Katie and Pierce
Luxembourg might be one of Europe’s smallest countries, but it has a lot to offer when it comes to sightseeing opportunities. With its dramatic two-level cityscape, ancient fortifications, and charming old town, you can experience the highlights in just one day.
This one-day itinerary will guide you through the most beloved attractions in a logical route that maximizes your time in this compact country.
Morning (9:00 AM – 12:30 PM)
9:00 AM: Passerelle
Start your Luxembourg adventure at the impressive Viaduc Bridge, also known as La Passerelle. This 19th-century bridge gives you an amazing introduction to Luxembourg’s unique layout. The city is built on two levels, with the upper level containing the old town and the lower level featuring the picturesque Grund district along the Alzette River.
From the bridge, you’ll get stellar views in both directions, making it the perfect spot to orient yourself and snap your first photos of the day. The structure itself seems almost oversized compared to the small river below, but that’s part of its charm!
9:30 AM: Luxembourg Old Town
The old town of Luxembourg is wonderfully compact, taking only about 10 minutes to walk from one side to the other. This makes it perfect for exploring on foot without getting exhausted.
Begin at Place d’Armes, the central square that locals affectionately call “Knuedler” (named after the knotted belts worn by Franciscan monks who once lived in the area). The square is lined with restaurants, cafes, and small shops, giving you a taste of local life. If you’re visiting on a Wednesday or Saturday, you might even catch the regular market.
Next, take a quick stroll to the Notre Dame Cathedral. This Gothic cathedral is gorgeous both inside and out, featuring beautiful stained glass windows and an impressive interior that’s well worth the short visit.
Just a short walk away is the Palais Grand-Ducal (Grand Ducal Palace), the official residence of Luxembourg’s Grand Duke. The building’s intricately carved stone façade and gold-decorated balconies make it a must-see even if you can only admire it from the outside. If you’re lucky enough to visit between mid-July and early September, you might be able to join a guided tour of the interior.
11:30 AM: Bock Casemates
Now it’s time to explore one of Luxembourg’s most significant historical sites. The Bock Casemates are ancient fortifications carved into the cliffside that date back to 963 when Count Siegfried built the first castle on the “Bock” promontory.
These underground tunnels and galleries were later expanded by various occupying forces and served as both defense structures and shelters throughout Luxembourg’s history. The casemates are the reason Luxembourg gained the nickname “Gibraltar of the North” due to their impressive defensive capabilities.
While exploring, don’t miss climbing the Huelen Zant tower for magnificent views over the city. The casemates offer a fascinating glimpse into Luxembourg’s strategic importance throughout European history, and the panoramic vistas from this vantage point are simply stunning.
Lunch (12:30 PM – 2:00 PM)
After a morning of exploration, you’ve earned a delicious lunch. Luxembourg offers plenty of great options:
Charles Sandwiches serves up some of the best sandwiches in town. Their chicken Tikka and “Rock-a-Bacon” options come highly recommended by visitors. This place fills up quickly, so arriving early is advisable.
If you’re in the mood for burgers and craft beer, Urban offers an international menu with great burgers and an impressive selection of draft beers.
For something sweeter (or as an after-lunch treat), Chocolate House sits right across from the Grand Ducal Palace. They’re famous for their hot chocolate served as a cup of steaming milk with a block of flavored chocolate on a stick that you melt into your drink. Perfect for warming up, especially during cooler months!
Lux’Burgers is another fantastic option for burger lovers, known for their creative menu descriptions and delicious patties with unique toppings.
Afternoon (2:00 PM – 6:00 PM)
2:00 PM: Chemin de la Corniche
Walk off your lunch along what’s often called “Europe’s most beautiful balcony.” The Chemin de la Corniche is a scenic promenade built atop the 17th-century ramparts that offers breathtaking views over the Alzette valley.
As you stroll along this pathway, you’ll see Luxembourg’s unique blend of historic and natural beauty: lush green trees, houses with shiny grey tiled roofs, and spires and turrets that define Luxembourg’s iconic architecture. Across the valley, you can spot the Église Saint-Jean-du-Grund and Neumünster Abbey cultural center, which now hosts concerts and performances.
This walk gives you some of the most postcard-worthy views of the entire city, so take your time and enjoy the scenery.
3:00 PM: The Grund
Follow the path from Chemin de la Corniche down to the Grund, the charming lower part of the city. This area feels like stepping into a small village, complete with canals, gardens, and quaint cafes.
The Grund offers a completely different atmosphere from the upper town. Its peaceful riverside setting and historic buildings make it feel like you’re exploring a hidden gem within the city. Wander the narrow streets and absorb the ambiance of this well-preserved neighborhood.
While exploring, make sure to look for the statue of Melusina near the Alzette River. According to legend, she was the wife of Count Siegfried (who founded Luxembourg) and had a fish’s tail. The story goes that she requested complete privacy one day each week, but when her husband spied on her during bath time and discovered her secret, she disappeared into the river forever.
4:30 PM: Pfaffenthal Panoramic Elevator
One of Luxembourg’s newest and most popular attractions is the Pfaffenthal Panoramic Elevator. This 71-meter glass elevator connects the upper and lower parts of the city and offers spectacular views through its transparent walls and floor.
The elevator is completely free to use and saves you from climbing steep slopes and stairs back up to the city center. The glass floor may give you a moment of vertigo, but the views are absolutely worth it. You can even take bikes in the elevator if you’re exploring the city on two wheels.
5:00 PM: Place de la Constitution
Make your way to Place de la Constitution, a memorial square that was originally built to honor Luxembourgers who died during World War I but now symbolizes freedom for all Luxembourg citizens.
From here, you can enjoy more beautiful views over the Pétrusse Valley and see the impressive Adolphe Bridge spanning the valley. This landmark bridge, built in 1903, is a symbol of Luxembourg’s independence and provides another excellent photo opportunity.
If you have time and interest, the Pétrusse Casemates are located at Place de la Constitution. These are smaller than the Bock Casemates but still worth a quick visit if you’re fascinated by Luxembourg’s defensive history.
Evening (6:00 PM onwards)
6:00 PM: Dinner in the Old Town
Return to Luxembourg’s charming old town for dinner at one of the many excellent restaurants:
Big Beer Company offers German-inspired cuisine along with a great selection of beers. Their hearty entrees featuring bratwurst and sauerkraut are perfect after a day of walking.
For traditional Luxembourgish cuisine, try Brasserie Restaurant um Dierfgen, where you can sample local specialties in a charming setting.
If you’re looking to splurge on a memorable meal, Clairefontaine offers upscale dining with excellent service.
After Dinner
Luxembourg may be small, but its nightlife has plenty to offer. Enjoy the evening atmosphere in Place d’Armes, which often features outdoor seating where you can people-watch while sipping a drink.
Don’t miss trying some local Luxembourg wine if possible. Though not widely known internationally, Luxembourg produces excellent white wines, particularly Riesling, Pinot Blanc, Gewürztraminer, and sparkling varieties. Ask your server for recommendations of local wines to complete your Luxembourg experience.
Alternatively, head back down to the Grund, which transforms at night into a hub for bars and nightlife. The area has a completely different vibe after dark, with its historic buildings beautifully illuminated and a lively atmosphere in the pubs and bars.
Extra Things To Do (Time Permitting)
Luxembourg American Cemetery and Memorial: If you have an extra 1.5-2 hours and are interested in World War II history, consider taking a taxi to this cemetery located about 20 minutes outside the city center. Here, over 5,000 American soldiers who fought in the Battle of the Bulge are buried, including General George S. Patton.
The cemetery is beautifully maintained and offers a sobering but important historical perspective. Keep in mind that taxis in Luxembourg are quite expensive, so budget accordingly for this side trip.
Transportation Tips
Getting around Luxembourg City is remarkably easy. The old town is very walkable and compact, so comfortable shoes are your best transportation option for most of your day.
Public transportation throughout Luxembourg is completely free, including buses, trams, and trains. This is fantastic news for travelers on a budget, especially since the city itself can be relatively expensive.
If you’re arriving by train, the main station is about a 20-minute walk from the old town. You can choose to walk or hop on one of the free buses if you prefer to save your energy for sightseeing.
Taxis are available but relatively expensive. They’re best saved for destinations outside the city center, like the American Cemetery, or if the weather turns particularly nasty.
Final Thoughts
Luxembourg might be small, but it packs an incredible amount of beauty, history, and culture into its compact boundaries. With its stunning views, fascinating fortifications, and charming streets, you can absolutely experience the best of Luxembourg in a single day.
Whether you’re visiting as a day trip from Brussels, Paris, or another nearby city, or you’re making Luxembourg a stop on a longer European journey, this itinerary helps you make the most of your time in the Grand Duchy. You’ll return home with wonderful memories and probably a desire to come back and explore more of this often-overlooked European gem.
