Neumünster Abbey in Grund
Grund (View from Chemin de la Corniche)
View from Grund Bridge
Chemin de la Corniche
Grund (View from Chemin de la Corniche)
Adolphe Bridge (Pont Adolphe)
Equestrian Statue of William II in Place Guillaume II
Grand Ducal Palace
Rue Münster street in Grund
Fort Thüngen
CITY
Luxembourg City is the capital of Luxembourg and one of Europe’s most rewarding small cities to visit. It’s known for amazing views right in the centre: steep cliffs, deep river valleys, and viewpoints that look over the Old Town and toward modern areas like Kirchberg. The city sits on different levels, so many walks come with “two-level” views—bridges above, green valleys below.
Most attractions are clustered in and around Luxembourg City’s Old Town, part of a UNESCO World Heritage area. The historic heart is Ville Haute (Upper Town) on higher ground, while Grund (Lower Town) sits down in the valley by the Alzette River. They’re close to each other, but the climb can be steep—so using lifts and viewpoints is part of the experience.
This guide shares the city’s best sights with clear, practical details—so you can explore at your own pace.
Use the interactive map below to plan your route before you go. It includes pins for every place mentioned in this guide, plus a few spots to try local food and several helpful parking options. Main elevators are pinned on the map too (including the lifts that connect the Upper Town viewpoints with areas like Grund and Pfaffenthal), so you can move between levels without unnecessary uphill walking.
Next, you’ll find the 14 best things to do in Luxembourg City. Each stop includes what to expect, how long to spend, whether it’s free or paid, and one practical tip.
© TouristState
Grund is the city’s most atmospheric riverside quarter, sitting at the bottom of the valley along the Alzette. For the best views, stop at Pont du Grund (Grund Bridge), then walk along the river paths for classic photo spots looking up to the cliffs. While you’re here, visit neimënster (Neumünster Abbey), a former abbey complex that now hosts exhibitions and cultural events.
The area is free to visit, and you can spend 1–2 hours here depending on whether you stop for coffee or dinner.
Tip: Use Ascenseur Elevator Plateau St. Esprit Grund (pinned on the map) for an easy connection back up—no steep uphill walk needed.
© TouristState
© TouristState
Chemin de la Corniche is the city’s most famous viewpoint walk, running along old ramparts above the valley. It’s often called “the most beautiful balcony of Europe,” and it’s easy to see why: from the path, you get postcard views of the lower town rooftops, green river paths, and dramatic cliff edges.
The area is free to visit, and you can spend 30–60 minutes here depending on how many photo stops you make.
Tip: Go late afternoon for softer light over the valley. It often looks much better than midday sun.
The Bock Casemates are underground tunnels carved into rock as part of Luxembourg’s fortress defenses. The first tunnels were built in 1644 under Spanish rule, and later generations expanded the galleries into a much larger system. Before you enter the tunnels, you can also see the archaeological area linked to the city’s earliest history on the Bock rock. Inside you’ll explore stone corridors, stairways, and openings that look out over the valley—one of the most unique experiences in the Old Town.
This is a paid attraction, and you can spend about 45–60 minutes inside (often with timed entry).
Tip: If you like fortress tunnels, also look for Pétrusse Casemates near the Monument of Remembrance area for another underground option.
Book Official Tickets
Adolphe Bridge is one of Luxembourg City’s main landmarks. It crosses the Pétrusse valley and connects the historic centre with areas closer to the train station. The purpose is practical, but the views are the real reason to stop: you get a wide panorama of the green valley below and the city above.
The area is free to visit, and you can spend 15–30 minutes here depending on whether you take photos from both sides.
Tip: Look for the lower path under the main deck. It gives a fresh angle and is often quieter than the top.
Notre-Dame Cathedral is the city’s main cathedral and one of the most peaceful stops in the centre. It began as a Jesuit church: the foundation stone was laid in 1613, and the original church was completed in 1621. However, the cathedral you see today is larger than that early church, because it was extended on the south side in the 1930s, adding new sections (including a transept and a larger choir). Inside you can see tall arches, stained glass, and side chapels that feel calm even on busy days.
Entry is free, and you can spend 20–40 minutes here depending on how much you explore inside.
Tip: Visit outside service times for a quieter experience, and avoid flash photography to keep the atmosphere respectful.
The Grand Ducal Palace is the official city residence of Luxembourg’s Grand Duke. Most visitors come for the beautiful façade in the old town centre, but the palace is also important for state ceremonies. Inside visits are special because you can see formal rooms used for official events, but access is limited and not year-round.
You can see the palace from outside for free in 10–20 minutes. If you visit during the summer tour season, a guided tour is paid and takes about 1h15.
Tip: If you want to go inside, book early—places are limited and tours can sell out.
Official Palace Tours
This glass elevator is one of the easiest “wow” moments in Luxembourg City. It connects the upper town area near Pescatore Park to the Pfaffenthal valley below, with sweeping views over rooftops and greenery. It’s also practical: the lower level puts you close to the transport hub that links toward Kirchberg (the modern district with EU institutions, museums, and concert halls) via the Pfaffenthal–Kirchberg funicular and tram.
The elevator is free to use, and you can spend 20–40 minutes here including photos and a short walk at the bottom.
Tip: After the ride, walk a few minutes along the valley paths for a different view before going back up.
The Monument of Remembrance is one of the city’s most important memorial sites and a strong viewpoint at the same time. Many people know it by its nickname, “Gëlle Fra” (“Golden Lady”). It honors Luxembourgers who served and died in major conflicts, and it sits right above the valley with wide views. Nearby, you can also visit the Pétrusse Casemates, another set of underground tunnels built into the fortifications—easy to combine in the same area.
The area is free to visit, and you can spend 10–20 minutes here.
Tip: This is a great sunset stop. Stay a little longer and look across the valley for one of the best wide views in the city.
Mudam is Luxembourg City’s main museum for modern and contemporary art. Even if you don’t usually visit art museums, the building is a highlight and the exhibitions change often, so each visit can feel different. The museum sits next to Fort Thüngen, which adds a nice “old meets new” feeling in the same area.
This is a paid attraction, and you can spend 1–2 hours here depending on your interest in the exhibitions.
Tip: Combine Mudam with Fort Thüngen next door for a strong half-day in the Kirchberg area.
Official Mudam Website
The Passerelle (also called the Luxembourg Viaduct) is the “old bridge” with long stone arches over the Pétrusse valley. It was built to connect key parts of the city as Luxembourg developed, and today it’s still an important route. For visitors, it’s a simple stop with great valley views and strong architecture photos.
The area is free to visit, and you can spend 15–30 minutes here.
Tip: For the best photo of the arches, look for paths in the valley below and shoot from underneath.
Place Guillaume II is one of the main squares in the historic centre. It’s known for the Town Hall, markets, and events that often fill the space with life. The square also helps you “connect the dots,” because many key streets, cafés, and shops start from this area. A short walk away is Place d’Armes, another popular square with terraces.
The area is free to visit, and you can spend 30–60 minutes here depending on what is happening that day.
Tip: For an easy evening close to the centre, sit outside around Place d’Armes or Rue du Marché-aux-Herbes. For a bigger nightlife scene with bars and clubs, Clausen (Rives de Clausen Street) is a classic choice—and Limpertsberg also has popular bars and dance bars.
This museum is one of the best places to understand Luxembourg beyond viewpoints. It focuses on Luxembourg’s archaeology, history, and art, with collections that help explain daily life through the centuries as well as the city’s wider cultural story. Parts of the museum are built into rock, which makes the visit feel special.
Entry is paid (standard adult ticket), but the last hour before closing is free. You can spend 1–2 hours here depending on how deep you go into the collections.
Tip: If you have limited time, choose one focus (history/archaeology or art) instead of trying to see everything.
Official Museum Website
Philharmonie Luxembourg is one of the city’s most impressive modern buildings. It is famous for its elegant design and high-quality acoustics, so it’s a top stop for music lovers. Even if you don’t attend a concert, the building is worth seeing from outside, and guided tours can be a great way to understand the architecture.
You can visit outside for free in 10–15 minutes. If you attend a concert or join a guided tour, it is paid and takes around 1 hour (or longer for a performance).
Tip: If you want to see the inside without a concert ticket, look for an English guided tour on your travel dates.
Official Philharmonie Website
This cemetery is one of the most moving places to visit near Luxembourg City. It is beautifully maintained, peaceful, and deeply respectful. The memorial explains key WWII history connected to the Battle of the Bulge, and many visitors come to reflect and understand the human side of history beyond museums.
The area is free to visit, and you can spend 1–2 hours here plus travel time.
Tip: Go earlier in the day for the quietest atmosphere, and plan a calm pace—this is not a place to rush.
If you have more time, Luxembourg City is a great base for castles and nature. These three day trips are the most popular add-ons.
Vianden Castle is one of the most famous castles in Luxembourg, sitting high above the riverside town of Vianden. The main purpose of this day trip is simple: explore a real hilltop castle with panoramic views, then enjoy the town below with cafés and scenic streets. Inside, you can walk through historic halls and rooms, see fortress-style architecture, and enjoy viewpoints over the valley.
The castle is paid to enter, and you can spend 4–6 hours here (castle + town), or make it a full day if you prefer a slow pace.
If you want to plan your visit in more detail, read the full Vianden Castle guide.
Travel time from Luxembourg City: about 1–1.5 hours each way (depending on connections)
Typical guided tour length: around 6–8 hours
Why visit: castle interiors, big valley views, charming riverside town
Time needed: full day is ideal
Book Vianden Tour
The Valley of the Seven Castles is a scenic route through the Eisch Valley where you can see a high concentration of medieval castles within a short drive. The main purpose of this day trip is to enjoy countryside views, castle silhouettes, and village stops—rather than spending the whole day inside one single site. Along the way you’ll pass several well-known castle spots (including Mersch, Schoenfels, Hollenfels, the Ansembourg castles, Septfontaines, and Koerich), with a mix of viewpoints, short walks, and photo-friendly stops.
Most stops are free to see from outside, and you can shape the day your way. Plan a half day if you mainly want a relaxed drive with a few quick stops, or a full day if you add gardens, longer walks, and more villages.
If you want to plan the route in more detail, read the full Valley of the Seven Castles guide.
Travel time from Luxembourg City: about 25–40 minutes each way (to reach the valley area)
Typical guided tour length: around 4–7 hours (depending on the tour route and stops)
Why visit: castle scenery, easy countryside escape, flexible stops and viewpoints
Time needed: half day to full day
Book Valley Tour
© Shutterstock / Miguel Soutullo
The Mullerthal Region is Luxembourg’s best nature day trip and home to the famous Mullerthal Trail. The purpose of this trip is to swap city streets for forests, sandstone rock formations, narrow gorges, and short “adventure” hikes that feel surprisingly wild for such a small country. Many visitors focus on one highlight area (like the Schiessentümpel Waterfall photo spot) plus a trail section nearby, then finish in a town like Echternach for a relaxed meal.
Most hikes are free, and you can make this trip as easy or as active as you want. Plan a shorter loop if you only want a taste of the landscape, or spend the whole day if you want a longer hike with multiple viewpoints.
If you want to plan hikes and viewpoints in more detail, read the full Mullerthal Trail guide.
Travel time from Luxembourg City: about 45–60 minutes each way (depending on which trail area you choose)
Typical guided tour length: around 6–8 hours (full-day tours often include a longer hike + multiple stops)
Why visit: best hiking near the city, rock landscapes, forest trails, iconic photo stops
Time needed: full day is ideal
Book Mullerthal Tour
The city is walkable, but the cliffs and valleys mean some routes feel steep. A good plan is to explore the Upper Town first, then go down to the lower areas, and use elevators to return up.
Public transport across Luxembourg is free in standard class (buses, trams, and second-class trains). This is helpful for reaching Kirchberg, the cemetery, or your hotel without extra costs.
For a first visit, staying in the historic centre saves time. The Gare area is practical for trains and early departures. Kirchberg is quieter and modern, with museums and business-style hotels.
Parking in the very centre can be stressful, especially on weekends. Many visitors prefer larger car parks on the edge of the centre and then walk or use public transport.
Yes. It’s compact but full of viewpoints, fortress history, and a mix of old and modern districts. It also works well for day trips, so a short stay still feels complete.
Prioritize the Upper Town viewpoints and squares, add one paid highlight (casemates or a museum), then finish in Grund for a riverside walk and dinner.
Many top sights are free, including viewpoints, bridges, squares, the cathedral, and scenic districts like Grund.
Most travelers need 1–2 days for the main highlights. Add a third day if you want a full day trip without rushing.
Shopping in Luxembourg City is best in the pedestrian-friendly city centre. Start with Grand-Rue for a classic stroll with many well-known brands. Nearby, Rue Philippe II is known for more upscale boutiques, and Rue des Capucins is popular for shops and a lively atmosphere. For indoor shopping, try Royal-Hamilius in the centre or Shopping Center Cloche d’Or for a bigger mall experience.
For terraces and a relaxed evening, start around Place d’Armes and nearby streets like Rue du Marché-aux-Herbes and Rue de la Boucherie. If you want bars and clubs, head to Clausen—especially around Rives de Clausen (the former brewery area). Limpertsberg is another solid option for bars and late-night spots. To end the night in a calmer setting, finish in Grund for riverside cafés and seasonal outdoor terraces along the Alzette.
