Luxembourg - Luxembourg City

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Luxembourg City

Luxembourg

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Overview

Luxembourg City The guide was updated: 2024-03-24

The Duchy's capital of just over 130,000 inhabitants is largely made up of expats, but tourists are still few and far between — great news for those who prefer having the city streets all to themselves. There are a few excellent museums in Luxembourg City (the MUDAM is one not to be overlooked), plenty of Medieval remnants and lookout points to take them in from, as well as expansive dining offerings, including from Luxembourg's astounding many Michelin-starred establishments.

Kirchberg

Kirchberg

Situated in the northeast of Luxembourg City, Kirchberg is the city’s business district overlooking the historic city centre, Ville Haute. Linked by the iconic Grand Duchess Charlotte Bridge, also known as the ‘Red Bridge’, Kirchberg showcases a gallery of contemporary architecture designed by renowned architects. Noteworthy landmarks include the Museum of Modern Art Grand Duke Jean MUDAM, crafted by the acclaimed architect Ieoh Ming Pei, creator of the Louvre's glass pyramid. The district also features cultural gems like a glass cathedral adorned with Wim Delvoye's stained glass and the Philharmonie, renowned for its world-class acoustics. Kirchberg is also home to several key European Union institutions, including the European Court of Justice, the European Investment Bank, and the European Court of Auditors.

Grund

Grund

The charming area of Grund in Lower Luxembourg is one not to be missed on a city tour. Take the Saint Esprit lift and descent into the valley, where historic monuments, such as the UNESCO-listed Neumünster Abbey and 14th-century houses forge an inviting atmosphere – especially so when the Grund comes alive at night. There is some excellent dining to be had here, including the Michelin-starred Kamakura and Mosconi.

Rotondes

Rotondes

Two former railway roundhouses turned premier cultural hot spot, the refurbished Rotondes complex plays host to multiple artistic events all through the year, from concerts to theatrical performances, exhibitions, design markets, movie screenings, and more. Check the website to see what's on.

Pfaffenthal Panoramic Elevator

Pfaffenthal Panoramic Elevator

This panoramic elevator serves as a handy transportation link between the city quarters of Ville Haute, the historical city centre, with Pfaffenthal, an area at the very bottom of the Alzette Valley. Its glass walls provide unobstructed views of Luxembourg from as high as 70 metres above ground. Riding the elevator is free of charge.

Wenzel Circular Walk / Chemin de la Corniche

Wenzel Circular Walk / Chemin de la Corniche

The Wenzel Circular Walk is a great way to start off a day of sightseeing: starting at Bock Promontory and via the Castle Bridge, you soon arrive at Chemin de la Corniche, one of the city's most scenic panoramic lookout points. Passing through the Grund Gate and along the Wenzel Wall, you will eventually reach the cultural centre of Neumünster Abbey, following along to Plateau du Rham, containing further defence fortifications.

Bock Casemates

Bock Casemates

What remains of the impressive network of underground tunnels used as WWII bomb shelters is now open to the public, and belongs to the UNESCO World Heritage list. Part of Luxembourg's extensive defence structures, the Casemates made up the fortification complex that earned the city its proud nickname of ‘Gibraltar of the North’, for being as impregnable as the rock of Gibraltar.

Notre-Dame Cathedral

Notre-Dame Cathedral

Luxembourg's own Notre-Dame (the country's only cathedral) was originally a Jesuit church, and its cornerstone was laid in 1613. It's built in the Gothic tradition, with Renaissance and Baroque decor elements. The cathedral also contains the tomb of John the Blind.

Luxembourg American Cemetery and Memorial

Luxembourg American Cemetery and Memorial

This sobering memorial has become the final resting place for over 5,000 American soldiers who lost their lives during WWII. The expansive 50-acre grounds are dotted with sombre white tombstones, crosses and Stars of David for those of the Jewish faith. There is an informative visitor centre on-site.

Nationalmusée um Fëschmaart (MNHA)

Nationalmusée um Fëschmaart (MNHA)

The Nationalmusée um Fëschmaart contains a large collection of fine and decorative art, archaeology and coins and even features works by masters such as Cézanne and Picasso.

Luxembourg City History Museum

Luxembourg City History Museum

The Luxembourg City History Museum contains both a permanent collection and temporary exhibitions dedicated to the city and its past and present. Do not miss the glass elevator with views of the city below.

Palais Grand-Ducal

Palais Grand-Ducal

The official residence of the Grand Duke and his parliament, the Grand Ducal Palace ranks among the city's finest architectural pieces. Built in the Flemish Renaissance style in the 16th century, it combines Gothic and Romanticist influences in its interior, and can be visited as part of a guided tour from mid-July until the end of August only.

Skatepark Péitruss

Skatepark Péitruss

Set in the valley separating the old town from the new, Luxembourg's Skatepark Péitruss is a highly modern hangout spot for those who practice urban sports such as roller-skating and skateboarding, as well as BMX. The Péitruss Valley itself is an attractive site for both locals and visitors, with abundant greenery and recreation areas.

Grand Duke Jean Museum of Modern Art (MUDAM)

Grand Duke Jean Museum of Modern Art (MUDAM)

Aiming to showcase the best of modern art, the MUDAM displays a thrilling collection of creations by Luxembourgish and foreign artists spanning design, sculpture, new media and various forms of visual art. Magnificent views unfold from the Park Dräi Eechelen, where the striking museum building is located.

Musée Dräi Eechelen

Musée Dräi Eechelen

Located an arm's stretch away from nearby MUDAM is the Musée Dräi Eechelen, housed inside the restored 18th-century Fort Thüngen. The museum is dedicated entirely to the history of Luxembourg from the mid-15th to the early years of the 20th century, with over 600 original artefacts and documents on display.

Adolphe Bridge

Adolphe Bridge

Luxembourg's double-decked arch bridge Pont Adolphe over the Pétrusse River valley straddles the Ville Haute and Gare areas of the city. Apart from being used by traffic, it also has two scenic pedestrian lanes and is regarded as somewhat of an unofficial symbol of the country itself.

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