Discovering enchanting panoramas: the 10 best viewpoints of Luxembourg City

Luxembourg City, nestled in the heart of Europe, is a captivating blend of history, stunning architecture, and breath-taking landscapes. As you wander through the city's charming streets, make sure to seek out its finest viewpoints, each offering a unique perspective on this fascinating destination. From the iconic Chemin de la Corniche, which unveils the picturesque lower town, to the grandeur of Adolphe Bridge, Luxembourg City promises the perfect backdrop for all photographers or ‘instagrammers’. Mixing history and modernity, we have compiled a collection of ten outstanding outlooks that showcase the best viewpoints Luxembourg City has to offer.

There’s no other way to put it: The Chemin de la Corniche is Europe's most beautiful balcony, and offers extraordinary vistas over the charming lower town. As you stroll along this promenade, admire the magnificent views of the Alzette river, the enchanting Grund neighbourhood, and the delightful blend of historic and modern buildings. This promenade stretches for 600 metres, from the Rue du St Esprit until the Bock Casemates.

The terrace of "De Gudde Wëllen" is an excellent place to take a break. The restaurant is situated slightly below the Corniche and offers a magnificent view of the Bock Rock.

The Three Towers are a historic monument comprised of three distinct towers. The central square tower, believed to have been constructed in the 13th century, is the oldest among them. The two exterior round towers were added during the 14th century, further enhancing the architectural ensemble. These towers were once integral components of a comprehensive fortification system, which included walls, gates, and various other defensive structures, showcasing the city's rich defensive history. This is also a great viewpoint from where you get a good glimpse at the Kirchberg Plateau.

Also known as the Red Bridge (and you guessed well, because it is painted red), it was renovated in 2018 and now includes a two-lane tramway besides the already existing pedestrian footpath and four traffic lanes. It connects the centre of the city to the Kirchberg Plateau and is another place with incredible views over the Pfaffenthal. 

The famous French department-store opened a branch in Luxembourg in 2019. The Lafayette Galleries are located in the Royal-Hamilius building complex, which was designed and built by the famous, English architect Norman Foster. The rooftop on the 6th floor has a public terrace just next to a restaurant. Entry is free and allows 360 panoramic views over Luxembourg City and its surroundings.

The beautiful Adolphe Bridge was inaugurated in 1903, during the rule of Grand-Duke Adolphe (the great-grandfather of the Grand-Duke Jean, which was himself the father of the ruling Grand Duke Henri - did you follow the family tree?). Despite it being a centenarian bridge it is still known as the Néi Bréck (the New Bridge, as opposed to the Old Bridge, or the Passerelle Viaduct). At the time of its construction, the bridge had the largest stone arch in the world. Today, the bridge is a double decker with a bicycle path (added in 2018) below the bridge shared with pedestrians – ideal for hot summer or rainy days. Spanning the Pétrusse valley, this elegant stone bridge offers captivating views in all directions.

Seamlessly combining modern engineering with breathtaking views, the Pfaffenthal panoramic elevator, located in Luxembourg City, offers a captivating experience for those that do not suffer from vertigo. This innovative elevator is suspended from a striking steel structure, and its glass walls and floor reveal the stunning landscapes of the Alzette River, the Pfaffenthal district, and the red Grand-Duchess Charlotte Bridge. You can take the elevator – which is free of charge – from early morning until past midnight. Besides the views, the Pfaffenthal Panoramic Elevator also serves as a public transport between the upper city (next to the Pescatore Foundation), the Pfaffenthal and its new train station.

The Dräi Eechelen Park is well-known for being home to the Mudam (Museum of Modern Art) and to the Fort Thüngen (which houses the Musée Dräi Eechelen), located in the Kirchberg quarter. In the southern part of the Park, another fort called Obergrünewald offers some amazing views over the upper town on the other side of the valley.

The Bock is not only a promontory with gorgeous views over two districts: the Grund (on its southern side) and the Pfaffenthal (on its northern side). It is also a rock with historical importance. It was on this huge rock that Count Siegfried built the Castle of Lucilinburhuc in the 10th century, laying the foundation the town that later became Luxembourg.

Around the Holy Ghost Citadel there are several vantage points worth seeing: The "Fontaine aux Colombes" by the artist Fabricio Cocchia marks the point with an unobstructed, wide view over the former fortress city.

The "Rousegaart op de Rondellen", is a rose garden along the fortress wall and offers one of the most beautiful views of Luxembourg City surrounded by many, different types of roses. On the opposite side of the citadel towards the Petruss Valley lies the Cannon Hill with the National Monument of Solidarity. 

It is one of the hidden viewpoints of Luxembourg City, but one of our favourites, not only for its view of the historic building of the "Spuerkeess" (the State Savings Bank), but also for its tranquillity.

This is a private outlook, and to have access to it, you do need to have a drink or a meal at the bar or restaurant. However, it's an incredible place to relax with a beverage after a day of wandering the city. Its location on the 8th floor of the Sofitel hotel, near the train station, offers superb views over the upper city, the Pétrusse valley and the Grund. A quick tip: plan your visit around sunset, as the vistas and the colours become even more spectacular at that magical hour.

Luxembourg City, with its captivating landscapes and rich history, offers a plethora of enchanting viewpoints to discover. So, whether you're seeking the charm of the old town or the allure of the modern cityscape, be sure to explore these incredible viewpoints and let the captivating panoramas of Luxembourg City leave an indelible impression on your soul.