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Blankenberge, Belgium 🇧🇪
#2159
,
Nomad Score:
55%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Blankenberge, a popular seaside resort in West Flanders, Belgium, located on the North Sea coast. |
| 👥 Population | 19,300 |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average speed of 60 Mbps. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | 1 EUR ≈ 1.07 USD; local banks include KBC Bank and BNP Paribas Fortis. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Drinkable and safe. |
| 🔌 Power | 230V, 50Hz, 🔌 Type C/E sockets. |
| 📶 SIM Card | Providers include Proximus, Orange, and Telenet. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Available options include KBC, ING, and Revolut for international banking. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options range from hotels to beach apartments and serviced accommodations. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Yes, cards are widely accepted. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Available on platforms like Airbnb and Booking.com. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Hostel Blankenberge offers affordable lodging options. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Tourists | Near the beach promenade and the main square. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Digital Nomads | Near the town center, close to cafes and coworking spaces. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | The HIVE Blankenberge—offers day passes and monthly memberships. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Café de Passerelle has reliable Wi-Fi and a good menu. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Seasonal meetups are held at local bars, especially in summer. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Facebook groups such as Expats in Blankenberge connect the community. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Uber is available, but local taxis can be booked directly. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | De Fietsambassade offers bike rentals across the town. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Blankenberge Beach is just a short walk from the city center. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Brussels Airlines operates from nearby airports. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | KLM and Lufthansa connect to major hubs. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | E40 highway provides direct access to Brussels and Ghent. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Blankenberge railway station; frequent connections to other cities. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | De Lijn offers various day and seasonal passes. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Trains (SNCB/NMBS) and buses (De Lijn) provide access to Bruges and Ostend. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | AZ Sint-Jan Brugge-Oostende—located 15 mins away by car. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Yoga Blankenberge offers classes for all levels. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Basic-Fit is a popular budget-friendly gym. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Laundromat services available at various locations in the center. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | Deliveroo operates in Blankenberge, offering multiple food options. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Sample the local shrimp croquettes. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Café de Haan offers a variety of plant-based options. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Patisserie Bahama is famous for its pastries. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Daily markets at the main square offer local produce. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Bol.com is popular for online shopping in Belgium. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Albert Heijn provides delivery services in the area. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | The beach promenade has lively bars, particularly during summer. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Brugse Zot Brewery offers tours and tastings nearby. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | De Wijngalerij features a selection of fine wines. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Food trucks operate along the beachfront during high season. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Eat Love Pizza serves popular Italian dishes. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | The Blankenberge Pier, Sea Life aquarium, and the market square. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | The Oosterstak Museum highlights local history. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | The old lighthouse is a key historical landmark. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | Visit the Church of the Sacred Heart. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | The annual Sand Sculpture Festival attracts many visitors. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | Stroll through the old town for charming architecture. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | Palace Theatre hosts various performances throughout the year. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | Weekly markets in the town center every Thursday. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Live music events at Café Boulevard are popular among locals. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Urban artworks can be found in hidden spots around the town. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Culinary workshops are held at local cooking schools. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | The Art Gallery Blankenberge showcases local artists. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | The Town Hall is an example of classic architectural style. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | The city is known for its fishing heritage, reflected in local museums. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | The Uitkerkse Polder offers hiking trails and nature observation. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Zeeuwse Kust National Park is accessible for day trips. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | The coastal path alongside the beach is popular among walkers. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | The observation deck on the pier provides stunning sea views. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | The nature reserve in nearby Heist is great for birdwatchers. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Designated bonfire areas exist on certain beach sections. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | Bpost provides reliable delivery services in Blankenberge. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Local shops like Telefix offer electronic repairs. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Community centers host ping pong tables for public use. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Language schools offer Dutch and French classes for expats. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | The local library provides a quiet space for reading and studying. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | Community Hub Blankenberge hosts various cultural events. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Gamer's Lounge has consoles and PCs available for gaming. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | The Casino Blankenberge offers gaming and entertainment options. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. €4,000 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = €160,000) |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. €3,000 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = €120,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. €3,500 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = €210,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. €2,700 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = €162,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. €3,200 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = €256,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. €2,500 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = €200,000) |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | 25% |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | 30% |
| 🏦 Tax System | Worldwide income basis for residents. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | 50% |
| 🧾 VAT | 21% |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, strict rules. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Yes, based on cadastral income. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | 10% standard rate, reduced to 6% for primary residence. |
| 💻 Attractive Tax System for Digital Nomads | 0% tax on overseas income for foreign residents under specific conditions. |