Have you ever thought about traveling to Luxembourg and also do it cheaply? This tiny state is just under Belgium and the Netherlands and is up part of the Benelux countries. Luxembourg is a land locked country surrounded by Germany, France and Belgium. Its capital city, Luxembourg is also one of the official capital cities of the European Union.
Luxembourg has picturesque landscape and attractions within the City. The place is beautiful and really chill. It has Bambesch forests and has one major city, Luxembourg City, so the whole country can easily be seen in one or two days. It is a pretty place and easy to wander. Most definitely worth not missing out. You can visit the great monuments of the city, such as the Ducal Palace of Luxembourg and the Notre-Dame Cathedral.
Luxembourg airport is located a short distance from the capital, about 7-8 kilometers away. From there it is easy to move around the country, either by renting a car, or if you go straight to the city with a bus to the central station. Luxembourg card allows to see the top places of interest in Luxembourg such as the Casemates (caves) of the city, the History Museum of the country or the fairytale castles such as Vianden with free admission.
Luxembourg may only be home to half a million people, but this small country has many beautiful sights everyone needs to see. Cradled in between France and Germany, the country was previously a battleground between the two European powers during the world wars. Luxembourg has embraced this history by incorporating remaining forts, barriers, and walls into its current architecture.
The country is a perfect mix of quaint farmland, a bustling city, and charming yet powerful odes to a different time. Culturally, Luxembourg has developed to embrace both its German and French roots as well as the influence of its other neighbors, The Netherlands, and Belgium. Ruled by a Grand Duke, Luxembourg has three official national languages: French, German, and Luxembourgish (which is described as French, German, and Dutch combined).
Luxembourg City hosts several key organizations for the European Union. This may be partially due to the fact that Luxembourg is an economic powerhouse as the wealthiest country in the European Union per capita. The country is a major center for large private banking, and its finance sector is the biggest contributor to its economy. The country's main trading partners are none other than France, Germany, and Belgium.
Because of Luxembourg's wealth, it has a great public transportation system. Getting around a new country or place can be confusing, so use their mobile bus app that shows you all the routes to your destinations. Lastly, the country is also known for its low cloud cover and high winds, so generally speaking, the cell phone reception is not the best.
If you’re looking to stay in touch with loved ones back home, make sure you have a method of communication, a local favorite, or other app-based international calling services.
 | Streets in Luxembourg City |
There are several things that you can do at Luxembourg. It depends on from tourist to tourist. However, there are certain things you should look into which will give you a good idea about what to do.
1. Luxembourg Old Town
One of the best ways to begin your adventure in Luxembourg is to walk around the city. The old city will take you back to historic times. Even though it’s not big in size, it comes with enough places for you to spend a day or half there. In addition to outdoor recreation there are a number of museums. You can start with the main square where the equestrian monument stands.
A little further from this point stands the Grand Duke’s Palace with the Parliament right next to it. The two of them are connected with a glass passage. Finally, you can take a break at the restaurants that the city has to offer. If you are going to visit Luxembourg, one of the best ways to get to know the country and culture is through the Old Town of Luxembourg.
Stroll through the old quarter of the city, the Grund district to get lost in its fairytale alleyways. It is an amazing place to wander around with its classic European narrow and winding alleyways. At every turn you are surrounded by historic buildings and picturesque “hole-in-the-wall” restaurants, often accompanied by a spectacular view of stone bridges near the city’s river and former fortress.
Luxembourg is notorious for fighting off big businesses and the gentrification of their town and are very selective when letting chains in, allowing smaller and family-owned stores and restaurants to continue to thrive. This creates the ideal travel experience for tourists looking for authenticity as they experience the heart of the city and its culture.
Now, with all the hopping from one castle to another or visiting the historical sites, you will want to take the much deserved break. Take a stop at the popular Chocolate House. As the name suggests, you will find everything from chocolate cakes, cookies, bars, and whatnot! Next, you might want to make sure you try the Hotchocspoon. This is where you get a spoonful of chocolate stirred in hot milk, and comes with more than 20 flavors!
However, it serves other items such as salads and quiches. Each portion is large enough for you to have a hearty meal before continuing to explore Luxembourg City. You may have or may not have heard of Luxembourgish food. What exactly is that? Well, it is a blend of French and German cuisine. The locals have often said that their cuisine is the blend of French quality with the German portions.
Some of the popular dishes are kniddelen, dumplings with butter, small sausages in wine flavor, and mustard sauce along with mashed potatoes. Trying the traditional food when visiting should crack the top ten of your what to do in Luxembourg list!
2. Place Guillaume II
Near Luxembourg Old Town should be your next stop: Place Guillaume. Place Guillaume features a statue of William II on horseback who was the King of Holland and the Grand Duke of Luxembourg. The area is famous for its Town Hall, and other landmarks to check out nearby include the Spanish Turret and a former cavalry barracks.
Place Guillaume is also known for its spacious open areas that used to be the location of a Franciscan convent. Nowadays, it is home to a fantastic flea market every Sunday where locals and tourists can shop for anything from an antique golden clock to bracelets and jewelry. The area is fully closed to vehicles as it is a true town center occupied by bustling pedestrians.
At night, there is often live music to enjoy. During big events such as the World Cup, the town will display a larger than life projection screen and people gather to share the experience. Place Guillaume is truly the heart of a city.
3. Palais Grand-Ducal
The Grand Ducal Palace, located near the two previous destinations as it is still in Luxembourg City, is a sight to see. The Palace is a spectacular piece of architecture, built in the 16th century during the Flemish Renaissance and is a visual reminder of the small country’s strength during times of conflict.
It is the official residence of the Grand Duke and the royal family and the palace’s exquisite interior design is truly only fit for royals. The Grand Ducal Palace is a fascinating and intriguing mix of Luxembourg’s cultural roots as it combines and interplays between Romantic and Medieval Gothic styles, with modern, slightly Germanic, light designs.
4. Cathedrale Notre-Dame
Luxembourg is also home to a Notre-Dame Cathedral. You might be a religious person or not, you might like to visit churches or not. However, when you're looking for things to do in Luxembourg, visit the Notre Dame Cathedral. As another historic piece of architecture, the Notre-Dame Cathedral is the type of structure that has the power to take your breath away.
Built between 1613 and 1621 by the Jesuit religious order, Luxembourg’s Notre-Dame Cathedral is the definition of a must-see, with the most memorable part of this imposing building being the Baroque-inspired north gate. Once inside, the cathedral is embellished with luxurious stained glass that was added to the building in the 19th and the 20th century.
The interior is stunning with mesmerizing stained glasses along with a miniature of Madonna and Child altarpiece. Additionally, you can visit the crypt as well. This is where the Luxembourg Grand-Ducal Family members were laid to rest. Like Luxembourg itself, the Notre-Dame Cathedral incorporates its history yet has continued to add more modern aspects like its sculptures and a tiny Madonna and Child statue above the altar. The graves of the royal family can be found in the crypt, safeguarded by two lions designed by Auguste Trémont.
5. Ardennes
If you are looking to get out of the city, Ardennes is the perfect place for a truly exceptional nature experience. The Ardens consist of a scenic highland, winding valleys, forests, and villages. With tons of hiking and cycling trails, you'll be spoiled for choice for the way you choose to explore the area and its nature parks.
Once again, Luxembourg never disappoints for those looking for authentic European experiences and sites to see, as some of the best maintained medieval ruins in all of Luxembourg can be found here. In fact, the locals emphasize Luxembourg's medieval origins in The Ardens as you can find everything here from revivals, traditional markets, and outdoor performances and concerts that transport you back to another time.
If you’re looking for proper hiking within the Ardennes, you'll find two nature parks, Naturpark Öewersauer and Our – both distinct destinations in their own right.
6. Chemin de la Corniche
Chemin de la Corniche, in the capital, is one of the streets with the best views in the world. In fact they call it the most beautiful balcony in Europe. When you are in Luxembourg City, you'll find the Walls of the Corniche overlook the city. Moreover, you’ll be able to see almost to the valley.
On this spot, you will be able to find the Gate of the Grund which was built back in 1632. Furthermore, the St. Michael's church along with the Neumunster Abbey is a site to be seen as well. Most of these sites are historic, therefore, for a history buff this destination is a must visit!
7. Casemates du Bock
You see, during the 19th century, the city had one of the complex systems for fortification. Unfortunately, most of it was destroyed. Once you visit, you'll see the basement extends to a cliff. It was upon this that the city was built. It housed the case ages and a magnificent set of can cannons were used to protect the city.
It is one of the places where the citizens of Luxembourg came to survive the attacks by the French Republican Army in 1794 and WW2. Even though most of it is destroyed, the casemates still exist. You can explore the tunnels and get lost in time! The Casemates du Bock was a refuge during the bombings of the World War II. Those of Pétrusse are located in the valley that surrounds the upper part of the city, a place that must be visited.
8. Musee national d'histoire et d'art Luxembourg
Luxembourg City features an array of museums and among them the best one is the National Museum of History and Art. You will find a series of items in the museum such as tools, weapons, coins, and other historical items such as documents and photographs. It is advised that if you're visiting with children, then to take precautions.
Most of the art work in the museum will tell you the story of the religious life that prevailed through time in the city. On the other hand, the museum features modern art as well.
9. Abbey of Echternach
If you happen to visit the town of Echternach during your trip to Luxembourg, night we recommend the Benedictine Abbey! This visit genuinely takes you back in time given that it stands from the 7th century and comes with a museum. Overall, it has four buildings along with a central courtyard. Furthermore, the basilica contains a significant amount of religious material.
Moreover, the Abbey comes with the sarcophagus of St. Willibrord made from white marbles. On the other hand, the values are colorful with paintings from as early as the 10th century.
10. Beaufort Castle
This structure is located in the Mullerthal area of Luxembourg and dates back to as early as the 12th century. Unfortunately, much of the castle is not well preserved but if you're one who is in for a rustic experience, you'll find this is a magnificent one. The footpaths around the castle run through the woodlands. You might even find some great spots for the vacation photographs!
11. Eisch
Luxembourg has more than 50 castles, many of which can be visited, since they have been restored in recent years like Beaufort, Clervaux or Bourglinster, but there are other lesser-known routes such as the Valley of the Seven Castles. The Guttland region is called the valley of Seven Castles. Interestingly, it spans over 24 kilometres.
If you're into hopping from one spot to another, then you will definitely enjoy castle hopping! This is not an experience you will find just anywhere. Just go along the trail and you'll see all seven one after the other.
12. Luxemburgo-Passerelle
This is the most significant bridge in Luxembourg history and was completed in the year 1861. The Waring Brothers of England created this structure. When you're there, you won't find much to do except look at the Luxembourg city views. Even if it doesn’t sound amazing or exhilarating, once you’re there it turns out to be an experience that is worth the visit.
13. Vianden
Vianden is a quaint town on the German border, right next to the River Our. The town of Vianden is one that you must include in your things to visit in Luxembourg. It is close to the River Our banks and is the most scenic site overall. The town is surrounded by the medieval wall which features several guard towers. On top of that, it has the feudal manor of the 9th century.
Vianden is home to the striking Vianden Castle which stands high above the river. This castle was built between the 11th and 14th centuries and was a prominent home for Luxembourg royalty for hundreds of years before falling to ruin.
Restoration has been on and off since the 1970s and it is now once again returned to its former glory. Luxembourg has its fair share of castles but the Vianden stands out as one of the most photogenic vistas in the entire country. Not only is the castle a great site to see, but there is also a fantastic restaurant, only accessible by chairlift, located on top of the structure.
Above the castle is a fantastic restaurant, accessible only by chair lift, which has the best views of Vianden and the surrounding mountains. Lastly, don't forget to visit the Victor Hugo museum located in the house he once lived in. Even if none of the above interests you, the beautiful town is one you must visit. You will come across trails that are quite popular for hiking.
On the other hand, there is a chairlift which takes you 440 metres above ground and gives you a wonderful view of the countryside.
When you’re on vacation, sometimes you need to give yourself the treatment that you don’t get during the usual busy life. This is why we say treat yourself at the thermal springs of Mondorf-les-Bains. This is one of the best ones within Europe and comes with a health centre, hotel, and gym. The water of the spa comes from the underground pumped spring water. It is said to have healing properties. This is a good way to relax whilst on vacation!
If you’re into water sports and you’re visiting during the warmer months, you can include Upper Sûre Lake in your things to do in Luxembourg list. The locals and the tourists flock here during the warmer months for swimming, sailing, and canoeing. On the other hand, for the ones with more adrenaline in them go diving or windsurfing.
If you still have time, you can also go to the border with Germany and visit Triers, one of the Roman gems of the Germanic country. The German states Rhine-palatinate and Saarland shares border with Luxembourg.
Luxembourg is home to many beautiful sites, a blend of cultures, and a great national spirit. It may be small, but it is definitely worth the stop on anyone’s trip to Europe.