Why Visit Luxembourg City: Is Luxembourg City Worth Visiting?

If you're like most people, then you probably know little to nothing about visiting Luxembourg and its capital city.

But if you're visiting Western Europe, and you're ready to stray off the beaten path, you might consider a trip to this small country. Two questions might come to mind, though: Is Luxembourg City worth visiting? And if it is, then why?

You've come to the right place to find out!

During a fiasco with a notorious low-cost airline that left me stranded in Belgium for six extra days, I had plenty of time on my hands. So after exploring Brussels, Bruges, and Antwerp, I headed southeast by train for a little trip to Luxembourg City.

Unlike the capital cities that surround it (Berlin, Paris, and Brussels), Luxembourg City is often overlooked and unknown by tourists. You may not know anyone who has visited Luxembourg.

If you plan to stay in Luxembourg for a day or two, or if you're just passing through, then the medieval capital city of Luxembourg will be the perfect place to make a stop.

In short, Luxembourg City is absolutely worth visiting. 

Read on to find out why… Plus, what to do, see, and eat while you're there!

Why Visit Luxembourg City?

I can think of eight great reasons off the top of my head. Here we go!

1. Luxembourg City is gorgeous. You won't find a shortage of stunning vistas, interesting landscapes, or beautiful architecture in this beautiful capital city.
2. It's seen a lot of history. You'll find fascinating museums, incredibly old buildings, historic monuments, and cemeteries throughout Luxembourg City, it is a very old town!
3. It's not very touristy. Most people don't even consider Luxembourg City as a travel destination, so it's never too packed with tourists.
4. It's a convenient stopover when passing between France, Belgium, and Germany, even just for a day trip through the small country.
5. It's easily walkable.
6. There are cute cafés and restaurants aplenty.
7. You'll feel as if you've gone back in time with Luxembourg City's old town narrow alleyways, cobblestone streets, and centuries-old structures.
8. You'll be able to say something that billions of others can't: “I've been to Luxembourg City!”

Where to Stay in Luxembourg City

If you plan to spend a night or two in Luxembourg City, here are the best places to stay:

• Hotel Alfa – where I recommend!
• Hotel Perrin – popular!
• City Hotel

What to Do in Luxembourg City

Simply wandering around on foot is the best way to experience Luxembourg City.

Luxembourg City has a long and fascinating history, which you can explore by visiting some of the museums. Between its impressive fortress walls, the Old Town quarter, narrow alleyways, endless greenery, and its charming canals, Luxembourg is a medieval gem to behold.

But it is definitely worth booking a tour so you can optimize your time to find the more hidden historical sites. This guided Luxembourg walking tour is a great way to visit the city; you'll explore the Grand Palace and the Neumünster Abbey, before sampling local food and drink.

Much like the medieval Czech town, Český Krumlov, visiting Luxembourg City is a place to appreciate history and the convergence of many European cultures, snap some photos, and drink a few beers in the city center sunshine.

Luxembourg City History Tours

If you feel like saving your feet, you can take a tour of Luxembourg on an e-bike!

If you are coming to Luxembourg to visit historical sites specifically, there is also a private Battle of the Bulge tour for World War II history buffs. The Battle of the Bulge was one of the most significant battles for the United States during World War II – and was the final major German offensive attack in Europe. The private tour takes you to significant sites while explaining the battle's history and importance. You also stop at local bakeries and artisan stores to sample local delicacies.

If you have more than one day in Luxembourg, it is worth taking the Battle of the Bulge tour to learn more about the importance of the world wars.

Le Chemin de la Corniche

Le Chemin de la Corniche is known as Europe's most beautiful balcony. Walk along this charming promenade to savor the breathtaking views of Barrio Grund and the Alzette and Pétrusse Rivers in the gorge below.

The Barrio Grund

The Barrio Grund is Luxembourg City's oldest quarter; settlement here began in the 10th century. This fortified city is known as the “Gibraltar of the North” and served as a stronghold against attackers through the centuries, until 1867. Today, Barrio Grund is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The Passerelle

The Passerelle is the city's old, arched bridge, constructed between 1859 and 1861. Because of its stunning, but uneven landscape along the Pétrusse Valley and two rivers, Luxembourg City features many bridges, complete with panoramic, amazing views of the very green city.

National Museum of Art and History

The National Museum of Art and History has something for almost anyone. If you're into archaeology, European history, fine art, or coin collections, this museum is worth a look around.

Notre Dame Cathedral

The Notre Dame Cathedral, which beautifully combines Renaissance and Baroque styles of architecture, was constructed between 1613 and 1621. Housing detailed stained-glass windows, intricate religious paintings and sculptures, and impressive pillars decorated in arabesque designs, this cathedral is a nice sight to see. Definitely stop to take a look inside Notre Dame Cathedral.

Palais Grand Ducal

The home and seat of the Grand Duke is one of Luxembourg's most important historic buildings and is reminiscent of fairy tale castles. The Grand Duchy is the head of state for Luxembourg, and this is the official residence. The Palais is only open to the public on select days of the year, so plan ahead if you want to take a look inside.

Luxembourg American Cemetery Memorial

The Luxembourg American Cemetery Memorial is a popular attraction among American tourists in Luxembourg City. Across 17 acres of lush green grass, 5,076 fallen American soldiers – most of whom died fighting in the Battle of the Bulge – lay to rest, honored with white cross gravestones and a powerful Eisenhower quote.

Alzette River

Strolling the footpath alongside the Alzette River in the Barrio Grund is a peaceful, can't-miss activity.

What to Eat & Drink in Luxembourg City

As you might expect, food in Luxembourg has a lot of French, Belgian, and German influence. Local delicacies are rooted in the country's farming background and feature a lot of potatoes, beans, meats, and cheeses.

Luxembourgish Food

In winter, the perfect dish to warm yourself is the bouneschlupp and gromperenzopp (green bean and potato soup) – a hearty soup of local vegetables and topped with smoked bacon or spiced sausages. In the autumn, quetschentaart, a delicious plum tart, is available in most bakeries. This is made from the ripened damsons harvested at the end of the summer, baked into a sweet pastry, and topped with sugar. Other varieties also have a sprinkling of cinnamon crumble.

Luxembourgish Wine & Schnapps

You should also sample another use of the damsons with a small sip of the strong damson schnapps!

Luxembourg also produces a sparkling wine called crémant, which is exclusive to this region of Europe. It is similar to champagne, but without the higher price tag, despite being produced in the same way. There are also other wines produced in the beautiful Moselle Valley. Luxembourg wine production is very niche, but well worth exploring. The best way to do it is on a wine tour departing from Luxembourg City.

The wine tour is well-recommended and also includes a visit to the folk museum, Musée ”A Possen', in a small village in the Moselle Valley region outside the city. It is a perfect place for a wine tasting.

If you want to stay within the city center there is a walking and wine tour doing just that!