24 hours in Luxembourg

Hello from the heart of Europe! Our country hopping journey continues and this time, we've found ourselves in the charming and often underestimated city of Luxembourg. Nestled between France, Belgium, and Germany, this tiny yet vibrant nation packs a punch when it comes to history, culture, and natural beauty. Join us as we embark on a whirlwind 24-hour adventure through Luxembourg, starting with an early morning train ride from Brussels.

All Aboard to Luxembourg!

Our adventure began bright and early as we hopped on a train from our short but sweet stay in Brussels to Luxembourg City. We walked from our hotel to Brussels Central train station, grabbed a quick sandwich and a bag of questionable crisps and ran for our train. The ticket cost us around 20 euros each, which we think is a bargain. The journey itself was an absolute breeze! We had a 3h11m train, direct to Gare Centrale in Luxembourg. Once we arrived, we were pleasantly surprised as their we found out their public transport is completely free! All buses and trams were free to hop on and off, which made it easy for us to get to our hotel with our bags and also to explore!

Once we had checked into our hotel for the night, we headed out for a stroll to see what Luxembourg had to offer. We immediately came across the Pont Checking out Belgiums street art. It's not just a stunning piece of architecture; it's a historical gem that has gracefully spanned the Pétrusse Valley since its construction in 1903. With its iconic red arches and intricate ironwork, this bridge stands as a testament to Luxembourg's rich heritage. From here you will also see the Place de la Constitution, which is a memorial to the Luxembourgers who died during WWI but is now a symbol of freedom.

Just a short walk from the bridge is the centre of the city, Place Guillaume II. It's a lively square adorned with fountains and surrounded by cafes and restaurants. It's also home to the City Hall and a statue of Grand Duke William II. It's a perfect spot to people-watch and soak in the city's vibrant atmosphere. While we stopped there to have lunch in Restaurant Mamacita, an incredibly tasty Mexican restaurant, an orchestra appeared and filled the square with music and onlookers! Live music in the square is common, as it is used as an open air music venue and actually hosts the Rock Um Knuedler concert which is free and hosts up to 10000 people!

The Old Town of Luxembourg City was the next place we stumbled upon, which is actually a UNESCO World Heritage site. Wandering through the narrow cobblestone streets felt like stepping into a gothic fairy tale with its medieval style, pastel coloured buildings. On the way down the hill to the Old Town, we found a cute little bar called De Gudde Wellen, which overlooked the whole town and stopped to have a drink there as the views were amazing! After, we descended from the Old Town to Grund, a charming district with winding streets, cozy bars, and a relaxing atmosphere. Strolling along the riverbanks here is so serene! We would've loved to have dinner here but everything was booked up so pro-tip, book in advance!

From the Old Town, it's just a short walk to a hidden gem called the Pfaffenthal Lift. This innovative glass-bottom elevator descends into the Pfaffenthal district, providing a unique and breathtaking perspective of the cityscape. Best of all, it's completely free to ride! As you glide down, you'll witness the juxtaposition of modern architecture against the historical backdrop, making it a must-visit spot for those seeking a truly unforgettable experience in Luxembourg City.

Other notable stops along the way:

• The Grand Ducal Palace, the official residence of the Grand Duke of Luxembourg. Although you can't enter the palace itself, the picturesque view of this historic building against a backdrop of vibrant flowers is a must-see.

• A visit to the Bock Casemates is a highlight for many tourists, but sadly we didn't have time on our trip this time around! But the underground tunnels and fortifications date back to the 17th century and are a fascinating journey into Luxembourg's military history.

• Mudam Luxembourg - Musée d'Art Moderne Grand-Duc Jean. Art enthusiasts will appreciate a visit to this contemporary art museum, featuring works by international and Luxembourgish artists.

• Philharmonie Luxembourg, if you have a passion for music, check the schedule for a concert or performance at this stunning venue.

• Notre Dame Cathedral, its just as stunning on the inside as it is on the outside!

• Walk the Chemin de la Corniche, you pass many historic houses and see some wonderful views of Luxembourg

Our 24 hours in Luxembourg were filled with historic sites, stunning views, and plenty of walking! This small but dynamic country surprised us at every turn. As we arrived not knowing anything about it, we were taken aback by just how stunning it is! From the free public transport to the rich history and natural beauty, Luxembourg is undoubtedly a hidden gem in Europe that deserves a spot on every traveler's list. As we bid our farewell and boarded our train back to Brussels, we couldn't help but feel so grateful to have added Luxembourg to our list and we were so glad we made the journey!