This city falls into different category than others. It doesn't offer much of classy architecture but Oostende is one of the nicest beach resorts on the North Sea. With its Pier, its Casino and its Boulevard it has the grandeur of any of the resorts on the riviera. It is an ideal way of visiting some of the other charming towns along the coast. Combine that with the Belgian charm, the Moules & Frites and the great Belgian beer and you have an ideal place to spend your beach holiday. There is also a pay-parking near the Casino in the centre of town where you can get free bikes if your car is parked there. 

The nightlife in the Langestraat is the best of the whole Belgian coast. There is a new Irish pub and plenty of other bars of all kinds.

But Oostende has more to offer than that. James Ensor's name and fame are closely linked to that of Ostende. Both his house and the Provincial Museum of Modern Art (PMMK) have very interesting exhibitions on his work and life.

If you want to get around a bit, there is a very nice streetcar running from Knokke (north of Oostende) to De Panne, near the French border.

In the "bosje", a large park close to the train station, you can rent bikes for free.