Exploring The Luxurious Luxembourg City: Weekend Getaway

While Luxembourg may be one of the smallest countries in the world, visiting this tiny European gem is worth it. The multicultural country embraces three official languages (Luxembourgish, French, German), hosts nine Michelin-star restaurants, showcases stunning castles, and is the last sovereign grand duchy in the world.  With free public transit and a mix of ways to enjoy the city and nature, Luxembourg is a perfect weekend trip from Düsseldorf. 

 

HOW TO GET FROM DÜSSELDORF TO LUXEMBOURG

By Car 🚙: Luxembourg City is about 3 hours from Düsseldorf HBF.  

By Train 🚆: Deutsche Bahn has direct IC trains from Düsseldorf to Luxembourg City.

Train rides range from 4-6 hours – If Deutsche Bahn is not experiencing delays, of course. 

By Bus 🚌: FlixBus has direct buses from Düsseldorf HBF to Luxembourg, P+R Bouillon.

 

WHEN TO GO:

I went to Luxembourg during its annual country fair or Schueberfouer. The event takes place in late August through Early September. The event has over 200 attractions, including rollercoaster rides, carnival games, and more! The festival is great for trying traditional Luxembourgish cuisines like Fouerfësch, gromperekichelcher, or even Luxembourgish beer. 

I felt like I was at an American state fair but with a European twist! There are many activities for people of all ages, and if you stick around at night, you can also enjoy fireworks.

But, if you’d like to go for the Christmas Markets (as we publish this at the end of November), here are a few worth checking out:

• Lëtzebuerger Chrëschtmaart (Place d’Armes, L-1136 Luxembourg)

• Wanterpark (Boulevard du Print Henri, L-1724 Luxembourg)

• Wantermaart (Place de la Constitution, L-1144 Luxembourg)

 

WHAT TO SEE IN LUXEMBOURG

Luxembourg City is built into the Luxembourg plateau, making the city have several levels that you can walk up and down. The multi-layered town offers many beautiful views, so leave some time to get lost in the streets and enjoy the peaceful scenery from the gorges to the high peaks of the city. 

We walked about 30,000 steps, so wear some comfortable shoes👟.  

 

I chose to see free attractions, which include:

• The Grund Neighborhood
• Adolphe Bridge
• Monument of Remembrance 
• Kathedrale “Notre-Dame” des Luxembourg
• Bock Casemates 
• Walking around the outside of the Grand Ducal Palace

There are many beautiful art museums, tours, and other activities that I recommend as well.

 

Visit the Flea Markets

Luxembourg City hosts flea markets several times a week. It is worth looking around as you can find items from all over the world.

 

UNESCO World Heritage Sites

Luxembourg’s fortress and old city center are UNESCO World Heritage sites. Visiting these areas is an absolute must on your trip. 

 

Need a place to stay? Take a Peak: 

Traveling on a Budget

It is no secret that Luxembourg City is not the most budget-friendly European travel destination. The average meal cost ranges from 18 euros, and hotels cost around 100 per night. As an international student, here is how I saved money traveling in Luxembourg: 

1. Buy groceries in Germany and make your lunch instead of going out to eat.
   TIP: I visited on a Saturday, and many restaurants were closed or had irregular hours, so this will also save you the hassle of finding a place to eat.
2. There are many free places to visit; prioritize those over sites you pay to see. Check out my recommended travel destinations listed above.
3. Consider staying in a border German town instead of Luxembourg City. I chose to travel to Luxembourg City as a long day trip so that I did not have to spend money on hotels. I spent Friday night in Trier, the oldest German city near Luxembourg, and then went into the city for the day. The regional trains are regular as well.

Consider learning some basic Luxembourgish before you go. It is not necessary, but I always find I have a more enriching experience when I first speak to locals in their native tongue. 

Want to explore more weekend getaways? Check out our recommendations.