Luxembourg City may be small, but it is packed with history, beautiful architecture, and scenic viewpoints. Whether you are visiting as part of a larger European trip or planning a quick city break, one day in Luxembourg is enough to explore the main highlights of the historic Old Town. From wandering through underground fortress tunnels to enjoying delicious food, this itinerary will help you make the most of your visit.
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History of Luxembourg
Luxembourg City was founded in 963 AD, when Count Siegfried acquired a rocky promontory known as the Bock. He then built a small castle that became the foundation of the city. Due to its strategic position overlooking deep valleys, Luxembourg developed into one of Europe’s most important fortified cities.
Throughout the centuries, it was ruled by several European powers, including the Burgundians, Spanish, French, Austrians, and Prussians, each leaving its mark on the city’s architecture and culture. Its extensive fortifications and underground tunnels, known as the Casemates, were gradually dismantled following the Treaty of London in 1867. However, many historic remains still survive today.
Luxembourg City later became the capital of the independent Grand Duchy of Luxembourg and, in the 1900s, grew into an important European political city. Today, it blends its medieval Old Town and historic fortifications with a modern European identity. Its historic districts and fortifications were designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1994.
Currency in Luxembourg
Luxembourg uses the Euro, just like most of Europe. However, most places will take credit cards.
When to Spend One Day in Luxembourg
May to September is the best time to visit Luxembourg as most of the sites require walking around the Old Town and being outdoors. June to August offers many festivals and special events and has the most daylight hours, but will also be the most crowded period.
How to Get to Luxembourg
Luxembourg has one major airport: Luxembourg Airport. You can get flights here from all over Europe. There is a seasonal route from Newark direct to Luxembourg. Skyscanner is my favorite way to search for flights.
Alternatively, taking the train, especially from Paris, is a super easy option. You can pre-book tickets on Trainline or Omio or opt to buy them at the station. Lastly, you can take Flixbus from several European cities.
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Transportation in Luxembourg
One of the coolest things about Luxembourg is that all public transportation is free! There are plenty of local buses that run from the airport and all around the city. I used Google Maps to help me figure out which bus to take.
Where to Stay in Luxembourg
TripAdvisor is a great place to start your hotel search. Check out the best hotels in Luxembourg here! You can always try searching Priceline Express Deals for a better price or try to price match a hotel.
During this trip, we stayed at the Luxembourg Marriott Hotel Alfa. It was just south of the main city center. However, I think the Grand Hotel Cravat is in a much better location.
Other options include the Sofitel Luxembourg Le Grand Ducal and the Novotel Luxembourg Centre.
What to do During One Day in Luxembourg
One day in Luxembourg is the perfect amount of time to see all the main sites in the main part of the city. If you prefer, you can do a walking tour or a bus tour, but it is also easy to get around on your own.
Day 1
Castemates du Bock
Cost: €11
Hours: 9:45am-5pm
Start your morning of one day in Luxembourg with a visit to the Castemates du Bock, also known as the Bock Promontory. Here, visitors will explore the underground tunnels and defensive galleries carved into Luxembourg’s historic fortress. These tunnels date back centuries and offer fascinating views of the Grund district through openings in the rock. Plan to spend at least an hour exploring these tunnels.
Chemin de la Corniche
After you have expensively explored the Castemates du Bock, stop by what is known as the most beautiful balcony in Europe. This scenic walkway follows the old fortress walls above the Alzette Valley. It provides some of the city’s most iconic views of the Grund district, and historic fortifications. It is the perfect stop to grab some amazing pictures.
Palais Grand-Duncal
Cost: €18
Hours: Varies by date
Another must visit stop during your one day in Luxembourg is a visit to the Grand-Duncal Palace. This official city residence is used by the Grand Duke for official duties. Visitors can view the exterior year-round, but interior visits are available at limited periods. Do not make the same mistake we did! You will need to book a ticket well in advance online.
Notre Dame Cathedral
Cost: Free
Hours: Mon-Sat: 8am-6pm, Sunday: 9am-7pm
Next, stop by the Notre Dame Cathedral, a gothic cathedral known for its stained-glass windows, ornate interior and religious significance.
Explore the Old Town
For your next stops, head to the Place d’Armes and the Grand-Rue. The Place d’Armes is a lively central square surrounded by cafes, restaurants, and terraces. It is a great place to take a break, grab lunch, and people watch while exploring the city center.
The Grand-Rue is one of the main pedestrian shopping streets in Luxembourg City, lined with international brands, boutiques, cafes, and historical buildings. It is a great place to wander around. Then, head to the Place de la Constitution to take in the view across the Petrusse Valley, a perfect photo stop where you can take in views of the Old Bridge (Viaduc Bridge).
Amore Pasta Club
Cost: €€
Hours: Varies by day, but closed Mondays
Amore Pasta Club is the perfect stop for lunch during your one day in Luxembourg. This stylish Italian restaurant specializes in fresh pasta that is made in house and has delicious cocktails. It has a lovely outdoor terrace,and prices are relatively affordable around €15-20 a dish.
Tram Tour
Cost: €14.50
Hours: March to November, 10am-5pm, about every 45-60 minutes
After lunch, embark on the City train tour. This is a great way to look around Old Town without having to do all of the walking. Each person gets a headset that narrates the ride in a language of your choice as passengers drive by key landmarks and viewpoints around the Old Town. This is great if you have limited time, or prefer a rest after a lot of walking. It takes about 40 minutes to complete the loop.
Neimenster Abbey
Cost: Free
Hours: 10am-6pm
End the day with a visit to Neimenster Abbey. This former Benedictine abbey is located in the Grund neighborhood. It is now used as a cultural center for exhibitions, concerts, and events. Its historic architecture and peaceful courtyard make it a worthwhile stop when exploring the lower part of Luxembourg. Make sure to check any special events going on while you are in town.
Moisen Masala
Cost: €€
Hours: Tues-Fri: 12pm-2pm, 5:30pm-10pm, Sat-Sun: 12pm-3pm, 5:30pm-10pm, closed Mondays
To finish off your one day in Luxembourg, grab dinner at Moien Masala, located near the central train station. This is a good option for a flavorful meal with both vegetarian and meat based choices. Entrees are big, so you can definitely order a few things for a group.
More Than One Day in Luxembourg
If you have more than one day in Luxembourg, check out these following sites.
- Contemporary Art Museum: The MUDAM is a modern art museum that showcases many creative installations and rotating exhibitions.
- Wine tasting: This is a great way to sample Luxembourg’s local wines, especially the country’s sparkling wine.
- Pfaffenthal Panoramic Elevator: This glass elevator connects the upper city to the lower Pfaffenthal district. It is a fast, convenient, and scenic way to reach the lower town without having to climb the stairs.
Final Tips for One Day in Luxembourg
Spending one day in Luxembourg is a great way to experience the country’s charming capital without feeling rushed. With its fascinating history, picturesque streets, and easy-to-navigate city center, Luxembourg makes a fantastic addition to any European itinerary. If you have extra time, consider exploring the surrounding countryside or pairing your visit with nearby destinations like Belgium, France, or Germany.