Hotel Cocoon

Ostend

Hotel Cocoon is located at no more than 50 metres from the sea and has a central location in the busy city centre of Ostend. In short, the ideal location for planning a visit to museums, taking beach walks or having a shopping day. Please find some tips as inspiration for your stay at the "the seaside resort par excellence".

The beach and seafront promenade

Enjoy the stunning sunsets, sunbathe on the beach in fine weather or cycle on a go-cart along the promenade. The beach and the sea offer something for everyone.

Kursaal Oostende

The building dominates the view at the Albert I promenade. The Casino, a design by Leon Stynen (1953) stands on the spot where in 1875 the first casino already stood. The latter was destroyed during WWII. After the war it would still be eight years before the current building was erected. This strikingly large building can boast being the largest in Belgium and is a typical example of modernism. The eye-catchers are of course the murals by Paul Delvaux. On 17th December 2004, the renovated casino of Ostend was re-opened.

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Domein Raversijde – Atlantic Wall

A section of the old defence line that was built by the Germans to defend the coastline from invasion lies well preserved in the dunes of Raversijde. Visit these fortifications dating from the First and Second World Wars.

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Crystal Ship

The Crystal Ship is a contemporary art festival that specializes in public space producing over 25 installations, sculptures and murals per year. The Crystal Ship also represents a selected group of visual artists worldwide and responds to their needs in the ever-changing domain of art and culture.

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Mu.ZEE – Art museum

Mu.ZEE is the museum of Belgian art. Walk through one art movement to another and learn about Belgian artists and their works from 1830 to the present day.

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The tall ship Mercator

A must-see in Ostend: the three-mast museum ship Mercator. Arctic traveller Adrien de Gerlache designed this three-master which was built in Scotland. The Mercator had only two commanders and made 54 voyages. In 1956 it repatriated the remains of Father Damien from Molokai. In 1960, it sailed into the harbour of Antwerp and in 1961, it was equipped as a museum ship. Since 1964, it has been the pearl in Ostend’s crown. Go on board and let the artefacts, photos and stories take you back in time on an exciting ocean voyage.

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Shopping

Combine a visit to the sea with a shopping afternoon. Work your way through the shopping streets in the city, or visit the shopping center. Most stores also open their doors on Sundays, so you can shop to your heart's desire.

Ensor House

Here you will not only find works by the famous Ostend artist James Ensor (1860-1949), but you will also step into the actual world
in which he lived.

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City museum

The Ostend city museum is housed in the former Royal Palace – an ideal, stately setting for the extensive collection of local historic finds that take you back in time through the history of the coastal city.

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CC De Grote Post

In 2012, the former post office was reopened as a cultural center “De Grote Post”. The building has a rich history, that you can notice when you step inside the building. Every week, there are well known and lesser known plays. It is a place where public, enthusiasts and artist meet. Enjoying a drink or snack at the “Cultuurcafé”. It is open daily from 8:30 am.

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Church of St Peter and St Paul

This neo-gothic church in the centre of Ostend replaced the Church of St Peter that was destroyed by fire in 1896 leaving only the nearby brick tower (known as the Peperbusse – Pepper mill).

The new church was a prestige project of King Leopold II, who was so enthusiastic that many suspected he was responsible for the fire of the original church. Architect Louis Delacenserie from Bruges was inspired by the ‘ideal building plan’ such as that of the Cologne Cathedral and Votive Church in Vienna.

Fort Napoleon

In the dunes to the north of Ostend lies an impressive fort with a turbulent past. The infamous French general Napoleon ordered its construction to defend against attacks from the west but the fort has taken on many roles since.

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