What to see in Luxembourg: 16 best attractions and one day itinerary

It is the “home” of numerous European agencies, one of the most prolific lands of banks and credit institutions. We are talking about the state of Luxembourg, the only Grand Duchy in the world bordering 3 European super powers: Germany, France and Belgium. One of the “hottest” areas of politics and diplomacy of the Old Continent, however, has much more to offer than banknotes and “comings and goings” of men of power. Its history, its culture and its charm can be found throughout the nation , easily “explorable” thanks to the efficient road and rail networks.
So let’s find out what to see in Luxembourg with this guide with practical tips on the city!

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1 – Old Town

Very lively and full of movement . The main street, Gran Rue, is entirely used as a pedestrian path , with shops and clubs. It will be easy to savor a coffee while glimpsing the windows of luxury and non-luxury stores, looking for a trendy garment or a typical “gastronomic” souvenir of the place, such as beer or chocolate.

The focal point of the historic center is undoubtedly Place d’Armes , a large square surrounded by trees and lively day and night, thanks to the presence of restaurants and pubs where young natives and tourists flock. The square, also pedestrian, encloses all the, inside which there are some of the most important monuments of the city: the Town Hall and the column erected in memory of two national poets, Dicks and Michel Lentz. Not far from Place d’Armes we find Place Guillaume, the historic city square , also full of many attractions to see, among which the most important is undoubtedly the City Hall.
The two main squares of Luxembourg City are connected to each other by a short pedestrian path of approximately 2 minutes, along the Place d’Armes towards Rue Chimay / Dreikinneksgass.

Discover also the local gastronomy : we recommend lunch or dinner at the Brasserie La Lorraine, one of the restaurants symbol of the gastronomy of the city, a real institution!

2 – Place de la Constitution and Gelle Fra
Photo by trolvag. Place de la Constitution is famous for two reasons : the balcony from which you can enjoy a splendid view of the Grund below and the Adolphe bridge, and the golden column of Gelle Fra that stands in the center.
The monument of Remembrance (in French Monument du Souvenir), better known precisely with the name of Gelle Fra which in Luxembourg means Golden Lady, is a military memorial . The monument is in fact dedicated to the thousands of Luxembourgish citizens who enlisted in the armed forces of the allied countries and were killed during the First World War.
It is located exactly adjacent to the Cathedral (260 meters), on the opposite side of the road. Just 3 minutes walk via Boulevard Franklin Delano Roosevelt / N50 – Get Directions

3 – Adolphe Bridge
Photo by GilPe. One of the symbols of Luxembourg City . 42m tall and over 150m long, it offers great views both when looking at it and when walking along it. It crosses the Petrusse Valley, connecting the districts of Gare and Ville Haute. Built between 1900 and 1903, at the time of its construction, the 85 m stone arch was the largest in the world.
Since 2018, the Adolphe Bridge has officially become a two-story bridge. It now houses cars, buses and soon trams on its upper level, and a suspended cycle / pedestrian path, built a few meters below street level. A practical and ingenious solution, but also beautiful to look at.
The bridge is located in Uewerstad. 500m from Place d’Armes, walkable (6 min) via Avenue Monterey and Pont Adolphe – Get Directions

4 – Notre Dame Cathedral
Photo by Benh LIEU SONG.
Photo by Ich (Jeff Croise). Certainly less “famous” than her namesake in Paris, in reality the Notre Dame Cathedral located in Luxembourg City has little or nothing to envy to its “colleague”. Characterized by the typical slender and thin spiers(unmistakable “signature” of the Gothic style), the small cathedral was built in 1600 by the Jesuits.

Inside there are two important sculptural works : “Le prisonnier politique” in bronze by Lucien Wercollier, and the statue of the national patroness, the Virgin Consoler of the Afflicted. Inside , access is also allowed to the crypt dedicated to St. Peter , where the remains of the Grand Dukes of Luxembourg lie. But what will immediately catch the eye once you enter are the stained glass windows.

Stroll in the Parcs de la Petrusse : after visiting the Cathedral, we recommend you take a walk in the beautiful park below, a real green lung of the city!

• How to get there: on Rue Notre Dame. From the city center (Place d’Armes), it can be reached on foot in 3 min, proceeding eastwards on Place d’Armes towards Rue Chimay / Dreikinneksgaass. Reference bus stop Center-Cathedrale – Get directions
• Hours: Mon-Sat 8: 30-18: 00. Closed during the celebration of religious services
• Ticket cost: free

5 – Chemin de la Corniche
Renamed “balcony of Europe”, the Chemin de la Corniche is a panoramic path that is a few minutes’ walk from the capital , crossing which it is possible to see the underlying Grund district and the valleys surrounding Citta del Luxembourg. Located on top of a promontory overlooking the Petrusse and Alzette valleys, it is the most panoramic point of the city .

The pedestrian path follows the trend of the ancient ramparts overlooking the Alzette river. In the 17th century, on this point there was a fortress built by the French and the Spaniards; the work was then transformed into a flat path thus becoming the belvedere on which we can walk today.
Easily reachable on foot in 6 min from Place d’Armes, proceeding via Rue du Cure / Rue du Cure and Rue Large. Reference bus stop Pfaffenthal, Um Bock – Get directions

Take your time to visit it: it is a route to be followed slowly, being amazed by the wonderful views that open up every few minutes. Give emotions in any season: magically cloaked in snow in winter and immersed in the warm colors of autumn.

6 – Wine Route
Luxembourg is not only famous for its banks. One of the local products most loved by tourists, and not only, is wine. The “wine route” is a 242 km long border route between the Grand Duchy and the German state, marked by the Moselle River. From Perl to Koblenz passing through the delightful town of Trier, the Luxembourgish part is about 45 km , from Schengen to Wasserbilig, touching numerous wine resorts.
The path is bordered by cycle paths and an infinite expanse of vineyards, positioned close to the river. A feast for the eyes (and not only!) Of the “food and wine” tourist par excellence.
The wine route is traveled by car and can be reached via the A31 and A4, following the border delimited by the Moselle (1 h 20 min) – Get directions

Ideal in autumn: it gives its best in autumn, when it is colored with the tones of the foliage. The possibilities to stop for a stop with tasting are not lacking: the cellars of Grevenmacher, Remerschen, Wellenstein, Wormeldange, for example, are united in the Vinsmoselle cooperative.

7 – Neumunster
Abbey Neumunster Abbey was a monastery of Benedictine monks and a cultural center , located in the district of Grund. Its very high and very thin bell tower stands out in the characteristic sky-line of Luxembourg City.
After various reconstructions, the abbey, originally built in 1542, took on various garments : police station, prison, barracks for the Prussians and then a state prison. Since 1997, it has been the seat of the European Institute of Cultural Routes. After extensive renovations, Neumunster opened to the public in May 2004 as a meeting place and cultural center . It hosts concerts, exhibitions and seminars. Inside there is also the Lucien Wercollier cloister, where many works from the sculptor’s private collection are permanently exhibited.

Watch a show : the abbey hosts many shows, including many musical ones, with concerts of any kind. You can find the calendar directly on the official website.

• How to get there: on 28 Rue Munster. 900m walk (11 min) from Place d’Armes via Boulevard Franklin Delano Roosevelt / N50, or by bus (# 9 and 14) from Center, FD Roosevelt. Reference Stop Pfaffenthal, Um Bock – Get directions
• Hours: every day 10: 00-18: 00
• Ticket cost: free

8 – Luxembourg City History Museum
Photo of Cayambe. Located in the center, this museum brings to life the more than 1,000 years of history of the capital . Housed in four historic buildings built between the 17th and 19th centuries (some cases on medieval foundations), the museum tells the genesis and evolution of the state , all well documented with artifacts and dioramas that attract the attention of young and old!
The permanent exhibition “The Luxembourg Story” shows the development of the city through countless original artifacts and models, some of which incorporate multimedia animations. Alongside, temporary exhibitions are also regularly set up. A special highlight ethe large glass elevator that can carry up to 65 people at a time along the ancient walls inside the museum.

• How to get there: at 14 Rue du St Espritda. Place d’Armes is just a 4-minute walk from Rue du Cure / Rue du Cure and Rue du Marche-aux-Herbes / Krautmarkt.
• Hours: Tue-Sun 10 am-6pm, Thu until 8pm, closed Mon
• Ticket cost: € 5.00

9 – Palais Grand-Ducal
Photo of Cayambe.
Photo by EEJCC. One of the flagships of the nation , as well as an architectural representation of the prestige of the Grand Dukes who, for their residence, have chosen to do things in style. Defined by some tourists as the “little Buckingham Palace”, Palais Grand-Ducal and a refined mix of styles inside, with attention to detail strongly desired by its “tenants”.
Inserted in the historic center in a narrow street, the facade is honey-colored and with a symmetrical structure. The building is flanked by towers and turrets surmounted by pointed spiers and on the facade stand out numerous windows and decorated balconies. Its construction dates back to 1572, and for about two centuries it was used as a Town Hall. Of particular importance: the Sala dei Nobili, the oldest, used for audiences, and the Chamber of Deputies. The Hall of Guards houses a collection of weapons.

Attention to the openings : the building can only be visited in the summer months and, unfortunately, access is not granted to all the rooms that compose it: small details that, however, do not in the least affect its royal charm!

• How to get there: in 17 Rue du Marche-aux-Herbes, in the historic center. Reachable on foot in 4 min from Place d’Armes proceeding towards Rue Chimay / Dreikinneksgaass. Reference Bus Stop Center-FD Roosevelt – Get Directions
• Timetables: accessible only in the summer months, from mid-July to the end of August, by booking a guided tour
• Ticket price: full € 12.00, reduced € 6.00

10 – Casematte – Casemates du Bock
Photo of Zinneke. UNESCO World Heritage Site, these are real tunnels dug into the rocky promontory of the capital to defend it from enemy attacks. Today the “Casemates”, made up of a 17-kilometer tunnel , are one of the unmissable attractions that lend an allure of mystery to the capital of Luxembourg.
Originally, this defensive system was excavated in 1745 to allow the connection between the various parts of the fortress ; and during the bombings of the Second World War, these corridors were used as a shelter / hiding place. What we visit today is only a small part of the defensive labyrinth, entirely 23 km long. An archaeological crypt that contains vestiges that, thanks also to an audiovisual montage, evoke the history of the site.

Cover yourself, even in summer : due to its conformation, the rooms are very humid and rather cool; it is advisable to bring a sweatshirt or sweater to shelter even in summer. Also, some stretches can be really tight, so consider visiting if you suffer from claustrophobia.

• How to get there: in 10 Montee de Clausen. Via Rue du Cure and Rue Sigefroi (always starting from Place d’Armes), it can be reached in just over 5 minutes on foot. Reference bus stop Clausen-Rumm – Get directions
• Hours: from February 18th to March 31st and from October 1st to November 5th every day from 10am to 5.30pm. From 1st April to 30th September every day from 10am to 8.30pm
• Ticket price: full from € 14.00, reduced from € 7.00

11 – Luxembourg American Cemetery Memorial
Photo by Dudva. Hundreds of crosses lined up in a green meadow. A moving and evocative scenario at the same time . It is a monumental cemetery that houses over 5,000 bodies of American soldiers who fell in World War II to liberate Europe.
What is striking is the imposing Chapel of Remembrance surrounded by a stone terrace, directly in front of them at the crosses. The chapel includes massive bronze doors embellished with bronze scrolls depicting military “virtues”, a mosaic ceiling and stained glass windows with the army insignia affixed to the men and women resting in the cemetery.

• How to get there: in 50 Val du Scheid. Reachable in 33 minutes by bus (lines 150, 160, 163, 323) from Place d’Armes. Reference bus stop Hamm, Ronndreisch. then walk for 1km – Get directions
• Hours: every day 9: 00-17: 00
• Ticket cost: free

12 – Vianden Castle
In a town north of Luxembourg, Vianden, stands a fairytale castle . Presumably built around the 11th century in Romanesque style by the counts of Vianden and remodeled several times over the centuries, the famous castle stands on a hill in the splendid town, giving the many tourists visiting the manor glimpses of dreams .
The visit is carried out independently with the help, if desired, of an audio guide included in the entrance ticket. Of particular importance, the great Hall of the Knights with the beautiful vaulted ceiling and the very particular Chapel with a 10-sided plant and colorful with bright colors. There are also numerous kermesse organized inside the castle: it is advisable to first check the scheduled events on the internet portal dedicated to it, in order to avoid finding yourself in the middle of a medieval “revival”!

Reach the castle by cable car : to reach the manor we recommend using the Telesiege, a cable car that takes you to the top of the hill in a few minutes; the journey offers spectacular panoramic views!

• How to get there: 22 km north of Luxembourg City. It can be reached by train at the Ettelbruck stop and then by bus no. 570 at the Vianden stop – Get directions
• Hours: from November to February 10: 00-16: 00, March and October 10: 00-17: 00, from April to September 10: 00-18: 00
• Ticket price: full € 10.00, reduced € 5.00

13 – Mudam – Musee d’Art Moderne Grand-Duc Jean
Photo by Jpatokal. An essential stop for modern art lovers, the Mudam hosts collections of world-famous artists and temporary installations .
The structure is a real masterpiece, both internally and externally, and bears the signature of the architect Pei, who designs the pyramid of the Louvre. Two forms distinguish his style: the pyramid and the spiral (the stairs are beautiful), as well as the tendency to alternate light stone with large windows. The view from the back of the museum is also very nice: from its gardens you can see part of Luxembourg from above. Inside, the Museum’s collections are spread over three floors and include works by many contemporary artists and designers.

Stop for lunch at the Mudam Cafe : the restaurant is also a real work of art, designed by French designers Ronan and Erwan Bouroullec. Here you can taste different dishes prepared exclusively with regional products!

• How to get there: in 3 Park Drai Eechelen. Reachable in 20 minutes by bus (line 8) from Place d’Armes. Reference bus stop Kirchberg, Rout Breck – Pafendall and from there continue on foot for 700 m – Get directions
• Hours: Thu-Mon 10: 00-18: 00, Wed 10: 00-21: 00, closed Tue
• Ticket price: full € 8.00, reduced € 5.00

14 – Philharmonie Luxembourg
Also known as the Grande-Duchesse Josephin Charlotte Concert Hall, this uniquely designed structure dominates the Kirchberg plateau, the “modern” area of ​​Luxembourg City. Opened in 2005, it now hosts around 400 shows every year.
The futuristic structure already amazes on the outside with the façade made with 823 white steel columns that give the impression of a filter. With superb acoustics, it is ideal for performances by orchestras, ensembles and vocal groups, and today it is one of the most famous concert halls in Europe. In addition to the Grande Auditorium there are other spaces: the Salle de Musique de Chambre, a chamber music room in the shape of a shell, and the Espace Decouverte, a room in the basement where electronic and experimental music performances take place.

Attend a concert : Take the opportunity to attend a concert or just to admire its elegant architecture. To find out about the scheduled events, consult the official website.

• How to get there: in Place de l’Europe. Reachable in 20 minutes by bus (lines 1, 16, 18, 125/1, 194) from Place d’Armes. Reference bus stop Kirchberg, Rout Breck – Pafendall – Get directions
• Timetables: guided tours by appointment Mon-Fri 10: 00-18: 30. Consult the official website
• Ticket cost: variable based on the event and the visit. Consult the official website

15 – District of Kirchberg
Photo by nicrob 77. A riot of fabulous and futuristic structures in glass and steel, which coexist with green spaces and monuments of historical value, this is the financial district . Born in the 60s, with the arrival of the European institutions, previously the area was occupied only by woodland with a solitary parish church.
Today, however, this fascinating urban landscape combines centuries-old monuments and modern buildings designed by established European architects. It is the most contemporary and institutionalized area of ​​the capital . It houses numerous institutional buildings of the European Union, such as the European Court of Auditors and part of the European Commission, as well as several international bank headquarters, shopping centers and the Arena d’Coque, the largest sports hall in the country, as well as the well-known museum of modern art Mudam.
The district can be reached in 20 minutes by bus (lines 1, 16, 18, 125/1, 194) from Place d’Armes. Reference bus stop Kirchberg, Rout Breck – Pafendall – Get directions

Visit during the week : Visit the district on weekdays and during business hours, when it is bustling with people. In the evenings and on weekends it is a somewhat dull area.

16 – Pfaffenthal panoramic lift
Photo of Zinneke. The conformation of Citta del Lussemburo, located between the upper and lower part, has many stairways, climbs and even some lifts, which connect the neighborhoods of the valley below with those of the upper town. Built in 2016, the Pfaffenthal glass elevator soon became the most famous in the city and an attraction for tourists .
More than 70 m high, it offers a unique view of the Alzette Valley, being at the same time a very useful service to citizens. If you wish, at the top of the lift axis, there is a walkway with a transparent floor that connects the Ville Haute district to the Pfaffenthal and protrudes 9 m above the valley, offering excellent views and … vertigo!
The lift is located at 2 Rue du Pont. 800 meters from Place d’Armes, reachable on foot (9 min) via Avenue de la Porte-Neuve – Get directions

Visit even with small children: it is very large, you can also go up with bicycles or even with strollers. Very fast (65 meters in altitude in a very short time, 2 m / s), inside there is a screen that indicates the speed in real time!

Other attractions to visit and things to do
Outside the historic center opens a landscape that embodies all the charm of nature . For a relaxing break we recommend visiting fairytale towns, districts and rural villages, equipped with riding schools and farms.
Numerous trips outside the citythat can be undertaken. Do not miss an excursion to Echternach, an attractive town nicknamed “Little Switzerland” and located in a natural area surrounded by woods, as well as a starting point for pleasant hiking and biking excursions. Of great historical interest is a trip to Schengen, exactly on the border between Luxembourg, Germany and France, the town that owes its fame to the historic and homonymous agreement on overcoming border barriers. To visit the European Museum of Schengen (free admission).
Interesting, to discover folklore and traditions of the country, the National Museum of History and Art, dedicated to the arts, sciences and folklore (€ 8.00).

6 things to do in Luxembourg
Take a ride on the Ptrusse express

Taste some typical dishes

Cross the Passage du Palais

Have a snack at Ladure Luxembourg

Spend an evening in the Clausen district

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1. Take a ride on the Petrusse express : this is the little train that runs throughout the historic center of Luxembourg, passing close to the main attractions. Ideal if you are traveling with children
2. Taste some typical dishes : such as kachkeis, a cheese imported by Spanish troops, and judd mat gaardebounen, pork neck with beans and potatoes
3. Cross the Passage du Palais : it is a passage that leads directly to the historic center. A narrow street made of ladders and a unique atmosphere, not to be missed
4. Snack at Laduree Luxembourg : a French patisserie that will take you back in time, specializing in macarons! Excellent for a sweet break
5. Visit it at Christmas : despite the winter being very cold, the Christmas period is one of the most beautiful in Luxembourg! We therefore recommend that you also consider this period
6. Spending an evening in the Clausen district : This area is called Mousel and is full of characteristic restaurants, bars and clubs. Ideal for mingling with the locals

What to see in one day
The Grand Duchy of Luxembourg is a small medieval jewel. The country boasts a large number of castles and natural landscapes to rival the most popular nations, but with only one day available you must necessarily focus on the beautiful historic center declared a World Heritage Site. You can walk between the stages of the itinerary but be prepared to face several climbs. Here’s how to distribute the various attractions.

• 9:30 am – Walk along Grand Rue, Place d’Armes
• 10:30 am – Place Guillaume, Notre Dame Cathedral, Place de la Constitution
• 14:00 – Grand Ducal Palace, Guard Room
• 16:00 – Casemates of Bock and district of Grund
• 18:00 – Basic quarters

Plan your stay in Luxembourg: tips, flights and hotels

• How to get there: Luxembourg can be easily reached by plane, with flights of about 2 hours (from Rome) mostly operated by Alitalia and Luxair (compare flights).
• When to go : The ideal times are spring and summer, but the Christmas season has a special charm.
• Where to sleep: Luxembourg is a fairly expensive destination; the smartest strategy to save on accommodation is to choose one of the hotels in the airport area (therefore not in the historic center) and from there you can reach the center every day with the convenient free buses (compare accommodation on booking).
• What to do in the evening : The area where to stay late in the evening and the Clausen district, in the area called Mousel: it is full of restaurants, bars and characteristic clubs.
• How to get around : The city is well suited to be explored on foot or by bicycle. If you want to use public transport, play it safe: they are clean, punctual and efficient but, above all, they are free!
• What to do with children : Luxemburg will appeal to children for its numerous green spaces and surrounding castles. To their delight we recommend the Petrusse Express train, a small train that runs throughout the city and passes close to the main attractions.