Last updated: December 4th, 2024
Is one day in Luxembourg really enough? If you’re short on time, a well-planned Luxembourg one day itinerary can help you experience the best of this small but charming country. Luxembourg covers just 2,500 square kilometers, making it ideal for a quick visit—and its location, landlocked by Belgium, France, and Germany, makes it perfect for a day or weekend trip from neighboring countries.
In this guide, I’ll show you how to make the most of one day in Luxembourg City. You’ll find a detailed itinerary covering where to stay, how to get around, and all the must-see highlights of this captivating city. Whether it’s your first visit or a quick stop on a larger European getaway, this itinerary has lots for you to discover!
If you have a bit more time, though, don’t stop at the Luxembourg City. Luxembourg’s countryside is dotted with stunning castles and scenic villages worth exploring. At the end of this post, I’ve included recommendations for must-visit castles to extend your itinerary if you have additional time.
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Luxembourg one day itinerary
Morning: Stunning Views and Historical Highlights
HIGHLIGHT: Walk around the Chemin de la Corniche
Kick off your Luxembourg one day itinerary with a stroll along the Chemin de la Corniche, often called the “most beautiful balcony in Europe.” Luxembourg City is uniquely built on two levels—Ville Haute (the Upper City) sits on rocky cliffs, while the Grund (the Lower City) lies below.
This picturesque path offers breathtaking views of the Lower City and the Alzette River winding through the valley. The Chemin de la Corniche runs along the former city wall, giving you a glimpse of Luxembourg’s rich history while enjoying one of its most scenic spots. I highly recommend it!
Visit the Bock or Pétrusse Casemates
I was so excited to add the Bock Casemates to our Luxembourg one day itinerary – and I was so disappointed when I saw that they were closed during our visit. UPDATED: I have since read that they were temporarily closed for maintenance but have reopened! You can book tickets here!
The casemates are a must-see for history enthusiasts. These underground tunnel networks, built in 1644, were originally designed for fortifying the city. How cool is it to be able to explore a city from underground!? If you’re near the Chemin de la Corniche, the Bock Casemates are conveniently located nearby, while the Pétrusse Casemates are closer to Place de la Constitution. Both offer fascinating insights into Luxembourg’s past and an opportunity to explore a city from underground!
Wander around the Grund
Next, head to the Grund for a leisurely walk. It’s a little isolated from the main city centre but its serene atmosphere, picturesque streets, and unique location in the valley make it one of the most charming parts of the city. You can either explore on foot from Ville Haute, or take the lift down and enjoy the contrasting vibes of Luxembourg’s Upper and Lower Cities.
PRO TIP: Take the Grund Elevator or the Pfaffenthal Lift (both free!) to descend to the Grund if you want to see another side of Luxembourg.
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Afternoon: Food, Shopping, and the Upper City
Stop for a snack at Chocolate House
No Luxembourg one day itinerary is complete without a sweet treat! The Chocolate House, located near the Grand Ducal Palace, is a really cute back shop thats the perfect spot to enjoy a delicious snack. Famous for its chocolate specialties, this cozy café also has terrace seating with lovely views of the city—ideal for sitting back and people-watching!
Food is where you might start to notice the pricier side of Luxembourg. We decided to keep things cheap by just stopping for a snack in Luxembourg and had our dinner in Germany, where we were based (more on that below).
Explore Ville Haute
Ville Haute is the main city center of Luxembourg City and the historical center of the medieval city and castle. This part of the city is where you’ll find many of the key attractions, including the Fish Market, which served as the city’s original centre of town. Luxembourg City’s Upper Town is also recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, making it a must-visit stop on your Luxembourg one day itinerary. We spent some time wandering the charming streets, exploring shops, and admiring the rich history.
Most of the historical sites and main attractions on the rest of the list below can be found in the Upper City! When planning your day, you might consider going into the Lower part of the city right when you arrive. And then spend the rest of your time up in Ville Haute. Avoid going back and forth too much in order to optimize your one day in Luxembourg!
Visit the Grand Ducal Palace
Did you know that Luxembourg is being led by a Grand Duke? Well, this is his palace! Admire its striking architecture from the outside, or, if you’re visiting in summer, take a guided tour to explore its lavish interiors. Tickets are available through the Luxembourg City Tourist Office—if booking online isn’t an option, visit the office in person to grab your tickets!
Pop into the Notre Dame Cathedral
Luxembourg City’s Notre Dame Cathedral is a stunning Gothic Roman Catholic Cathedral and is the only cathedral in the country! Its beautiful stained-glass windows and intricate architecture are worth a quick stop. You won’t need much time here, but it’s a key landmark to include in your Luxembourg one day itinerary.
Admire the view from Place de la Constitution
End your afternoon with a visit to Place de la Constitution, for gorgeous views overlooking the valley below Luxembourg. This elevated square offers scenic views of the Adolphe Bridge, Pétrusse Valley, and Luxembourg Gardens. Take a moment to relax and enjoy the scenery before continuing your day. In the center of the square, you’ll find the Gëlle Fra (Golden Lady) statue, a war memorial honoring soldiers lost in World War I.
Luxembourg one day itinerary: FAQs
Where did we stay?
Luxembourg is known for being one of the most expensive places to visit in Europe! It’s quite surprising for such a small country, but don’t let that deter you—it just means you’ll want to plan strategically to keep costs down.
One of the best ways we saved money was by staying outside of Luxembourg. We booked an Airbnb in Germany just across the border, and drove into Luxembourg City for the day. This is a great option if you’re also traveling through Belgium or France, as many border towns are just a short drive away. For us, the drive was no more than 45 minutes!
To keep in mind: This option worked for us because we had a car (our visit was part of a larger road trip). If you’re relying on public transport, use platforms like Omio to compare train and bus ticket prices. Even then, staying just outside Luxembourg could still be more affordable than accommodations in the city.
Prefer to stay in Luxembourg City?
Youth Hostel Luxembourg City ($): From researching on TripAdvisor and Hostelworld, this seems to be one of the only hostels in Luxembourg City and has an 8.5 rating on Hostelworld!
Meliá Luxembourg ($$): This hotel has over 1,000 5-star reviews on TripAdvisor! Its pet friendly, and is equipped with a gym and spa!
Le Royal Hotels & Resorts – Luxembourg ($$$): This hotel has recently won the TripAdvisors Travelers Choice award! It is very centrally located, and is equipped with a pool and gym!
How to get around?
One of the coolest things about Luxembourg City is that all public transportation is completely free! That means buses, trams, and trains won’t cost you a cent—seriously. (Who says Luxembourg has to be super expensive!?)
If you’re arriving by car, I recommend parking at one of the city’s Park and Ride locations and using public transport from there. On our Luxembourg one day itinerary, we saved money this way (its free anyways, why not use it) and the rest of the day, we did everything on foot – its a very walkable city!
PRO TIP: To save even more, consider using a travel-friendly credit card like Wise. You can hold multiple currencies on one card, which helps avoid unnecessary fees.
More than one day in Luxembourg?
If you’re lucky enough to spend more than one day here, consider taking a day trip to one of Luxembourg’s famous castles. Two of the most popular options are Clervaux Castle and Vianden Castle.
Vianden Castle is the most popular day trip from Luxembourg City and it was was a highlight for us—it’s a gorgeous medieval castle located about an hour from Luxembourg City. It was the perfect size for a quick visit, with a sweeping views of the region.
Here’s everything you need to know:
⏰ We spent around 2 hours visiting the castle
💰We paid 11 euros per person to visit the castle. We did not book our tickets online, we booked them once we arrived! Your ticket gives you access to the castle and the grounds – not to the museum!
🚗 It’s around a 1-hour drive from Luxembourg City
🅿️ Parking was an issue for sure. The castle is located on a hill and there was barely any parking at the top. Most parking spots were located on the way up to the castle. But there weren’t many! Visiting the earlier, the easier it will be to find parking!
⚔️ Fun Fact: we visited during the Medieval Festival (it was a pleasant surprise)! The yearly festival takes place around the end of July and into the beginning of August.
🚌 Don’t have a car? Check out this day tour that not only visits Vianden Castle but also visits a waterfall and a small town. Sounds like a pretty great way to see more of Luxembourg!
Enjoy your Luxembourg one day itinerary
And there you have it—a complete guide to making the most of one day in Luxembourg (or more if you’re lucky!). Luxembourg is a stunning country that left me wanting more time to explore. Whether you’re planning your trip now or just feeling inspired to add Luxembourg to your travel bucket list, I hope this guide helps you feel confident and excited for your visit!
My time in Luxembourg was part of a larger road trip through Germany, France, and Luxembourg. If you’re curious about how I budgeted for this adventure, check out my Complete Road-Trip Budget for tips and insights to help you plan your own unforgettable journey!
Did you know? I can help you plan your perfect trip to any destination! If you’re looking for expert guidance tailored to your preferences, check out my travel planning services on Thatch. I love helping travelers make the most out of their travels and have the most memorable experience possible – I hope I can help you do the same!
