Best things to see in Luxembourg City in one day

As one of the world’s most compact countries, little Luxembourg is often overlooked as a travel destination in lieu of visits to its better-known neighbours like France and Germany.

That’s exactly why those craving stunning streetscapes, high-end shopping, great food and fascinating historical monuments without the hectic crowds know to visit Luxembourg instead.

Home to the only Grand Duchy, the nation boasts rolling vineyards, towering castles, charming rural villages and days-long hiking trails, and best of all they’re accessible as day trips from Luxembourg City.

The capital has picture-perfect viewpoints, and with most of the sites scattered around the centre it’s very walkable (though public transit is free for those wanting to give their legs a rest).

Here are the best things to see in Luxembourg City in just one day, before heading off to explore the rest of the country.

Quick find

What to see in Luxembourg city in one day: Walking map

Luxembourg in a day: Explore the Bock Casemates

Start off at one of the most fascinating places to visit in Luxembourg: the Bock Casements, which earned the city the nickname ‘Gibraltar of the North.’

Bock Casemates in Luxembourg — Bock Casemates

This UNESCO site built in 1745 holds the title as the world’s longest casemates, as the fortifications high above the city once stretched 23 kilometres long. An imposing 17 km long now, it was built as a bomb shelter to hold up to 35,000 people, making it one of the most envied fortresses in Europe.

‘Casemate’ derives from the Greek word for ‘chasm’, and that’s just what you’ll find as soon as you walk through the entrance and see the archeological crypt.

A labyrinth of caves and tunnels connect to a dungeon, cannons, a spiral staircase leading to an escape passage that was designed in case the castle bridge was destroyed, the main gallery and a 47 metre deep well.

The highlight of a visit is walking along the main, 110 metre long casement which has amazing views through the loopholes of Grand Duchess Charlotte Bridge, the valley and old town.

Tickets to the Bock Casemates are €8, and visits are limited to 45 minutes at a time. Entry is permitted every 15 minutes to avoid overcrowding, starting at 9:45 a.m.

Globe Guide tip: There’s a restaurant called Mirador near the base of the casemates, and its outdoor terrace has amazing views.

The terrace of Mirador Restaurant in Luxembourg — The terrace of Mirador Restaurant

Wander through the Grund district during a Luxembourg day trip

While the casemates are considered the city’s most historically significant site, the Grund District is definitely one of the most beautiful places in Luxembourg city (and also designated as a UNESCO site).

As soon as you step inside this charming pocket you’ll feel as if you’ve been transported straight into a fairytale. Grund is often dubbed as a “village within a city,” and its quaint streets are situated in the lower part of Luxembourg at the bottom of the valley.

Wandering through this 14th-century neighborhood on the banks of the Alzette River is a must, and visitors can admire the picturesque architecture, visit Neumünster Abbey or the National Museum of Natural History, and of course make plenty of photo stops.

Inside Neumünster Abbey in Luxembourg City — Inside Neumünster Abbey

To reach the Grund district, take the glass elevator from Plateau du Saint-Esprit or make the 15-minute stroll down along the surrounding brick walkways. The latter is certainly the most scenic route, though the elevator is also a great spot for snapping some photos of the enchanting streets.

Ride the Pfaffenthal Elevator, one of the free things to do in Luxembourg

The elevator at Plateau du Saint-Esprit is actually one of two lifts connecting the upper and lower sections of Luxembourg City. Pfaffenthal Elevator, with its glass-bottomed floor and panoramic views, is the pair’s best known and a must-see during one day in Luxembourg.

Its floor-to-ceiling windows provide unspoiled views over the Alzette Valley, linking the ‘Pescatore’ park in the city centre with the quiet Pfaffenthal district.

The lift is free of charge, and also available to cyclists. Note that it’s a 71 metre ride up, which might make anyone who’s not a fan of heights slightly uneasy at times!

Admire Chemin de la Corniche

Any place with the title of “Europe’s most beautiful balcony” definitely warrants a visit during your Luxembourg one day itinerary.

Chemin de la Corniche, meaning Corniche Road, was once part of a 17th-century defensive wall and was built upon the Bock Promontory. However, it’s now regarded as one of Luxembourg City’s most captivating viewpoints.

As you make your way up to the main viewpoint, keep an eye out for some of the key buildings and districts that make up the balcony’s gorgeous vistas.

From here you’re able to spot the Rham Plateau, the Alzette River and Valley, and stunning buildings like the Neimenster Abbey, a former monastery that now serves as a hub for cultural events and exhibitions.

If you’ve got some flexibility in your schedule, walk down from Chemin de la Corniche towards the Kirchberg area. On your way, you’ll likely stumble upon some notable spots, including important European institutions and museums.

The Grand Duke Jean Museum of Modern Art will appeal to any keen art buffs, while the adjacent Dräi Eechelen Museum is a must for curious historians. Because both museums back onto one another, it’s super simple to visit both in one afternoon.

Check out Grand Ducal Palace

As the world’s only country to be led by a Duke, a visit to the Grand Ducal Palace is a particularly special experience and unquestionably one of top things to do in Luxembourg City.

This magnificent palace is the official residence of His Royal Highness Grand Duke Henri and his family, though the building was originally constructed as the town hall during the 15th century.

Although it was essentially destroyed during the 1500s, the town hall was later rebuilt and has continued to undergo renovations and extensions ever since. In 1890, the town hall was transformed into the Grand Ducal Palace.

It’s worth stopping by to admire the Renaissance and Baroque architecture, and those visiting during summer have the opportunity to tour its regal and elaborate interior during a 75 minute guided tour. Don’t miss the changing of the guard, which typically happens once a month during summer (check exact dates here).

Splurge in the shopping areas during your 1 day in Luxembourg

Even if you’re only exploring Luxembourg City in one day, there’s always time for a bit of shopping, yes?

The capital’s most sought-after shopping districts are filled with fabulous restaurants, bars and cafes, and stores so ritzy you’ll be tempted to blow the bank.

Rue Sigefroi is an excellent starting point. Located in the upper part of the city, this area has an upmarket feel to it with swanky restaurants, glamorous cocktail bars and cozy haunts with fine wines.

As you’d expect, most of the shops in this pedestrian-only area are luxury retailers like Louis Vuitton, Longchamp, and Christian Louboutin. With Ladurée macaroons in the midst of all the designer boutiques, you’ll feel as if you’ve stepped onto the chic shopping streets of Paris.

Continue onto Place D’Armes, Luxembourg’s main retail area buzzing with locals and tourists alike.

This historic square hosts Christmas markets in winter and outdoor concerts during the summer. The fantastic line-up of eateries and proximity to both high-street and upscale stores make it vibrant and lively, and a fun spot for happy hour and people watching.

Luxembourg in one day: How to get around

For those arriving by air, Luxembourg city has a well-connected international airport (LUX) with direct flights linking the city to major hubs like London, Frankfurt and Madrid. From the airport, hop on the 16 or 29 bus to the center, which runs every 15 minutes and takes less than 20 minutes to reach the central train station.

As is the case with all public transport in Luxembourg, this service is entirely free of charge. Taxis are also available, which cost about €30 to the city centre.

Another popular way of reaching Luxembourg City is by train–in fact, many workers commute here from France. Several cities in France, Germany, and Belgium have direct routes to and from Luxembourg’s central station; pretty Strasbourg is a 90 minute journey, in a little over two hours you’ll reach Paris, and the Belgian capital of Brussels is just three hours away.

Getting around Luxembourg City is even easier, and there’s a good chance you won’t even need to use the free transit options since it’s so walkable. Buses, trains and trams typically run between 5:00 a.m. and midnight, and there are often night buses until 3:30 a.m. on weekends.

A cutesy tourist train runs daily through the Grund and Rives de Clausen areas accompanied by an audio guide, which is a good option for those hoping to learn more about the city without tackling all those hills. It departs multiple times at Montée de Clausen in front of the Bock Casemates entrance, and tours last about 45 minutes.

Reserve tickets ahead of time with GetYourGuide or Viator.

The final way of exploring Luxembourg City is by bike, which has become increasingly popular thanks to the ever-growing number of cycle lanes. Bikes are a convenient and fun way of navigating your way around the city and are generally permitted in most of the car-free zones.

Companies tend to charge around €7.50 per hour or €30 a day, so it’s best to book an e-bike tour like this one instead.

Book a guided tour for your day trip to Luxembourg with GetYourGuide here:

Book with Viator:

Where to stay in Luxembourg

Sofitel Le Grand Ducal: This five star property is hands-down one of the best places to stay in Luxembourg, delivering effortless elegance in its massive suites and jaw-dropping views from the rooms and its sky-high restaurant Mu Luxembourg overlooking the Pétrusse Valley.

Luxury Balmain bath products await in the well-appointed rooms which boast thick velvet blackout curtains, Nespresso machines, luxe linens and seating areas. Our suite even had a walk-in closet, and two bathrooms including one with a bathtub overlooking Grund.

The breakfast buffet is fantastic with plenty of healthy options, there’s a gym and business centre, the hotel is a short walk to the main attractions, and the bus stop out front goes straight to the airport.

Check prices or reserve a room at the Sofitel Le Grand Ducal on Expedia or through Booking.com.

Hotel Le Place d’Armes: For a splurge-worthy stay, book in at the historic Hotel Le Place d’Armes, a Relais & Châteaux property.

Located right in the heart of Ville Haute in the Place d’Armes pedestrian area, this 18th century building has been beautifully restored and blends Art Nouveau, Baroque and contemporary styles.

Each room and suite is individually decorated, featuring design details like wooden vaulted ceilings, plush velvet headboards, reclaimed wood beams and ornate molding. There are also three restaurants on site: a cafe bistro, brasserie and gourmet restaurant.

Check prices or reserve a room at Hotel Le Place d’Armes on Expedia or through Booking.com.

Luxembourg day trips

Have some extra time to spend in Luxembourg? Thanks to the country’s petite size, it’s easy to explore beyond the capital and see many of the top landmarks in just a day.

Hike through the Mëllerdall UNESCO Global Geopark, home to deep gorges, sandstone cliffs, rocks dating as far back as the Jurassic period, sweeping vistas and sweet glamping setups.
Admire Vianden’s medieval castle, built between the 11th and 14th centuries on the foundation of a roman fort. It’s considered one of the most beautiful and largest feudal residences of the gothic and romanesque periods in Europe, making Vianden one of the most popular day trips in Luxembourg.
Need even more of a castle fix? Medieval and Renaissance ones are found side-by-side in the Beaufort countryside about 30 minutes north of Luxembourg city, and there’s also a distillery!

The view from the Koeppchen — Mullerthal

Visit the waterfront town of Schengen, where the Schengen Agreement was signed which helped unite the continent by allowing free movement between countries within the designated area.
Sip wine in the Luxembourg vineyards: best known for Crémant which is the country’s take on champagne, you’ll also find Riesling, Pinots, Gewürztraminer, Auxerrois, Rivaner, Elbling and Chardonnay here
Cruise along the Moselle River aboard the elegant MS Princesse Marie-Astrid, which serves up great views as you glide past villages, thick forests and lush vineyards.