One of the most diverse and beautiful capital cities in Europe, there are plenty of things to do in Luxembourg City which will help you to discover Luxembourg’s impressive history, and give you the opportunity to enjoy its pretty scenery, during a short break here.
It takes around 4 and a half hours to drive from Calais port to Luxembourg City, a little under 4 hours from Rotterdam, and just 3 and a half hours from Zeebrugge, and taking your car with you means that you can explore more of the country while you’re there too.
Explore the Casemates du Bock
At the tip of Luxembourg City’s Old Town you will find the ruins of the 10th century castle that made Luxembourg the country that it is today, and below this are the Casemates du Bock, a network of tunnels, narrow passageways, and stairways that were used for storage and defence in the Middle Ages.
Visitors can explore the 17km of tunnels for themselves, and will discover everything from shelters and kitchens to workshops and stables, which were created by Spanish, French, and Austrian occupiers throughout the years.
A few windows and galleries can be seen from the exterior of the Casemates du Bock, the only clue that they exist, and when you are in the tunnel network you will be treated to lots of amazing views of the city when you look out of these.
Admire the architecture
There are some stunning examples of architecture in Luxembourg City which are definitely worth visiting during your time here.
Start with the Palais Grand-Ducal, the official city residence of the Grand Duke, which was built in the 16th century and boasts a blend of different architectural styles. One of the most striking buildings in the city, you can take a tour of the luxurious interior from mid-July until the end of August, as this is when the Grand Duke resides in his summer home.
Another fantastic building to admire is the Notre Dame Cathedral, and visiting this building is one of the most popular things to do in Luxembourg City. Built in the 17th century, the cathedral’s main feature is its decorative north gate which has been created using lots of detail, and you’ll also find beautiful stained glass, and a number of sculptures and statues here, including two lions which guard the graves of the royal family.
Discover the Chemin de la Carniche
The Chemin de la Carniche, also known as Europe’s most beautiful balcony, is an unmissable walk that will take you along the city’s 17th century ramparts and offers amazing views across the river canyon.
The walk itself is just 600m and will take you to the Citadel of the Holy Spirit, a monastery established in 1234. A visit here is one of the top things to do in Luxembourg City as it allows you to see the city from a new perspective, take some impressive photographs, and enjoy a leisurely walk.
From the Chemin de la Carniche you can take a free elevator down to the Lower City – the Grund. This quieter part of town follows the Pétrusse river and is a great place to discover the city’s authentic culture. Boasting plenty of trees, bridges, historic buildings, and independent shops, a wander around the Grund feels like being in a small village rather than part of a capital city. You’ll also find that this area comes alive in the evenings and is the perfect place to have a drink or two.
Eat Luxembourgish food
One of the most exciting things to do in Luxembourg City is to try some of the delicious food that it has to offer. The cuisine here is often described as being a mixture of German and French due to its great flavours and large portions, and you’ll find a number of restaurants offering traditional food across the city.
Two delicacies that you have to try are wainzoossiss, which are wine flavoured sausages with a mustard sauce, and kniddelen, a tasty dumpling dish.
One of the most popular places to eat in Luxembourg City is the Chocolate House. Famed for its Hotchocspoon, a chunk of chocolate on a spoon that you stir into hot milk which is available in over 20 flavours, you will also find a number of both sweet and savoury menu options here. Another great thing about this café is that it is located just across from the Palais Grand-Ducal, making it a fantastic place to see the changing of the guard.
Inspired to discover these things to do in Luxembourg City for yourself? Book your ferry crossing today and start planning your trip.
