This destination guide for Luxembourg City is the second in a series about cities in Europe that are perfect for weekend getaways. Luxembourg is of course also a country (albeit a teeny tiny extremely rich one!) but this travel guide will mainly focus on Luxembourg City.
Luxembourg is probably best known as a tax haven for the mega rich with the 2nd highest GDP per person in the world. However there is a lot more to this small nation than just its wealth. It is the only surviving Grand Duchy and due to its geographical position between Belgium, France and Germany its culture is a fascinating mix of Germanic and French influences. Indeed there are 3 languages used in Luxembourg- French, German and Luxemburgish. Never fear if you don’t speak any of these three though as you can also get by on English just fine!
Luxembourg city was built where the Pétrusse and Alzette rivers meet on cliffs straddling the two river valleys. It’s not hard to see why in times gone by Luxembourg City was built up to be one of the most powerful fortresses in Europe, earning it the nickname of the ‘Gibraltar of the North.’ To give you an idea of just how sought after a territory it was past rulers of the Duchy include the Dutch, French, Prussians and Spaniards.
Today Luxembourg city is one of the three official capitals of the EU as the seat of the European Court of Justice as well as being ranked among the top 10 most liveable cities in the world. With its exceptionally preserved old quarters and fortifications it has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It’s small size make it a fantastic destination for a weekend trip away as everything is in walking distance of the city centre.
When to Visit Luxembourg
Luxembourg has typical continental climate, which means it is quite cold in winter (typically ranging from -5° to 5°) but quite mild in summer (commonly 18° to 26°). The spring and autumn months are generally the best if you’re looking to avoid wet weather. Ultimately though Luxembourg can be visited all year round, and personally I really love seeing the city in Winter during the festive season (mulled wine anyone?)
Getting To Luxembourg
There are around 800 flights a week into Luxembourg-Findel Airport, most of them from major European cities. If you’re flying from the UK your options are British Airways from London Heathrow, Luxair from London City, Ryanair from London Stansted, Easy Jet from London Gatwick or flybe from Manchester. Luxembourg is also well connected by rail to cities in neighbouring countries like Trier in Germany, Brussels in Belgium and Metz in France.
Where to Stay in Luxembourg
We booked a good value Airbnb in the central city that was walking distance from everything we wanted to see.
Where & What to Eat in Luxembourg
Luxembourg is great for food lovers as it has a mix of the best of French and German inspired food- think great wine & cheese but equally good local beer & wurst! A highlight of the culinary calendar that really shows off the diverse food that is available in Luxembourg is no doubt the Christmas market that runs from late November right through until December 24th in the central square – the Place d’Armes.
Outside of the festive season there are two main go to areas for dining and nightlife- the city centre, which is a little more touristy and the area near the Mousel Brewery in Clausen and the nearby Grund which is popular among locals for nights out. If you’re planning on having 2 or 3 course meal be prepared for the cost to add up, this is Luxembourg after all. However if you’re looking to keep costs down with more affordable breakfasts or lunches I’d highly recommend the Boulangerie Paul in the main square . Their French bread is to die for!
What to See & Do in Luxembourg
Spend some time exploring the central city first off- there are some lovely art galleries and beautiful churches to see and you may also want to fit in a spot of shopping.
Of course you can’t leave out the Grand Ducal Palace & nearby Parliament. If you visit in the height of summer from July until the end of August you’ll have the option of a guided tour.
You’ll also want to find time for the Wenzel Circuit. This 1.5 to 2hr walk starts on the Bock Promontory where the city and its fortifications were first begun back in 963. You can see many of the gun emplacements and tunnels that were built by successive rulers and armies that controlled Luxembourg.
Next you’ll make your way to the Chemin de la Corniche i.e. ‘the most beautiful balcony in Europe’ lined by noble houses that have stunning views over the lower part of the city- the Alzette valley and the Grund area.
From there you head down the path and through the valley stopping to admire charming old bridges, medieval walls and moats near the Neumenster Abbey.
Finally you reach the Grund and thankfully the Upper Town is just a quick elevator ride away via the Pfaffenthal panoramic elevator.
So there you have it – a charming wee weekend getaway offering something for everyone, from food lovers & shopoholics to culture vultures & history buffs!
Looking for other mini-break destinations or travelling elsewhere in Europe, check out all the posts here.