Ostend, Belgium

With a population of just 71,557, Ostend is no cosmopolitan hub. This Belgian coastal city is a former wartime target that remains scarred by repeated bombings, leaving many historic buildings demolished or neglected. The harsh North Sea climate means summers are cooler than inland Europe, while bureaucracy is a persistent headache - the port and tourism industries are closely regulated. Ostend may appeal to those seeking a sleepy seaside retreat, but its postwar architecture and lingering effects of wartime destruction make it a poor choice for those seeking vibrant urban living.