Luxembourg City is the capital of Luxembourg, one of the smallest countries in Europe. Things to do in Luxembourg include;
- St John Church
- Neumunster Abbey
- Bock Casemates – Luxembourg Underground
- Grand Ducal Palace
- Notre-Dame Cathedral
- Mudam
- Grand Rue
- Cultural Walking Routes
Most people think that Luxembourg is only Luxembourg City, but the country is a lot bigger than you think. There are many hiking opportunities in the country which would warrant more than a single night stay. Finally, hotels in Luxembourg are on the expensive side.
St John Church
St John Church is in a valley, as a result it’s very photogenic. For me, St John Church is the iconic landmark of Luxembourg. It’s surrounded by the colorful Alzette river which adds to the beauty of the church. Not only is it an incredibly beautiful church and location but you can walk along the top of Bock Casemates and photograph it from aerial vantage points. The church dates back to the 17th century and features Baroque furniture as well as an impressive organ.
Neumunster Abbey
Adjacent to the St John Church is Neumunster Abbey. Today, Neumunster Abbey is a cultural center but it hasn’t always been such a peaceful place. It has been a French prison as well as a prison during World War II. Before this, of course it was a peaceful religious building. I mentioned you can photograph Neumunster Abbey from an aerial vantage point on the Bock Casemates. Another beautiful angle to photograph it from is the opposite side of the Alzette river. As a result you’ll have some pretty reflection shots.
Bock Casemates – Luxembourg Underground
The Bock Casemates fortification dates back over 1,000 years. Today it’s possible to visit some tunnels and stairways inside as well as walk on top of it which is a main road into the city. It’s from the top where there are wonderful vantage points of St John Church and Neumunster Abbey. Most of the Luxembourg fortifications were destroyed in the 19th century. The underground however, could not be destroyed or parts of the city would be destroyed. For this reason, they have been preserved and you can visit them today. An interesting fact is they were used as bomb shelters during World War II. Did you know, Luxembourg is also referred to as the Gibraltar of the north?
Grand Ducal Palace
The Grand Ducal Palace is the home of the Grand Duke of Luxembourg. It is to Luxembourg landmarks what Buckingham palace is to the London landmarks. Something else this palace has in common with Buckingham is you can see the palace guards. In fact, there is also a changing of the guard event throughout the summer at the Grand Ducal Palace.
Notre-Dame Cathedral
Located in downtown Luxembourg City you’ll find the Notre-Dame Cathedral. You may be thinking, hold on, isn’t this in France? There are actually many Notre-Dame Cathedrals all over the world from Africa to America. In actual fact, I wrote about one in Nice, France. The Notre Dame of Luxembourg dates back over 400 years but has been modified with Gothic architecture. Lastly, the stunning national library is adjacent to the Notre-Dame.
Mudam
Mudam is officially known as the Grand Duke Jean Museum of Modern Art. It’s the most popular museum in Luxembourg. An interesting fact about the museum is that it’s built on a historic fort. Check out the latest exhibitions on the official Mudam Museum page.
Banque De Luxembourg
Luxembourg is a top tax haven within the EU (Switzerland is not in the EU). Whilst waking around you’ll see plenty of banks, in fact there are over 141 banks in Luxembourg. Luxembourg offers security to investors which other tax haven countries such as those of the Caribbean can’t offer. As a matter of fact, Luxembourg states that it’s a European center of finance which doesn’t encourage anyone to engage in tax evasion. With that in mind, with all the banks and money here, there must be some tax evasion going on.
Grand Rue – Shopping
The main shopping street in Luxembourg City is called the Grand Rue. As there are many banks and consequently lots of money in Luxembourg, you’ll find lots of high end shops, restaurants as well as hotels located in this part of town.
Luxembourg Cultural Route
There is an award winning cultural route through Luxembourg City called the Wenzel Circular Walk, you can pick up a leaflet from the tourist information office or download it before you go.
How to get from Luxembourg to Brussels by Train
Trains from Luxembourg City to Brussels are direct, take less than 3 hours and cost around €40 one way. Furthermore, if you’re traveling all over Benelux, you could try the Benelux train pass which covers travel in Belgium, Holland and Luxembourg. Alternatively, another option is the Benelux + Germany pass which includes Germany too. When you leave on the train from Luxembourg to Brussels, you’ll pass over the Passerelle, Luxembourg Viaduct.
How to get from Luxembourg to Brussels by Bus
The cheapest option to get to Brussels is by Flixbus which offers direct services from Luxembourg to Brussels. There are several journeys each day which take around 3 hours. As always with the Flixbus service, you have complimentary WiFi as well as phone chargers. Enjoy your trip to Brussels!
I did this exact route a few years ago on an Interrail Europe trip! Luxembourg was so beautiful, I really didn’t spend enough time there! I think it’s overlooked far too often by people thinking it’s “too expensive” but I didn’t find it to be so bad at all. The only issue for me was lack of budget accommodation options. I can’t stop looking at your photo of St Paul’s Church! You have some crazy photography skills.
Very informative post thanks for sharing it. I had no Idea what Luxembourg had before till I saw your post. I love to hike so I think it can be a good place for me. I need to visit it asap
Interesting and cool shots, James! Which cam did you use here?
Belgium and Luxembourg I haven’t seen both – such shame, since I live more or less around the corner…
The Casemates du Bock looks very interesting to me, I would love to see this from inside with these tunnels. I think I will plan a trip somewhere in summer to visit these places by train, prices are even totally ok.
You would love Luxembourg and the Belgian cities Hendrik, it would be a worthwhile trip for you guys. I used the Canon 8-15 mm fish eye lens to take these shots.
I never would have guessed there are hiking trails in Luxembourg. I guess I was one of those people who though the whole country was just the city. I think Luxembourg might be a little out of my tax bracket, but it would be interesting to walk the streets and see all the banks. And the Notre-Dame looks beautiful
Hope to have soon my Schengen Visa and able to go around Europe following your suggested train routes. It seems St. Paul Church is a must-place to visit in Luxembourg… And I would love to know more also of the hiking routes around this area… You showed us amazing and inviting photos of Luxembourg.
Luxembourg is such a beautiful city, and I would love to visit more places around it. Hiking opportunities seems like something I would love to do. Arriving into Luxembourg by train through the Mosel Valley was one of the best train travel experiences I’ve ever had. Definitely a place I would love to visit again.
Luxembourg looks so beautiful. I didn’t really know much about Luxembourg city or the country. I didn’t realize it was so close to Brussels. I would love to visit all the places you mention. Especially, the Casemates du Bock- my kids would love to go inside secret tunnels.
I didn’t know where Luxembourg is but thanks to your post, now I do! What a beautiful place to visit and do some hikes in! I love how you included suggestions on the different options to get there!
What an informative read, I didn’t know much about Luxembourg before now so this has been very educational. I also didn’t know that there were Notre Dame’s all over the world! Thanks for providing all the tips as well, it’s most helpful for anyone who wants to travel here and you have certainly given people enough evidence to want to check this place out!
I so badly wanted to visited Luxembourg when I was in Europe. I had planned everything infact. But unfortunately the flights got cancelled and I missed it!!! Too bad!!! 🙁
Being a big fan on UNESCO sites, my worst part is missing Casemates du Bock!
The most I have seen of Luxembourg is the airport over 30 years ago. Definitely somewhere I would like to visit and see though!
you’re now on the other side of the world of where you used to travel! much closer to my hometown!
I’ve been dying to visit Luxembourg and now I totally need to add it to my next trip to Europe. Your pictures are beautiful and I love the fisheye effect so you’re capturing more in the photo than with a regular frame. You’ve given me some serious wanderlust!
I’ve never been to Luxembourg but I want to go! I’m sure it would be pretty easy to get a Blablacar from Brussels. I didn’t really know anything about it aside from the banking. But Casemates du Bock is really impressive looking!
Really glad to see these sights from Luxemburg. During my the school days I was really fascinated by these very tiny European countries. I wondered how such small countries even existed. Finally, I am seeing it myself!
I’ve been to Brussels before but not Luxembourg. It’s high on my list though and thanks so much for suggesting things that should be done. I often use Flixbus so may have a look at connections.
I would really like to visit Luxembourg – I work for the government and some people in other teams go there for work because of EU stuff. It sounds like there is plenty to do and cool places to explore!
I have been to Brussels but not had time to check out neighbouring Luxembourg, maybe I’ll check out next time.
Can’t wait to visit both Brussels and Luxembourg one day so this post was great to read for the anticipation. Love seeing all these sights, great photos. I also had no idea that there Notre Dame’s all over the world, so learned something new, thanks!
Hiking in Luxembourg is something I never heard of. The scenic beauty and architecture is quite amazing. But I think I got to try the hiking as well! The pictures are really good.
Well done James. It seems as though we both started our blogs around the same time. Well done, you have such amazing well thought out content. Luxembourg is certainly at the top of my bucket list, seems like such a historic country. Loved the pictures. Will be back for more.
Luxemburg was one of my favourite destinations in Europe. The blog is very informative.
Your photography in this city is amazing specially the St. Paul’s Church with Alzette river. Luxembourg looks very stunning and enchanting from your post. I will go for Benelux train pass as three countries Belgium , Holland and Luxembourg are covered in it and I have not seen all three. Great informative post.