Luxembourg City Travel: 100 Questions Answered

Can I walk the whole city? Mostly, yes. The center is compact, but it is built on different levels (cliffs and valleys), so be prepared for steep hills and stairs.

Are there elevators between city levels? Yes, the Pfaffenthal Panoramic Lift and the Grund lift are free and save you a lot of climbing.

Is there luggage storage at the train station? Yes, the Gare Centrale has paid lockers available.

How do I get from the airport to the city? Take the tram or bus (Lines 16 or 29); it’s free and takes about 20–30 minutes.

Is the city bike-friendly? Yes, the Vel’OH! bike-sharing scheme is popular and cheap for short trips.

Do I need a car in the city? Absolutely not. Parking is expensive and traffic can be heavy.

Are trains reliable for day trips? Generally very reliable, though minor delays can happen.

Is there a “tourist pass”? The Luxembourg Card exists, but since transport is free, it’s only worth it if you plan to visit many paid museums.

What’s the best way to see the “lower” city? Walk down to the Grund or take the lift from Place du Saint-Esprit.

How long is the train to Paris? About 2 hours and 10 minutes via TGV.

Can I use my phone data here? Yes, if you have an EU SIM, roaming is included.

Are there public toilets? Yes, several are located near major squares like Place d’Armes.

Is it easy to get to Germany or France? Very. Trier (Germany) and Metz (France) are both under an hour away.

What is the “funicular”? It’s a short, free cable railway connecting the Pfaffenthal train station to the Kirchberg plateau.

Are buses frequent on Sundays? They run, but less frequently than on weekdays.

Is the city center stroller-friendly? Mostly, but the cobblestones in the Old Town can be bumpy.

Sightseeing & Activities

What is the #1 must-see? The Bock Casemates, a massive underground tunnel system (though check if they are open/renovating).

What is the “Most Beautiful Balcony in Europe”? The Chemin de la Corniche, a pedestrian walk along the 17th-century city walls.

Can I visit the Grand Ducal Palace? Only during summer months (July–August) via guided tours.

What is the Grund? The picturesque, fairytale-like lower district located in the valley.

What’s in the Kirchberg district? Modern architecture, EU institutions, and the Philharmonie.

Is the MUDAM worth it? Yes, if you like contemporary art; the building itself is a masterpiece by I.M. Pei.

What is the “Gëlle Fra”? The Golden Lady monument in Place de la Constitution, a symbol of freedom.

Where are the best city views? From the Chemin de la Corniche or the top of the Pfaffenthal lift.

Are there city walking tours? Yes, the Tourist Office offers the “Wenzel Circular Walk” which is highly rated.

What is the Casemates du Bock? A 23km network of underground galleries used for defense.

Is there a Hop-On Hop-Off bus? Yes, but many Redditors suggest using the free public buses instead.

What should I do on a rainy day? Visit the Luxembourg City History Museum or the National Museum of History and Art (MNHA).

Is the Philharmonie worth seeing? Even if you don’t attend a concert, the architecture is stunning to photograph.

Where is the best park? Parc Edouard André or the Petrusse Valley parks.

Can I see the “Valley of the Seven Castles”? It’s best done by car, but some parts are accessible via bus/hiking.

What is the Schueberfouer? A massive traditional funfair held in late August/early September.

Are there Christmas Markets? Yes, they are considered some of the best and most atmospheric in the region.

What is the “Petrusse Express”? A small tourist train that drives through the valley—good for kids.

Is the American Cemetery nearby? Yes, it’s in Hamm (short bus ride) and is where General Patton is buried.

Can I hike within the city? Yes, the Petrusse Valley offers miles of green walking paths.

Food & Drink

What is a traditional Luxembourgish dish? Judd mat Gaardebounen (smoked pork collar with broad beans).

What is Gromperekichelcher? Delicious fried potato pancakes, usually found at markets.

Is the food expensive? Yes, Luxembourg is one of the more expensive cities for dining in Europe.

Should I try the wine? Definitely. Try the local Crémant (sparkling wine) or white wines from the Moselle region.

What is the Chocolate House? A famous cafe across from the Palace known for “Hotchocspoons.”

Is tipping expected? Not strictly required, but rounding up or leaving 5-10% is appreciated for good service.

Can I drink tap water? Yes, it is very high quality.

Where is a good place for a cheap lunch? Look for “Plat du Jour” (daily specials) or visit the upper floors of department stores like Galeries Lafayette.

Are there many Michelin-starred restaurants? Yes, Luxembourg has a very high density of them.

What is “Quetschentaart”? A traditional plum tart eaten in autumn.

Is there a good craft beer scene? Growing, but traditional lagers like Bofferding and Diekirch dominate.

Are restaurants open on Sundays? Many in the city center are, but some smaller ones close.

Do I need to book dinner reservations? On weekends, yes, especially for popular spots in the Grund or Ville Haute.

What is “Bouchée à la Reine”? A puff pastry shell filled with chicken and mushroom in cream sauce—a local favorite.

Are there vegan options? Yes, the city is quite cosmopolitan; check out Beet in Place de Guillaume II.

What’s a good bar area? The Grund and Rives de Clausen are the main nightlife hubs.

Can I buy local wine at the supermarket? Yes, and it’s much cheaper than in restaurants.

Is coffee expensive? Expect to pay €3.50–€5 for a latte.

Are there international food options? Yes, especially Italian and Portuguese due to the large immigrant populations.

Is there a “Happy Hour”? Common in the Clausen area for the after-work crowd.

Budget & Shopping

Is Luxembourg expensive? Yes, it’s on par with London or Zurich, though free transport helps.

What are the shop opening hours? Usually 9:00 or 10:00 AM to 6:00 or 7:00 PM.

Are shops open on Sundays? Most are closed, except for the first Sunday of the month (“Vente Blanche”).

Where is the main shopping street? Grand-Rue and its surrounding streets.

Are there flea markets? Yes, a popular one is held in Place de Glacis on certain Sundays.

Is there a good mall? Cloche d’Or is a massive modern mall reachable by tram.

What should I buy as a souvenir? Villeroy & Boch ceramics or local Moutarde de Luxembourg.

Is fuel cheaper here? It used to be significantly cheaper, attracting “tank tourism,” but the gap has narrowed recently.

Are supermarkets open late? Most close by 8:00 or 9:00 PM.

Can I pay with a card everywhere? Almost everywhere, but carry a little cash for very small vendors or markets.

Safety & Local Customs

Is Luxembourg City safe? Very safe, but use common sense at night around the train station (Gare).

What languages do people speak? Luxembourgish, French, German, and English. You can get by easily with English.

How do I say “Hello”? “Moien” (Moy-en).

Is it a formal city? It’s a banking hub, so you’ll see many people in suits, but tourists can dress casually.

Are people friendly? People can be reserved but are generally polite and helpful.

Is it okay to “Jaywalk”? Locals usually wait for the green man, especially if children are present.

Is smoking allowed? Not inside public buildings, bars, or restaurants.

What is the “Gudden Appetit” rule? It’s polite to say this before starting a meal.

Is the “Gare” area dangerous? Not “dangerous” compared to big US cities, but it can feel “seedy” with loitering at night.

Can I use English in shops? Yes, almost everyone in the service industry speaks English.

Best Time to Visit & Duration

How many days do I need? 1–2 days is enough for the city; 3–4 days if you want to see the castles in the north.

What is the best month to visit? May to September for the best weather and outdoor cafes.

Is it worth visiting in winter? Yes, for the Christmas markets, but it can be grey and rainy.

What is National Day? June 23rd. The night before (June 22nd) has huge street parties and fireworks.

Is it a “boring” city? It depends on what you like. It’s quiet and safe, not a “party city” like Berlin.

Is it a good day trip from Brussels? Yes, it’s about 3 hours by train.

Can I see it on a layover? Yes, if your layover is 5+ hours, you can easily pop into the center for 2 hours.

What is the “fairytale” part of the city? The Grund at night.

Is it crowded? During the day with workers, yes. Evenings and weekends are surprisingly quiet.

What is the climate like? Temperate but unpredictable; always bring a light rain jacket.

Beyond the City (Short Day Trips)

What is Vianden? A stunning town with a restored medieval castle, about 50 minutes away.

How do I get to Vianden? Train to Ettelbruck, then Bus 570.

What is Mullerthal? Known as “Little Switzerland,” it offers incredible hiking through rocky forests.

Is Echternach worth a visit? Yes, it’s the oldest city in Luxembourg and very charming.

What is Schengen? The village where the Schengen Agreement was signed; you can visit the European Museum there.

Can I see a castle without a car? Yes, Vianden and Clervaux are very easy to reach by train/bus.

Where are the vineyards? In the Moselle Valley (Grevenmacher, Remich).

Is the “Family of Man” exhibition here? Yes, it’s a world-famous photo exhibit located in Clervaux Castle.

What is Esch-sur-Sûre? A tiny, beautiful village inside a river meander with a ruined castle.

Is there a “secret” spot? The Casemates de la Pétrusse are often less crowded than the Bock ones.

Getting Around & Logistics