Westende Travel Guide
City Coastal town in Belgium with beaches
On Belgium’s coast, Westende offers long sandy beaches, dunes, a coastal tram and seafood stalls. Cyclists follow the flat promenade; families come for calm tides, Belle Époque villas and evening moules-frites.
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Why Visit Westende? #
On Belgium’s North Sea coast, Westende draws beachgoers and families looking for classic seaside atmosphere. Long sandy shores and dune walks pair with Belle Époque villas and quiet promenades; the coastal tram (Kusttram) makes exploring nearby resorts effortless. Seafood shacks serve mussels and moules-frites, and tranquil cycle routes along the shore give a relaxed pace that contrasts with busier Belgian beach towns.
Best Things to Do in Westende
All Attractions ›
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Westende Bucket List
- Westende Beach - Long sandy beach with promenades, bathing cabins, and family-friendly facilities.
- Westende promenade - Coastal walkway lined with cafés and seasonal events offering sea views.
- Westende-Bad historic pavilion - Seaside pavilion and nearby monuments reflecting the town's coastal resort heritage.
- Westhoek nature trails - Dune and coastal trails linking quiet beaches and birdwatching spots.
- Local seafood kiosks - Small beachfront stalls serving fresh mussels, fries, and regional seafood snacks.
- Cycle routes toward Middelkerke - Well-marked cycling paths along the coast connecting neighbouring seaside towns.
- Ostend (Oostende) - Coastal city with museums, aquarium, and seaside promenades a short drive away.
- Bruges (Brugge) - Medieval city center with canals, historic buildings, and museums reachable in under an hour.
Best Time to Visit Westende #
Aim for late spring through early autumn (May-September) in Westende for the best beach weather and mild temperatures. Winters are cool, windy and cloudier.
Best Time to Visit Westende #
Westende's climate is classified as Oceanic - Oceanic climate with mild summers (peaking in August) and cold winters (coldest in February). Temperatures range from 1°C to 21°C. Moderate rainfall (701 mm/year).
January
January is cold with highs of 6°C and lows of 1°C. Moderate rainfall (57 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
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February
February is the coolest month with highs of 7°C and lows of 1°C. Moderate rainfall (41 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
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March
March is cold with highs of 9°C and lows of 3°C. Moderate rainfall (51 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
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April
April is cold with highs of 12°C and lows of 5°C. Moderate rainfall (43 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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May
May is cool with highs of 15°C and lows of 8°C. Moderate rainfall (50 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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June
June is cool with highs of 18°C and lows of 11°C. Moderate rainfall (57 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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July
July is cool with highs of 20°C and lows of 13°C. Moderate rainfall (59 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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August
August is cool with highs of 21°C and lows of 13°C. Moderate rainfall (55 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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September
September is cool with highs of 18°C and lows of 11°C. Moderate rainfall (67 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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October
October is cool with highs of 15°C and lows of 8°C. Moderate rainfall (74 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
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November
November is cold with highs of 10°C and lows of 4°C. The wettest month with 79 mm of rain, mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
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December
December is cold with highs of 8°C and lows of 3°C. Moderate rainfall (68 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
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How to Get to Westende
Westende on the Belgian coast is easiest reached via Ostend (Oostende) by rail or via Ostend-Bruges Airport (small) or Brussels Airport for international connections. The Belgian coast railway and De Lijn buses provide simple onward travel to Westende.
Ostend-Bruges International Airport (OST): The closest small airport; from OST you can take a taxi to Westende (roughly 10-20 minutes, taxis commonly €10-€20) or head to Oostende (Ostend) railway station and continue along the coast by regional train or bus.
Brussels Airport (BRU): For more international flight options use Brussels Airport; take a train (SNCB/NMBS) from Brussels Airport or Brussels city to Oostende (journey ~1h20-1h40) and then a short regional train or bus to Westende. Expect airport-to-Brussels-centre rail fares from BRU to Brussels around €6-€10; Brussels-Oostende intercity fares commonly €15-€20 depending on booking.
Train: Westende is served by the Belgian coast railway; the local station (often shown as Westende-Bad/Middelkerke area stations) sits on the Oostende-Knokke/Zeebrugge coastal line. Intercity trains from Brussels to Oostende take about 1h20-1h40, then a short local train or tram/bus along the coast to Westende (local ticket for the short hop typically a few euros).
Bus: De Lijn operates regional buses along the Belgian coast connecting Ostend, Middelkerke/Westende and neighbouring towns. Buses are frequent in season and cheap for short hops (single fares are modest; buy tickets on board or with the De Lijn app).
How to Get Around Westende #
Westende is a compact seaside resort that’s very walkable; the beach, promenade and many hotels are close together. The Belgian coastal tram (Kusttram) runs along the seafront and connects Westende with Ostend and other coastal towns, making it easy to travel without a car. Bicycles are a popular way to get around in summer, and local buses/taxis cover short hops inland.
Where to Stay in Westende #
- Mercure Oostende - Occasional low-season rates available.
- ibis Styles Oostende - Simple coastal rooms, family-friendly.
- Mercure Oostende - Comfortable seaside hotel, good location.
- Hotel Monarc (Ostend) - Central, mid-range coastal option.
- Hotel Carlton (Ostend) - Seafront, historic luxury hotel.
- Hotel Prins Boudewijn (Ostend) - Upscale beachfront rooms and dining.
Where to Eat in Westende #
- Westende Beach Restaurants - Fresh North Sea fish and fries
- Beach Bars and Bistrots - Casual meals with sea views
- Local Seafood Stalls - Moules-frites and grilled fish
- Seaside Cafés - Coffee, waffles and Belgian pastries
- Local Brasseries - Belgian beers and hearty dishes
- Takeaway Fish Shops - Quick fries and sandwiches
Breakdown of cuisine types found across Westende's restaurants and food venues, based on OpenStreetMap data.
Nightlife in Westende #
Nightlife in Westende is seasonal and focused on the summer months. Beach bars, casual pubs and seasonal events dominate after dark; in low season the town quiets down considerably. For a livelier night out year‑round, Ostend has more bars, clubs and cultural events.
Shopping in Westende #
Shopping in Westende is seasonal and geared to tourists: summer gift shops, beachwear stores, and small supermarkets. For larger shopping centres, Ostend is the nearest full‑service option. Outside the high season many stalls and shops reduce hours, so plan accordingly.
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