Grand Duchy of Luxembourg: Top 10 Places To Visit In Luxembourg

things to do in luxembourg
Fadi
Fadi 
Updated
| 4 min read

Luxembourg, formally “Grand Duchy of Luxembourg,” is an inland country in the western part of Europe. Its capital, Luxembourg City, is besides Brussels and Strasbourg, one among the three official capitals of the European Union and also the seat of the European Court of Justice, the highest juridical authority within the EU.

Its culture, people and languages are extremely tangled with its neighbors, creating primarily a mix of French and Germanic cultures. This is often emphasized by the three official languages, Luxembourgish, French and German.

Let’s check out the main attractions to visit in this small country rich in history.

1. Casemates du Bock

Rocher du 'Bock' Luxembourg City seen from rue de Trêves 2013-08
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Zinneke used under CC BY-SA 3.0

In the 10th century, Count Siegfried designed a fortified castle on a natural elevation that was soon to become the shield of the town. Within the course of the centuries, its defenses were bolstered by 24 forts, 16 different robust defenses and a 23-kilometer network of casemates: these couldn’t solely shelter thousands of troopers and horses but additionally housed workshops, kitchens, bakeries and slaughterhouses.

In 1867, once the declaration of neutrality was made, the military withdrew from the defense and through the subsequent 16 years, ninetieth of the defenses were dismantled. However, it was proven to not be possible to blow up the casemates without also devastating a part of the town. Therefore, the entrances and also the key connecting galleries were sealed. In spite of this, 17 kilometers of tunnels stay, usually on completely different levels and tremendous stairways penetrate up to 40 meters within the rock face.

Casemates du Bock

Address: 10 Montée de Clausen, 1343 Luxembourg

Website: Casemates du Bock

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2. Grand Ducal Palace

Grand Ducal Palace, Luxembourg 1
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Ernmuhl used under CC BY-SA 3.0

Constructed between 1572 and 1574 and official seat of the head of state, the Grand Ducal Palace is attention-grabbing in more than one way. For Luxembourg, it’s the image of national independence; for historians, it’s an illustration of continuity in the exercise of power through centuries of foreign domination or dependence; for art lovers, its façade is a reflection of Hispano-Moorish style; for tourists, it’s a gorgeous monument wherever the grand duke resides.

Since 1890, once Grand Duke Adolph succeeded on the throne, the palace has been the residence of the sovereign. Restored in 1995, the Grand Ducal Palace is one of the main attractions of the capital.

Since 1977, the Grand Ducal Palace has opened its doors for guided tours between July and September. The sovereigns’ residence attracts some ten thousand guests each season.

Palais Grand-Ducal

Address: 32 Rue de l'Eau, 1449 Luxembourg

Website: Palais Grand-Ducal

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3. Mudam museum

Mudam-Hall 8304
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Cornischong used under CC BY-SA 3.0

The renowned Sino-American architect Ieoh Ming Pei selected Fort Thüngen site to construct the museum of the modern Art or “Mudam”.

Set out on three levels over 6,000 square meters, Mudam invites the art lovers to explore the contemporary art of over two hundred works with the participation of more than a hundred artists.

MUDAM Luxembourg (Musee d'Art Moderne Grand-Duc Jean)

Address: 3 Park Drai Eechelen, 1499 Luxembourg

Website: MUDAM Luxembourg

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4. Fort Thüngen

Fort Thüngen (2)
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Avi1111 used under CC BY-SA 4.0

Constructed in 1732, Fort Thüngen is named after the Austrian commander of the defense, Baron of Thüngen. In 1836, the Prussians extended the Fort and in 1860, they reinforced it once more.

In 1870 and 1874, it had been demolished: solely the three round towers, called “Three Acorns” and the foundation walls, uncovered in 1991, remained in good condition. In Fort Thüngen, you can also explore the treasures of Mudam museum and Dräi Eechelen museum.

Fort Thüngen

Address: 1499 Luxembourg City, Luxembourg

Website: Fort Thüngen

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Luxembourg Tour Guide

Miriam  Meda

Miriam Meda

I inspire and help you on your trips to Belgium with my project, Curiositas Mundus. My goal is to avoid you any surprises once you land in this beautiful and small country. Traveling with kids? No problem. Are you a high school teacher preparing for your next study trip? No worries. Families? Friends? Solo travel? VIP? Companies? Universities? Lost souls? Restless minds? Physical challenges or difficulties? All of you are welcome! My specialty is the preparation of tours all over the country. I can guide you through the Belgian streets, museums, bars, chocolate paradises and other places of interest. I want my services to be cultural, responsible, and engaged with the local people. I already have ideas to improve that relationship tourists-inhabitants and to work also with local non-profit associations and businesses :-) In a more personal way, but also related to this nice job of guiding strangers from all over the world, I am a crazy learner of history (especially European history), art, literature, comics (long life to Marvel), languages (you can contact me in English, French, Spanish or Dutch; now I am trying to learn Japanese), philosophy, sociology, politics, videogames and so on! Above all, I have tons of curiosity about everything that surronds me.

5. Notre-Dame Cathedral

Notre Dame Cathedral, Luxembourg
Source: Photo by user LenDog64 used under CC BY-ND 2.0

This splendid Gothic edifice was made in the 17th century. In addition to a noteworthy treasury, the cathedral has a yearly ceremony after Easter, when pilgrims seek protection from Virgin Mary. After that, they process in the streets holding her statue to an altar covered with flowers.

Cathédrale Notre-Dame

Address: Rue Notre Dame, 2240 Luxembourg

Website: Cathédrale Notre-Dame

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6. Place d'Armes

Place d'Armes, Luxembourg City
Source: Photo by Flickr user Tilemahos Efthimi... used under CC BY-SA 2.0

Completed in the 17th century, Place d'Armes is also named “The City Parlor.” Louis XIV’s army designed it for the use of parades.

As an integral a part of the pedestrian zone, encircled by numerous street cafés and restaurants, it hosts concerts and the Market of Christmas. it’s become the place where the young and also the old, the locals and also the guests meet.

Place d'Armes

Address: Place d'Armes, 1136 Luxembourg

Website: Place d'Armes

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7. Adolphe Bridge

Luxembourg Pont Adolphe
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Claude Wians used under CC BY 2.0

Also known as New Bridge, it was erected between 1900 and 1903 during the rule of Grand Duke Adolphe. This event was followed with great interest from abroad. Due to its 153 meter length and its arches spanning over 85 meters, this bridge got up until then the title of “the biggest stone arch bridge in the world.”

This bridge has been renovated many times to adjust the installation of an electrical tram, to replace railings, to repave the surface, to widen it by sixty centimeters on all sides, to resurface it and to refit it for use of tram.

Adolphe Bridge

Address: 1116 Luxembourg City, Luxembourg

Website: Adolphe Bridge

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8. Philharmonie Luxembourg

Philharmonie Luxembourg
Source: Photo by user Alexander Johmann used under CC BY-SA 2.0

Philharmonie Luxembourg, additionally called the Grande-Duchesse Joséphine-Charlotte concert hall, is a fantastically designed venue on Luxembourg City’s picturesque Kirchberg plateau. Opened in 2005, the Philharmonie Luxembourg is the home of the Luxembourg Philharmonic Orchestra.

It hosts touring performers from around the world. you’ll be able to hear orchestral performances, jazz shows, chamber music recitals and experimental sounds at this elegant trendy hall. you’ll also be able to attend one of the annual festivals, including the Rainy Days modern music festival in November and also the Luxembourg festival.

It has two eating facilities. You can relish an opulent pre-concert dinner at the restaurant or you can stop at the foyer bar for mezzo-style snacks and drinks before and after the show.

Philharmonie Luxembourg

Address: 1 Place de l'Europe, 1499 Luxembourg

Website: Philharmonie Luxembourg

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9. The Old Quarter, Luxembourg City

Grand Duchess Charlotte Bridge
Source: Photo by Flickr user Michel Curi used under CC BY 2.0

Built by the Spaniards and the French in the seventeenth century, this pedestrian promenade is named “the most beautiful balcony of Europe.”

It extends towards the seventeenth century town ramparts with the scenery of the river canyon and the Wenceslas Wall fortifications. The walk continues crossing Victor Thorn Boulevard to the Tower of the Triple Gate.

The Old Quarter

Address: Vieille Ville, Luxembourg City

Website: The Old Quarter

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10. Luxembourg American Cemetery Memorial

Luxembourg American Cemetery
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user American Battle M... used under PUBLIC DOMAIN

The cemetery was established on December 29, 1944 by the American Army. The city of Luxembourg served as headquarters for General George S. Patton who is buried here. Conjointly lie in this burial site 5,076 service members, many of whom lost their lives in the Battle of the Bulge and in the advance to the Rhine River.

The burial site consists of nine sections interspersed with four fountains, majestic trees and expansive rose and rhododendron beds. It’s an appropriately tranquil final resting place for these Americans who gave their all.

Lux American Cemetery

Address: 5230 Luxembourg City, Luxembourg

Website: Lux American Cemetery

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Formidable Inland Country

Luxembourg is the ultimate vacation getaway destination for many. They have historical monuments, art museums, great food spots, beautiful scenery and more. Don’t miss your chance of getting to experience all this as well!

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Any must-sees we missed? Tell us about them in the comments section or write a post here to help out fellow travelers!
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