Planning a trip to Luxembourg City and wondering what to see first? This charming European capital may be small, but it’s full of history, culture, and beautiful viewpoints. Whether you’re visiting for one day or staying longer, this guide covers the very best things to do in Luxembourg City.
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How Long to Spend in Luxembourg City
The capital, Luxembourg City, is only around 50 km², making it really easy to explore on foot. It is rather hilly, though, so expect to climb quite a lot of steps!
As it’s a small city, it is perfect for a one-day or weekend trip. In just a day, you can see many of the city’s highlights — from the Bock Casemates and the Corniche viewpoint to the picturesque Grund district. However, if you have more time, staying two to three days lets you slow down and possibly take a day trip.
Where to Stay in Luxembourg
Ideally, you would choose to stay in or near the city centre, close to the Old Town, as it’s within walking distance of major attractions and offers plenty of cafés, restaurants, and transport links. If you’re looking for luxury, the Hotel Le Royal Luxembourg ($$$) is a classic choice with elegant rooms and a central location. For a stylish yet affordable stay, Hotel Parc Belair ($$) offers trendy décor, family rooms, and a lively atmosphere.
Best Things to Do in Luxembourg City
Visit the Old Town
Luxembourg’s Old City is the heart of the capital and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Wander through its cobbled streets, lined with pastel buildings, charming squares, and panoramic viewpoints. Don’t miss the Chemin de la Corniche, often called “Europe’s most beautiful balcony,” for sweeping views over the Grund and the Alzette valley.
There are plenty of cafes and restaurants in the old town, making it the perfect place to explore.
See The Grand Ducal Palace
Right in the city centre, the Grand Ducal Palace is one of Luxembourg’s most striking landmarks and the official residence of the Grand Duke. Its beautiful architecture makes it a must-see, and in summer, you can even join a guided tour to explore the lavish interiors and learn about Luxembourg’s royal family.
Look Around the Notre Dame Cathedral
Not to be confused with the one in Paris! The Notre Dame Cathedral combines Gothic and Renaissance architecture and is one of the city’s most important religious sites. This is the only cathedral in Luxembourg, so it can get very busy.
Step inside to see its beautiful stained-glass windows, peaceful crypt, and ornate columns. It’s also the burial place of many members of the Grand Ducal family.
Stroll Through The Grund
The Grund is a pretty area down in the Valley of Luxembourg City and is most picturesque neighbourhoods. It’s nice to stroll along the canal and see the colourful houses, quaint bridges, and leafy walking paths and maybe stop for a drink in one of the bars. The Grund is another area with quite a few bars and restaurants.
I had heard this area is usually “buzzing.” Initially, we visited during the day, and it was deserted! Returning on Saturday evening, it was still extremely quiet; the main street was almost empty, although most of the surrounding pubs were quite busy.
Ride the Glass Elevator
For one of the best views in Luxembourg, take a ride on the Pfaffenthal Panoramic Elevator. This free glass lift connects the upper and lower parts of the city, offering incredible views of the Pétrusse Valley and the old fortifications as you glide up or down. It’s a quick stop but a highlight for photographers.
This is an ideal way to get up and down when your legs are in need of a break!
Explore the Bock Casemates
The Bock Casemates are one of the best things to do in Luxembourg City. Get lost in an underground maze of tunnels carved into the cliffs overlooking the city. Originally built as part of Luxembourg’s defences, they’re now a fascinating place to explore. Walk through dimly lit passages and peek out from openings with panoramic views of the Grund below.
This is great for history lovers and another way to see the views of Luxembourg City. In some places, it is quite dark (at one point, we had to use our phone torches) and not very well signposted, so watch your step!
Visit Fort Thüngen
Located in the Kirchberg district, Fort Thüngen is a restored fortress that forms part of the city’s military history. Today, it houses the Musée Dräi Eechelen, where you can learn about Luxembourg’s transformation from fortress to modern nation. Don’t miss the views from the grounds, you can see all over the valley!
Both the fort and the museum are free!
Ride The Electric Shuttle
A fun and eco-friendly way to explore the city is by hopping on “City Shuttle”, a free electric bus that connects key sights around the centre. It’s especially handy for families or those short on time, letting you see more of Luxembourg City without all the walking.
We only saw this as we were leaving, so we didn’t have time to go on it. After a look at Google, it’s a FREE shuttle that runs every 15 minutes. It is autonomous (no driver!) and electrically-powered, so brilliant for the environment!
Take a Day Trip to Echternach
If you have a spare day, there are plenty of options for day trips. We found it hard to choose between Vianden and Echternach (both in Luxembourg). We decided on Echternach as it looked like there was a little more to do there, and it was also a bit closer.
Just 40 minutes from Luxembourg City, Echternach is the country’s oldest town and makes a wonderful day trip. Stroll through its historic streets, visit the beautiful Abbey of Echternach, and enjoy a walk around the nearby Müllerthal region, known as “Little Switzerland” for its forest trails and rocky landscapes.
You can take the 110 or 111 bus from Gare Central; it’s a direct bus and costs €4 per person for a day ticket.
We did a lovely walk around the lake. It takes about 1 and a half hours, but is worth it if you have time and the weather’s nice!
Echternach is right on the border of Germany. You can walk across a bridge to get into Germany. There isn’t much over there, though, unless you want to go 80 miles to Cologne!
I hope you’ve enjoyed this guide on the best things to do in Luxembourg, and I hope you have an amazing visit!
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Happy Exploring,
