Luxembourg city one day itinerary
Luxembourg city is a perfect place to visit for one day if you are in any of these areas: Northeastern France, Southeast Belgium, or Southwest of Germany. Staying within the city of Luxembourg is quite expensive. Therefore if you are in a budget constraint, it is best to stay in its neighboring countries and do a day visit. My family and I had an opportunity to visit Luxembourg in the summer during our stay in Bitburg, Germany, which is just less than an hour drive to Luxembourg city. The nice thing when you are in Luxembourg, you can explore the city both by foot and by tram (you can freely use trams in the entire city!). But before providing a one day itinerary, below are some fun facts about Luxembourg as a country.
Fun facts about Luxembourg
1. The country itself is quite small. In fact, it is one of the smallest countries in Europe, but not as small as others such as Vatican City, Monaco, San Marino, Liechtenstein, Malta, and Andorra. It is possible to tour Luxembourg from left to right, top to bottom in just a day.
2. Despite being one of the smallest country, Luxembourg is quite expensive as compared to nearby countries such as France, Germany, or Belgium. It has the highest minimum wage in the world, making those working in Luxembourg afford the expensive costs of living of this country.
3. Since it is bordering three countries – Germany, Belgium, and France, the official language in the region is Luxembourgish, French and German.
4. The public transports are free so you can hop-on and hop-off the trams and visit freely as much places as possible.
5. Luxembourg is a mountainous country and There are officially over 70 castles in the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg.
6. Luxembourg is also a famous tax haven. If you are into corporate tax laws, you will find out how big corporations worldwide are able to save millions for using the tax arrangements in Luxembourg.
7. Luxembourg has the lowest population in EU, in fact approximately 340,000 (53% of inhabitants) are citizens of Luxembourg, while the rest of 47% are migrants.
8. Luxembourg is a country that produces high quality wine. The Moselle Region, which is located in the Eastern part of Luxembourg, is famous for producing several wine varieties – Auxerrois, Elbling, Chardonnay, Gewürztraminer, Pinot Blanc, Pinot Gris, Riesling, and Rivaner. Don’t forget to have your selection when in place.
9. The flag of Luxembourg is similar to the color of Dutch flag – red, white, and blue.
Luxembourg city one day itinerary
If you are visiting the city of Luxembourg, below is a one day itinerary of places to see (by foot).
1. The old town of Luxembourg city
The old town is always the first on our lists when visiting any European city. Luxembourg city’s old town manifests centuries old fortifications and high walls that were first built during the sixteenth century, where kings and knights had set foot. Nowadays, there are many architectures in the old town that is considered a UNESCO heritage. You can experience walking around the cobble stones and enjoy the breathtaking, panoramic view of the city. On a day, where you just want to take it easy, there many restaurants and resting areas to hang-out.
2. Palais Grand Ducal (Grand Ducal Palace) Luxembourg city
The Grand Ducal Palace is a prominent architecture located at the heart of the old town of Luxembourg city. This official residence of the grand ducal family has been built for centuries and has witnessed many important historical developments. The Grand Ducal Palace was the city’s first town hall during 1418, which was then devastated via a gunpowder in 1554, which was rebuilt then after 20 years. You can find in the right side of the palace the Baroque building built during mid-18th century called “Salle de la Balance”. Further on that side is the Chamber of Deputies, which was built in 1860. Starting 1890, the building became the palace of the grand duke of Luxembourg.
It is possible to tour the Grand Ducal Palace during the summer months. Here you can witness how the lives are spent in the palace, including the Grand’s Duke office, the dining room, etc. The sales of the tour of the palace goes to the Foundation of the Grand Duke and Grand Duchess, which supports humanitarian and solidarity programs to help vulnerable people with Luxembourg as well as in developing countries. Check out the opening times of your visit here.
3. Luxembourg Cathedral (Notre Dame Cathedral)
This late Gothic style, Catholic cathedral which was previously a Jesuit church, is the only cathedral in Luxembourg. Its foundation stone was laid in 1613. The Luxembourg Cathedral adopted at the end of the 18th century the picture of the Lady Comforter of the Afflicted, who is the patron saint of Luxembourg city and the country. For devotees, the Lady Comforter of the Afflicted (Our Lady of Consolation) had the power to work miracles. The church was consecrated as Saint Mary’s church and was declared as a Cathedral of the Blessed Virgin by Pope Pius IX in 1870.
4. Chemine De La Corniche
If you feel like going back in history while enjoying scenic views, then walking along the Chemin de la Corniche in Luxembourg is a must. Known as “Europe’s most beautiful balcony,” this high rising path offers breathtaking panoramas of the Alzette River valley, including the picturesque old houses and winding streets. The beautiful view also gives contrasting feeling of old city walls and greenery of the valley.
5. La Passerelle Luxembourg city
La Passarelle, which means as Luxembourg Viaduct, is a viaduct that connects the southern area of Luxembourg to its city center. It was built between 1859 and 1861 and is known as the “Old Bridge” by the locals. It is 290 meters long, consisting of 24 arches and 45 meters above the valley floor.
6. Lëtzebuerg City Museum
Letzebuerg city museum provides a complete history of the Luxembourg and its city including the construction of Sigefroid Castle in 963. It displays artifacts and exhibitions about the city. The museum is housed in 4 restored houses (17th, 18th and 19th centuries). The levels are divided depending based on historical accounts, such as panels on the Marian octave, pilgrimage to Notre-Dame de Luxembourg, created in 1632 by the Jesuits, the Nazi occupation and the exile of Grand Duchess Charlotte to London and Canada. The admission fee is €5 and is free on Thursday from 6 pm to 9 pm. There is also a panoramic terrace overlooking the Gründ.
7. Casemates du Bock
Bock Casemates, which is a UNESCO World Heritage, is a piece of history to see when in Luxembourg. Count Sigfried built a castle on the Bock Promontory in 963 that then became the foundation stone of Luxembourg city in later years. The Austrians then began to build the Bock Casemates in the middle of the 18th century as to serve as a defence fortress of the city. There is an archaeological crypt and didactic antechamber of the casemates when visiting the Bock.
8. Neumünster Abbey
A former Benedictine abbey and a large building that served as a prison for a long time, the iconic Neumünster Abbey in the Grund district is nowadays the cultural center of Luxembourg city since 2004. It is an open area that serves as a venue for concerts and festivals, concerts, and free exhibitions. The purpose of the Neumünster Abbey is to strengthen Luxembourg’s cultural identity and promote intercultural dialogue.
Want to get inspiration visiting other places close to Luxembourg? Check out my blogs on:
1. Summer holidays in Champagne-Ardennes: Reasons to do it
2. Belgian Ardennes: Seven interesting reasons to visit.