Gistel (Dutch pronunciation: [ˈɣɪstəl]) is a city and municipality located in the Belgian province of West Flanders.

Following local government boundary reforms in 1971 and 1977, the municipality has comprised not only Gistel, but also the towns of Moere, Snaaskerke and Zevekote.

The most famous inhabitant of Gistel was Sylvère Maes, winner of the Tour de France in 1936 and 1939.

Another former resident of Gistel is Johan Museeuw, also famous cyclist, but now retired.

[2] A former mayor, Bart Halewyck, was the first hacker ever convicted in Belgium after the 'Bistel Trial' in 1990.