I cannot tell you the moment or the why, but somehow Luxembourg ended up on my list. I was finally able to check it off the list last year. I decided to visit as a day trip from Paris which was perfect for my schedule; however, if you intend to visit for more than a day, I advise getting out of Luxembourg city into the Countryside. Everyone I met said that is where the beauty of the Country lies. To make the most of my time in the city, I opted for a walking tour with Twenty Tour, and I recommend it.
Getting here. The train ride from Paris will run you at least 100 euros; I bought my ticket a month before the trip, and paid 94 Euros for the round trip. The train ride can be two to three hours. Trains from Paris to Luxembourg depart from Gare de lest train station. There are direct flights from London and trains from parts of Belgium and Germany.
Getting around. When you arrive in Luxembourg City, there is a tourist office inside the terminal with free guide books and maps, and just outside the train station is the bus stop. I opted for a bus day pass, which costs 4 euro and lasts from validation till 4 p.m. the next day. You can buy a ticket from the bus driver or ticket machines or the ticket operators in the train station. Once you get to the city center, it is very walkable unless you plan to visit one of the castles just outside the city like Vianden Castle.
Entry Visa. Luxembourg is a Schengen member country, so if you already have a Schengen visa, you are all set. Pro tip - when applying for a Schengen visa, make sure to request multiple entries - not two entries. Certain Schengen countries have the option for “two entries” on the application, so make sure you select “multiple entries” on your application form. Also, make sure to apply to the Country you will be spending the most time - I cannot stress that point enough.
Language - There is the local language, but you will able to get by with English, French, or German.
Here is everything I got to and recommend if you are planning a day trip to one of Europe's smallest city.
Visit Bock Castle. After the city fortress was destroyed, the bock casemates that remained have been open to the public. It offers possibly the best view in Luxembourg city. Depending on what time of year you visit, you may be able to visit the underground tunnels. While the tunnels are not open year-round, you can walk around it. If you can manage it, take the trek downhill to the Abbaye de Neumünster is worth it.
Abbaye de Neumünster. This old benedictine abbey was renovated and reopened as a cultural center. While it hosts conferences and events these days, it is still a stunning structure with a great courtyard. I ended spending a fews hour here reading a book. I think I even napped on one of the seating areas. It also offers a great view of Bock castle.
Le Marche De Ville (Place Guillaume). The market is open on Wednesdays and Saturdays. It is an excellent area to wander around or pick up flowers, fruits; vegetables; baked goods, and other artisanal products. You will also find the statue of Grand Duke William II on the square.
Grand Ducal Palace. Just a short stroll from the square is the grand-ducal palace, aka the official residence of the Duke of Luxembourg. If you are visiting any time from mid-July to the end of August, make sure to sign up for a guided tour of the palace.
Visit Saint Michael Church. The oldest religious site in the city; the interior reflects the worship practiced by people over the centuries.
Musée national Histoire et d'art Luxembourg. Across the way from the church is the national museum of history and art. Admission to the permanent exhibit is free, and there is a lovely cafe if you want to rest your feet. The Letxebuerg city museum was also highly recommended.
Enjoy a slice of cake and coffee at the Chocolate House by Nathalie Bonn. This spot right by the palace is a great escape; you can sit on the patio, and people watch or pick a place in the upstairs room for some quiet. I cannot tell you what I ordered, but I can tell you it was incredibly delicious.
Gelle Far, aka Golden lady, is the monument of remembrance dedicated to the people of Luxembourg who have served in various wars, including the World Wars. The memorial is in the Constitution square.
Stop by Constitution square. There are some great views here, but there are also several food stands and drink stand if you get peckish. I had an amazing gourmet hotdog from one of the stands.
Ride the City Sky Liner. This observation deck is the second best view in the city and a great way to capture the beauty of the Gelle Fra. The observation deck gives you the best panoramic look of the town. It cost 7 euro, and it is quite popular so there might be a long-ish wait to get on.
Place d'Armes is possibly the most famous square in the city; lined with shops; hotels; restaurants; street art. If you are visiting in summer, summer musical performances hosted here as well. I got to see this spectacular musical instrument.
Monument of Dicks and Lentz in Square Jan Pallach. If you are doing a walking tour, you will very likely be starting here. This monument is famous as it pays homage to the two poets who wrote the Country's national anthem. The pillar has an inscription, which I am told translates to "we want to remain what we are."
