Luxembourg, a small yet captivating country nestled in the heart of Europe, is often overlooked by travelers seeking grandeur and glamour. However, this hidden gem holds countless treasures waiting to be discovered within its borders. From breathtaking castles and picturesque landscapes to a rich cultural heritage and culinary delights, Luxembourg has something to offer every type of visitor. In this article, we will take you on a journey through one day in Luxembourg, exploring its charming capital city, historical sites, and natural wonders that make it an unforgettable destination for any traveler.
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Our visit to Luxembourg came about by accident. We had already booked a Bike and Barge Tour in Germany that had us cycling and cruising along the Rhine, Moselle, and Saar Rivers. Since we flew into Cologne to start our tour, we knew we had to find another route back home to Canada. We looked at so many options for cost, time, and stopovers. We realized that Luxembourg was the common denominator. Luxembourg it is. But where exactly is Luxembourg, and what is there to do in one day?
Where is Luxembourg?
Luxembourg is a small, landlocked country located in Western Europe. Despite its size, it boasts a rich history and has become one of the wealthiest nations in the world. With just 2,586 square kilometers (998 square miles), Luxembourg borders Belgium to the west and north, Germany to the east, and France to the south. Its strategic location at the heart of Europe has played a significant role in shaping its history.
Luxembourgish (a regional dialect of German), French, and German are the official languages of this country. Luxembourg’s multilingualism reflects its cultural richness and international impact, and the city offers a charming blend of modernity and historical architecture as one of Europe’s smallest capital towns.
Luxembourg City holds UNESCO World Heritage status due to its well-preserved fortifications dating back centuries. Visitors can explore ancient walls or stroll through quaint cobbled streets lined with traditional houses and cozy cafés. Luxembourg’s economy thrives on banking and finance services and steel production. It also hosts numerous European Union institutions, including the European Court.
How to Spend One Day in Luxembourg City
If you only have one day to spend in Luxembourg, you will want to get the most out of your stay. If you plan on going outside the historic center, public transit is free. You should also know everything in Luxembourg is expensive, from small hotels to restaurants and retail shops. Prices are in Euros, and contactless payments are widely accepted.
Morning: Exploring the Old Town
If you are like us, you will have arrived in Luxembourg sometime in the morning. After a quick stop at the hotel to dump the luggage, we planned on spending the rest of the day exploring this remarkable city.
We started our day in Luxembourg City by taking a leisurely stroll through the charming and picturesque Grund district. Nestled along the Alzette River, this historic neighborhood is known for its quaint cobblestone streets, colorful houses, and stunning views of the city’s iconic bridges. As you wander through Grund, you’ll be transported back to a bygone era. The medieval architecture and well-preserved buildings create an enchanting atmosphere that feels straight out of a fairytale.
Take your time to explore the narrow alleyways and hidden courtyards, where you’ll find delightful cafes, boutique shops, and art galleries. One of the highlights of the Grund district is the Neumünster Abbey. This impressive former Benedictine abbey dates to 1684 and now serves as a cultural center hosting concerts, exhibitions, and other events throughout the year. Don’t miss the opportunity to step inside this magnificent building and admire its grand architecture. With the positioning of this Abbey in the lower part of town, the acoustics during outdoor performances upon their terrace are incredible!
After a much deserved coffee break
For history buffs, Luxembourg offers numerous attractions related to its rich past. The Bock Casemates – a vast underground network of tunnels carved into solid rock – served as a defensive fortress throughout centuries.
For nature lovers, a visit to Parc de la Pétrusse is a must while exploring Grund. This beautiful park offers breathtaking panoramic views of Luxembourg City from its elevated position above the river valley. Take a peaceful walk along its tree-lined paths or find a quiet spot to relax with a picnic while enjoying the serene surroundings of your one day in Luxembourg.
Once you’ve worked up an appetite from all your explorations, head to one of Grund’s many charming restaurants or cafes for some delicious local cuisine. Visitors can indulge in traditional dishes such as Judd mat Gaardebounen (smoked pork collar with broad beans) or Rieslingspaschtéit (a delightful meat pie) while also exploring international cuisines available due to the cosmopolitan nature of Luxembourg City. If you are there on a Saturday morning, there is a fantastic market in the central square.
Afternoon: Discovering Historical and Cultural Gems
After eating fantastic food at the Grand Cafe, we visited the Grand Ducal Palace. This remarkable building holds tremendous historical importance as it has been the official residence of the Grand Duke since the 19th century and serves as a symbolic landmark representing Luxembourg’s monarchy. The palace showcases stunning architectural beauty that is sure to captivate visitors. A harmonious blend of Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque styles can be observed throughout its façade and interior design elements.
One of the highlights when visiting the Grand Ducal Palace is witnessing the ceremonial changing of the guard at noon each day (except Sundays). This tradition dates to 1857 and is a splendid sight where soldiers impeccably perform their duties. This is a must, especially if you only plan on spending one day in Luxembourg.
Time for an afternoon break at a local cafe
Following your visit, stroll through Place d’Armes and Place Guillaume II. These squares, adorned with stunning architecture and showcasing a blend of styles ranging from medieval to contemporary, bear witness to the city’s rich cultural heritage. Both squares serve as bustling hubs for locals and tourists, offering a vibrant year-round atmosphere.
At Place d’Armes, marvel at the grand façade of Cercle Municipal – a magnificent structure built during Luxembourg’s Belle Époque period. Meanwhile, at Place Guillaume II, feast on marvelous neoclassical structures such as Hôtel de Ville (City Hall) and Maison Lutetia.
If you are an art enthusiast, look no further than the Musée d’Art Moderne Grand-Duc Jean (MUDAM). This contemporary art museum is a masterpiece of modern architecture, designed by renowned architect I.M. Pei. The building itself is an artwork, with its sleek lines, glass facades, and striking design blending into the surrounding parkland.
The museum boasts an impressive collection of over 7000 artworks from various contemporary artists worldwide. From paintings and sculptures to photography and installations, MUDAM offers something for every artistic taste.
Evening: Embracing Nature & Cuisine
After a busy afternoon, have a fantastic dinner at a traditional Luxembourgish restaurant and experience popular local dishes like Judd mat Gaardebounen (smoked pork with beans). Alternatively, try an amazing Italian dish at L’Osteria, located in Place Guillaume. This is where we had dinner, and the food was amazing!
In the evening, stroll along Chemin de la Corniche and prepare to be captivated by breathtaking views that will leave you awe-inspired. The promenade overlooks the Grund district with its charming medieval houses and bridges, offering a unique perspective on this UNESCO World Heritage Site. This enchanting promenade is often called “Europe’s most beautiful balcony.”
If you spend the night in Luxembourg and have time to kill the following day, take a fun little jaunt around the old town in a quirky Tourist Train. Departing from the Montée de Clausen (near the entrance of Bock Casemates), this tour takes about forty-five minutes to complete and has two places to get off and walk around.
Best Places to Stay in Luxembourg for One Day
There are so many places to stay in Luxembourg that offer great rooms and are convenient to the attractions of this old city. Depending on the time of year and the amenities you are looking for, prices can vary significantly.
For our one-night stay in Luxembourg, we stayed at the Hotel Parc Beaux Arts Luxembourg. This quirky little hotel is elegant and boasts a small restaurant that serves everything from breakfast to dinner. An interesting thing to note is that the hotel rooms are a strange mix of angles and steps within them. The bathrooms also contain a weight scale, in case you want to weigh yourself on vacation. That was a real puzzle to us.
Another great option in the heart of the town is the Hotel Vauban, which also houses the L’Osteria restaurant we ate at.
Final Thoughts on One Day in Luxembourg
In conclusion, spending one day in Luxembourg City provides an opportunity to explore the rich history, stunning architecture, and enchanting landscapes of this small but remarkable city. From its majestic castles to its charming old town, there is no shortage of fascinating sights to discover.
Additionally, Luxembourg’s multiculturalism and international flair lend a unique charm to the city and make it an ideal destination for travelers seeking a blend of tradition and modernity. Whether strolling along picturesque streets or immersing oneself in the vibrant atmosphere of local markets, a day spent in Luxembourg promises unforgettable experiences and memories that will last a lifetime.
You might also be interested in exploring Cologne in a day.
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