How to Explore the Gems of Luxembourg City in One Day

Welcome to Luxembourg City, a picturesque European gem that captivates visitors with its historical charm and scenic landscapes. Nestled between Germany, France, and Belgium, this tiny yet captivating city is the perfect destination for travelers seeking a unique blend of rich history, cultural diversity, and exquisite gastronomy.

In this blog post, we will take you on a delightful journey through Luxembourg City, exploring its mouthwatering food and drinks, must-visit landmarks, convenient transportation options, and essential tips for making the most of your trip to this enchanting destination.

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Sites and Landmarks

I love how walkable the city is, even with the ease of transportation in the city. There are so many landmarks and sites to see while visiting Luxembourg City.

Constitution Square

This beautiful city square consists of a memorial dedicated to WW2 soldiers, freedom, and resistance. During the warmer months, you can wander through the gardens and sit and enjoy the views of the city. You can enter this area via stairs or a lift. This area is free to visit and open 24 hours a day.

Bock Casemates

Begin your adventure at the historic Bock Casemates, an intriguing UNESCO-listed site comprising underground tunnels and fortifications from the 17th century. These remnants of the city’s military past offer a fascinating glimpse into its history. Tickets are €8.00 for adults and €4.00 for children ages 4-12.

Notre-Dame Cathedral

Marvel at the grandeur of the Notre-Dame Cathedral, a stunning example of late Gothic architecture adorned with intricate stained glass windows and an impressive facade. First built in 1600s, this stunning church was originally a Jesuit church.

Grand District

Take a leisurely stroll through the picturesque Grand District, nestled along the Alzette River. The charming cobblestone streets, quaint houses, and inviting cafes create a delightful ambiance for exploration. Luxembourg City is the loveliest city to just walk around and explore, you can get lost in the streets.

Grand Ducal Palace

The Grand Ducal Palace serves as the official residence of the Grand Duke and showcases impressive architectural design. You can take a 75 minute guided tour July through September.

Tickets for the guided tour are €15.00 for adults and €7.50 for child ages 4-12 years old. Additionally, you can even watch the changing of the guard outside while eating delicious desserts from The Chocolate House across the street.

Philharmonie Luxembourg

For music enthusiasts, the Philharmonie Luxembourg is a must-visit. Attend a performance at this renowned concert hall to witness world-class musicians and orchestras in action. You can visit their website for their calendar of events, as well as a guided tour in English, French, or German.

Museum of Modern Art Grand-Duc Jean

If you’re interested in art, the MUDAM-Museum of Modern Art Grand-Duc Jean is a contemporary art museum featuring various collections and exhibitions, modern architecture, and Fort Thüngen located right outside. Tickets are €8.00 for adults and closed on Tuesdays.

Fort Thüngen

Partly reconstructed fortress located a little outside the city center. Built in 1732, you can now visit the fortress and museum and take a journey through Luxembourg’s rich history, with a focus on its military past. With more than 600 artifacts, you can visit Fort Thüngen free of charge and take in panoramic views of the city.

Luxembourg American Cemetery

Although not technically in the city center of Luxembourg City, Luxembourg American Cemetery and Memorial is located just 15 minutes away. The cemetery was established on December 29, 1944 by the 609th Quartermaster Company of the U.S. Third Army during WWII.

The city of Luxembourg was the headquarters for General George S. Patton and this cemetery is the final resting place for General Patton and over 5,000 American soldiers who lost their lives. The Luxembourg American Cemetery and Memorial is free to visit.

Parc de Merl

A large urban park located outside of the city center that offers a large, elaborate playground for children, ponds, and restaurant and bar. Dog friendly, free to visit, with plenty of gardens and fountains. This is the perfect place to spend time with your family and children while in the area.

Culinary Delights and Drinks

Indulge in the unique flavors of Luxembourgish cuisine, which draws influences from French, German, and Belgian traditions. There are numerous top rated restaurants, bars, and sweet treats located throughout the city to indulge in.

Café-Restaurant Um Dierfgen – Open for lunch and dinner, they offer Luxembourgish specialties, such as flour dumplings, mixed ham of the country, and more. This restaurant is a bit on the more expensive side.

Restaurant Himalaya – If you’re interested in Indian cuisine, look no further than Restaurant Himalaya. Well known for its authentic Nepalese and Indian food, they are highly rated with big portions. Can definitely get busy for dinner, so I recommend reserving a table in advance.

Urban Bar & Restaurant – Located nearby the Grand Ducal Palace, this trendy restaurant and bar is absolutely delicious! They offer tasty cocktails, cocktails, beer, and ciders, burgers and sandwiches, desserts and breakfast. I do recommend a reservation during busy hours.

Peppermint restaurant asiatique – Open a few hours for lunch and then dinner, Peppermint is a highly rated Asian restaurant located a little south of the city center. Another place that can get busy, so if you’re interested in trying delicious food, make a reservation.

Lux’burgers – Speciality burger restaurant located near the train station and only open for lunch. If you’re a burger lover, this place is for you. Burgers costs €18.90 and are served with fries, and they also serve hot dogs.

The Chocolate House – If you’re a fan of chocolates, this is one place you do not want to miss. Located right across from Grand Ducal Palace, they offer different chocolates, cakes, and drinks to purchase. Every time I’m in the city, I always stop and purchase a bag full of chocolates!

How to Get to Luxembourg

It’s essential to know how to reach Luxembourg City. The city is well-connected to major European destinations, as it’s centrally located. You can access it through Luxembourg Airport, which receives regular flights from various cities across the continent.

Alternatively, you can also reach the city via train or bus from neighboring countries, making it easily accessible for travelers. Central train station is located a little south of the city center, within walking distance.

As of March 2020, Luxembourg is the first country in the world making all public transportation free of charge. You will only pay when buying a first class ticket.

Essential Travel Tips

If you plan on visiting Luxembourg City, there are a few travel tips to know to keep in mind to plan your trip with ease.

Langauge

While Luxembourgish is the national language, English, French, and German are widely spoken, making it easy for travelers to communicate. I have used some minimal French when I’ve visited. One good tip is to always have Google Translate downloaded on your phone for optimal ease with communication.

Currency

The official currency is the Euro (EUR), and ATMs are readily available throughout the city for cash withdrawals. It’s always best to keep some euro on hand when needed also.

Transportation

Bus, rail, and tram are free within the country and city, so enjoy while getting from one side to the other. The city is very walkable to walk from one side to the other, but public transportation is a breeze.

Parking

There are numerous parking garages located all around the city if you are driving to the city from an outside country. We have parked in the Monterey Garage numerous times with no issues and is a 2.0m height. Another parking garage located in the city center is Parking Knuedler.

If you’re looking for parking lot instead of an underground parking garage, you can park in a lot near Parc Kinnekswiss in the Parking Glacis lot. They offer free parking after 6:00 pm at times, but keep in mind they also offer events and activities in this lot that can limit space.

Tours

If you like learning about the history of the city you’re visiting, look into taking a guided tour. Whether it’s a walking tour, food and wine tour, or a castle tour, you surely will not be disappointed. We love Get Your Guide for tours when traveling.

Luxembourg Christmas Market

Luxembourg City has spectacular Christmas markets every season. Scattered throughout the city, there are 5 markets to visit and enjoy with loved ones. The Luxembourg Christmas market completely transforms the city into a stunning winter wonderland.

With all the Christmas decorations, lights, and trees within the city, you can enjoy everything these markets have to offer, such as food and drink stands, crafts and souvenir stands, and amusement rides for all ages.

Luxembourg City, with its intriguing history, stunning landmarks, and mouthwatering culinary scene, promises an unforgettable experience for every traveler. From the underground wonders of Bock Casemates to the exquisite delights of Luxembourgish cuisine, this city has something for everyone.

Embrace the unique cultural fusion, immerse yourself in the local way of life, and create memories that will stay with you long after you leave. So, pack your bags, indulge your senses, and embark on a remarkable journey through the heart of Europe in Luxembourg City.