Luxembourg holidays

How to reach Luxembourg City

Flight time:

• Direct flights to Luxembourg City from London take around 1 hour 15 minutes.

• Direct flights from other major UK airports, such as Manchester, take around 2 hours.

• Flights via London or another European hub take about 5 hours.

Transfer time:

• Once you land at Luxembourg Airport, you're about a 30-minute bus ride from the city centre or 20 minutes by taxi, depending on traffic.

Price:

• Like all public transport in Luxembourg, the bus from the airport is free!

• For taxis, expect to pay around €30–€35 for a ride into the city.

Best time to visit Luxembourg

Timing your holidays to Luxembourg City can make all the difference. Here’s a breakdown of what to expect in each season:

• April to June is one of the best times to visit Luxembourg, with mild temperatures ranging from 10 to 20°C and moderate rainfall, perfect for exploring the country. The city also comes alive during the warmer months with outdoor festivals and events.

• July to August is peak tourist season, so expect more crowds. The weather is warm, with average temperatures of 18 to 25°C, low rainfall and plentiful sunshine, ideal for exploring the city's historical sites and enjoying the outdoor café scene.

• September to November is another great time to choose, as the weather is cooler and the city less crowded. Rainfall does increase, but it's a great time to visit the Moselle wine region during the harvest.

• December to March offers a quiet and cosy experience when you can enjoy the festive Christmas markets and the peaceful winter atmosphere. Temperatures range from -1 to 8°C. Rainfall can be high, with the occasional snow and ice.

Practical information

• Spoken languages: French, German and Luxembourgish are the official languages. However, English is widely understood, especially in tourist areas.

• Local habits and customs: Luxembourgers are known for their politeness and reserve and are pretty laid-back. Greeting with a handshake is common. Tipping around 10 percent in restaurants is standard.

• Currency: Luxembourg uses the euro (€). ATMs are widely available, and credit/debit cards are accepted almost everywhere. It's handy to carry some cash for smaller establishments and tips.

• Getting around: Luxembourg has an efficient public transport system, which includes buses, trains and trams. Public transport is free for everyone, making it convenient to explore the city and beyond. The Old Town in the centre of Luxembourg City is best navigated on foot, or for longer trips, consider renting a bike from one of the many bike-sharing stations.

• Electricity and plug types: Luxembourg uses the standard continental European plug (Type C and F) with a voltage of 230V. UK travellers will need an adapter.

• Time zone: Luxembourg is in the Central European Time Zone (CET), 1 hour ahead of GMT and observes daylight saving time.

Best things to do in Luxembourg City

Luxembourg might be one of Europe's smallest countries, but its capital has a diverse range of attractions and a charming atmosphere. Here's a guide to the best things to do on Luxembourg City holidays:

Viewpoints and panoramas

• Chemin de la Corniche: Dubbed "Europe's most beautiful balcony," this scenic walkway offers stunning views of the Alzette River and the old city fortifications.

• Pfaffenthal Panoramic Elevator: This modern glass elevator takes you from the Pescatore Foundation to the Pfaffenthal area, providing breathtaking city views along the way.

The best districts

• Grund: Nestled in a valley below the city centre, Grund is known for its charming cobbled streets, vibrant nightlife and historic architecture.

• Old Town: The historic heart of Luxembourg City up on the plateau, La Vieille Ville is home to grand squares, beautiful buildings, the impressive Musée d’Histoire and an art museum, and the lavish Grand Ducal Palace.

Historical monuments

• Vianden Castle: This picturesque castle, spectacularly located above the town, is one of Luxembourg's most significant historical sites, offering tours and panoramic views of the surrounding countryside.

• Casemates du Bock: Explore the underground network of tunnels and fortifications beneath the site of Luxembourg’s first castle, which played a crucial role in its military history.

• Palais Grand-Ducal: Formerly the town hall and now a royal residence for the Grand Duke, this is one of the city's most attractive buildings. Inside, the interior is lavishly decorated and equipped. During the summer months, the tourist office runs guided tours.

Day trips in the area

• Echternach: Luxembourg's oldest town is home to the stunning Basilique St-Willibrord and offers excellent hiking opportunities in the nearby Mullerthal region.

• Mullerthal Trail: Known as Luxembourg's "Little Switzerland", this area offers picturesque hiking trails through rocky landscapes and dense forests.

• Moselle Valley: Explore Luxembourg's wine region along the Moselle River, with charming villages, vineyards and opportunities for wine-tasting.

Activities for families in Luxembourg City

Luxembourg offers a variety of family-friendly activities to keep everyone entertained:

• Parks and gardens: Families will love Parc de Merl with its expansive green spaces, playgrounds and picnic spots. Located just outside the city, the fairy-tale-like Parc Merveilleux combines a zoo, botanical gardens and playgrounds and is another must-visit.

• Interactive museums: The National Museum of Natural History offers engaging exhibits for kids, including interactive displays about Luxembourg's natural environment. The Luxembourg Science Center provides hands-on activities and experiments for all ages.

• Historical sites: Kids will enjoy exploring the winding tunnels and secret passages of Casemates du Bock, while Vianden Castle offers a step back in time with its medieval architecture and artefacts.

Free things to do in Luxembourg City

Luxembourg has plenty of activities that won't cost you a penny:

• Free events: Throughout the year, Luxembourg City hosts free cultural events, parades, open-air concerts and traditional celebrations such as the Christmas markets.

• Free museums: Some of Luxembourg's museums offer free entry on certain days, including International Museum Day in May, when 40 museums are free. The permanent exhibits at the National Museum of History and Art are free to visit at any time, and there's also no charge to see the temporary exhibitions on Thursday evenings, as is the case at the MUDAM art museum on Wednesday evenings.

• Explore by public transport: Take advantage of Luxembourg's free public transport system to explore different parts of the city and beyond. The efficient bus and train networks make it easy to get around without spending anything.

Wellness in Luxembourg City

• Spas and thermal baths: Discover the luxurious thermal baths at Domaine Thermal in Mondorf-les-Bains, where you can unwind in warm, mineral-rich waters from an underground spring in indoor and outdoor pools alongside nine themed saunas.

• Traditional body care: Experience a traditional hammam or indulge in a massage using local products like Luxembourgish honey and herbs. An hour from the city in the north of the country, NUXE Spa at Château Urspelt offers two hammams alongside other regular features and a very special swimming pool in a cave-like setting.

Nature and outdoor activities

The natural beauty hidden away in this tiny state is perfect for outdoor enthusiasts. Rolling hills, rocky outcrops, and forests are ideal for hiking or cycling, while many rivers, lakes and gorges are perfect for canoeing, kayaking or taking a cruise.

• Hiking in national parks: The Mullerthal Trail offers some of the best hiking in the region, with routes that wind through rocky landscapes and dense forests. For a more relaxed stroll, visit the Upper Sûre Natural Park, known for its serene lake and diverse wildlife.

• Cycling: Luxembourg's extensive network of cycle paths makes it easy to explore the countryside on two wheels. The Echternach to Luxembourg City route is particularly scenic.

• Watersports: The Upper Sûre Lake is perfect for kayaking, paddle boarding, windsurfing and sailing. Equipment rentals are available, making it easy to enjoy a day on the water.

• Adventure activities: Thrill-seekers can try paragliding over the Moselle Valley or ziplining through the treetops at Parc Le’h Adventures.

Local dishes in Luxembourg

Luxembourg's cuisine owes much to its neighbours across the border in Germany and France, as well as some traditional Luxembourgish dishes, all of which are excellent. Here are some dishes to look out for:

Some typical dishes

• Judd mat Gaardebounen: Smoked pork collar with broad beans, considered Luxembourg’s national dish.

• Bouneschlupp: A hearty green bean soup often cooked with potatoes, carrots and bacon.

• Kuddelfleck: Tripe served in a creamy white wine sauce, a traditional Luxembourgish comfort food.

Meat dishes

• Gromperekichelcher: These crispy potato fritters, often served with apple sauce, can be found at markets and fairs.

• Huesenziwwi: Stewed hare cooked slowly in a rich sauce with onions and red wine.

Fish and seafood dishes

• Friture de la Moselle: Small fried fish from the Moselle River, typically served with lemon and parsley.

• Hiecht mat Kraiderzooss: Pike in a herb sauce, another staple along the river areas.

Sweets and desserts

Luxembourg’s sweets and desserts offer a delightful end to any meal. Look out for the following:

• Quetschentaart: A delicious plum tart that’s a local favourite

• Bamkuch: A layered cake traditionally made for special occasions.

• Boxemännchen: small brioche men, which make a charming treat during the festive season.

Local drinks

• Vins de la Moselle: The Moselle Valley produces excellent white wines, including Riesling and Pinot Gris.

• Crémant de Luxembourg: This sparkling wine is often compared to champagne and is a must-try.

• Diekirch Beer: One of the most popular local beers, known for its refreshing taste.