10 Things to Do in Luxembourg

Luxembourg invites you to explore its valleys, charming ramparts, and the most beautiful corniche in Europe. Skyscrapers are practically unheard of here, with cobbled houses everywhere forming an unforgettable picture postcard scene. You can enjoy a ride on the city train through the old town or venture onto the panoramic elevator that connects the upper and lower towns.

This city will welcome you and take you through its ducal history. If you plan well, you will have time to see landmarks such as Notre-Dame Cathedral or lose yourself in the secret passages hidden in its valleys and ancient castles. Of course, if you like mythology, don't miss the opportunity to learn about the history of the mermaid of Luxembourg.

I suggest starting with the old town, where many monuments and tourist attractions such as the Fortress of Luxembourg are concentrated. If you don't feel like walking, you can take advantage of the scenic tour offered in this area on a tourist train that looks like something out of a fairy tale with its vibrant colors and spacious carriages. You'll have about 45 minutes to admire the daily life, medieval architecture, and charming cobbled streets.

It's more than just a ride; as the train moves along, you'll learn about the city's history thanks to its informative audio guide. You will see the Cathedral of Notre-Dame de Luxembourg, the Place d'Armes, and the Ducal Palace.

When you book the city train through the old town, you won't miss a thing, thanks to its glass windows and roof offering panoramic views.

Details of interest

• Price: around €15 per person.
• Timetable: generally available between 11:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m.
• Duration: the tour takes approximately 45 minutes.

The country is also known as the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg, probably because of its status as a monarchy in which the crown has been passed down through the generations of the Nassau family.

So you don't miss a thing, here are three of the most iconic attractions in Luxembourg's history. Each of these sites is not only impressive in terms of its architecture, but also deeply connected to the Grand Duchy.

Grand Ducal Palace of Luxembourg

The Grand Ducal Palace has been the official residence of the monarchy since 1817, although it has also been used as a town hall. It can be visited from July to September, but you must make a reservation in advance at the Luxembourg Tourist Office. Its interior is impressive and you can see:

• The Royal Dining Room, where royal banquets are held.
• The Hall of Kings, decorated with portraits of the monarchs of Luxembourg.
• The Yellow Room, from where the Grand Duke delivers his annual Christmas message.

William I Square

Another emblem of the city is William I Square, a tribute to Grand Duke William I. In the middle, you can see a statue of the duke on horseback, which makes it easy to distinguish from other squares. It is close to the palace, and a great way to discover its history and the wonders that surround it is to book a guided tour of Luxembourg.

Vianden Castle

Vianden Castle is another marvel that I wouldn't miss if I were you, as it is located in the hills near Luxembourg. Specifically, it is twenty-five minutes from the city and offers panoramic views of the Our Valley and the village of Vianden. If you have time to visit the interior, you can enjoy a glimpse into the castle's past, tour the historic halls, and appreciate archaeological remains.

• Price: tickets are around €10 per person.

The Corniche is known as the most beautiful corniche in Europe and offers stunning panoramic views of the city. It is located on the old city walls and winds along the cliffs, offering beautiful views of the Alzette Valley. Along the way , you will find viewpoints, ruins, and fortresses that protected the city for years.

It is an exclusive, completely free, and very popular spot around sunset. You can complement this walk with other activities such as booking a bike tour of Luxembourg. If you feel like cycling, you can enjoy the company of a guide and lose yourself in iconic sites near the corniche such as:

• The Petrusse Parks, where green gardens combine with dirt paths, right in the lower part of the city.
• The Pafendall neighborhood, a historic area known for its elevator, bars, and renovated buildings from the Roman era.
• The Grund neighborhood, which can be seen from the corniche and is notable for its cobbled houses and riverside plans.

Interesting details

• Price: Admission to La Corniche is free, but if you want to explore it by bike and see other nearby attractions, you can rent bikes from €1 per hour or sign up for a guided bike tour for around €64.

Luxembourg doesn't have the Louvre pyramid, but it does have the Mudan Museum of Modern Art, both designed by Chinese architect Ieoh Ming Pei. Upon entering, you'll find exhibitions by contemporary artists ranging from graphic design to fashion, offering impressive collections.

You won't know what to expect in each hallway, but to give you an idea, there is a variety of paintings, photographs, and sculptures. You can also be surprised by the temporary exhibitions.

If this place catches your attention, I suggest you book tickets for the Mudan Museum of Modern Art in advance. The pass includes benefits such as free WiFi, cloakroom, lockers, restrooms, and unlimited access to all areas.

Details of interest

• Price: around €13 per person.
• Hours: generally Tuesday through Sunday from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
• How to get there: you can take the bus to the museum from the city center.

The transition from Gothic architecture is reflected in the imposing Notre Dame Cathedral in Luxembourg. You're sure to love it, and it's a must-see if you're interested in church tours, as it's the main cathedral in the country.

The façade is impressive and stands out for its ornamental details. You can also visit the interior to see the stained glass windows from centuries past, as well as the crypt where the tomb of the Count of Luxembourg is located.

Due to its proximity, take advantage of the opportunity to lose yourself in the wonders of the heart of Luxembourg and check out the Citadelle du Saint-Esprit. It is a historic site due to its architecture and role during the wars. In fact, its origins date back to 1234, when it was used as a convent. If you sign up for a guided tour of the old town, you can learn more about the history of the cathedral and other significant places in the area.

Useful information

• Price: Admission to the cathedral is free.
• Hours: Monday to Saturday from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., Sundays from 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
• How to get there: the cathedral is located in the historic center on Rue Notre-Dame. If you want to visit the Citadel, I recommend walking there.

The Casemates of Luxembourg are ancient underground passages that connected medieval castles and were used as shelters, shooting ranges, and craft beer pubs. Today, they are one of the city's main tourist attractions and are an ideal place to visit to transport yourself back to the origins of Luxembourg.

Bock Casemates

The Bock Casemates are a 17th-century marvel. They consist of a gallery carved out of stone where you can explore Luxembourg's military history. Their underground labyrinths still echo with the cries of soldiers, and their dim light will transport you back to the origins of some wars. As you explore the interior, you can hear the footsteps of the rest of the group and peer out of the small panoramic windows.

• Price: around €10 per person, with discounts for children.
• Opening hours: every day from 9:45 a.m. to 5:15 p.m., with guided tours starting every 15 minutes.
• How to get there: they are near the Pont du Château and can be reached by bus or tram.

Pétrusse Casemates

These casemates are the most popular and are located above the Pétrusse River valley. Today, the Pétrusse Casemates feature exhibitions and modern scenery. Get ready to climb up and down stairs and discover this marvel created by the Spanish.

• Price: approximately €18, with discounts for children.
• Opening hours: they are open every day, but guided tours have specific times between 11:30 a.m. and 3:00 p.m.
• How to get there: you can get there by bus or tram.

Another unmissable activity is taking the Pfaffenthal panoramic elevator. This attraction is quite modern, with a smooth ascent that is perfect for families. You can also use it as a means of transport, as it connects the Pfaffenthal neighborhood and the lower part of the city with Pescatore Park and the upper part of the city. Prepare to be speechless with the views of the valley and the city walls.

You will reach the top and be 75 meters above the city. From this privileged viewpoint, you can see how the Alzette River winds its way through the picturesque houses that characterize Luxembourg.

Details of interest

• Price: completely free.
• Hours: every day from 5:45 a.m. to 1:00 a.m.
• How to get there: it is located on Rue du Pont and can be reached by bus or tram.

The European Parliament in Luxembourg is a building that is well worth visiting during your stay in the city. The European Union has three headquarters, and this one is responsible for the General Secretariat, delegating other functions to its offices in France and Belgium. Not only can you see its imposing facade, but you can also visit the Europa Experience visitor center to explore the work of this organization and the rooms where decisions are made.

Specifically, there are informative exhibitions with multimedia projectors that help you understand each stand. In addition, you can visit the Hemicycle and see the debating and voting chamber. It also has a 3D cinema where you can immerse yourself in the history of Europe.

If you like to have fun while learning, you can take advantage of its virtual reality attractions or participate in a role-playing game that allows you to be a Member of the European Parliament for a few hours; however, this activity may have a cost and must be booked in advance.

Useful information

• Price: Admission is free, but if you are visiting with a group of more than 10 people, you must book a group visit. To enter, you must bring identification, such as your ID card or passport.
• Opening hours: Open Monday to Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
• How to get there: It is located in the European Quarter and is easily accessible by bus and tram. The nearest stops are Luxembourg and Pfinz.

The pointed gray dome that stands out from different angles of the city is the compass that leads to Neumünster Abbey. It was built in the 16th century and has since undergone several transformations and uses, from an orphanage to a prison.

It currently functions as a cultural center where you can enjoy art exhibitions, traditional festivals, concerts, and exciting events.

The Mermaid of Luxembourg

I would take advantage of this visit to meet Medusina, a creature from European mythology. She is easy to find as she is a sculpture near the abbey. She represents a pink mermaid, whose spirit has apparently been roaming the streets since the origins of Luxembourg.

There are several legends, and I will tell you some of the most popular ones:

• The mermaid and the count: one of the legends suggests that before she became a statue, she married the Count of Luxembourg. However, when she was exposed in her natural form, she was petrified.
• Melusina and her father: another story tells that she was a normal girl who was locked in a tower by her own mother. Her emotions unleashed her powers, and as she did not know how to use them, she ended up turning herself into a mermaid.

Details of interest

• Price: admission is free.
• Opening hours: open every day from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
• How to get there: it is in the Grund district and you can take a bus or tram and then use the panoramic elevator that connects directly to this area.

Luxembourg wine has a unique flavor thanks to the cultural diversity of this city, which is located at the crossroads of France, Germany, and Belgium. If you want to try the best wines, consider booking a wine tour of the Moselle Valley. This region has been the local wine center since Roman times and offers a wide variety of grapes.

Luxembourg wines are different because of the minerals in their soils, which give them sweet flavors with fruity, spicy, and fresh notes. Among the best wines in Luxembourg are those made from:

• The Riesling grape, from which the famous Luxembourg white wine is made, notable for its acidic flavor and fruity aroma of apple, quince, or herbs.
• Elbling grapes, which are a lighter variety and are used to make the oldest wine.
• Rivaner grapes, ideal for producing a delicious wine with a sweet flavor.
• Auxerrois grapes, which are used to make local wines that accompany meals.

The main advantage of signing up for an excursion to the Moselle Valley is that you can enjoy other activities, such as a boat trip to see the villages surrounding the town of Schengen. Of course, you can immerse yourself in a tasting of different types of wines, as well as discover the best wineries and vineyards in the region.

Details of interest

• Price: you can book a wine experience in the Moselle Valley for around €104 per person.