The Best Things to Do in Luxembourg City in One Day (2023)

Luxembourg City, the capital of Luxembourg, is a small and landlocked European country known for its beautiful contrast between contemporary and medieval architecture. With a population of around 115,000 people, the city offers a fascinating blend of history, culture, and natural beauty. In this guide, we will explore the top 10 things to do in Luxembourg City in one day, providing you with an itinerary to make the most of your visit.

About Luxembourg

Luxembourg is one of the safest and wealthiest countries in the world, with a population of around 625,000 residents. It is bordered by Belgium, France, and Germany, and has three official languages: French, German, and Luxembourgish. The Old Quarter of Luxembourg City is a designated UNESCO World Heritage site due to its large number of historical buildings and fortifications, making it a must-visit destination for history enthusiasts.

How to Get to Luxembourg City

Luxembourg City is easily accessible from various European cities. If you are coming from Brussels, Belgium, or Frankfurt or Cologne, Germany, it is a convenient day trip destination. It is also possible to visit Luxembourg City for a weekend trip from slightly further away cities like Paris and Amsterdam. The city is well-connected by train, and if you arrive by train, you can either walk to the old city center or use the free public transportation available in Luxembourg.

Top 10 Things to Do in Luxembourg City in One Day

1. Walk across Pont Adolphe: Start your day by crossing the iconic Pont Adolphe, a beautiful arched bridge that offers stunning views of the Notre Dame Cathedral steeples, the valley below, Constitution Square, and the Luxembourg City skyline .

2. See the Monument of Remembrance: Visit the Monument of Remembrance, also known as Gëlle Fra, a war memorial dedicated to the fallen soldiers from Luxembourg who fought in World War I, World War II, and later conflicts. The monument features a golden statue representing Nike, the Greek goddess of victory.

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3. Take in the view at Constitution Square: Adjacent to the Monument of Remembrance, Constitution Square is a lovely garden built on the site of a former fortress wall. From here, you can enjoy panoramic views of Pont Adolphe and the Petrusse Valley.

4. Visit Notre Dame Cathedral and the church crypt: Explore the Roman Catholic gothic cathedral, Notre Dame Cathedral, which took over 300 years to construct. Admire the stunning stained glass windows, vaulted nave, and intricately carved pillars. Don't forget to visit the cathedral's crypt, which contains the remains of former grand dukes and grand duchesses of Luxembourg .

5. Enjoy lunch in Place Guillaume or Place d'Armes: Head to Place Guillaume or Place d'Armes, the two main squares in Luxembourg City, for a delicious meal. Place Guillaume is home to the Luxembourg City Hall, while Place d'Armes is known for its cafes, restaurants, and shops.

6. Visit the Palais Grand-Ducal (Grand Ducal Palace): Explore the official residence of the Grand Duke of Luxembourg, the Grand Ducal Palace. While the interior is only open to the public for part of the year, you can still admire the exterior of this magnificent palace .

7. Explore the Old City (The Grund): Venture down to the historic quarter of Luxembourg City known as The Grund. This picturesque area sits on the banks of the Alzette River and is a great place to wander, take photos, and soak in the charm of the old neighborhood .

8. Tour the Bock Casemates or the Petrusse Casemates: Don't miss the opportunity to explore the famous casemates, a network of underground tunnels that date back to the 18th century. These tunnels served as a stronghold to protect the city and now offer a unique glimpse into Luxembourg's history. You can visit the Bock Casemates or the Petrusse Casemates, both of which provide fascinating tours .

9. Attend a festival or event: Luxembourg City is known for its vibrant festivals and events. Check the local calendar to see if there are any ongoing festivities during your visit. Attending a festival or event is a great way to immerse yourself in the local culture and have a memorable experience.

10. Visit one of Luxembourg City's museums: If time permits, explore one of the many museums in Luxembourg City. From the Luxembourg City History Museum to the Villa Vauban and the Modern Art Museum, there are plenty of options to satisfy your cultural interests .

One-Day Itinerary for Luxembourg City

To help you plan your day in Luxembourg City, here is a suggested itinerary:

• 9:00 a.m. - Arrive at Luxembourg train station
• 9:30 a.m. - Cross Pont Adolphe
• 10:00 a.m. - Visit Constitution Square and the Monument of Remembrance
• 11:00 a.m. - Enjoy lunch in Place d'Armes
• 12:00 p.m. - See the Grand Ducal Palace
• 1:15 p.m. - Walk through Place Guillaume and visit Notre Dame Cathedral
• 1:45 p.m. - Tour the Petrusse Casemates
• 3:30 p.m. - Explore Luxembourg-Grund (Old Town)
• 5:00 p.m. - Stroll through a festival or event
• Return to the train station or your hotel

Is One Day Enough?

While it is possible to see many of the top attractions in Luxembourg City in one day, the city and the country as a whole offer much more to explore. If you have more time, consider extending your stay to visit some of the over 70 castles in Luxembourg or to explore the beautiful countryside. However, if you only have one day, this itinerary will allow you to experience the highlights of Luxembourg City.

Where to Stay in Luxembourg City

If you are looking for accommodation in Luxembourg City, the area near Luxembourg Station is a convenient choice, especially if you are arriving by train. The Park Inn by Radisson and Hotel Empire are both located near the train station and offer easy access to the rest of the city. Alternatively, if you prefer to stay in the heart of the city center, Grand Hotel Cravat or Hotel le Place d'Armes are excellent options .

Other Things to Do in Luxembourg City

If you have additional time to explore Luxembourg City and its surroundings, here are a few more activities to consider:

• Visit the Luxembourg American Cemetery, a memorial site for American World War II soldiers located on the outskirts of the city.
• Take a day trip to one of the many castles in the country, such as Bourscheid Castle or Vianden Castle.
• Explore the various museums in Luxembourg City, including the Luxembourg City History Museum and the Villa Vauban.

Remember, this is just a glimpse of what Luxembourg City has to offer. Take the time to immerse yourself in the city's rich history, stunning architecture, and vibrant culture for a truly memorable experience.

Conclusion

Luxembourg City is a captivating destination that offers a unique blend of history, culture, and natural beauty. With its picturesque architecture, charming old town, and fascinating attractions, it is well worth visiting, even if just for a day. Follow this itinerary to make the most of your time in Luxembourg City and create lasting memories of this enchanting capital.