City trip Luxembourg
10 tips for a special visit
With Eurocity Direct or Eurostar, you can travel comfortably from the Randstad to this city in about five hours.
1. The most beautiful balcony in Europe
Luxembourg City is located on a sandstone plateau, divided into an upper and a lower town. The historic Ville-Haute, with its fortifications, is located above. Below, dozens of metres lower down, the Pétrusse and Alzette rivers converge. For the best view of this landmark, walk along the Chemin de la Corniche, which was once described by the writer Batty Weber as the “most beautiful balcony in Europe”.
2. Grund, a village in the city
The Grund district feels like a village in the middle of the city. Located deep in the gorge below the city centre, this lower district is one of the oldest parts of Luxembourg. Although you can take the lift, the stairs offer the most beautiful descent. Craftsmen settled here among the cobbled streets and historic façades as early as the 10th century, thereby contributing to the city's UNESCO status. Be sure to visit the 1309 Église Saint-Jean-Baptiste, Neimënster Abbey and the Musée national d’Histoire naturelle.
3. Explore the network of tunnels
Carved out of the rocks, the Casemates date partly from 1644 and are part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site. This underground network once served as a shelter and workspace for soldiers. Now, visitors can walk through the corridors and enjoy the views over the valleys. Both the Bock Casemates and the Pétrusse Casemates are open to visitors.
4. Take a look inside the old fort
Fort Thüngen is located in Dräi Eechelen Park, a popular spot with locals. Its name refers to the acorns on the fort's three towers. Following careful restoration, the 18th-century defensive structure was converted into the Musée Dräi Eechelen, where visitors can learn about Luxembourg's military history and the role of the fortified city throughout the centuries. The fort also offers stunning views of the surrounding fortifications.
5. View from the upper town
The surrounding park is also ideal for a stroll. Landscape architect Michel Desvigne transformed the upper city level with an abundance of greenery. Walking paths wind through lawns and along the edge of the forest, offering views of the old city walls, the modern MUDAM museum and the lower-lying town. It is a peaceful place to enjoy some fresh air surrounded by both culture and nature.
6. Masterful art
Admire contemporary art at MUDAM, which is located next to Fort Thüngen. Designed by Ieoh Ming Pei, known for the Louvre pyramid, the building features a glass and steel roof above a limestone base.
Inside, you will find works by Andy Warhol, Bruce Nauman, Daniel Buren and many other artists. Paintings, installations, videos and designs are displayed across three floors. Afterwards, you can enjoy a chat in the museum café, Chiche, which serves Lebanese cuisine.
Address: 3, Park Dräi Eechelen
7. Delicious chocolate creations
Treat yourself to some chocolate at the iconic Nathalie Bonn Chocolate House, located opposite the Grand Ducal Palace. In this medieval building, Nathalie Bonn and her children craft pralines, cakes, and mendiants using Belgian and French chocolate. Their products are free from palm oil and artificial additives.
The hot chocolate spoons are also popular: simply stir one into warm milk for a creamy chocolate drink.
Address: 20, rue du Marché-aux-Herbes
8. Imagine yourself in the Middle East
At the Bazaar, flavours from the Mediterranean and the Middle East converge. The menu features mezze dishes designed for sharing, inspired by the cuisines of Greece, Lebanon, North Africa and beyond. If you have trouble choosing, try the Mezze Addict platter, which includes snacks such as baba ganoush, labneh and falafel. The roasted aubergine with tahini and peach also comes highly recommended. When the weather is nice, you can sit outside in the square and enjoy a cocktail.
Address: 46 Place Guillaume II
9. Sink into vintage furniture
The Konrad Café & Bar is known for its creative atmosphere and is located on a winding street in the upper town. During the day, you can enjoy coffee alongside homemade cakes, including the popular carrot cake. In the evening, there is live music and a selection of beers and cocktails is available. When the weather is nice, the terrace spills out onto the street.
Address: 7 Rue du Nord
10. See the (winter)lights
In the winter, during the Winterlights festival, the city transforms into a sea of light. You can find Christmas chalets selling gifts, local delicacies and mulled wine on Place d'Armes and Place de la Constitution. You can also go ice skating at the covered rink at Kinnekswiss. Prefer something more peaceful? Then take a stroll past the illuminated trees in the Pétrusse Valley.
In summer, the same valley becomes a lush green oasis with walking trails, picnic areas, and stunning views of the fortress walls. Open-air concerts and other small-scale events are also regularly held here.
To Luxembourg by train
NS International offers comfortable journeys to Luxembourg. Simply select your preferred route and departure time using the itinerary planner. The journey from Amsterdam takes 5.33 hours. Tickets for a one-way journey start from € 33. Once in Luxembourg, you can travel by second-class train for free.
All photos by Bjorn Snelders.
Tips Luxembourg
Weekend getaway Luxembourg
Give your visit to Luxembourg City a green twist with our tips.