Luxembourg travel guide
Luxembourg is a small, multilingual grand duchy between Belgium, France and Germany, with a capital built on cliffs above deep river valleys, wooded hills in the north and vineyards along the Moselle. It suits short breaks, walkers and anyone exploring the region by train, helped by free public transport across the whole country.
Places worth the trip
Luxembourg City old quarters and fortifications
The old town and its fortifications are a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Walk the Chemin de la Corniche along the ramparts, explore the Bock Casemates tunnels cut into the rock, and take the lift or steps down to the Grund district beside the Alzette river.
Kirchberg
The plateau across the Red Bridge houses European institutions alongside striking modern architecture: the Philharmonie concert hall, the MUDAM modern art museum and the restored Fort Thüngen, which tells the story of the city's fortress history.
Mullerthal Trail
The east of the country, nicknamed Little Switzerland, has sandstone gorges, mossy forests and narrow rock passages. The Mullerthal Trail loops through it in three main routes, and the Schiessentümpel waterfall is a favourite stop.
Vianden Castle
A large restored medieval castle above the small town of Vianden in the Our valley near the German border. A chairlift climbs to a viewpoint opposite, and Victor Hugo, who stayed here in exile, is remembered in a small museum.
Moselle wine route
Along the Moselle, terraced vineyards produce Riesling, Pinot Gris and the sparkling crémant de Luxembourg. Stop at wineries in villages like Remich and Grevenmacher, and at Schengen, where the agreement that removed many European border checks was signed in 1985.
The Family of Man, Clervaux
Inside the castle in the northern town of Clervaux is the Family of Man, a landmark photography exhibition assembled by Edward Steichen in 1955. It is listed in UNESCO's Memory of the World register.
Upper Sûre Lake
A reservoir in the Ardennes in the north-west, surrounded by forest and hiking trails, with swimming, kayaking and electric boat trips in summer.
Belval, Esch-sur-Alzette
In the south, a former steelworks has been transformed into a university and cultural district. You can climb the preserved blast furnace for views over the old industrial landscape known as the Land of the Red Rocks.
Interesting facts about Luxembourg
- Luxembourg is the world's only remaining grand duchy, a monarchy headed by a grand duke.
- In 2020 it became the first country to make all public transport free nationwide, including trains, trams and buses (first class on trains is still charged).
- Three languages are official: Luxembourgish, French and German, and many residents also speak English and Portuguese.
- Luxembourg was one of the six founding members of the European Coal and Steel Community, the forerunner of today's European Union.
- Nearly half of the people living in Luxembourg are foreign nationals, and many more commute in each day from Belgium, France and Germany.
Best time to visit Luxembourg
May to September is the best time for hiking in the Mullerthal and Ardennes, outdoor terraces in the capital and wine festivals along the Moselle, which continue into the harvest in September and October. National Day on 23 June brings fireworks and celebrations in the capital. Winters are cold, grey and damp, though the Christmas markets in Luxembourg City are popular. Rain is possible in any month, so pack a waterproof.
Getting around
Public transport is free for everyone in second class, so you can simply board trains, the Luxembourg City tram and buses without a ticket. Trains link the capital with towns such as Ettelbruck, Clervaux, Esch-sur-Alzette and Wasserbillig, and buses reach almost every village, including Vianden and the Mullerthal. The capital has a public lift and a funicular connecting the upper and lower parts of the city. A car is useful for wineries and remote trails, but parking in the capital is limited and traffic is heavy at rush hour.
Practical details
- Capital
- Luxembourg City
- Currency
- Euro (EUR)
- Languages
- Luxembourgish, French, German
- Plug types
- C, F
- Voltage
- 230 V, 50 Hz
- Emergency
- 112 ambulance and fire (and general emergencies), 113 police
- Driving side
- right
- Tipping
- Service is included in restaurant bills. Rounding up or leaving 5–10% for good service is appreciated but not expected.
Staying online in Luxembourg
Mobile coverage is excellent in towns and along main roads, with fast 4G and 5G. In the deep, forested valleys of the Ardennes and Mullerthal there can be short dead spots. Because the country is so small, phones near the borders can connect to Belgian, French or German networks, which can affect what you are charged. Free Wi-Fi is available in many public places in the capital, on trains and in cafés. Install an eSIM before you travel and switch it on when you arrive.
Luxembourg eSIM plans
1 GB
1GB eSIM Data for 3 Days for Luxembourg, V2
Unbegrenzt
Unlimited eSIM Data for 1 Day for Luxembourg, V2
Unbegrenzt
Unlimited Plus eSIM Data for 1 Day for Luxembourg, V2
3 GB
3GB eSIM Data for 3 Days for Luxembourg, V2
Useful apps
- mobiliteit.lu: The official journey planner for trains, trams and buses across Luxembourg, with real-time departures.
- Google Maps: Walking routes through the capital's layered streets and trails in the countryside.
- Vel'OH!: The bike-sharing scheme in Luxembourg City, useful for short hops between neighbourhoods.
Luxembourg travel FAQs
Yes, for second-class travel on trains, trams and buses within Luxembourg, for residents and visitors alike. You only need a ticket for first class or for journeys that cross the border into neighbouring countries.
French is the most common language in shops and restaurants, German is widely understood, and English is spoken by many people, especially in the capital. Moien, the Luxembourgish greeting, is a friendly touch.
Yes, with excellent coverage nearly everywhere. EU visitors can usually roam on their home plan, though phones near borders may switch to foreign networks. A travel eSIM gives visitors from outside the EU local data while their home number stays active.
The capital can be seen in a day, but two or three days let you add Vianden, the Mullerthal Trail and the Moselle wineries, all easy to reach on free public transport.