Luxembourg City in one day
Are you visiting the city of Luxembourg in one day on a short break or a business trip? Here you find our compilation of ideas so that you don't miss out on the must-see places in the capital, a city that can be explored easily on foot.
In the morning, explore the origins of Luxembourg City!
Start your visit at the Bock Promontory, the cradle of the city of Luxembourg. Acquired by count Siegfried in 963, he had a castle called "Lucilinburhuc" built there. It was there that the name of Luxembourg first appeared in history.
Then continue along the Chemin de la Corniche, also called "the most beautiful balcony in Europe". Admire the splendid view of the Alzette valley and the Neumünster Abbey, the lower town of Grund as well as the Rham Plateau. At the end of the path, you will arrive at the buildings of the Cité judiciaire, located on the Plateau du Saint-Esprit. Take the public lift to the Grund district, one of the most authentic and charming districts of the city.
Follow the 'Breedewee' and its Spanish gate towards the Fish Market to return to the upper town. You will walk past one of the capital's oldest buildings, the 'Ennert de Steiler' house.
Delve into Luxembourg's origins
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Hewn out of the rock of the Bock promontory, Count Siegfroid’s castle called “Lucilinburhuc”, gave its name to Luxembourg in 963.
At the foot of the castle, you will discover rare plants in the hearts of their wonderful garden “Klouschtergaart”.
A little further, along the banks of the Alzette river, the statue of the legendary Melusina will tell you all about her extraordinary and mysterious love affair with Count Siegfroid.
Following the “Breedewee” path and its Spanish gate, you will walk in the footsteps of the Romans in the direction of the Fish Market, and go back in time to the Middle Ages, discovering one of the capital's oldest buildings the “Ennert de Steiler” house, as well as the small turret on which is inscribed a phrase dear to the Luxembourgers:
[A turret bearing the inscription “Mir wölle bleiwe wat mir sinn” appears on screen.]
Finally, along the Corniche, you will enjoy a breathtaking view of the city and the lovely Saint Michael’s Church.
For almost nine centuries the fortress town of Luxembourg, through which the Alzette river flows, has been the setting of many tales.
Today as a cosmopolitan capital city and home to many European institutions, Luxembourg combines a unique cultural richness of tradition and modernity.
Delve into Luxembourg's origins and discover the secrets of the city on your own or on a guided tour. More information at luxembourg-city.com
[The words “Delve into Luxembourg’s origins” appear on screen. The screen then turns purple and displays “luxembourg-city.com”, together with the Luxembourg City destination logo and the Luxembourg City Tourist Office logo.]
At lunchtime
After a morning full of discoveries, enjoy lunch on one of the terraces around Place Guillaume II and Place d'Armes in the heart of Luxembourg City.
In the afternoon, stroll through the beautiful streets in the heart of the city
After lunch, continue your adventure by walking towards the Grand Ducal Palace, the city residence of the grand ducal family. During the summer months, you can get a look behind the scenes on a guided tour. Don't forget to book your tickets at the Luxembourg City Tourist Office.
Head to Place de Clairefontaine, home of the Ministry of State. Then walk past the Cathedral "Notre-Dame de Luxembourg" towards the Place de la Constitution,. Enjoy the amazing view of the Pétrusse valley, the Gare district and the Adolphe Bridge, which was the largest stone arch bridge ever built when it was inaugurated in 1903.
After visiting one of the most beautiful viewpoints, head for the Panoramic Elevator of the Pfaffenthal. The ride in the glass cabin offers a breathtaking view (71m high) over the Kirchberg Plateau, the business district of Luxembourg's banking and financial centre and home to one of the several seats of the European Union, including The European Court of Justice, the European Investment Bank and the European Court of Auditors.
Getting around
Since 1st March 2020, public transport in Luxembourg is free throughout the country and for all modes of transport - trams, trains and buses. The scheme applies to residents, cross-border commuters and tourists alike.