Top Things to See and Do in Luxembourg City

Luxembourg City is brimming with old-world charm
Luxembourg City is brimming with old-world charm | © Hessian Mercenary / Getty Images
Christina Zoga

For a small capital, Luxembourg City is crammed with exciting things to see and do. Here’s what you can’t miss when in this beautiful city.

Loved by over 40s

Did you know – Culture Trip now does bookable, small-group trips? Pick from authentic, immersive Epic Trips, compact and action-packed Mini Trips and sparkling, expansive Sailing Trips.
Luxembourg City is a charming combination of ancient and modern, local and global, simplicity and luxury. With many companies choosing Luxembourg to host their offices, the capital offers a real multicultural perspective, complete with an intriguing blend of history, culture, art and natural landscapes. These are the best things to see and do to capture the city’s character.

Luxembourg Old Town

The Old Town of Luxembourg is an amazing place to wander around, with its narrow, winding alleyways and historic buildings. It’s also a great area to enjoy spectacular views of its stone bridges across the river and the former fortress of Luxembourg’s original city walls.

Casemates du Bock

Casemates du Bock is a 17-kilometre-long (11-mile-long) tunnel, easily accessible beneath the former castle at Montée de Clausen. Initially carved out of the rock by the Spanish beginning in 1644, this underground tunnel acted as a shelter for more than 35,000 residents and thousands of soldiers during World War II. Comprising atmospheric passages, different levels and impressive rock stairways, the historic tunnel of Casemates is now a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Grand Ducal Palace

The Grand Ducal Palace in Luxembourg City is a spectacular piece of architecture, built in the 16th century during the Flemish Renaissance. It’s the official residence of the Grand Duke and the royal family, and the palace’s interior design is an intriguing combination of styles – an interplay between Romantic and Medieval Gothic styles, with modern light designs by the German industrial designer, Ingo Maurer.

Lëtzebuerg City Museum

Housed within a group of four renovated 17th-century houses, the Lëtzebuerg City Museum (formerly the Luxembourg City History Museum) reflects upon not only the history of Luxembourg as a city and a nation but also the diversity and development of the area and its population since the 10th century. As well as a variety of interactive cultural programmes and events, the museum’s collection comprises photographs, postcards, ceramics, topographical models and pieces that show the progress of urban development, as well as a variety of special exhibits of items used in daily life.

Château de Vianden

This castle is technically just outside the city of Luxembourg, in Vianden, but at less than an hour away, it’s a must-visit when you’re in the capital. Built between the 11th and 14th centuries, the magnificent Château de Vianden is among the largest remaining feudal residences of the Gothic period in Europe. The most impressive parts of the castle are the chapel and the large and small palaces that were constructed between the end of the 12th century and the first half of the 13th century. Restored in 1977, the Château de Vianden is a monument of great importance in Luxembourg.

Notre-Dame Cathedral

Built between 1613 and 1621 by the Jesuit religious order, Luxembourg’s Notre-Dame Cathedral is a must-see, with the most memorable part of this imposing building being the Baroque-inspired north gate. Inside, the cathedral is embellished with luxurious stained glass dating from the 19th and 20th centuries, modern sculptures and a tiny Madonna and Child statue above the altar. The graves of the royal family can be found in the crypt, safeguarded by two lions designed by Auguste Trémont.

Luxemburg Philharmonic Orchestra

The concert hall of the Luxembourg Philharmonic Orchestra represents the multicultural character of the city; this outstanding piece of contemporary architecture hosts great conductors, soloists and orchestras from all over the world. The remarkable quality of its acoustics and close collaboration with significant musical personalities have made it one of the best concert halls in Europe.

Passerelle

This historic Passerelle (the Luxembourg Viaduct) offers visitors picturesque, panoramic views of Luxembourg City. Built between 1859 and 1861 by the Waring Brothers (a British company), the Passarelle connected the city centre with the new railway station. Also known as the Old Bridge, the Passerelle is well worth a visit when you’re in the city – even if just for the fantastic photo opportunities.

Abbey Museum

The Abbey Museum is an hour’s drive outside Luxembourg City, making it the perfect day trip. Situated in the cellars of the former abbey of Echternach, the museum displays items related to the history of the Benedictine monastery in eastern Luxembourg, particularly the Echternach scriptorium (where illustrated manuscripts were made) and the life and work of St Willibrord. He was the founder of the abbey and is now the patron saint of Luxembourg. Visitors have the opportunity to admire the incredible manuscripts and atmospheric rooms where the monks would have worked, with history coming to life with interactive audiovisual presentations.

Kirchberg

Kirchberg is the place to discover the modern side of Luxembourg. It’s home to magnificent structures of companies such as the European Investment Bank and the Luxembourg Chamber of Commerce, as well as the city’s modern art museum. Kirchberg is also home to bars, restaurants and chic shops, so stop here to enjoy an evening in Luxembourg’s diverse capital.

culture trip left arrow
 culture trip brand logo

Volcanic Iceland Epic Trip

meet our Local Insider

Hanna

women sitting on iceberg

HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN A GUIDE?

2 years.

WHAT DO YOU LOVE ABOUT YOUR JOB?

It's the personal contact, the personal experiences. I love meeting people from all over the world... I really like getting to know everyone and feeling like I'm traveling with a group of friends.

WHAT DESTINATION IS ON YOUR TRAVEL BUCKET-LIST?

I have so many places on my list, but I would really lobe to go to Africa. I consider myself an “adventure girl” and Africa feels like the ULTIMATE adventure!

culture trip logo letter c
group posing for picture on iceberg
group posing for picture on iceberg

Every CULTURE TRIP Small-group adventure is led by a Local Insider just like Hanna.

map of volcanic iceland trip destination points
culture trip brand logo
culture trip right arrow
landscape with balloons floating in the air

KEEN TO EXPLORE THE WORLD?

Connect with like-minded people on our premium trips curated by local insiders and with care for the world

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.

X

Keen to explore the world?

Our passionately curated premium small-group trips are an invitation to connect with like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences.