How To Spend Two Days in Luxembourg

The walls of the city stretched up above me, a foreboding sight if not for the colorful apartment buildings stretching up beyond the city walls like rainbows trying to touch the sky. Luxembourg is one of the smallest countries in Europe, and despite its size, it packs a punch with history because of its strategic location amongst its neighboring countries of Belgium, Germany, and France - all of which influences you can see within the culture here. With castles, a plethora of Michelin star restaurants, high end shopping, and a network of tunnels - it is difficult to narrow down what you can do in a short amount of time. After spending nearly a week in Luxembourg, here is how I propose you spend two days in Luxembourg. 

Quick Itinerary On How To Spend Two days In Luxembourg

It is possible to spend two days in Luxembourg, but you need to be strategic in what you visit, when, and definitely things you don't want to miss. I visited in winter, so I could see the Luxembourg Christmas Market, so I was able to spend more time in Luxembourg, but what I include here will only be what to see at any time of year. 

There are three main areas of the city, the old city where you will find the castles, casemates, old churches where I highly recommend dropping your map in the trash and just wandering around. Then there is the lower city where you can take the free elevator (Pfaffenthal) to visit some of the restaurants, boutique shops, and walk along the river. The modern area is the Kirchberg where you will be witness to many office buildings centered around making Luxembourg one of the richest countries in Europe. Let's narrow it down by day though, so the time spent is utilized efficiently and you don't back track repeatedly. 

Day 1 in Luxembourg

Get your bearings on the city, unless breakfast is included in your hotel (Hotel Francis had a really yummy & varied breakfast) stay I would opt for breakfast in the center of the city. Hotel Francis overlooks the Plaza de Armas and is a 7 minute walk from the main train station. 

All public transport is free so it is a great place to have as a home base, and to access a bathroom if needed - without having to pay or eat to access one. 

Pop over to the Grand Ducal Palace, see the Cathedral de'Notre Dame and St Michaels Cathedral. You can get some Hot Chocolate and treats across from the Grand Ducal Palace at the Hot Chocolate House - and after the Cathedrals make your way to the Casemates for the views. 

Make a reservation for a Michelin Starred Restaurant a few months in advance, and if there is time between the Casemates and your reservation then walk along the Balcony and take the elevator down to lower town to see the ducks and bridges from the bottomside. 

Day 2 Exploring Outside Luxembourg

Get out of the city and see castles like Vianden, Echternach, Clervaux, go on a wine tour see Beaufort Castle, or take a hike to Mullerthal. There is some beautiful countryside, with unique formations. I always encourage travelers to get out of the tourist hot spots to really get a realistic view of a countries culture. Some of my best memories are always in exploring the off-the-beaten-path areas. 

If you want to save some of that travel energy, then take advantage of the train and combine it with the museum pass to see the Modern Art Museum and the Luxembourg Museum. Then get lost in the city and take as many photos as you can of the combined modern and ancient architecture. 

I'll go into more detail for all of these locations below. 

Place Guillaume II

Located in the heart of Luxembourg's historic Ville Haute, is the Knuedler, or "knot" as locals call it for the knot in the belt once worn by the Franciscan friars who occupied the church near this square. The square itself is officially named for the King of the Netherlands and Grand Duke of Luxembourg - William II from the 13th century. 

The French dismantled the monastery, but today you can still find the town hall (with its tourist office) and the farmers markets full of fresh fruits and a host of other items. The market is open on Wednesday and Saturday mornings and is a great way to mingle with locals and find a delectable treat that won't break your budget or bank account. 

In the summer this square also hosts the Rock um Knuedler rock concert, an open air concert, each year since 1991.

Palace De'Armas

While many of the buildings here were rebuilt in the 16th century after a large fire, the Palace de'Armas is still the central hub for concerts, markets, and restaurants throughout the year. During the summer there are numerous concerts by visiting music groups, and every 2nd and 4th Saturday of the month there is a flea market. During the winter months, this is the main hub for the Christmas Market stalls. 

Shopping in Luxembourg -How To Spend Two Days in Luxembourg

Being one of the richest countries in Europe, albiet from some arguably shady business and banking deals with dictators, Luxembourg has some incredible high end luxury shopping available to visitors. In Ville Haute (the upper city) you can find over 1,000 shops, supermarkets, and trendy boutiques. 

Make your way to the streets Rue Philippe II, and you will find stores like Dior, Chanel, luxury watches, and other high end brand names I had no idea existed as I can only dream to afford these things. For those lucky or hard working folk who can afford these things, this is the area you would likely love. 

For those common folk, like me, the streets you are looking for are Avenue de la Liberte, Avenue de la Gare, Grand Duchy - Esch-sur-Alzette, Dudelange, Diekirch, and Ettelbruck. 

The stores along these streets and throughout Ville Haute are varied, but here are some of the more interesting ones I suggest visiting. 

Bijouterie Hoffman: traditional wall clocks and wristwatches. Whether you are looking for a grandfather clock, wooden wall clock or a watch.

Chocolate Shops & Hot Chocolate: Belgium influences of chocolate, Luxembourg also has a number of chocolate houses. The three most famous Luxembourgian chocolatiers – Oberweis, Namur and Kaempff Kohler – have a variety of chocolate treats and cafe areas to enjoy them.

• Chocolate House right across from the Grand Ducal Palace for some delicious Hot Chocolate with a variety of flavors like Eggnog or Jager infused cups with a view of the palace. 
• Oberweiss: Founded in 1964, they are official supplier to the Grand Ducal family. While chocolate is their mainstay, they do have other sweet treats and varieties available and in five locations around Luxembourg City. According to a legend, Count Siegfried, who founded Luxembourg in 963, married the water-faerie Melusina who used magic to make the Castle of Lucilinburhuc (today Luxembourg Castle). As a condition to marry her, Siegfried had to give her one day and night of privacy each month. His curiosity of her private days got the better of him, and he peeked through the keyhole while she was bathing, and was shocked to discover that she had a fishtail. Melusina immediately noticed that he was watching and escaped into the Alzette river, never to return. Oberweis, the famous Luxembourg chocolate house, pays tribute to this legend with a chocolate truffle, called Melusina.
• Namur: Luxembourger Nicolas Namur opened his first pastry shop in Sacramento, California in 1854, having undergone training in France and New York. Upon his return to Luxembourg in 1861, he opened a pastry shop there in 1863. Since then, it is run by the family's sixth generation, and is considered to be one of the top chocolate houses in the country. Namur is near the train station, at 44 avenue de la Liberté.
• Kaempff-Kohler Boutiques and Restaurant: Located downtown, at 18 Place Guillaume, Kaempff-Kohler was founded in 1922 as a pastry shop. The buisness has expanded from offering not only sweet treats, but savory ones as well. Their specialty ‘Cacolettes’, a 35-seat classic restaurant, has a wine and cheese shop next door.

Vinilux and More:

Located at 1-5 rue du Marché aux Herbes, just up the street from the Grand Ducal palace, this boutique in the centre of Luxembourg City has a large selection of wines and spirits both local and from around the world.

Luxembourg’s Moselle region is famous for its wine, a tradition that began in Roman times. These white wines are light and fresh, and include the popular ‘Cremant’ that is the Luxembourgish version of champagne and served on special occasions. Luxembourgers are rightfully proud of their light and sparkling drink, which regularly wins awards against French rivals. Along with Cremant de Luxembourg, two other award-winning wines are Pinot Gris Rousemer and Riesling Ehnen Wousselt Vieilles Vignes. A visit to the Moselle region for wine-tasting at vineyards is a perfect way to discover these wines, but if you stay in the city, you’ll find them easily available at specialty shops and supermarkets. Bottles start at under €10.

Butteck Um Feschmaart: Located at 10 rue Sigefroi, this souvenir shop is in the old town. Selling everything Luxembourg, from wines and beers to t-shirts and tote bags, the shop also offers a selection of colourful Peckvillchen.

Chemin de la Corniche - Luxembourg Balcony

The most beautiful balcony in Europe doesn't disappoint, with the pedestrian friendly ramparts abutting the Alzette Valley carved by the Alzette river, with the colorful homes as a backdrop. Green ivy, flowers, trees line the walkway as well giving it a secret garden feel upon a cliff of the Wenzelsmauer (Wenceslas Wall). The walkway stretches around 1,969 ft (600m) and is a great way to walk off your last meal while relishing the soul in a great view.  The rampart-top walk continues along Blvd Victor Thorn to the Dräi Tier (Triple Gate) tower, stretching 600m in total.

If I was to do this trip over again, I would have definitely spent more time walking this balcony to bask in all its different view points. 

Casemates De Bock

Built in the 17th century under Spanish rule, the casemates are miles long underground network of tunnels used to fortify the city in such a way that it earned the name 'Gibraltar of the North'. While the casemates themselves are tunnels that artistically lit, there isn't much in the way of decoration, or signage to explain much. 

The reason to visit the casemates is to take a walk through history and to see the incredible views of the Grund, Clausen, and Pfaffenthal districts. 

The passages as you see them today are a result of enlarging the underground tunnels of a medieval castle. The largest bock connected the old town by the Pont du Château which was 39 ft (12 m) high, and the tunnels during Austrian rule were lengthened to 360 ft (110 m) long. It could hold up to 25 cannons along with the high walls made for an impenetrable defense. At their height the casemates covered an area of 11840 sqft (1100m2). 

Cathédrale De'Notre Dame In Luxembourg

Construction of Cathedral de'Notre Dame in Luxembourg was started in 1613, when the cornerstone was laid and is an excellent example of late Gothic architecture. It was a German sculptor, Daniel Muller who contributed to the look of the cathedral. Inside you will find many of the Luxembourg Duchy are laid to rest here such as John the Blind, King of Bohemia and Count of Luxembourg. 

This cathedral was particularly unique in that the columns were carved with decorations, as well as tapestries, and beautiful stained glass windows. If you walk towards the casemates or the Grand Duchal Palace you will see this church along with St Michaels. It provides a reprive from the city, and often hosts some incredible concerts due to the acoustics and beautiful organ. 

St. Michael Cathedral

Built in 987 as the personal castle chapel to the Count of Luxembourg St Michaels Cathedral. St Michael's Cathedral has been renovated over the years to now include excellent examples of Romanesque and Baroque architecture. 

Pfaffenthal Elevator With Panoramic Views

The public transportation in Luxembourg is entirely free, and this includes the Pfaffenthal Elevator that connects upper town to lower town. It is a quick steady ride to the bottom of the Alzette Valley. The elevator runs from 5:45 am to 1 am, but has maintanence hours the first monday of every month so plan accordingly. 

There are beautiful views along the Alzette River where ducks and swans reside year round and is well worth the effort of taking a walk just to see it. 

Grund For Lunch & A Riverside Stroll- How To Spend Two Days in Luxembourg

Down in the Grund (where the Pfaffenthal elevator takes you) you can find some popular night life, a Michelin Starred restaurant that specializes in pasta. You can also find the 10th century cobblestone streets, buildings dating back to the 14th century, and Neumünster Abbey which is listed as a UNESCO site. 

Grand Ducal Palace & Changing Of The Guard

Once a city hall of Luxembourg in the 16th-18th century, then the governor's palace in the 19th century up until 1883 when it became the Grand Duchy with King William III and Queen Emma. Inside you can see the state rooms on the first floor, the ballroom and the Yellow Room where the Christmas message is broadcast from. 

The Grand Ducal Palace is where the Duke lives, one of the last Duchy in the world, you can plan your visit and get tickets here. The palace is typically open from mid-July to mid-September. 

Outside of the visiting months, you can still catch the changing of the guard, and their dutiful marching back and forth in front of the palace. It also is right across from the Chocolate House, which provides a great view from the cafe on the second floor. 

Get Lost In The City

While getting lost in the city wasn't my plan while visiting, it was one of the most memorable parts of my trip. Walking past the ancient walls, combined with modern architecture. Wandering in and out of alleyways where birds chirped and played, then locals bringing groceries home. There really was no part of the city that wasn't beautiful in some unique way. 

The entire city is really quite walkable and I highly recommend allowing yourself to get lost for a few hours. Sometimes letting go of the control of knowing where you are at, allows you to meet people and see places you would have never been able to see before - and isn't that the whole point of travel - to be awed and carried away with wonder seeing something you never imagined before? 

Hot Chocolate House

Just like Harry Potter had the every flavor of jelly beans, this is a Hot Chocolate version of that. You can purchase the chocolate laden wooden spoons with different flavors in pipets to consume at home. You can also go up to the 2nd floor and get some water, milk or plant based milk and mix the flavors into the steaming beverage as well. The variety of flavors can include eggnog, jager, wasabi, brandy, grappa, hazelnut, orange, and even chili among many others. I encourage you to be bold and try something fun. 

I will caution that the service isn't quick at all, but if you are visiting in winter, it is a great stop to warm up from the cold. You can also find tasty cakes, cupcakes, chocolates, and plenty of travel friendly sweets to take home to friends and family. 

Pont Adolphe For The Beautiful Views

Built in 1900 this bridge provides pedestrian, bicycle, and traffic access to both sides of the Alzette Valley. The construction of the bridge is copied from the Walnut Lane Bridge in Philadelphia in the USA. 

Palace De Constitution The Golden Lady

The Golden Lady dominates this square, called "Gëlle Fra", and was built in 1923 to commemorate all those who died in WWI. Luxembourgers look upon her now as a symbol of freedom and resistance to those who would try to control or oppress them. 

It was destroyed by the Nazi's in WWII, but quickly rebuilt in 1985 and is a major tourist attraction for those visiting Luxembourg today. 

Take A Mini Train Tour

The bright green mini train is a great way to see the city on a hot or rainy day in Luxembourg. It takes you through narrow streets, very slowly while commentary is announced into each car about each site. While I personally didn't take the train as I had some issues during this trip I had to address, it looked like the perfect way to see the city despite the drizzle of rain and cold I was experiencing being there in December. 

You will depart from Montee de Clausen, near the Casemates, and then make your way to Rives de Clausen where many of the breweries, restaurants, and cosmopolitan suburbs are. Then choo-choo your way over to the Rham Plateau where you will see three different angles of the Alzette Valley and Old Luxembourg. 

If you combine the train ticket with a Musem pass, you can save a bit of money depending on if you are planning to stay more than two days or not. The museum pass gives you access to Villa Vauban – Musée d’art de la Ville de Luxembourg, Casino Luxembourg – Forum d’art Contemporain, Lëtzebuerg City Museum, MNHA - Musée national d’histoire et d’art, MNHN - Musée national d’histoire naturelle ‘natur musée’, Musée Dräi Eechelen – forteresse, histoire, identités, Mudam Luxembourg – Musée d’art moderne Grand-Duc Jean.

Eat At A Michelin Star Restaurant

There are 10 different Michelin starred restaurants in Luxembourg, which with it being the smallest country in Europe, means it has the highest per capita Michelin Star Restaurants just below Japan. Here are a list and a brief description of each and the type of food they specialize in. 

Léa Linster - Modern French, once an old Petrol station turned Bistro and now  Michelin star restaurant. This restaurant provides plenty of natural light over a large terrace and stunning countryside views. They can serve up to 18 people at a time, but would highly recommend reserving several months in advance. 

Eden Rose - Seasonal, modern, located in a bit of a farm like setting inside a steel building, this unique pink colored scheme restaurant has healthy and seasonal cuisine that is sure to delight. 

La Villa de Camille et Julien - French, located in an elegant building with a stepped terrace whose chefs focus on eco-responsible produce, river fish, and a aim to keep food waste to a minimum, including sourcing from their own garden. 

Apdikt - Creative dishes, located inside a former pharmacy with an open kitchen plan and your meal is created especially for you as soon as you sit down. They also offer creative cocktails and a large selection of gins and whiskeys. 

Guillou Campagne - Classic French, has a warm country home theme with ducks in a nearby pond. They serve uniquely designed patisseries along with a variety of fish, egg, chicken, foraged foods and more. 

Two Michelin stars: Ma Langue Sourit - Modern, Cyril Molard was a delight to meet and the only chef in the world who could entice me to actually enjoy eating mushrooms - my least favorite vegetable along with eggplant. The unique plates, dishes that can feature watercress and chlorophyll, unique juices, delicate and rare wines, buckwheat biscuits, smoked meats with carrot, kumquat and clementines. The experience is designed to please the senses and encourage relaxation in a modern setting that feels like you are visiting a rich friend in cozy home setting. 

Things To Know Before Visiting Luxembourg

Public Transport is free, so don't buy tickets online for trains or buses - they are scams. The public transport (with the help of google or apple maps) is really really easy to navigate - even for someone like me who gets lost in 5 seconds, even in my home town, lol. 

In Luxembourg they speak three languages, Luxembourgish, French, and German. It was very easy to get around, ask questions, and get recommendations - at the same time I felt wholly embarrassed I only speak 1.5 languages on a good day (English and Spanish). 

There is a huge emphasis on outdoor spaces and enjoying the outdoors. More than 20% of this small country is covered in trees. 

Luxembourg is NOT CHEAP from the food to the hotels, it is not a place you go if you are on a budget. The only way I could visit was during the Christmas Market, where the food is cheaper, and it is the 'off season' for the hotels so was able to find a good deal on booking.com. 

My Takeaway Of Spending Two Days In Luxembourg

Visiting Luxembourg for the Christmas Markets was a perfect way to see this city. Because of the modernization I could only imagine how warm the stone and pavement get here during the summertime, but also have heard that there are a lot of trees and flowers. 

Visiting during Christmas also allowed me to visit a very expensive country and still be able to taste some traditional foods, get some affordable souvenirs, and hotels at off-season pricing. If I was to visit during summer the shopping wouldn't be affordable whatsoever for me, as I'm not a high end brand name shopper anyway. 

There are a few hikes I would LOVE to experience during the summertime, and be able to stay in small towns like Vianden. Maybe take a Kayak down a river and camp along the way. 

No matter what time of year you decide to visit, I think for budget travelers two days in Luxembourg is completely doable, and gives you plenty of time to see the highlights of the city and take a short day trip for a little hike or to see Vianden Castle. 

As always let me know your thoughts in the comment section below, or if you plan on visiting. 

Thank you for your support, and never stop exploring. 

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