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Christmas Markets in Europe

Originally a small fishing village, the city of Oostende received its city charter within the 13th century and now features a population of 91,000 folks, the largest population on the Belgian coast. Set half way along the 40 mile Belgian coastline, it became well known as a resort in the 19th century, when Kings Leopold I and II spent their summers there. For the duration of Globe War II the city was badly bombed.The city is protected from the North Sea by a series of big dikes built within the late 14th century. On the other hand, the city more often than not fell victim to invading armies. Its importance as a harbour rose inside the 18th and 19th centuries, and also a railway link to Brussels was constructed in 1838. In 1846 it became a transit harbour to England, sending its initial ferry boat to Dover. Currently, a huge selection of passengers travel in between Oostende and England inside a space of just two hours, which makes it a great weekend resort for British travellers.Named &apos;The Queen of the Belgian sea-side Resorts, Oostende boasts a extended and sandy beach and is usually a favorite beach resort for locals also as visitors to Belgium, a variety of of whom come to surf and sail. The old town and fishing harbour are preferred attractions, and Oostende has a great deal to provide you with within the method of shopping, eating and entertainment.Areas of interest:The twin-towered church of St Peter &amp;amp; Saint Paul, close to the railway station, can be a neo-gothic building built of sandstone in 1904-5. It houses the mausoleum of Queen Louise-Marie, Belgium&apos;s first Queen, who died in 1850 in Oostende.The &apos;Fort Napoleon&apos;, north with the city centre, is the only Napoleonic fortress still intact in the whole of Europe. Built by Napoleon for the duration of the French occupation in 1810 and completed in 1812, it housed 260 soldiers. Inside the Second World War it was used as a German barracks.Among Oostende and Middelkerke, near the beach, lies a huge group of dunes known as the &apos;Raversijde Domain&apos;, which is really a natural nature reserve. Here also is the &apos;Atlantikwall&apos;, a complex of tunnels and bunkers built by occupying German troops within the First and Second Planet Wars. Nearby is also an archaeological site of a medieval fishing village from 13th to 15th centuries.For garden lovers, the Japanese Garden inside the Koningspark is worth a visit and can be found opposite the swimming baths, near the sea wall.Things to do:A walk along the splendidly clean and unspoilt beach, with a swim or paddle in the sea, is one of Oostende&apos;s pleasantest activities, but there are plenty of further activities in the centre and close to Oostende.Oostende has several shopping centres, including the traffic-free Kappellestraat, Adolf Buylstraat and Witte Nonnestraat. Also, at the Alfons Pieterslaan and the Torhoutsesteenweg you can shop all year round. Market day in Oostende is on Thursdays on the Wapenplein, Groentemarkt and Mijnplein.For those interested in history and culture, Oostende has several museums and galleries to visit. The Museum of Local History holds collections from the Neolithic and Roman times, a maritime section and sections on the two globe wars. The Museum of Fine Arts holds works from the Belgian Masters, and at the Museum of Modern Art you can see a wide range of paintings, sculptures and objects from Belgium&apos;s recent history. Other locations are the Museum Sint-Pieterstoren, the Museum of Religious Arts, the North Sea Aquarium and the Schooner Mercator which is really a former Merchant Navy training ship now restored as a nautical museum. James Ensor House is where the famous impressionist painter lived.One of your most famous places for families with children is the Maria Hendrika Park. Here you will find minigolf, rowing and pedal boats, playgrounds and woodland walks. Refreshments are available at the caf&amp;eacute;.You can also take a horse-drawn carriage tour around the city, where you will be shown the interesting sights from the city.Food &amp;amp; Drink:Whatever kind of food or restaurant you are looking for you are likely to find it here. Oostende has plenty of restaurants, cafes, bars and taverns both within its lively city centre, and along the promenade. Wherever you go, you will find kiosks selling mussels, fresh fish restaurants, and the ice cream is not to be missed.There are several bars selling real ale, including the Caf&amp;eacute; Botteltje and the Ostens Bierhuus. Oostende also features a selection of English style pubs.One of your most trendy restaurants in the city is the James Tavern in James Ensor Galerij 34, off Vlaanderenstraat. In its friendly atmosphere, you can sample a wide range of local cuisine, including their specialty, garnaalkroketten, or shrimp croquettes.Of course, Oostende&apos;s best-loved food is fresh fish, and you do not have to look too far to find a wide choice of locations specialising in seafood. One in the best fish restaurants is the Old Fisher on the Fisherman&apos;s Wharf. This features a relaxed but elegant atmosphere where you can sample a wide range of local fresh fish dishes. Another fish restaurant is the David Dewaele, a family-run restaurant serving French cuisine and fish fresh from the North Sea.Hotels &amp;amp; AccommodationAlpha Hotel

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For those tourists looking to get a cultural taste of Belgium&apos;s finest foods, the most famous specialties ordered among dining tourists in Belgium are Endives with B&#195;&#402;&#194;&#169;chamel Sauce, Ardennes Sausages and ham, Belgian Waffles, Mussels and chips, and of course, the favorite traveling treats are Belgium chocolates. Whilst visiting Belgium, tourist may also want to try a few of the world-famous beer that Belgium offers: over 400 different brews of Belgium&apos;s famous beer are available, including fruit bear, Stella Artois, Leffe, Hoegaarden, and Duvel, among various.

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