Luxembourg

Luxembourg City may not feature on most tourists' bucket lists, but it sees a generous share of incoming visitors for a city of its size due to its importance in the European financial sector, hosting many banks and institutions with headquarters or subsidiaries there. As one of the founding members of the European Union, Luxembourg hosts EU institutions, and its favourable taxation regulations attract multinationals. The city has a very upscale and business feel, with the tourist industry geared towards business travellers, but the old town with its fortress ruins, casemates, and dramatic cliff-side setting offers genuine appeal for independent visitors.

Getting into the country of Luxembourg basically means getting into the City of Luxembourg, as all major connections terminate there. Findel Airport (in Sandweiler, just northeast of the city) is quite well connected within Europe and has the largest airport in the greater Euroregion of SaarLorLux. Luxembourg's main railway station is Gare Lëtzebuerg, adorned with a clock tower and huge windows.

The best way to get around Luxembourg is by foot, bike, tram and bus. Since 29 February 2020, all public transport has been free nationwide for residents and visitors alike, thus also in the capital city. The mobiliteit.lu website and mobile app is highly useful for finding bus, tram and train routes and timetables.

Luxembourg experiences four distinct seasons, with summer months (June-August) offering warmer weather ideal for outdoor activities and the famous Schueberfouer funfair held every year in 2 weeks during end of August and early September. June 23 is the country's national day with all-night street parties, fireworks and parades. Winter brings cold temperatures but fewer tourists and lower accommodation rates.

For a city of its size, Luxembourg has a hotel room supply that is more than ample, thanks to the large number of business travellers. The industry is geared mostly towards them and consists largely of mid- to high-standard business hotels. Budget options include Camping Bon Accueil in Alzingen (4 km south, adult €4, kid €2, pitch €5), Luxembourg Youth Hostel (€35 per bed in shared dorm, breakfast free), and Hotel Empire across from the central station (July 2011 prices were €65 for single, €75 for double, breakfast included).

Home to a surprisingly large number of Michelin star establishments, the city houses many fine eateries. Luxembourg has a very large population of Italians who came in the late 19th century, so pizzerias are always very reliable. For something cheap and quick, Place d'Armes is the best bet. Local specialties include judd mat gaardebounen (smoked pork neck with broad beans). Budget eating options include KUMPIR The Happy Potato (baked potato with many toppings), Nirvana Café (excellent dish of the day deal for vegans), and various kebab shops like Snack Hakan and Breaktime Kebab Grill.

The Bock Casemates are a network of underground fortifications built in the 18th century, recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Le Chemin de la Corniche is a pedestrian promenade along the rim of the Alzette gorge, described as Europe's most beautiful balcony. The Grand Ducal Palace is open for guided tours during 6 weeks over July and August. The National Museum of History and Art offers free entry for permanent collections. MUDAM, designed by I.M. Pei, showcases Luxembourgish artists and international exhibitions (€5). The Kirchberg area houses European institutions with buildings by celebrated architects.

Luxembourg City is safer than most other European capital cities, and it is rare to encounter any physical threat. Nevertheless, extra vigilance is required in and around the train station (especially late at night), which contains a handful of seedy clubs and prostitutes, mainly in the Bonnevoie neighborhood, on the rue de Strasbourg, and all surrounding streets. You will also encounter people panhandling in this area.

The city has 5G from all Luxembourg carriers. WiFi is widely available in hotels, cafes, and public spaces. For SIM cards, visitors can purchase local prepaid plans from carriers like POST, Orange, and Tango.

Luxembourg is one of the more expensive European destinations, but public transport is free. Budget accommodation starts at around €35 for hostels, with mid-range hotels in the €65-100 range. Eating out at casual restaurants costs €10-20 per meal, while street food and kebab shops offer cheaper options for €5-10. Museum entry is often free or around €5-8.

From Luxembourg City, several attractive destinations are reachable: Vianden (famous for its medieval castle and picturesque setting), Echternach (the easternmost town in Luxembourg with beautiful abbey), Mullerthal (known for its stunning rock formations and hiking trails), Trier in Germany (ancient Roman city with well-preserved Porta Nigra), Metz in France (reachable by train for €16.50), and Arlon in Belgium.

Try to show respect for the local language and make some effort to say a word or two of it even if it's just the standard greeting 'Moien'. In restaurants and high-end service establishments, the personnel are generally expected to serve you in French, so if you speak French, do use it. Luxembourgish is the national language, but French and German are also widely used.

From Luxembourg City, travellers can continue to Vianden (medieval castle town), Echternach (beautiful abbey town), Mullerthal (hiking region with rock formations), Trier in Germany (ancient Roman city), Metz in France (train fare €16.50), and Arlon in Belgium.