The capital of one of the smallest countries in Europe, scenic Luxembourg City and surroundings look and sound as if they jumped off the pages of a fairy tale. It is the only capital city in a country ruled by a Grand Duke and its thousand year old center is so scenic and well preserved that it was declared a UNESCO world heritage site.
Luxembourg City attractions
Most visitors to Luxembourg begin their trip in the capital of the same name and many happily spend their entire stay in this former fortress city. The ramparts that used to protect its inhabitants now act as a walkway commonly referred to as the “best balcony in Europe”. The romantic promenade has earned this title because of its dramatic views of two river gorges that cut through the city and the picturesque “old town” sector.
Once visitors have had their visual fill of scenic Luxembourg City from high above the capital, they can descend below the ramparts to explore the “old town” neighborhood. The aptly named heart of the city has been around for about a thousand years and is filled with winding, cobblestone streets and historic, centuries-old architecture. Although visitors might feel as if they have stepped back in time after descending into the city center, the abundance of fine dining establishments (no other country has such a high density of Michelin stars) will remind them that Luxembourg City has deliciously blended the old with the new.
One of the most dynamic places in the city to enjoy while dining out or relaxing with a coffee is at the Place d’Armes. Formerly used for military parades, this plaza is literally made for people watching. Marching soldiers have been replaced by local residents and tourists that make up the modern ebb and flow of Luxembourg City and the cafes and restaurants that flank the Place d’Armes serve as perfect vantage points for watching them go by.
A site in Luxembourg City that shouldn’t be missed, especially for families, is the Casemates du Bock. Miles of tunnels that were used for military purposes a couple hundred years ago are open for exploration and investigation. An interesting audio-visual presentation is regularly given in the Crypte Archeologique that recounts the history of the long, underground passageways.
Visitors to Luxembourg City who want to learn more about the history of all those old streets they have been walking upon should visit the Luxembourg City History Museum. Situated in the old town and easy to find because (unlike neighboring structures) it was built during the twentieth century, the museum tells the story of Luxembourg City with artifacts and a number of audio-visual presentations.
Vianden
Another benefit of Luxembourg City is that other towns and sites in the country can be easily visited on day trips because the country is so small. One of these places is the village of Vianden.
In keeping with Luxembourg’s fairy-tale appearance, castles nestled on top of wooded hills dot the countryside. One of the biggest and most visited is the medieval castle at Vianden. Only an hour’s drive from the capital, visitors can view armor, artwork, antiques, and other typical castle trappings while imagining what it must have been like to live in a house big enough to accommodate giants and dragons.
After a tour of the castle, the small town of Vianden beckons at the bottom of the hill. The inhabitants of Vianden take pride in their medieval past and show it with a number of eleventh century activities such as medieval-themed fairs, markets, and even jousting tournaments!
Fans of French literature will also want to visit the Victor Hugo House. Now a museum that showcases works by Hugo, this was the writer’s abode during his exile from France during the 1930s.
Hotels in Luxembourg City
Luxembourg City has a number of options for lodging although there are very few choices for the budget traveler. Nevertheless, visitors on a tight traveling budget might do with staying at the Campanile Hotel Luxembourg ($69-$109). It may be the cheapest accommodation in town but it’s still a clean, comfortable place to stay. Travelers with a bit more money to spend might enjoy the Hotel Carlton ($109-$179). It’s only a fifteen minute walk to the old town sector of the city and many guests have raved about the excellent, attentive service they received. Those visitors to Luxembourg City in need of luxury accommodation will find the Sofitel Lux le Grand Ducal as comfortable and pampering as its name implies ($141-$275).
Use the Hotelsio Rate Finder to find top accommodation and cheap hotels in Luxembourg City.
(Photo:iStockPhoto/rusm)
