12 Things to Do in Luxembourg City
I’m not going to lie, to you…
… there really isn’t a whole lot to do in Luxembourg City.
Looking back, I could easily see how someone could go there as a day trip from Brussels and see all they need to see in 16-hour time span…
… or really, in an even smaller time span.
Something I did like about Luxembourg was its silence. It was reminiscent of Switzerland.
It gave me a chance to get back to simplicity; to remember the things that actually matter in life.
Writing in a garden in Luxembourg City; May 2019
Luxembourg is a green, distinct little city.
Luxembourg looks like a maze fro a bird’s eye view.
Yes, I know – it sounds as cheesy, but let me set the scene for you.
The view of Luxembourg from Chemin de la Corniche; May 2019
On my past Europe trip, I made a habit of going into the local grocery stores, buying a baguette, a dip, and a juice of some sort – and making that my main meal of the day.
When I’m back D.C., and walk into my local grocery store to buy hummus, there are fifteen different kinds to choose from.
Then there are deals, sales- that entice me to buy more.
No, ‘entice’ isn’t the right word… that guilt me to buy more.
When I walked into their local grocery store, called “Monop”, which was notopen 24/7 like my local, American grocery store… there were two options:
Guacamole, or hummus.
No fancy titles, no 2 for $5... just one or the other; there’s no over thinking…
…and for someone like me, who makes things too intricate and complicated for her own good... a world with fewer options forces me to zone in on what’s really important in life.
Again… yes, it sounds cheesy, I know– but that’s what being in Europe reminds me of.
It reminds me how simple life can actually be.
Being from a world that’s “go, go, go”… it’s profoundly powerful that a place can ground me like that…
… and that’s the footprint that Luxembourg left on me. How I felt when I sat in one of their many gardens…
... knowing what’s actually important, and what’s actual simple.
It’s a tiny city, but it doesn’t mean it has nothing.
Here are some things you should see and do while you’re in Luxembourg City:
1. Grand Ducal Palace
It felt like being in the presence of Cinderella’s castle at Walt Disney World…
… but, of course – this one was a real palace.
I heard some lovely key playing in the background of the movie that is my life as I stumbled upon this…
Grand Ducal Palace in Luxembourg is the definition of detailed.
P.S. – Luxembourg has (crappy) pianos all over the city that you’ll hear people playing sometimes (including me, and if you heard my rusty musical skills this past May – I apologize)
2. Adolph’s Bridge
Adolph’s Bridge; May 2019
If you walk across it, you can have your own attempts at taking an artsy picture for Instagram, like I had…
View from Adolph’s Bridge in Luxembourg City; May 2019
3. People Watch
I plopped into a place called Art Café to watch the European families and couples.
People watching from Art Cafe in Luxembourg City; May 2019
It’s best to do this somewhere while you’re eating; the rest of Luxembourg is pretty still when it’s not down the commercialized streets.
4. Place Guillaume
Not much here, it was actually completely empty when I visited – but there are little cafes on the streets below the steps that are probably worth checking out.
5. Place de la Constitution
You’ll see the roaring green fields and Luxembourg flags below you.
View from Place de la Constitution in Luxembourg; May 2019
6. Gelle Fra
Not much to say, besides that this place floods with tourists by the afternoon.
I did, however, appreciate the quirky trees beside it that complimented my photograph so very well, here.
7. Casemates du Bock
There might be some sort of historical story behind this one, but if you’re anything like me (and really just prefer to run around and see) – it’s just… well, a block, essentially.
Casemates du Bock in Luxembourg; May 2019
8. Chemin de la Corniche
The best place for pictures in the city, if you ask me.
The view from Chemin de la Corniche in Luxembourg; May 2019
9. Place d’Armes
The liveliest of squares + shopping centers I saw when I was here.
Walking place d’Armes in Luxembourg City; May 2019
Place d’Armes in Luxembourg City; May 2019
10. Pfaffenthal lift
I think Chemin de la Corniche is a much better view, but it’s fun to take a video of going up and seeing the city from above here.
View of Luxembourg City from the Pfaffenthal lift; May 2019
11. Cathédrale Notre-Dame
Nothing like the one in Paris, but still worth a pop inside.
Cathédrale Notre-Dame in Luxembourg City; May 2019
12. Go Exploring
This city is the greenest place I’ve ever been too…
Luxembourg is hands down the greenest little city I’ve ever been too… and I’ve been all over both Switzerland and Australia, which are two very green countries!
… and you can venture all the way down to the roots of those trees.
Exploring Luxembourg City; May 2019
I didn’t have an interest to walk the whole thing up and down for two or three hours, but you can if you want.
This place is also a runner’s haven. The paths a smooth, long, even – and several opportunities for a steady incline.
The whole place is like a massive, green, Disney-themed maze.
So, what did I think of Luxembourg at the end of the day?
I could’ve done it as a day trip, because there isn’t much to do there…
… but if you let it, the simplicity in its small persona just might bring you back to reality.
If you want to see my trip to Luxembourg in action, click to watch my vlog below!