Wedged between France, Germany, and Belgium, the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg is small in size yet outsized in history. Its capital layers medieval fortifications over a deep river valley, with glass-and-steel modernity gleaming on the Kirchberg plateau. The UNESCO-listed old town, tranquil Grund quarter, and panoramic Corniche make this a photogenic European city break.

Luxembourg’s story stretches from a 10th-century castle purchased by Count Siegfried to a neutral state, to a founding member of the EU. You’ll feel this arc as you wander the Bock Casemates, stand before the Grand Ducal Palace, and ride the panoramic elevator linking upper and lower towns. Beyond the capital, fairy-tale Vianden Castle and the rocky trails of Mullerthal (“Little Switzerland”) beckon.

Practical notes: public transport is free nationwide (second class) and signage is in Luxembourgish, French, and German; English is widely understood. Expect hearty local fare—Judd mat Gaardebounen (smoked pork with beans), Rieslingspaschtéit (pâté), and fine Moselle crémants. Many shops close on Sunday; museums often close Monday. Currency is the euro; outlets are Type F (230V).

Luxembourg City

Luxembourg City is a study in contrasts: the “Gibraltar of the North” defended by multilayered bastions, and a modern finance-and-EU hub crowned with striking architecture. The Alzette River curls through the ravine-like Grund, while the Chemin de la Corniche—“Europe’s most beautiful balcony”—offers sweeping views across bridges, spires, and terraced gardens.

• Top sights: Chemin de la Corniche, Bock Casemates, Grand Ducal Palace, Cathédrale Notre‑Dame, Grund quarter, Pfaffenthal panoramic elevator, Mudam (modern art), Fort Thüngen, MNHA (National Museum of History & Art), Luxembourg American Cemetery (Gen. Patton’s grave).
• Neighborhoods to know: Ville Haute (historic core, shopping), Grund (riverside lanes and pubs), Kirchberg (EU institutions, Mudam, contemporary architecture), Gare (transport hub and cafés).

Where to stay (handpicked):

• Le Royal Hotels & Resorts – Luxembourg (classic five-star service; indoor pool; easy walk to the old town). Book via Hotels.com.
• Hotel Parc Belle‑Vue (great value with exceptional Petrusse Valley views; short stroll to Place d’Armes). Book via Hotels.com.
• Novotel Luxembourg Kirchberg (modern rooms near Mudam and the tram; ideal for families). Book via Hotels.com.
• Browse more stays: Hotels.com – Luxembourg City | VRBO – Luxembourg City

How to get there (and around):

• Flights: Fly into LUX (Findel). From London ~1h15; from Lisbon ~2h45; from Munich ~1h10. Compare fares on Omio (Europe flights). Coming from outside Europe? Use Trip.com or Kiwi.com.
• Trains (fast and scenic): Paris–Luxembourg ~2h10 (TGV, often €29–€90), Brussels–Lux ~3h (IC, ~€25–€55), Frankfurt–Lux ~3–4h (ICE/RE, ~€25–€60). Search and book on Omio Trains (Europe).
• Airport to center: Tram T1 + bus or direct bus 16/29, ~20 minutes. Public transport is free nationwide (2nd class), so just hop on.
• Buses in/out of the region: Cross-border buses from Trier/Metz are frequent; compare on Omio Buses.

Food and drink to try:

• Breakfast & coffee: Knopes Coffee (expertly roasted espresso), Oberweis and Namur (buttery viennoiseries and elegant pastries), La Table du Pain (hearty breads and brunch plates).
• Lunch favorites: Brasserie Guillaume (seafood platters and tartares on Place Guillaume II), Bosso (flammkuchen in a timbered house), Kaempff‑Kohler (quiches and pâtisserie).
• Dinner ideas: Am Tiirmschen (traditional Luxembourgish dishes in a 17th‑century setting), Um Plateau (modern brasserie and oysters), Mosconi (Michelin‑starred Italian tasting menu on the Alzette).
• Wine & cocktails: Dipso – the Wine Republic (by‑the‑glass Moselle selections), De Gudde Wëllen (laid‑back music bar with a rooftop), Octans (creative gin‑led cocktails), Scott’s Pub (riverside pints in Grund).
• Sweets: Chocolate House by Nathalie Bonn (try the hot‑choc spoons) opposite the Grand Ducal Palace.

Day 1: Arrival, Old Town Orientation, and Sunset on the Corniche

Morning: Travel to Luxembourg City. If you’re early, drop bags and fuel up near the station: Golden Bean for a flat white, or Namur for a warm kougelhopf. Stroll Avenue de la Liberté to see the Adolphe Bridge arching over the Petrusse Valley.

Afternoon: Check in, then meet your guide for a focused city primer with the Luxembourg Private Walking Tour With A Professional Guide (2 hours; tailored to your interests—UNESCO quarters, palace exteriors, and hidden lanes).

Pause at Konrad Café & Bar for a cappuccino in a cozy, bohemian nook, then drift along the Chemin de la Corniche as golden hour lights the Grund below. It’s the postcard moment of the trip.

Evening: Dinner at Am Tiirmschen for local classics—order Judd mat Gaardebounen and a side of kniddelen (dumplings). Prefer modern brasserie fare? Book Um Plateau for oysters and a crisp Moselle Riesling. Nightcap at Octans (signature gin cocktails) or Scott’s Pub by the river if you want something casual and convivial.

Day 2: Casemates, Museums, and an E‑Bike Sweep Through the City

Morning: Start at the Bock Casemates, an underground maze that once sheltered soldiers and cannons beneath the ruined fortress. Note: the Bock typically operates seasonally (often March–November); if closed, walk the ramparts and visit the Musée Dräi Eechelen for fortress history and views. Dive into MNHA next—don’t miss the Roman mosaics and the numismatics floor tracing currency from the Middle Ages. Coffee break at Knopes on your way to lunch.

Afternoon: Explore contemporary Luxembourg at Mudam—an I. M. Pei–designed gem floating over Fort Thüngen. Skip lines with the Mudam Luxembourg Museum Entrance Ticket, then cross to the old fort for sweeping city views.

Ready to cover more ground? Join The Best of Luxembourg City Guided E‑bike Tour to glide up steep inclines effortlessly—Kirchberg’s sleek EU quarter, the Pfaffenthal funicular, and riverside Grund all feature on this guided loop.

Evening: Treat yourself at Mosconi (Michelin-starred Italian; delicate pastas along the Alzette) or book a table at Le Plëss (brasserie in Place d’Armes with seasonal plates). For a relaxed finish, climb to De Gudde Wëllen for a rooftop view and a digestif; ask for a local crémant recommendation.

Day 3: Day Trip—Vianden Castle and Mullerthal’s “Little Switzerland”

Spend the day beyond the city on the Luxembourg: Nature & Castle Day Trip. This scenic route links the fairy‑tale towers of Vianden Castle with the sandstone gorges and forests of the Mullerthal region, often with stops at viewpoints and story‑rich villages. It’s a compact way to see Luxembourg’s greatest hits without a car.

Lunch options usually include a rustic stop—think flammkuchen or game dishes in season—while in Vianden you can add a chairlift ride (seasonal) for dramatic castle-and-river views. Back in the capital, have a relaxed dinner at Bosso (wood‑fired flammkuchen, generous salads) or try Um Plateau if you missed it on Day 1.

Day 4: Farewell Luxembourg—Palace Quarter, Hamm Cemetery, and Last Bites

Morning: Start with pastries at Oberweis, then time your visit to the Grand Ducal Palace exterior; if palace guards are posted, it’s a nice photo stop. Walk to Cathédrale Notre‑Dame to admire the Baroque interior and stained glass, then tram or bus to the Luxembourg American Cemetery in Hamm for a quiet, moving visit (Gen. Patton rests here; plan ~60–90 minutes).

Afternoon: Brunch-style lunch at La Table du Pain or Bloom, then pick up gifts: Rieslingspaschtéit from Kaempff‑Kohler, pralines from Chocolate House, or a bottle of crémant from a city wine shop. Ride the Pfaffenthal panoramic elevator one last time for a final look over the ravine, then head to LUX. The airport is ~20 minutes by free tram/bus.

Evening: Departure day tends to be low‑key; if you have time after check‑out, linger on Place d’Armes with a café crème and watch the city hum. On Wednesdays and Saturdays, the farmers’ market on Place Guillaume II is perfect for a stroll and picnic supplies.

Booking quick links:

• Stays: Le Royal Hotels & Resorts – Luxembourg | Hotel Parc Belle‑Vue | Novotel Luxembourg Kirchberg | Hotels.com – Luxembourg City | VRBO – Luxembourg City
• Transport: Omio Trains (Europe) | Omio Buses (Europe) | Omio Flights (Europe) | Trip.com Trains (Global) | Trip.com Flights (Global) | Kiwi.com Flights

Insider tips: Reserve Mosconi, Um Plateau, or popular brunch spots in advance, especially on weekends. Casemates and Vianden chairlift are seasonal—check opening months when you book. Carry a small umbrella; weather changes quickly in the valley. Tipping is modest (round up or 5–10% for excellent service).

In four days, you’ll trace the arc of Luxembourg from fortress to forward‑looking capital, with storybook castles and forested gorges just beyond the skyline. It’s an easy, polished trip where the vistas are grand, the distances short, and the memories enduring.