Luxembourg City may be small, but it packs a punch in culture, history, and natural beauty.
Whether you are looking for a romantic getaway, a family adventure, or a cultural immersion, you will find something to suit your taste in this charming capital.
Luxembourg City has a rich history dating back to the 10th century when a small castle was built on a rocky promontory overlooking the Alzette and Pétrusse rivers. Over the centuries, the castle grew into a formidable fortress, earning the nickname "Gibraltar of the North".
Luxembourg City was coveted by many European powers, including France, Spain, Austria, Prussia, and Germany, who all left their mark on its architecture and culture. Today, Luxembourg City is a cosmopolitan and multilingual metropolis, home to European Union institutions, international banks, and a vibrant art scene.
Luxembourg City is compact and walkable, so you can easily see its main attractions in a day or two. However, stay longer to leisurely enjoy its cultural and natural offerings. You can also use Luxembourg City as a base to explore other parts of the region, such as the Moselle Valley, the Mullerthal Region, and the Ardennes.
Luxembourg has a free public transport system. Yes, you heard it right: it's free! Since 2020, all modes of public transport - buses, trains and the tram - have been free of charge throughout Luxembourg, so you can travel around the country without spending a dime.
Here are ten must-sees and dos when in Luxembourg City:
Visit the Notre-Dame Cathedral
This Gothic masterpiece, built between 1613 and 1621, features Renaissance and Baroque elements. It is the main church of Luxembourg and the burial place of many Grand Dukes and Duchesses. You can admire its stained glass windows, sculptures, and crypt, where you can see the tombs of John the Blind, King of Bohemia and Count of Luxembourg and his descendants.
Stroll alon the Chemin de la Corniche
This pedestrian walkway along the old city's ramparts offers stunning views of the lower town and the river valley. It is dubbed the "most beautiful balcony in Europe" by locals and visitors alike. You can see the remains of the old fortifications, the Bock Casemates, the Neumünster Abbey, and the Wenzel Wall.
Explore the Casemates du Bock
These underground tunnels and galleries were part of the city's fortifications, dating back to the 17th century. They were built by the Spanish, who occupied Luxembourg then, and later expanded by the French, the Austrians, and the Prussians. They could shelter up to 35,000 soldiers and their horses, as well as workshops, kitchens, bakeries, and slaughterhouses. They also served as a refuge for civilians during the two World Wars.
Experience the cultural diversity
Luxembourg City is a cosmopolitan and multilingual metropolis where you can find a mix of cultures and languages. You can visit the Grund, the oldest and lowest part of the city, where you can see the Neumünster Abbey, a cultural centre that hosts concerts, exhibitions, and festivals. You can also visit the Clausen, a former industrial area transformed into a trendy district with bars, restaurants, and clubs. Visit the Kirchberg, the modern and futuristic part of the city, to see the European Union institutions, the Philharmonie Luxembourg, the Mudam Luxembourg, and the Grand Théâtre de Luxembourg. The Gare, the railway station area, is where you can find a variety of shops, cafes, and ethnic cuisines.
Indulge in the culinary delights of Luxembourg City
Luxembourg City has a rich and diverse gastronomy, influenced by its neighbours France, Germany, and Belgium. Try traditional dishes, such as Judd mat Gaardebounen, smoked pork with broad beans, Quetschentaart, plum tart, Bouneschlupp, green bean soup, and Thüringer sausages.
Shop till you drop
Luxembourg City is an excellent place for shopping, as it offers a variety of products and prices. You can find everything from luxury brands to local crafts, fashion to art, books to souvenirs. Stroll along the Grand-Rue, the Rue des Capucins, the Rue Philippe II, and the Place d'Armes. You can also browse the flea markets and antique shops in the Place d'Armes and the Place Guillaume II.
Catch a show at the Philharmonie Luxembourg or Grand Théâtre de Luxembourg
Luxembourg City has a vibrant cultural scene, with many music, theatre, dance, and opera venues. You can catch a show at the Philharmonie Luxembourg, a stunning concert hall with a futuristic design and world-class acoustics. You can enjoy classical, jazz, world, and contemporary music performed by local and international artists. Alternatively, catch a show at the Grand Théâtre de Luxembourg, a modern venue hosting opera, ballet, and performances featuring local and international companies.
Philharmonie Luxembourg
Grand Théâtre de Luxembourg
Visit the Mudam Luxembourg
The Museum of Modern Art is one of the most impressive museums in Luxembourg City, both for its architecture and its collection. The museum is housed in a striking building designed by Ieoh Ming Pei, the architect of the Louvre Pyramid. The museum showcases contemporary art by local and international artists, focusing on innovation and experimentation. You can see paintings, sculptures, installations, photographs, videos, and more.
Relax in one of the many parks and gardens of Luxembourg City.
Luxembourg City is green, with many parks and gardens where you can enjoy nature and relax. At Parc Municipal, the oldest and largest park in the city, you will find Villa Vauban, a 19th-century mansion that hosts art exhibitions. You can also visit the Parc Edouard André, a romantic park with a pond, a fountain, and a rose garden. Parc Merl is a popular park with a lake, a playground, and a mini-golf course. Visit the Parc de la Pétrusse, a park along the Pétrusse River, to see the Adolphe Bridge and the Passerelle.
Join the festivities of the National Day
June 23rd marks the Grand Duke's birthday, even if it has never actually been the Duke' ´s birthday. The celebrations include a military parade, a Te Deum, a torchlight procession, and a fireworks display. There are concerts, street parties, and a funfair where you can enjoy music, food, and drinks. The atmosphere is festive and patriotic, and everyone is welcome to join.
Small but grand!
Luxembourg is one of the smallest countries in the world, with a population of about 630,000, but the country still has three official languages: Luxembourgish, French, and German. Luxembourgish is a Germanic language with influences from French and other languages. It is spoken by most of the population and used in everyday situations, while French and German are used for administration, education, and media.
It is one of the wealthiest countries in the world, with the highest GDP per capita, standing at $126,59. Luxembourg is one of the founding members of the European Union. It hosts several institutions, such as the European Court of Justice, the European Court of Auditors, the European Investment Bank, and the European Stability Mechanism.
Luxembourg has won the Eurovision Song Contest five times, in 1961, 1965, 1972, 1973, and 1983. However, it has not participated in the contest since 1993, due to the lack of interest.
