Mercator

The basics

Now known as one of Belgium’s most famous ships, and today a protected national monument, the Mercator is also a symbol of Ostend. It’s a perfect destination for naval history buffs and families, or anyone who wants to visit a museum on water.

Visitors to the Mercator can soak up the views and the maritime feel on the deck before heading into the preserved, period interiors. The ship last sailed in the early 1960s, and all of its original equipment and fixtures—including the engine, electrical equipment, seafaring instruments, and more—are intact, making for fascinating viewing.

Things to know before you go

• Kids up to age 4 can visit the Mercator for free, while kids up to age 12 receive discounted entry.

• Due to its narrow gangway and sets of stairs within, the ship is not wheelchair or stroller accessible.

• Dogs (except service dogs) are not permitted on board.

How to get there

The Mercator is located at Jan Piersplein 2, Ostend 8400, right in the heart of the city. It’s a 7-minute walk from the city’s main train station and transit hub, the Oostende Station, which connects Ostend with Ghent, Brussels, and other major cities across Belgium, making it especially easy to visit.

When to get there

The Mercator is open every day except Monday, including holidays, from morning to early evening; last admission is 1 hour before closing time. Expect the Mercator to be busier on the weekends and during the summer high season.

Museum Amandine (Museumschip Amandine)

To check out more than one museum on the water, pair your visit to the Mercator with a trip to the Museum Amandine (Museumschip Amandine), a few minutes’ walk away. A historic fishing trawler that used to sail off the coast of Iceland, the historic Amandine shows off another side of Belgium’s nautical heritage.