Luxembourg in a Day: Top Sights & Travel Tips
Luxembourg City is a hidden gem in Europe, offering a unique blend of history, modernity, and stunning landscapes. Despite its small size, the city is packed with fascinating attractions and can be easily explored in a single day. With free public transportation, getting around is effortless, making it an ideal destination for a short yet enriching trip. Here’s all that you need to know to plan your Luxembourg day trip!
On our recent trip to Belgium, we decided to add a one night stop in Luxembourg before continuing on to additional stops further south. Having a full day to explore the city was a perfect amount of time to see the main attractions and get a taste of the local culture.
How to Get to Luxembourg City
Luxembourg is well-connected to major European cities. Here are some of the best ways to reach the city:
- By Train: High-speed trains from Paris, Brussels, and Frankfurt make Luxembourg City easily accessible.
- By Plane: Luxembourg Airport (LUX) is just a short bus ride from the city center.
- By Car: Luxembourg’s well-maintained roads and central location make it a great destination for a road trip.
Getting Around: Free Public Transportation
One of the best perks of visiting Luxembourg is its free public transport system. Buses, trams, and trains within the country are completely free, allowing visitors to explore hassle-free. The Luxembourg City Tourist Office along with most hotels also provide walking maps for those who prefer to explore on foot.
We chose to stay in a hotel located by the city’s train station where there are many options available. From here, we found it easy to both walk to the attractions listed below and also hop on the tram line running between the main areas of the city.
Must-See Attractions in Luxembourg City
- Explore the Old Town (Ville Haute): Luxembourg’s Old Town is a UNESCO World Heritage site filled with charming squares, historic buildings, and picturesque alleyways. Wander through Place Guillaume II and Place d’Armes, two of the city’s most vibrant squares.
- Walk Along the Chemin de la Corniche: Often called the “most beautiful balcony in Europe,” the Chemin de la Corniche offers breathtaking views of the lower city and the Alzette River. There are several staircases and ramps taking you from the top of Chemin de la Corniche down the walls to the river below. Elevators are available to help make the journey back to the city center easier.
- Discover the Casemates du Bock: These underground tunnels, part of the city’s fortifications, provide insight into Luxembourg’s military history. The Casemates du Bock are an architectural marvel and a UNESCO-listed attraction. There are sections of Casemates du Bock that you can explore for free, but if you want to go deeper into the tunnels tickets are 10 Euro. More information and tickets can be found on Luxembourg’s visitor site.
- Visit the Grand Ducal Palace: The Grand Ducal Palace is a must-see landmark and the official residence of the Grand Duke. During summer, guided tours allow visitors to explore its stunning interiors.
- Stop by Notre-Dame Cathedral: This 17th-century cathedral is an architectural masterpiece, featuring stunning stained glass windows and intricate Gothic design elements.
Bonus Tip: Stop at the Chocolate House
While visiting the Grand Ducal Palace make sure to stop across the street at the Chocolate House! Located in a 15th century medieval building, this shop is the official cake maker for the royal family. We enjoyed their unique hot chocolate offerings where you get to pick a chocolate encased spoon out of several flavor options and melt it yourself!
Take a Walking Tour of the City
One of the best ways to experience Luxembourg City is through a walking tour. There are two great options depending on your preference:
- Guided Walking Tour: A guided tour provides in-depth knowledge about the city’s history and landmarks. Local guides share fascinating stories and insights that make the experience more engaging. Tours usually start from Place Guillaume II and cover major attractions like the Grand Ducal Palace, Casemates du Bock, and Chemin de la Corniche.
- Self-Guided Walking Tour: For those who prefer to explore at their own pace, a self-guided tour is a great alternative. A recommended route includes:
- Start at Place Guillaume II
- Walk to Notre-Dame Cathedral
- Explore the Grand Ducal Palace
- Stroll along Chemin de la Corniche
- Visit Casemates du Bock
- End your tour at Place d’Armes for a meal or coffee break
Though the city may be small, a Luxembourg day trip offers a rich experience for travelers. With its historical charm, scenic views, and free transport, it’s the perfect place for an unforgettable visit. Check out our International Travel posts for more trip inspiration.