Luxembourg is very close to Paris, just 2 hours and 15 minutes away by TGV, yet it’s not a destination you immediately think of for a short getaway from Paris, which is a real shame! Especially since for the French, it’s the ideal destination since the 3 main languages spoken locally are Luxembourgish, German, and obviously French. So it’s very easy to make yourself understood there. Luxembourg, often perceived solely as a major financial center in Europe, reveals many other facets for the curious traveler. A former steel-industry stronghold, this Grand Duchy has successfully reinvented itself while preserving a rich historical and natural heritage. Not to mention the fact that Luxembourg has a significant advantage for exploring the country: public transport is completely free for everyone, a truly unique initiative of its kind!
Luxembourg City is the capital of this small country (just over 2,500 km2) in the heart of Europe, which gained its independence in 1839. The city and the region are brimming with heritage, culture, gastronomic specialties, and it also enjoys a strong multiculturalism (over 160 nationalities coexist here in a very international atmosphere) and a certain dynamism driven by the diverse nationalities of its residents. It is also a very green city (green spaces cover nearly 50% of the city’s territory), featuring numerous parks and gardens, where life is good because all the main sites are within walking distance. First of all, here is a small selection of visits, places to discover, and things to do in the city center of the capital of Luxembourg. You can also find my selection of great addresses and local specialties in my article dedicated to my food tour in Luxembourg.
We went to discover this destination in April 2025 with my favorite photographer (and on my side, I had also visited alone for the first time in 2015), and this article combines the experiences of these two trips. Below, as usual, I offer a small selection of things to do and see if you come to spend a few days in Luxembourg, as well as my tested and approved accommodation recommendations.
Table of Contents
Practical Info for visiting Luxembourg City
Practical Info and Good Deal:
- Getting around: Public transport (buses, trams, trains) is free throughout the entire Luxembourg territory (if that’s not a super good deal!?)
- Connection: Luxembourg City offers free WiFi under the name CITYWIFI, so you can connect for free during your stay
- Museums: The Luxembourg Museum Days in May offer an open-house weekend where museums are free during these 2 days / and in October, the Luxembourg Museum Night offers activities in the museums of the country’s capital
Visit Luxembourg
Luxembourg City Tourist Office (LCTO)
30 Place Guillaume II, L-1648 Luxembourg
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How to get to Luxembourg City?
- Getting there by train from Paris: allow about 2h20 by TGV from Paris Est station to arrive at Luxembourg station.
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My top tip for visiting Luxembourg: the LuxembourgPass
This digital pass is available for a duration of 1, 2, or 3 days (which do not necessarily have to be used consecutively, and the pass is valid for 365 days from the travel date chosen at purchase) as an individual card (23€ / 33€ / 39€), for 2 people (39€ / 49€ / 55€), or as a family/group card for 3 to 5 people (55€ / 66€ / 71€). This pass is truly a great deal because, for an attractive price, it provides free access to numerous places/attractions throughout Luxembourg as well as discounts at several sites too. In short, if you are heading to Luxembourg for a bit of sightseeing, I highly recommend it; it will pay for itself in no time.
Practical info: you can buy the LuxembourgPass at tourist information offices, train stations, the National Tourist Office, youth hostels, campsites, hotels, gîtes, at most participating sites, or on the Visit Luxembourg website.
What to see and do in Luxembourg City?
Capital of the Grand Duchy, Luxembourg City is a city built on multiple levels (featuring an upper town and a lower town), straddling impressive gorges carved out by the Alzette and Pétrusse rivers. With around 135,000 inhabitants, it is a human-scale city where millennium-old history meets modernity. The historic heart, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is packed with architectural treasures and spectacular viewpoints. Traces of Vauban, the famous French architect of Louis XIV, can also be found everywhere in the old town’s architecture, and the modern city also relies largely on the old fortress walls. A fun little bonus (which can be quite important for the female gender, of which I am a part): the presence of numerous free public restrooms makes visiting the city much easier and more pleasant.
We for our part made extensive use of the city’s public transport (buses and trams) to get around, since they are free, and I find that greatly simplifies exploring the capital. Below, as usual, I offer a selection of things to do and see if you come to spend a getaway in Luxembourg City. You will see in particular that the capital of Luxembourg offers a very fine cultural selection with numerous museums to discover.
Not to be missed either: take a stroll along the Corniche on the 17th-century ramparts, which offer breathtaking views of the valley and the Neumünster Abbey.
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Take a guided tour of the city: the City Promenade
If this is your first time in Luxembourg City, it can be a great idea to discover the specific attractions of the city in the company of an official guide during a walking tour of about 2 hours. It’s the perfect opportunity to learn more about the city’s rich and complex history. Did you know, for example, that the first Count Siegfried initially settled on the Bock Rock, founding a small castle in the Middle Ages that would become the cradle of the city? The fortress was later coveted and reinforced over the centuries, notably by Vauban after the city was captured by the troops of Louis XIV. During the tour, you discover the Grand Ducal Palace, official residence of the head of state, a 16th-century building in the Flemish Renaissance style (which I’ll tell you more about a bit further down). Local legends are also discussed, such as that of the mermaid Melusina, or the story of the Gëlle Fra (the Golden Lady), an iconic monument commemorating Luxembourgish soldiers.
Tested in 2025 - Invitation
Official Guided Tour: the City Promenade
Departure in front of the Luxembourg City Tourist Office, Place Guillaume II
Departures vary by day (most often at 2:00 PM, several slots on Saturdays): check the booking page for the calendar and languagesPrices: adult 18 € / reduced 14.50 € / children 9 € / free for under-4s
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Take the panoramic elevator
This panoramic elevator makes it quick and effortless to connect the upper town and the lower town. You can even bring a bike along if needed. And as a nice bonus, it’s free and also allows you to enjoy a magnificent view of the lower town, the Grand Duchess Charlotte “Red Bridge” overlooking the valley, and the surrounding area.
Pfaffenthal Panoramic Elevator
2 Rue du Pont, 2344 Pafendall, Luxembourg
The tip: free to use
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Visit the Bock Casemates and the Archaeological Crypt
You can visit part of this 18th-century underground fortification network, which includes 17 km of galleries across multiple levels and now stands as one of Luxembourg’s main tourist attractions. Both casemates (the Bock casemates and the Pétrusse casemates, which are also open to visitors) form an extraordinary network of underground galleries carved into the city’s rocks to serve as military defenses under Spanish rule in the 17th century, before being expanded twice. They have been open to the public for tours since 1933, offering magnificent views of the city. They have also been inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage list since 1994. The tour begins with the archaeological crypt, a didactic antechamber to the casemates that houses the cradle of Luxembourg—namely, the remains of the first count’s castle, erected in the 10th century on the “Bock” promontory above the Alzette river by the city’s founder, Count Siegfried.
My tip: as this site is very popular, I recommend booking your time slot online in advance to ensure you don’t have to wait once you arrive.
Visited in 2015 and 2025
Bock Casemates and Archaeological Crypt
Montée de ClausenOpen daily except December 25 and January 1: last entry at 5:00 PM (opening from 9:45 AM), at 7:00 PM in July-August, and from 10:45 AM to 2:45 PM from early November to late March
Prices: adult 11 € / reduced 9 € (students and seniors) / children aged 4 to 12 5.50 €
Good deal: the Pétrusse Casemates, on the other hand, are 30% off with the LuxembourgPass
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Visiting Villa Vauban
This 1873 bourgeois villa (built on 17th-century foundations of a Vauban fort, hence its name), complete with its contemporary extension, is set amidst a historic municipal park in the city where it’s lovely to take a stroll. Today, the venue—which became the Luxembourg City Art Museum in 2010—hosts collections of 17th- to 19th-century European paintings and sculptures (Netherlands, France, Italy…) as well as Luxembourgish artworks from the 19th to the 21st century. The villa regularly hosts temporary exhibitions and offers a varied program of activities alongside its permanent collection.
Visited in 2025
Villa Vauban
Prices: 5 € adult / 3 € reduced
Good deal: free with the LuxembourgPass / free every Friday from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM / free for under-21s and students under 26
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Check Out the Grand Ducal Palace
Serving as the Grand Duke’s city residence, this palace features a very fine Flemish Renaissance-style facade (dating from the 16th century). During the summer, you can exceptionally tour the interior of the building, which remains closed to the public the rest of the year. During my visits to Luxembourg City, I unfortunately never had the chance to tour the inside… That will have to wait for next time.
The Grand Ducal Palace
Guided tours in summer only (in 2026: July 18 to August 30), booked through the tourist office
Place Guillaume II, L-2011 Luxembourg
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Visit the Luxembourg City History Museum: Lëtzebuerg City Museum
Dedicated to the thousand-year history of the Grand Duchy’s capital, this museum has been housed since 1996 in 4 historic old town houses whose foundations date back to the 13th century. Spread across 3 floors, it presents the city’s history and legends through a wonderful permanent exhibition, “The Luxembourg Story,” featuring a collection of artifacts and topographical models. It also regularly hosts temporary exhibitions on the museum’s top 2 levels. During your visit, I recommend taking the large glass elevator, which spans 6 levels from the rock upon which the city is built all the way to the top floor, offering views of the lower town and the Rham Plateau with its medieval rampart ruins.
Visited in 2015 and 2025
Luxembourg City History Museum / Lëtzebuerg City Museum
14, rue du Saint-Esprit L-2090 LuxembourgOpen daily except Mondays from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM, Thursdays until 8:00 PM
Prices : adult 5 € / reduced 3 €
Good deal: free with the LuxembourgPass / free admission every Thursday from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM / free for under-21s and students under 26
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Visit the National Museum of Archaeology, History and Art
Located in the city center, this museum is immense (covering an area of 6,200 m2). It offers a deeper understanding of the country’s history—from prehistory to modern times, featuring the Grand Duchy’s principal archaeological sites—through its public collections of archaeology, history, and art. The museum is organized along thematic routes. It’s also the ideal place to discover a glimpse of Luxembourgish art. In short, it’s an absolute must-visit if you want to learn more about Luxembourg. And if I could give you one piece of advice, it would be to allow at least half a day to fully enjoy it.
Visited in 2015 and 2025
National Museum of Archaeology, History and Art (MNAHA)
Marché-aux-Poissons L-2345 LuxembourgOpen Tuesday to Sunday from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM (and until 8:00 PM on Thursdays)
Temporary exhibition prices: adult 7 € / free for under-26s
Good deal: free with the LuxembourgPass / free admission for everyone to the permanent collections / late-night opening on Thursdays from 5:30 PM to 8:00 PM with free access to temporary exhibitions as well
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Visit the Mudam
The Grand Duke Jean Museum of Modern Art (Mudam) is a must-see for contemporary art lovers. Housed in a spectacular building located on the site of a former fortress, it was designed by the Sino-American architect Ieoh Ming Pei (the architect of the Louvre Pyramid in Paris) using a highly recognizable light, sandblasted stone called Magny Doré. The museum offers temporary exhibitions of international and Luxembourgish artists (which change several times a year), as well as a permanent collection. It is a dynamic venue that questions our era through various forms of artistic expression. We also took advantage of our visit to have lunch at the Café du Mudam, which offers a pleasant setting and simple, fresh cuisine—though I tell you more about that in my special food and hotspots article on Luxembourg.
Visited in 2025
Mudam Luxembourg – Grand Duke Jean Museum of Modern Art
3 Park Drai Eechelen, L-1499 Luxembourg-Kirchberg
Hours: open daily except Mondays
Prices: Adults 10 € / reduced 7 €
Good deal: free with the LuxembourgPass / free for under-21s / free every Wednesday from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM for late-night opening
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Visit the Dräi Eechelen Museum
Located in the same neighborhood as Mudam, which I just mentioned, on the slopes of the Kirchberg Plateau, make sure not to miss this free museum housed in the keep of Fort Thüngen, built in 1732. The permanent exhibition collections—which explore the history of Luxembourg and its fortress from the late Middle Ages until its dismantling in 1867—are housed in very well-preserved casemates. The first floor of the museum is dedicated to temporary exhibitions.
Visited in 2025
Dräi Eechelen Museum
5 Park Drai Eechelen, 1499 Clausen Luxembourg
Open daily except Mondays from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM (and until 8:00 PM on Wednesdays)
Good deal: free for under-26s and on Wednesdays from 5:30 PM to 8:00 PM (otherwise 7 €)
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Check Out the Luxembourg Notre-Dame Cathedral
Luxembourg’s Notre-Dame Cathedral was built in the 17th century by the Jesuits to serve as the college church (currently the National Library), and its northern portal is characteristic of the mid-Renaissance and mid-baroque styles of that era. It also houses the miraculous statue of the “Consoler of the Afflicted” as well as a crypt containing the remains of King John the Blind. Be sure to go take a look!
Luxembourg Notre-Dame Cathedral
Rue Notre-Dame L-2240 Luxembourg
Open access and free entry during opening hours
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Stroll Through the Park of the 3 Acorns
If you are looking for a place to go for a stroll, I recommend heading to the Parc des 3 glands (Draï Eechelen), located in the Kirchberg business district. Here, you can discover Luxembourg’s past from the days when the city was fortified. The park stretches out behind the Philharmonie, and it is also home to the Mudam Modern Art Museum and Fort Thüngen, which I mentioned earlier. Redesigned by landscape architect Michel Desvigne, the site offers a magnificent panoramic view of the old town. As a bonus, you can also pass through the park to reach the lower town, then take the panoramic elevator (which I mentioned earlier) to connect back to the old town.
Parc des 3 glands
5, Park Drai Eechelen, L-1499 Luxembourg City
Good deal: free and open access
LUGA – Luxembourg Urban Garden
This event (2025 edition, now over) featured an open-air exhibition of urban gardens, landscape and artistic installations, agricultural projects, and pop-up living spaces.
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Discovering LUGA – Luxembourg Urban Garden – 2025 Edition
We had the chance to get a preview peek at the installations (still being finalized) for LUGA – Luxembourg Urban Garden, which ran from May 7 to October 18, 2025. Born from an idea in 2012 and coordinated by Ann Muller, this open-air horticultural and urban exhibition aimed to highlight the green beauty of the city, where nearly half the territory consists of green spaces. Under the patronage of Mayor Lydie Polfer, LUGA was set to offer an 11 km trail across the city, dotted with over 50 temporary installations created by numerous partners across 4 iconic sites: the Édouard André municipal park (designed by the landscape architect of the same name in the late 19th century), the Pétrusse and Alzette valleys, and Kirchberg.
The event, partly free, showcased urban gardens and green initiatives, such as the orchid collections at the Pescatore Foundation. It’s a wonderful way to experience Luxembourg City from a different perspective for six months. The theme of this first edition was “Making the invisible visible” with the goal of illuminating the path toward greener, more sustainable, and more planet-friendly cities. The exhibition ended on October 18, 2025 in Luxembourg City, after more than 15 km of trails and 80 urban gardens, installations and agricultural projects according to the official review. No new edition has been announced for now, but several installations have been kept or relocated.
LUGA – Luxembourg Urban Garden 2025
Dates: from May 7 to October 18, 2025
Location: Multiple sites across Luxembourg City (11 km trail) and also in Ettelbruck (5 km)
Status: exhibition ended on October 18, 2025
What to see and do around Luxembourg City?
Luxembourg isn’t just about its capital. Within minutes by public transport (always free!) or by car, you can discover other landscapes and iconic know-how of the country, particularly regarding local drinks (though I’ll tell you more about that in my special food article), industrial history, or nature.
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Take a birdwatching walk at Biodiversum
The futuristic nature conservation center Biodiversum, built on an artificial island, stands at the foot of the vineyards in the Haff Réimech nature reserve in Remerschen, within Luxembourg’s Moselle region. On the ground floor of the 3-story main building, which resembles an overturned boat hull, visitors can explore an exhibition on the history of the nature reserve and the region’s underwater world, with an educational angle on environmental protection. In the basement, you’ll find temporary exhibitions on various themes; during our visit, there was a traveling exhibition of Celtic treasure replicas: Kelten Welten (exhibition shown until September 28, 2025).
The visit pairs wonderfully with a birdwatching trail in the nature reserve, appreciated for its rich birdlife as well as its particularly rare flora and fauna. You can explore “Haff Réimech” via two loops: one measuring 1.9 km and another slightly longer one (the one we took) measuring 3.7 km. The trail is also dotted with stilt huts that allow you to observe local wildlife without disturbing them.
Biodiversum – Nature reserve in Remerschen
5, Breicherwee L-5441 Remerschen
Open daily except Monday
Good deal: free and open access to the educational building and the birdwatching trail
My favorite food spots in Luxembourg
I’ve put together another article (link coming soon) featuring a selection of gourmet spots that I discovered in Luxembourg during my two trips to the country, including restaurants, bars, bakeries, craft breweries…
My shopping spots in Luxembourg City
Luxembourg House
This local specialty shop is the ideal place to pick up some gifts and bring home 100% made-in-Luxembourg souvenirs from your stay.
Tested in 2015
Luxembourg House
2, rue de l’Eau L-1449 LuxembourgOpen Monday to Tuesday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. and Wednesday to Sunday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Where to stay in Luxembourg City?
During my stays, I tested 4 hotels with different styles, neighborhoods and price ranges. I’ve summarized them below; you’ll find the full story, all the photos and two additional places in my article Where to stay in Luxembourg? My hotel recommendations.
Which hotel to choose in Luxembourg?
From the city centre to Kirchberg, we tried different settings over several stays. I have included the drawbacks too, including noise at the Simoncini in 2015.
Booking through these links supports the blog, at no extra cost to you.
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A trendy, design hotel in Luxembourg City? Mama Shelter Luxembourg
We’re big fans of this hotel brand and have already tried several of their addresses in France (Rennes, Marseille, Bordeaux…), and Mama Shelter Luxembourg is true to the group’s style: quirky, colorful design, a relaxed atmosphere and a lively rooftop with a view over the city. Located in Kirchberg, it’s well connected to the center by tram (free, like all public transport in the country). Our room was stylish and functional, with high-quality bedding, and the team had even stuck our couple photo on a mirror! A special mention for the breakfast buffet and its juice extractor.
Tested in 2025 - Invitation
Mama Shelter Luxembourg ☆☆☆
2 Rue du Fort Niedergruenewald, L-1616 Luxembourg
Rates: Rooms starting from around €120-150 per night (varies depending on the season and day)
How to get there: take the tram towards Luxexpo and get off at the Philharmonie stop
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A hotel in the Belair district of Luxembourg City? Hôtel Parc Belair
In the residential district of Belair, right next to Merl Park, Hôtel Parc Belair is less than a 15-minute walk from the center, with a bus stopping in front of the hotel. It’s a good option if you’re looking for a green setting. We had a small park-side room with a mini balcony, and it was extremely quiet and relaxing.
Tested in 2025 - Invitation
Hôtel Parc Belair ☆☆☆☆
111 Avenue du Dix Septembre, 2551 Hollerich Luxembourg
Rates: Rooms starting from around €121-134 per night (varies depending on the season and day)
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A central hotel in Luxembourg City? Hôtel Simoncini
On my first trip in 2015, I stayed at this 35-room gallery hotel, perfectly located right in the center, with a contemporary art gallery next door and an art trail across its floors. One downside, though: I found the neighborhood very noisy and had to sleep with the window closed despite the heat. So if you’re planning a lie-in, forget it…
Tested in 2015
Hôtel Simoncini
6, rue Notre Dame L-2240 Luxembourg
Price: starting from 125 € for 1 person / 145 € for 2 people (breakfast included and free wifi)
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Where to stay near the airport? Légère Hôtels Luxembourg
Handy if you have an early flight or are arriving late: this 4-star hotel is 6 km from the airport and about 15 km from the center, which is easy to reach by bus. We slept in a 37 m² “Résidence Room”, spacious and quiet, with very comfortable bedding. The on-site restaurant, Faces, saves you from going out again in the evening: we tried a chicken supreme stuffed with prunes and white asparagus with Black Forest ham.
Tested in 2025 - Invitation
Légère Hôtels Luxembourg ☆☆☆☆
11 Rue Gabriel Lippmann, Parc d’Activité Syrdall, L-5365 Munsbach
Hotel rates: rooms starting from around 96€ to 180 € per night (prices vary depending on the season)
Getting to the city center by bus from the hotel: when leaving the hotel, walk 250m to the left to the stop (Munsbach, Aisvull) and take bus 324 towards “Kirchberg, Gare Routière, Luxexpo” and get off at the Kirchberg, Gare Routière, Luxexpo stop / then walk to the nearby tram stop and take the tram towards Bonnevoie
Thank you to the Luxembourg Tourism Office and Pit for organizing this wonderful getaway to discover Luxembourg and especially its capital.
I hope all this has made you want to discover the city of Luxembourg, and if you also have your own favorite addresses and tips, feel free to share them in the comments!
⇒ Read my other articles about Luxembourg!
Photos are not royalty-free; photographer authorization is required prior to any use
