Renowned travel magazine Condé Nast Traveler praises the “diamond capital of the world” (dixit the Antwerp press office) as one of the 24 best travel destinations in Europe for 2024.

The city of Antwerp has been included in the ‘Best Places to Go in 2024‘ list of the prestigious travel magazine Condé Nast Traveler. Every year, that magazine, together with its global network of editors, compiles a list of the best places to visit. 

Antwerp is now among the 24 most inspiring travel destinations in Europe. Condé Nast Traveler praises the diamond capital of the world as an undiscovered gem (a travel writer’s favourite cliché), with a diverse range of cultural activities for a weekend of fun.

Literally

“So often overlooked in favor of its Dutch neighbor Amsterdam—or mistakenly written off as being as staid as Brussels—Antwerp is easily Belgium’s most underrated city”, Gina Jackson writes.

“In fact, the diamond capital of the world is somewhat of an undiscovered gem, with plenty of cool and culture for a weekend romp. There’s an impressive concentration of Michelin-starred restaurants to rival major European capitals. Perhaps best known is two-star The Jane, which was ranked number 39 in this year’s World’s 50 Best Restaurants list and will celebrate its 10th anniversary in 2024. If the exquisite 14-course tasting menu there is out of budget, the restaurant’s sleek new bar, Untitled, which opened earlier this year, offers rustic dishes at a more accessible price point, all lovingly plated before your eyes by chef Joeri Timmermans.” 

“After dinner, roll yourself next door to bag a bed at August (a former Augustinian convent turned supremely serene sanctuary), or for a sleepover in the heart of town, sister property Hotel Julien is a design-led favorite. Once you’ve eaten your way through the city’s culinary offerings, walk it all off Zuidpark, an ambitious development set for completion by spring 2024. Pinned to be one of Antwerp’s leafiest havens, the seven-hectare park will have 30,000 plants and several smart water features—all part of the city’s continual effort to be greener”, Gina Jackson.

Happy officials

The Antwerp tourism office had a field day in its press release. “Every year, the renowned travel magazine Condé Nast Traveler, together with its global network of editors, makes a selection of travel destinations that are a must to (re)discover. They always create a mix of old favorites that are worth revisiting, and emerging cities and regions that are ready to welcome travelers.”

“Earlier this year, the magazine published an extensive article in which Antwerp was praised as a design destination par excellence. According to that article, the city has the allure of a metropolis and offers a breeding ground for creative cross-pollination in the field of fashion, design, art and culture. The magazine praises the cookie city as a creative breeding ground with vibrant hotels and a high-quality culinary scene. Art and culture fanatics will enjoy the many beautiful museums in the city.”

Councilor for Tourism Koen Kennis (N-VA) is pleased with the publication of the article and the inclusion of Antwerp in the prestigious list: “Especially because of the recognition that Antwerp is receiving as a versatile travel destination. There are few cities where you can experience such In a relatively small area you will find such a wide range of shopping, culture, food and drinks, nice hotels,… I also see this as a reward for the hard work of our tourism sector. This strengthens us to continue to actively promote Antwerp in the abroad.”

Happy bloggers?

Are we happy for international praise for Antwerp? Sure. Antwerp is deservedly highlighted. Antwerp has plenty to offer.

But Antwerp also a city of ‘only’ 500,000 residents and a small ‘interesting centre’. We would recommend a full day or two. Arrive in an afternoon, spend one or two full days, leave on day 3 or 4 (if arrival day is day 1). 

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