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Luxembourg is not the first destination people think about when they wanna go on vacation. It’s a tiny country of 600000 inhabitants, bordered by France, Belgium and Germany. However, people from 160 different countries live in Luxembourg, which is also called the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg. It’s one of the smallest countries in the world, we could even think the country is a big city. Although its small size, there are more than 130 castles in the country! Since I wasn’t very far during a trip, I told myself it would be nice to go there, and check the things to do in Luxembourg City, the capital.
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Description of Luxembourg City
Here we are in Luxembourg, where the cost of living is high. Indeed, the GDP is very high (5th in the world) and Luxembourg is a financial hub. A lot of people come here to work, mostly in finance. Therefore we can spot numerous luxury cars in Luxembourg city. The Germans, the Belgians and the French go to Luxembourg quite often to buy cigarettes, since they’re very cheap in the country.
Officially, three languages are spoken in Luxembourg : French, German and Luxembourgish. But there are also 20% of the population who speak Portuguese fluently. So you can feel the French and Germanic influences everywhere. A funny thing is, people never know in which language speak to you : French? English? German? And their accent is a mix of Swiss and Belgian accent when they speak French!
Luxembourg City exists on two different levels : the upper town and the lower town. The upper town is the old town, and it was built in the 10th century. It was a strategic place, cause Luxembourg managed to defend itself against numerous invasions. We called it the Gibraltar of the North because of its fortress. The lower town is the new town, with the shops, the bars…
Therefore there are many uphill slopes and descents, but there are also free elevators if needed to go up and down. Oh I ran into a few black guys who gave me the nod when seeing me, that’s nice. Anyway, let’s see what to do in Luxembourg City.
What to do in Luxembourg City
The Grund
Take some time to have a walk at the Grund, a famous area in the lower town. This neighborhood is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It’s a really nice district where you’ll see wonderful houses made of stone, gardens, bridges, the famous abbey of Neumünster… You really feel like you’re in the setting of an 18th century epic tale! Oh and of course it’s the area with all the pubs, bar, restaurants… There’s a nightlife in Luxembourg City!
Casemates du Bock
The casemates du Bock are another UNESCO World Heritage Site. Those are tunnels dug out of of solid rock cliffs in the 17th century. It’s a real archaeological crypt! Originally, the casemates (tunnels) were used for hiding and protecting military men, soldiers, horses, butchers… during wars. Today, we can visit a section of the casemates. I don’t recommend going there if you’re claustrophobic of if it’s hard for you to get around. It’s six euros to get in.
The chemin de la Corniche
The chemin de la Corniche is also called the most beautiful balcony in Europe. It’s a very nice walk in the heights of the city, in the old town, where you can admire the Grund but also the roofs of houses in Luxembourg City. There’s also a nice walk called circuit Wenzel, allowing you to admire the historical area of Luxembourg City.
The Palais Grand-Ducal
The palais Grand-Ducal (Grand-Ducal palace) is the official residence of the Grand Duke of Luxembourg but he’s not often there, he spends more time in his castle in the countryside. It’s a castle with Renaissance architecture built in the 16th century, and it’s possible to visit it… but only in the summer, from mid-July to early September. However if you can be in Luxembourg on June 23rd, it’s perfect! That’s the national day and there’s a big celebration with fireworks, etc…
Notre-Dame cathedral
Not far from the palais Grand-Ducal, you’ll find the Notre-Dame cathedral, the only cathedral in the whole country! It was built in the 17th century by the Jesuits. It’s a cathedral with Renaissance and baroque architecture. It was extended and renovated in the 1930s. This is where members of the ducal family rest after they pass away.
Just like the country, Luxembourg City is a small town. You can visit everything by foot. It’s mostly a city where you relax, you wander around, you have a nice little walk. We cannot say there’s a main attraction, a must see in Luxembourg City! It’s a really quiet city, you quickly see it all. But still, it’s a nice one, and the food is good. Talking about food, don’t miss Chocolate House, they serve a great variety of chocolate!
How to get to Luxembourg City
If you’re not too far (Paris, Brussels, Cologne, Amsterdam…), the easiest way to get to Luxembourg City is by train. Otherwise, check the latest flight prices to go to Luxembourg.
How to get around in Luxembourg City
You can visit all the main spots by foot. The city’s not big. But if you want to, you can use public transportation. They’re free with all the means of transport (tramway, train, bus…) since March 1st 2020. It’s still interesting to get the Luxembourg Card if you plan to visit several museums.
Where to stay in Luxembourg City
Even though it’s a small city, there are many options when it comes to accommodation. If you’re traveling on a budget, I suggest you to stay at the Youth Hostel Luxembourg City. Click here to book your stay. For a comfortable hotel, I recommend to stay at the City Hotel. Click here to book your stay. If you’re into luxury hotels, the Hotel le Place d’Armes is probably the best option. Click here to book your stay. Otherwise click here to check the hotels available in Luxembourg City.
Finally, if you prefer to stay in an apartment, click here to check the apartments available on Airbnb.
Best time to visit Luxembourg City
It’s better to go there between April and October, the weather is nice. But be careful, it’s crowded in July and August.
Luxembourg City travel tips
- Traveling soon? Check out my travel resources page! This list of travel accessories can also be useful!
- Never ever travel without a travel insurance! Here’s why you should buy travel insurance!
- Always use a VPN when traveling! I use ExpressVPN and I love it! Here’s why use a VPN when traveling!
- FYI, there’s WiFi all over the city!
I’ve heard lots of great things about Luxembourg and its landscape.
Lovely architecture, I would love to visit it..
It’s nice over there