Table of Contents
Introduction – One Day in Luxembourg
Moien (Hello)!
As the summer approaches, global nomads the world over will descend on Western Europe for adventure and exploration. They’ll enjoy new cultures, cuisines, and friendships. Many will try to visit a country they’ve never been to before. It’s a rather hectic race to squeeze as much as possible into our all-to-precious vacation days.
If you’re around Belgium, chances are you’ve thought about taking a quick train trip for one day in Luxembourg City. You want to explore this hidden gem and check another country off the list.
While a worthy goal, I BEG, I PLEAD, that you give Luxembourg more time than the day excursions I’ve outlined below.
Luxembourgers have a motto: “Mir wëlle bleiwe wat mir sinn” (“We want to remain what we are”). The culture of this country is rich and distinct from all the European cities those around it.
This capital city is very different. It’s more of a small city feel. It’s also unlike the beautiful Lux countryside.
But, your time is precious. I know this. We can all only do so much. So, I give you what I’d do in Luxembourg if I only had One Day.
Full Disclosure: I’m a citizen of both the United States and Luxembourg. I have a major soft spot for this beautiful little country in the heart of Europe. I will be making a longer Luxembourg itinerary soon with all my favorite haunts in the country.
Getting to Luxembourg
One of the most common ways to get to Luxembourg is on one of the direct trains from Belgium. It takes about 3 hours to get from Brussels to the Luxembourg City train station. The train station in Luxembourg is very close to the city center.
Trains start leaving Brussels around 5:30am. They leave every hour or so until the last train leaves Brussels 8:30pm.
You’re a go getter though so you take the 5:30am train (you can sleep on the way). This gets you to Luxembourg at about 8:50am.
I’ve purchased tickets through thetrainline.com and always had good results. The last train back to Brussels leaves at 8:11pm. So our one day in Luxembourg is about 11 hours.
You can also fly into Luxembourg airport. If you fly in, you’ll pass through some of the more modern parts of the city. This area is the Kirchberg District. It hosts the European investment bank and the University of Luxembourg.
Luxembourg is one of the three capitals of the European Union.
But since you’re only here one day, you should probably train in. You’ll be able to spend more time in the old quarters of the city and enjoy more medieval architecture.
Luxembourg Card:
While you are on the train (or before) get the Luxembourg Card. It is well worth it and gives you discounts at all the city’s main attractions.
Fun Fact: You only pay to travel in Belgium. All public transportation is free within Luxembourg. You can take any bus, train, or tram anywhere in the country – no ticket needed!
Top 17 Luxembourg Attractions
#1 Place Guillaume II
This is a medieval public square in the heart of Luxembourg City. Why should you go here? Well first it’s pretty cool.
If your anything like me, the first place I head to in the morning is a cafe. Place Guillaume II is a great destination to get a cup of coffee for your walking tour of Luxembourg City. There are several cafes to choose from. While you’re here, check out the statue of Grand Duke William II. He’s the guy on the horse.
Fun fact about statues of people on horses here. If the horse has one leg up, the person was injured in battle. If the horse has two legs up, the person died in battle. If the horse is just standing there with all four legs on the ground, the person served in the military but was never injured. So good ol William was shot with a musketball – but survived.
City Hall is also in the Place Guillaume II.
DONT LEAVE YET PLACE GUILLAUME II. The Luxembourg City Tourist Office is here and you NEED to stop by.
#2 Luxembourg City Tourist Office
This place is a treasure trove of information for Luxembourg’s tourist attractions. There are, of course, maps of the city happily given to you by the ultra friendly staff. They will have the absolute latest knowledge of all the events happening in the city when you visit. You’ll learn that the capital of Luxembourg is very walkable. They will show you all the best places to see in the city.
Luxembourg City has many different levels. If you’re not careful, you could end up hiking back and forth between the low city and the high city. You’ll never have enough time to see everything that way!
If you’re here in December, they’ll tell you about Luxembourg’s famous Christmas Market. If you’re here in the summer you might overlap with Rock um Knuedler. It’s a free rock festival and takes place right outside in the Place Guillaume II
Luxembourgers love kids. If you’re traveling with children – the tourist office has a great scavenger hunt that will keep the kids entertained . It can be fun for adults too!
This is also a great place to meet a tour guide if you want a local to show you around.
#3 Chemin de la Corniche
The Chemin de la Corniche is known as the most beautiful balcony in all of Europe. It’s just a short walk (6 min) from the Luxembourg City Tourist Office. The Chemin de la Corniche overlooks the picturesque Grund district.
It’s a nice place. The best time to see it is in the morning light and getting here early will ensure you beat most of the other tourists.
It’s not a particularly long stop, unless you just stand here… enchanted with the view… sipping your coffee. I wouldn’t blame you for being entranced – the pictures don’t do it justice.
#4 Neumünster Abbey
Neumunster Abbey is a Benedictine Abbey in the lower part of the city. It was built and destroyed many times by war throughout the 1500s 1700s. Finally the abbey stopped getting destroyed. The abbey was then used as an orphanage for a little bit until a gunpowder explosion destroyed it again in 1807. I do not know why they stored gunpowder in an orphanage but I imagine they were fired.
Luxembourg rebuilt the abbey again and is was used as a hospital. Then in WW2, the Nazis used it as a prison to imprison Luxembourg resisters. If these walls could talk…
Today, the abbey hosts concerts, seminars, and art exhibits. Bulgaria and Romania also joined the European Union here in 2005.
#5 Self-Guided Walking Tour of The Grund:
Walk down to the Grund, either down the hill or take the free glass elevator! This neighborhood is filled with traditional Luxembourgish architecture, narrow streets, and a ton of picturesque and historical areas. Like the country itself, the architecture is a blend of different styles (gothic, renaissance, and baroque). You’ll see traditional sandstone buildings, many with ornate detailing. Meander through these streets along the Alsette River in the morning light and you’ll see why people fall in love with this city.
If you happen upon a purple statue of a mermaid while exploring the Grund, you’ve actually found the Melusina statue! Melusina come from an ancient Luxembourgish folk tale and is a great example of the rich history of the people of Luxembourg. The tale goes a little something like this:
Luxembourg Legend of Melusina
According to the legend, Count Siegfried was out strolling one day. Count Siegfried was a powerful guy. He founded the city of Luxembourg.
So he’s out strolling when he heard a captivating voice along the shore of the river. When he inspected further, he saw the most beautiful woman he had ever seen and asked her to marry him. Unbeknownst to him, Melusina was a powerful water fairy.
She fell in love with Count Siegfried too. And she agreed to marry him on only one condition – that she get one day per week, every Saturday, all to herself…
Count Siegfried agreed to her conditions. They married each other and had a bunch of kids.
However, as the years passed, Count Siegfried became more and more jealous. He knew she was up to something and simply had to see her. He broke his promise and entered her chambers where he saw Melusina in her true form – a mermaid!
The story changes now a bit based on the region of Luxembourg and who is telling it.
One version says The Count startled Melusina and she fell out the window into the flooded Alsette River below which swept her away forever.
Another version says the sight of Melusina in her true form was too much for her husband to bear, and he recoiled in horror. Heartbroken, Melusina leaped into the River Alzette.
Either way – the Count lost the love of his life.
The legend of Melusina captured the imagination of generations of Luxembourgish people.
I see it as a cautionary tale, meant to demonstrate the importance of unconditional trust in a marriage and the risks of acting on jealousy.
Luxembourg Pro-Tip: For a happy marriage, don’t walk into your wife in the bedroom when she tells you not to.
#6 Adolphe Bridge
San Francisco has the Golden Gate Bridge. New York has the Brooklyn Bridge. London has the cleverly named London Bridge. And Luxembourg? Luxembourg has has the Pont Adolphe (Aldophe Bridge)
High above the lower city you’ll notice a stunning stone bridge. This bridge was once the largest arched stone bridge in the entire world. It’s over 110 years old. The bridge was refurbished in 2016. When they did, they used the original stones in the construction. It’s used for public transport and is still one of, if not the best way to cross the ravines.
#7 Explore the Bock Casemates – One Day in Luxembourg
Luxembourg is prime real estate in the heart of Europe. Whenever Napoleon… or the Romans… or Hitler… wanted to take over the whole European continent they invaded Luxembourg. The name Luxembourg is derived from the Luxembourgish word for “Little Castle”. Ironic because it was built up to be one of the largest and most fortified castles in Europe in the Medieval Ages.
Construction started on the bock promontory in 963 (by Count Siegfried!) It continued well into the 14th century.
Nicknamed the “Gibralter of the North”, a huge part of the city’s defense was the Bock Casemates. The tunnels of the casemates were expanded throughout the 17th century. The Casemates du Bock are one of the main attractions in the city and definitely worth visiting. They’re one of the top things to do in the city.
Not far from the city centre, the Bock Casemates’ have a huge collection of tunnels. They were dug into the bedrock of cliffs protect the civilian population in the event of an invasion. The tunnels also gave Luxembourgers the opportunity to pummel invaders with cannons from the caves.
While built in the Middle Ages, Luxembourgers used the tunnels as bomb shelters to survive bombings as recently as World War II. The Casemates bomb shelter saved countless lives.
With 17 kilometers (about 10.5 miles) of tunnels, there is A LOT to explore in the Bock Casemates. The caves are massive. Take a map with you so you don’t get lost. In the summer months when the weather is hot, you should know it’s a great place to escape the heat! The Bock Casemates are also a UNESCO World Heritage Site which is reason enough to go!
The Exterior of the Bock Casemates, over 17km of tunnels under the city
#8 Lunch Restaurants During Your One Day in Luxembourg City:
Alright, you got up early, you’ve wandered through the Grund and then hiked through the Bock Casemates. You’re hungry and it’s probably early afternoon so I guess I should feed you.
Luxembourg City, like the country itself, is very cosmopolitan and filled with diversity. In fact, 70% of the people living in Luxembourg City do not have Luxembourg nationality. As such, you can find pretty much any food you crave in the city. But you’re only here for another 7 hours, so why not eat some traditional Luxembourgish food!?
Eating local cuisine is one of the best things about traveling. Make sure to fit it into your one day itinerary.
For lunch, I’d consider going to “Am Tiirmschen”. It’s located right behind the Grand Ducal palace with good food and a rustic atmosphere. A meal will run you about 20-30 euros (about 21-32 USD). Another place to consider is “Mousel’s Canteen” in the Grund. It’s got great beer and some good Luxembourgish options. They are only open from 1200 – 1400 for lunch, and not open every day so make sure to check online.
Luxembourg has a long history of farming and the simple, hearty cuisine connects those in Luxembourg with that past. So what should you order?
Kniddelen:
I love Kniddelen. The chef serves these rich and delicious flour dumplings tossed in cream and bacon. These would be good as an appetizer or a main dish. I’d get it as an appetizer to share because there is so many other delicious things you need to eat!
Gromperkichelcher:
“Gromper” in Luxembourgish means “potato” so that should help decipher some menu items. Gromperkichelcher is a fried potato pancake topped with eggs, shallots, or applesauce (trust me, it’s delicious).
Feierstengszalot mat Gebootschten Gromperen:
A boiled beef and potato salad with mustard and pickles.
One Day in Luxembourg? Eat Judd mat Gaardebounen:
If you have to pick a quintessential Luxembourgish dish…it might be Judd mat Gaardebounen. It’s a smoked pork collar served with broad beans. If you eat pork, I’d consider getting it while you’re here for either lunch or dinner. Restaurants will usually serve it with more grompers (potatoes).
Bouneschlupp mat Mettwurst:
This is a very, very traditional Luxembourgish dish and perfect for those cold winter days. It’s a bean soup made with Luxembourgish smoked sausage. Very tasty if I say so myself!
Paschtéitchen:
A Luxembourgish version of a chicken pot pie. I saw someone who ordered this and I immediately wished I had as well. Unlike an American pot pie, this if served in more of a flaky, golden brown bread bowl.
Weinzossis:
This is a Luxembourgish sausage that is made with wein that you dip in a Luxembourgish-style mustard.
For the Adventurous:
Steak de Cheval:
Cheval means horse. This is a horse steak. Originally from France, it is also on menus in Luxembourg.
Huesenziwwi:
A whole hare that is cooked in a clay pot overnight in a cognac sauce. Due to it’s long and complex preparation it’s not always on menus at Luxembourgish restaurants.
Sweet Tooth?
Kachkéis tarte:
Basically a Luxembourgish cheesecake
Quetschentaart:
A delightful prune and plum tart.
Drinks
Wine And Cremant
Luxembourgers love wine. In fact the first verse of the Luxembourg National Anthem says “Where the shores of the Moselle fragrantly bloom, Heaven gifts us wine”. Any nation that has a national anthem that talks about wine is good with me.
Due to the small amount of wine produced each year, it’s hard to find Lux wine. Most of the wine is consumed domestically or shipped to neighboring countries. Try a glass of Luxembourgish wine or, if you’re in the mood a delicious Luxembourg sparkling wine called Crémant de Luxembourg.
Buff
If you’re in the mood to try something with a bit more oomph, try Buff. It’s a Luxembourg digestive drink made of a variety of herbs and consumed neat at the end of the meal or with sparkling water.
Luxembourgers have a saying, “Buff vetript de Suff”. It translates basically to “Buff cures the hangover”.
I guess in America, it’s essentially “hair of the dog”.
Taste-wise it is similar to Fernet Branca but a bit more bitter.
Afternoon Activities – One Day in Luxembourg
Full yet? I hope so! Choose a few of the following options before dinner and the train home!
#9 The Grand Ducal Palace of Luxembourg
Take a tour and discover the stunning Grand Ducal Palace. It is the home to none other than the billionaire Grand Duke Henri! This is your chance to get a sneak peek into the life of royalty, with a fun and informative tour that will transport you back in time.
As you approach the palace, keep an eye out for the flag – if it’s flying, you know the Grand Duke is in! Your 75-minute tour is only available during the summer. It takes you on a journey through the Grand Duke’s office, the dining room, and other beautiful areas of the palace.
This tour is not just a sightseeing experience, but also a chance to support a good cause.
The revenue from the ticket sales go to support humanitarian initiatives. These initiatives help vulnerable people in Luxembourg and developing nations.
For those with a passion for European history, this tour is a must. Learn about the intriguing story of how Luxembourg became an independent nation, with all its twists and turns. It’s really an opportunity to learn about the last Grand Duchy in the world.
#10 Cathedral “Notre-Dame de Luxembourg”
The Notre-Dame de Luxembourg is also known as the Luxembourg Cathedral. It is a stunning piece of architectural history located in the heart of Luxembourg City.
With its roots dating back to the 16th century, this cathedral is a true marvel. It combines elements of Gothic and Renaissance styles to create a breathtaking sight.
As you step inside, you’ll be awestruck by the cathedral’s grandiose interior. From ornate chapels and intricate stained glass windows to the soaring vaulted ceilings that reach for the sky.
The central spire is a true masterpiece, soaring high above the cathedral and casting a watchful eye over the city below.
The Notre-Dame de Luxembourg is a cultural and religious hub. It has played a significant role in the city’s history and heritage. Throughout the centuries, this cathedral has served as a gathering place, a town hall, for the people of Luxembourg. It offered comfort and guidance in times of need.
Visitors can explore the cathedral at their own pace or join a guided tour for a more in-depth experience. The tour guides are knowledgeable and passionate. They offer fascinating insights into the history and architecture of this iconic building. Whether you’re a local resident or a visiting tourist, a visit to the Notre-Dame de Luxembourg is a must.
For those who love looking at old churches, Luxembourg has plenty! Like this one below:
#11 National Museum of Art and History
The museum is home to works by renowned Luxembourg artists, whose styles span the centuries. The curators have developed a diverse and beautiful collection of artworks.
But the museum isn’t just about art – it’s also a treasure trove of historical artifacts. These artifacts shed light on Luxembourg’s social and cultural life throughout the ages.
You’ll be transported back in time as you explore a medieval castle. You’ll examine intricate ceramics, and marvel at centuries-old documents.
#12 MUDAM – Museum of Modern Art
Pretty self explanatory. This is a museum for modern art lovers. They have all sorts of different exhibits and interesting artists showcasing their collections. For my one day in Luxembourg, I would only go here if I really loved Modern Art, otherwise I’d hit it at a different time.
#13 National Museum of Natural History
This is for you natural history and geology lovers. Completely redesigned in 2017, you can come here to learn all about the Natural History of Luxembourg. They’ve got an extensive collection of natural specimens for your enjoyment.
#14 Luxembourg City Museum
OKay, this museum was actually very cool for history nerds like myself. There is an exhibit here that has the past 1000 years of Luxembourg history. There is another one on perceptions of the Middle Ages in Luxembourg. If you like museums and have spare time, this is a good one. This Museum has both permanent and temporary exhibits on Luxembourg City so there is always new stuff going on. It’s worth a visit, even if you only have one day in Luxembourg.
#15 Gëlle Fra Statue
Close to the Grand Ducal palace, is the Monument of Remembrance in Ville Haute. The Gëlle Fra (Golden Lady) statue is in the Place de la Constitution (Constitution Square). She is more than just a piece of artwork. She is a symbol of hope, freedom, and bravery.
This striking statue stands tall and proud, honoring the memory of those who fought for their country during World War I and World War II. In addition to both world wars, she represents Luxembourgers who fought in the Korean war.
When you approach the statue, you are struck by its impressive size and detail. The golden statue, depicting a female figure with outstretched arms, stands atop a towering stone pedestal and seems to reach for the sky. It’s impossible not to be moved by the symbolism of the statue and the message of hope and freedom it represents.
But the Gëlle Fra is more than just a symbol – it’s also a place of reflection and remembrance. Every year on National Day, Luxembourgers surround the statue with flowers and candles. Luxembourg comes together to pay their respects to the brave soldiers who fought for their country.
This statue is a powerful reminder of the sacrifices made by those who fought for freedom and a symbol of hope for a better future
#16 Chocolate House
Have dessert first at the Chocolate House. This delightful cafe and bakery has some of the most delicious chocolate dishes imaginable. Luxembourg can hold it’s own against any Belgian chocolatier! They specialize in French and Belgian style chocolates. Styles include:
- Pralines
- Truffles
- Fondue
- Cakes
- Tarts
- Mini-Mediants
- Hot Chocolate Spoons
- Chocolate Spreads
These also make great gifts for people back home!
#17 Dinner – Your One Day in Luxembourg
For dinner eat at the Restaurant Um Dierfgen. It’s a little more upscale than some of the lunch options and the food is absolutely delicious. If you’re looking for something a little more casual, or if you’re running short on time, go to the Place d’Armes. There are a bunch of restaurants and food stalls in this area.
See the above list if you’re craving more Luxembourgish food during your one day in Luxembourg.
Return Train – One Day in Luxembourg
Alas, your time in Luxembourg City has come to a close.
There is still some more to see in the city and MUCH more to see in the rest of the country! Everything is within an hour drive as Luxembourg is a small country. For future trips:
- Hike in the Mullerthal region. Luxembourgers affectionately call this place “Little Switzerland” for the stunning scenery.
- Wine and crémant tasting along the Moselle River,
- Exploring over 130 castles sprinkled throughout the countryside. (My favorites include Vianden Castle and Bourscheid Castle)
The rest of the country is also a great place to interact with Luxembourgers so make sure to come back!
For more planning resources go to Visit Luxembourg, the city’s official website.
Looking for another stop on your European adventure? How about stopping by Iceland on your way home for a quick Icelandic food tour? We’ve got our 25 Greatest Icelandic Dishes You’ll Want to Feast On.
