What to see/do in Luxembourg
The small Grand Duchy of Luxembourg is a jewel of art, history and culture nestled between France, Germany and Belgium, in the heart of Europe. Still outside of mass tourism, Luxembourg offers visitors a wide range of activities and unique beauties, such as its capital, the unique landscapes of the Moselle valley and its legendary castles. Great for spending a weekend in any season (I recommend the Christmas period to admire its delightful Christmas markets), Luxembourg will amaze you and make you change your mind about some clichés that would see it as an expensive, gray and austere destination! Here are some tips on what to see/do in the only existing grand duchy in the world!
Luxembourg City
The capital of the Grand Duchy is the main city and home to the main attractions of the small state. The international airport allows you to easily reach Luxembourg in a few hours of flight from most major European cities. The city is also well connected by rail with high-speed trains and well connected to the rest of the state through trains that are free! Yes! Public transport in Luxembourg (trains and buses) is free for everyone!
Luxembourg City is an important financial center as well as the seat of European institutions. This lively, cosmopolitan and multilingual city is perched on a promontory and has been protected for centuries by long, high walls, of which the Trier Gate and some towers now remain. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the historic center offers numerous monuments and unique views. The Corniche, for example, is considered the most beautiful promenade in the world. From above you can admire the city, the Pétrusse and Alzette valleys and the charming Grund district.
The main landmarks of the historic center are the Grand Rue, the shopping street par excellence where you can find the main luxury brands in the world, Place D’Armes, with the Town Hall, and Place Guillaume. Another unmissable square is the Constitution Square (another location in addition to the previous ones of the Christmas markets). Here you can see a unique view of the Grund district and the Adolphe bridge, one of the symbols of the city. Not far away, the Notre Dame Cathedral is a beautiful example of neo-Gothic art with Baroque and late Renaissance elements.
One of the most characteristic places is the Grund district with its cobbled streets, pastel-colored houses and canals. Here you can also find the Neumünster Abbey and you will find, nearby, delicious restaurants and nightclubs. To go up to the upper city you can rely on the elevators, of which the panoramic one of Pfaffenthal is an absolute must.
The attractions of the city do not end here. The Grand Ducal Palace, the official residence of the Grand Dukes, the Plateau du Saint Esprit, with the judicial citadel, the modern Kirchberg district, with the headquarters of the European institutions and the modern Philharmonic, complete the tourist offer of a city that you do not expect and that amazes. Also not to be missed are the Casemates of the Bock, a vast complex of tunnels and galleries for defensive purposes.
What to see outside Luxembourg City
If the capital is already a good reason to visit Luxembourg, moving away from the city there are numerous attractions to visit in the small country. One of the symbols of the Grand Duchy is the fairytale castle of Vianden, in the north of the country. Built on a hill, this castle that seems to have come out of a fairytale, offers visitors unique views of a dream landscape.
Other noteworthy castles are Clerveaux and Bourscheid. Another unmissable excursion is to Little Switzerland, an area of lush woods and waterways, where you can take pleasant walks on foot and by bike.
Lovers of the genre cannot miss a visit to the city of Schengen, known for the European treaty that guarantees free movement to citizens of the member states of the European Union, and the Museum of Europe, ideally at the meeting of Luxembourg, France and Germany.
If you want to leave the Grand Duchy, in about an hour by train, you can easily reach the delightful German city of Trier, considered the oldest in Germany. Here, especially at Christmas, a visit is a must! As well as crossing the border to the south and reaching the enchanting French city of Metz or Nancy.
Luxembourg is certainly a surprise. Still off the beaten track of mass tourism, it is undoubtedly a destination to discover for a weekend of culture and relaxation.
