Luna Explores Europe
Picture Perfect and Underrated: A Day in Luxembourg
I'm Luna, and a few years ago I began exploring Europe with my wonderful boyfriend. I’m eager to share my adventures, tips, and more with fellow travelers. So far, I've embarked on 8 trips and visited 12 countries.
Just three and a half hours from our hometown by car lies Luxembourg - both a city and a country.
A unique blend of French charm and German order, it's reflected everywhere: in the architecture, the cuisine, even the language.
What we didn't expect? How photogenic and peaceful it would be.
One day is all it takes to explore and experience this picture perfect and underrated capital from top to bottom!
The Journey
We hit the road from the Netherlands around 6:45 AM. Some roadworks on the German highways delayed us slightly, and we arrived about 30 minutes later than planned. Around 11:00 AM, we parked our car in a garage located roughly a 30-minute walk from the city center.
If walking isn't your thing, no worries - there's a bus stop right by the parking garage. Parking was just 1 euro per hour, with a daily cap of 10 euros.
Getting around the city is a breeze thanks to the tram and bus lines, but walking is totally doable if you're up for a bit of a workout - hello calf muscles!
Food & Drink
We love seeking out regional specialties when we travel.
In Luxembourg, we grabbed a bite at Fischer, a local bakery chain with several locations around town.
We tried their streusel and a little plum tart (quetschentaart) - delicious, not too sweet, and the perfect mix of French finesse and German heartiness.
Though I suspect the German version would have a sugary glaze on top!
For dinner, we made a reservation at Bistrot La Presse, where we've enjoyed a delicious plate of Kniddelen (Luxembourgish-style dumplings) and Waïnzoossiss - tender white sausages gently simmered in a creamy Riesling wine sauce, typically served with buttery mashed potatoes.
What to See
There's so much to see in Luxembourg City - and most of it won't cost you a thing. We started at the casemates, a network of underground tunnels. You can go down into them for a small fee, but if you want those stunning skyline shots, it's better to stay above ground - the views are unbeatable!
We continued along the casemate path toward the other side of town, crossing a quaint bridge over the Alzette River. It might sound strange, but even the train tracks here are photogenic - elevated and arching, they give off serious aqueduct vibes.
On the other side of the city, you'll find some peaceful spots perfect for snapping photos or just taking a break. One highlight: the panoramic view over the still-intact fortress walls.
The city's most famous viewpoint is the Chemin de la Corniche, often called "the most beautiful balcony in Europe". Naturally, it's also one of the busiest spots in town - but who wouldn't want a photo with that backdrop?
We also stumbled upon a hidden gem: the Nationalmusée um Fëschmaart. The name may be a mouthful, but the museum was a surprise hit. First off, entry is free. And second. it's spread over four floors, each covering a different historical era.
We had no idea Luxembourg had such a rich and layered history!
Don't miss the Notre-Dame Cathedral either - beautifully decorated inside, and distinct from many of the cathedrals we've seen elsewhere in northwestern Europe.
And finally, make sure to cath the changing of the guard in front of Palais Grand-Ducal. You can't go inside, but the façade alone is stunning, and the ceremony is a fun tradition to witness.
Final Thoughts
Who would've thought the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg had so much to offer? One day is perfect to explore the capital, but if you want to dive deeper into the country, consider visiting some of the many castles scattered around the region. The landscape is wonderfully hilly, making it ideal for scenic hikes and outdoor adventures.
