Luxembourg
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Time
9:14 AM
Luxembourg
Luxembourg, with its modest 1000 square mile area, holds many unexpected treasures. From UNESCO-recognized medieval fortifications to the prized Moselle wines, a lively arts scene, cutting-edge architectural marvels, and influential EU institutions, this tiny European country has something for everyone. Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy skiing on the excellent slopes of the northern Ardennes and exploring the scenic trails of the Valley of Seven Castes or Mullerthal with its unique sandstone formations.Find your trip
Situated in the northeast of Luxembourg City, Kirchberg is the city’s business district overlooking the historic city centre, Ville Haute. Linked by the iconic Grand Duchess Charlotte Bridge, also known as the ‘Red Bridge’, Kirchberg showcases a gallery of contemporary architecture designed by renowned architects. Noteworthy landmarks include the Museum of Modern Art Grand Duke Jean MUDAM, crafted by the acclaimed architect Ieoh Ming Pei, creator of the Louvre's glass pyramid. The district also features cultural gems like a glass cathedral adorned with Wim Delvoye's stained glass and the Philharmonie, renowned for its world-class acoustics. Kirchberg is also home to several key European Union institutions, including the European Court of Justice, the European Investment Bank, and the European Court of Auditors.
The charming area of Grund in Lower Luxembourg is one not to be missed on a city tour. Take the Saint Esprit lift and descent into the valley, where historic monuments, such as the UNESCO-listed Neumünster Abbey and 14th-century houses forge an inviting atmosphere – especially so when the Grund comes alive at night. There is some excellent dining to be had here, including the Michelin-starred Kamakura and Mosconi.
Two former railway roundhouses turned premier cultural hot spot, the refurbished Rotondes complex plays host to multiple artistic events all through the year, from concerts to theatrical performances, exhibitions, design markets, movie screenings, and more. Check the website to see what's on.
This panoramic elevator serves as a handy transportation link between the city quarters of Ville Haute, the historical city centre, with Pfaffenthal, an area at the very bottom of the Alzette Valley. Its glass walls provide unobstructed views of Luxembourg from as high as 70 metres above ground. Riding the elevator is free of charge.
The Wenzel Circular Walk is a great way to start off a day of sightseeing: starting at Bock Promontory and via the Castle Bridge, you soon arrive at Chemin de la Corniche, one of the city's most scenic panoramic lookout points. Passing through the Grund Gate and along the Wenzel Wall, you will eventually reach the cultural centre of Neumünster Abbey, following along to Plateau du Rham, containing further defence fortifications.
What remains of the impressive network of underground tunnels used as WWII bomb shelters is now open to the public, and belongs to the UNESCO World Heritage list. Part of Luxembourg's extensive defence structures, the Casemates made up the fortification complex that earned the city its proud nickname of ‘Gibraltar of the North’, for being as impregnable as the rock of Gibraltar.
Luxembourg's own Notre-Dame (the country's only cathedral) was originally a Jesuit church, and its cornerstone was laid in 1613. It's built in the Gothic tradition, with Renaissance and Baroque decor elements. The cathedral also contains the tomb of John the Blind.
This sobering memorial has become the final resting place for over 5,000 American soldiers who lost their lives during WWII. The expansive 50-acre grounds are dotted with sombre white tombstones, crosses and Stars of David for those of the Jewish faith. There is an informative visitor centre on-site.
Situated in the northeast of Luxembourg City, Kirchberg is the city’s business district overlooking the historic city centre, Ville Haute. Linked by the iconic Grand Duchess Charlotte Bridge, also known as the ‘Red Bridge’, Kirchberg showcases a gallery of contemporary architecture designed by renowned architects. Noteworthy landmarks include the Museum of Modern Art Grand Duke Jean MUDAM, crafted by the acclaimed architect Ieoh Ming Pei, creator of the Louvre's glass pyramid. The district also features cultural gems like a glass cathedral adorned with Wim Delvoye's stained glass and the Philharmonie, renowned for its world-class acoustics. Kirchberg is also home to several key European Union institutions, including the European Court of Justice, the European Investment Bank, and the European Court of Auditors.
The charming area of Grund in Lower Luxembourg is one not to be missed on a city tour. Take the Saint Esprit lift and descent into the valley, where historic monuments, such as the UNESCO-listed Neumünster Abbey and 14th-century houses forge an inviting atmosphere – especially so when the Grund comes alive at night. There is some excellent dining to be had here, including the Michelin-starred Kamakura and Mosconi.
Located smack in the heart of Luxembourg City's old town, Brasserie Guillaume is an incredible address to remember for seafood lovers. Seafood quality is taken very seriously here, with regular deliveries from the region's best suppliers and fishmongers. Treat yourself to an oyster platter, mussels, or opt for their signature carpaccio.
For a taste of traditional Luxembourgish fare, try this local eatery serving up specialities such as 'kniddelen' (boiled potato dumplings) that come in several varieties (try the sampling platter for two if you're interested in having a few).
Situated in the Grund and renowned for its homemade traditional comfort food, Brasserie Bosso attracts many, especially during the warmer months when the outdoor terrace enjoys popularity. Some of the menu favourites include 'spätzle' (fried egg noodles done the Bosso way), German-style flammekueche (pizza topped with crème fraîche, onions and lardons), 'rösti' (potato pancake), schnitzels, and more.
Nestled in the heart of Luxembourg's historic city, L'Annexe invites you to savour exquisite French cuisine, infused with Mediterranean and international flavours. The restaurant's culinary creations showcase inventive designs and aesthetic compositions worthy of an Instagram post, which combined with its unparalleled service and warm atmosphere make it for a top-notch dining experience.
Beet seamlessly pulls off vegan cooking, serving up several varieties of plant-based burgers that can easily compete with their meaty counterparts – with chilly cheese, Vietnamese/mango and portobello patties, to name a few. A menu set comes with fries, salad and sauce.
Almost painfully unremarkable from the outside, Il Bosco enjoys a near-cult following among locals, the main reason being their fantastic, authentic-as-it-gets pizzas oven-baked in traditional Italian style. The hospitable owner family also serves up great pasta, seafood, and meat dishes.
Overlooking the scenic Moselle River, Bistro Quai captivates with its expansive terrace surrounded by verdant landscapes and floor-to-ceiling glass walls, creating a stunning dining ambience. The menu showcases a diverse array of refined European and local dishes, complemented by an extensive selection of regional wines. Situated in a prime location, it serves as an ideal dining spot for those exploring the Moselle on a wine tour.
Located smack in the heart of Luxembourg City's old town, Brasserie Guillaume is an incredible address to remember for seafood lovers. Seafood quality is taken very seriously here, with regular deliveries from the region's best suppliers and fishmongers. Treat yourself to an oyster platter, mussels, or opt for their signature carpaccio.
For a taste of traditional Luxembourgish fare, try this local eatery serving up specialities such as 'kniddelen' (boiled potato dumplings) that come in several varieties (try the sampling platter for two if you're interested in having a few).
Luxembourg's most respectable chocolatier runs a popular café right across from Palais Grand-Ducal, in a beautiful historic building dating back to the 15th century. Although the boutique stocks a plethora of hand-crafted chocolates and sweet spreads, the speciality here is hot chocolate: take a pick from the impressive spoon display featuring a variety of flavours, each individually packaged and ready to become an excellent souvenir or a drink to have right then and there. Treats sold are all-natural, with no artificial additives or palm oil.
Every Wednesday and Saturday Luxembourg City's Place Guillaume II (and Place de Paris on Wednesdays) transform into a fresh produce market featuring the finest products from the region: fresh fruit and vegetables, meats, spreads, jams, and more. Many of the towns and villages across Luxembourg host their own weekly produce markets; the exact days of the week may vary by location.
A legendary home decor brand with a history of nearly 300 years, Villeroy & Boch produces ceramics that have made appearances everywhere from onboard the Titanic to modern-day films and TV shows, such as House of Cards and Ocean's Eleven. The factory outlet in Luxembourg City's outskirts is an excellent place to find great deals on both original Old Luxembourg patterns and more experimental modern pieces.
Few places are a better find to shop for all things Luxembourgish than this fantastic store stocking everything from Moselle Valley wines and local beer to ceramics, jewellery, designer accessories, books, and more – all created by artists from the region. It's a treasure trove of memorable, unique gifts and souvenirs.
It doesn't get any more fresh and organic than the Berdorfer Keis dairy farm, which produces multiple varieties of cheese with both cow and goat milk, yoghurt, ice creams, and more. The on-site Fromagerie Schmalen-Brouwer shop stocks a selection of regional products alongside those from the farm itself.
Run by one of the country's best sommeliers, Vinoteca is a refined wine bar, tasting room and shop featuring wines from the Moselle Valley. The on-site boutique features nearly 3000 labels of fine wines produced both locally in the Moselle and imported from abroad (among them around 100 vintages).
Luxembourg's most respectable chocolatier runs a popular café right across from Palais Grand-Ducal, in a beautiful historic building dating back to the 15th century. Although the boutique stocks a plethora of hand-crafted chocolates and sweet spreads, the speciality here is hot chocolate: take a pick from the impressive spoon display featuring a variety of flavours, each individually packaged and ready to become an excellent souvenir or a drink to have right then and there. Treats sold are all-natural, with no artificial additives or palm oil.
Every Wednesday and Saturday Luxembourg City's Place Guillaume II (and Place de Paris on Wednesdays) transform into a fresh produce market featuring the finest products from the region: fresh fruit and vegetables, meats, spreads, jams, and more. Many of the towns and villages across Luxembourg host their own weekly produce markets; the exact days of the week may vary by location.
Luxembourg can be visited visa-free for up to 90 days by citizens of most European countries, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, Malaysia, Israel, UAE and most countries in America. If you are unsure whether or not you need to apply for a visa, we recommend contacting the embassy or consulate in your country. International (non-Schengen) travellers need a passport that is valid for at least 3 months after the end of their intended trip in order to enter the Schengen zone. Citizens of Schengen countries can travel without a passport but must have a valid ID with them during their stay.
Luxembourg can be visited at any time of year. Keep in mind, however, that some attractions, especially in the Ardennes area, may only function at full capacity during the high season months of July and August (for example, guided tours to some castles/museums may only be available during those months). Do not let this be a decisive factor though, since most attractions can still be visited on your own. If you're looking for active pastimes, such as hiking, late spring or early autumn may be your best bet with regard to comfortable temperatures. While the summer season may be better for trips and excursions, the pre-Christmas period with its atmospheric markets is another good time to go, and temperatures rarely drop below zero even in the winter.
Luxembourg's only international airport may be easily reached by public transport. Buses 6, 16, and 29 will take you to the city centre every 10 to 30 minutes. Since March 2020, public transport in Luxembourg has been free of charge. For more details on the schedules of these lines, visit the Luxembourg public transport website. Taxis can be hired at the airport, as well as rental cars. One can also travel to Luxembourg via the German city of Trier (Bus 117, which stops both at the Luxembourg airport and in the city). There are coaches that run to France (Metz, Nancy) and Belgium (Arlon, Bastogne, Marche-en-Famenne) operated by a private provider called Flibco.
As of February 29, 2020, Luxembourg has revolutionised public transportation by making it entirely free for both residents and tourists alike. This groundbreaking initiative encompasses buses, trains, and trams. The extensive and interconnected network seamlessly connects urban centres, rural areas, and even extends across borders to Germany, France, and Belgium. Passengers only need to show a personal identity document, if requested by the conductor.
Pharmacies in Luxembourg are generally open Monday to Friday from 8:30am to 6pm. Pharmacies in Luxembourg City and larger towns also operate on Saturdays.
There are multiple taxi ranks in Luxembourg City (next to the Central Station and behind the Notre-Dame Cathedral are the two main ones). Uber does not operate in Luxembourg. However, the country has an Uber-like alternative called Hellotaxi. You can book your taxi online or via the app.
Post offices normally work Monday through Friday, and some close for lunch. Letterboxes in Luxembourg are yellow.
230 volts, 50 Hz. Electrical outlet type F, a 2-plug socket primarily used in Europe and Russia.
Luxembourg can be visited visa-free for up to 90 days by citizens of most European countries, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, Malaysia, Israel, UAE and most countries in America. If you are unsure whether or not you need to apply for a visa, we recommend contacting the embassy or consulate in your country. International (non-Schengen) travellers need a passport that is valid for at least 3 months after the end of their intended trip in order to enter the Schengen zone. Citizens of Schengen countries can travel without a passport but must have a valid ID with them during their stay.
Luxembourg can be visited at any time of year. Keep in mind, however, that some attractions, especially in the Ardennes area, may only function at full capacity during the high season months of July and August (for example, guided tours to some castles/museums may only be available during those months). Do not let this be a decisive factor though, since most attractions can still be visited on your own. If you're looking for active pastimes, such as hiking, late spring or early autumn may be your best bet with regard to comfortable temperatures. While the summer season may be better for trips and excursions, the pre-Christmas period with its atmospheric markets is another good time to go, and temperatures rarely drop below zero even in the winter.
