is just a short taxi or bus ride from the city center. For those traveling by car, Ostend is well-connected by major highways such as the E40. There are also regular ferry services from the UK to nearby ports like Zeebrugge, from where you can take a train or drive to Ostend.

Ostend offers various transportation options to get around the city. The public bus system is operated by 'De Lijn' and covers most areas, including major attractions and neighborhoods. Taxis are readily available and can be hailed on the street or booked in advance. Biking is also a popular and convenient mode of transport; the city has numerous bike rental shops and well-maintained cycling paths. For a more leisurely experience, consider taking a ride on the coastal tram, which runs along the Belgian coast from De Panne to Knokke-Heist, passing through Ostend.

The official currency of Belgium is the Euro (EUR). Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants, and shops. Contactless payments are also common. ATMs are plentiful, especially in the city center, so withdrawing cash is straightforward. However, it is advisable to carry some cash, particularly for smaller establishments and markets where card payments may not be accepted.

Ostend is generally a safe city for tourists, but standard precautions should be taken. Keep an eye on personal belongings, especially in crowded areas such as the train station and popular tourist spots. While Ostend does not have specific high-crime areas targeting tourists, it is wise to avoid poorly lit and deserted areas at night. Always stay vigilant and aware of your surroundings.

In case of emergency, dial 112, the general emergency number for police, fire, and medical services in Belgium. The nearest hospital with emergency services is AZ Sint-Jan Campus Henri Serruys, located at Kaaistraat 1, Ostend. Pharmacies are readily available for minor health issues, and many offer 24-hour service. It is advisable to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies.

Fashion: Do dress smart-casual; ostentatious or overly casual attire may be frowned upon in certain settings. Religion: Do respect local customs, especially when visiting churches. Public Transport: Do validate your ticket before boarding and be courteous to other passengers. Don't eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet people with a handshake; a friendly smile is also appreciated. Eating & Drinking: Do try local seafood delicacies and always say 'thank you' (dank u) when served. Don't rush meals; dining is a leisurely activity in Ostend.

To experience Ostend like a local, visit the Visserskaai to sample fresh seafood directly from the fishermen's stalls. Spend a relaxing afternoon at Mariakerke Beach, a favorite among locals. Attend a local event or festival, such as the Theater aan Zee or the Ostend Film Festival, to immerse yourself in the local culture. Lastly, explore the lesser-known neighborhoods like the Belle Epoque district to appreciate the city's architectural beauty.