Located is 70 mi/113 km northwest of Brussels, Ostende is a seaside resort in the middle of Belgium's 40-mi/65-km coastline and a landing spot for daily ferries to England. Fronted by a vast sandy beach, Ostende is a good place to relax. You can browse the souvenir shops and sample fresh fish at market stalls and restaurants along the quay.
Expressionist painter James Ensor called Ostende home. His former residence is now a museum, and his paintings can be viewed at the Mu.Zee (the modern art museum). The town is also known for its lively nightlife.
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