Tucked between France, Belgium, and Germany, Luxembourg packs a surprising amount into its small borders. The world’s only Grand Duchy blends medieval fortresses with sleek modern architecture, while deep river valleys cut through its capital city. With free public transport throughout the country and over 60 museums to choose from, there are plenty of things to do in Luxembourg for every type of traveler.
This guide covers the top things to do in Luxembourg, from underground tunnels carved into rock to fairy-tale castles perched on hilltops.
1. Bock Casemates
Carved into the Bock promontory starting in 1644, these underground galleries once sheltered up to 35,000 soldiers during wartime. The 17-kilometre network of tunnels earned Luxembourg the nickname “Gibraltar of the North.” Today, visitors can walk through a portion of these passages while looking out over the Alzette Valley from gun openings in the rock.
The casemates form part of Luxembourg’s UNESCO World Heritage Site. An archaeological crypt at the entrance shows remains of Count Sigefroi’s original 10th-century castle. The tunnels stay cool year-round, so bring a light jacket even in summer. Things to do in Luxembourg for tourists often start right here at this historic landmark.
- Google Rating: 4.4/5
- Location: 10 Montee de Clausen, 1343 Grund Luxembourg
- Timings: Daily from 10:45 AM to 2:45 PM
- Price: Adults €11/ INR 1,209; Children 4-12 €5.50/ INR 604, children under 4 free; set aside 2 to 4 hours to explore this attraction
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2. Vianden Castle
Rising above the small town of Vianden, this castle ranks among the largest feudal residences in Western Europe. Construction began in the 11th century and continued through the 14th century, resulting in a mix of Romanesque and Gothic architecture. The Counts of Vianden called this place home until the 15th century.
After falling into ruin, the castle was donated to the Luxembourg State in 1977 and carefully restored. Furnished rooms recreate medieval life, complete with a 15th-century fireplace in the banquet hall. A chairlift carries visitors up from town for aerial views of the surrounding Ardennes hills. The must see places in Luxembourg nearly always include this castle at the top of any list.
- Google Rating: 4.6/5
- Location: Mnt du Château, 9408 Vianden, Luxembourg
- Timings: Daily 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM
- Price: Adults €13/ INR 1,428, students €7/ INR 769, children 6-12 €3.50/ INR 384; Children under 6 free; Included with Luxembourg Card; set aside 2 to 3 hours for self-guided tours
3. Grand Ducal Palace
This 16th-century building serves as the official residence of Luxembourg’s Grand Duke. The original structure functioned as a town hall before becoming the royal residence in 1890. Its Renaissance facade, with delicate stonework and wrought-iron balconies, makes it one of the most photographed spots in the capital.
Guided tours run during the summer months only, from mid-July through August. The 75-minute tour takes you through state rooms, the dining hall, and the Grand Duke’s office. Outside the touring season, visitors can watch the changing of the guard ceremony and admire the exterior from the pedestrianised street.
- Google Rating: 4.6/5
- Location: 17 Rue du Marché-aux-Herbes, 1728 Ville-Haute Luxembourg
- Timings: Tours July 17 to August 31; Daily except Wednesdays; Various time slots
- Price: Guided tour for adults €18/ INR 1,979, for children from 4 to 12 years of age € 9/ INR 989, and free for children under 4 years of age; Booking through Luxembourg City Tourist Office required; set aside 1 to 2 hours for exploration
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4. Chemin de la Corniche
Luxembourg writer Batty Weber called this promenade “the most beautiful balcony in Europe.” The 600-metre walkway runs along 17th-century ramparts built by Spanish and French engineers. From here, you look down over the Grund neighbourhood, the Alzette River, and the Rham Plateau on the opposite bank.
The path connects the Bock Casemates to the Holy Ghost Citadel, passing elegant townhouses along the way. Staircases lead down to the valley floor if you want to combine the upper and lower city in one walk.
- Google Rating: NA
- Location: Chemin de la Corniche, Ville Haute Luxembourg
- Timings: Accessible 24 hours
- Price: Free; set aside 1 to 2 hours to explore this attraction
5. MUDAM Museum of Modern Art
Pritzker Prize-winning architect I.M. Pei designed this striking building, which opened in 2006. Glass and Burgundy limestone create a structure that echoes the shape of nearby Fort Thüngen while remaining thoroughly modern. The museum houses over 750 works by contemporary artists working in painting, sculpture, video, and installation.
Temporary exhibitions rotate throughout the year, keeping repeat visits fresh. The park surrounding the museum contains outdoor sculptures and offers views across the old city. Fun things to do in Luxembourg include wandering through these galleries on a rainy afternoon, then stopping at the museum café for Lebanese food prepared by a social enterprise that helps refugees find employment.
- Google Rating: 4.2/5
- Location: 3 Park Drai Eechelen, 1499 Clausen Luxembourg
- Timings: Wednesday 10:00 AM to 9:00 PM; Thursday to Tuesday 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM; Closed on Mondays
- Price: Adults €10/ INR 1,100; Young people and children under 21 free; set aside 1.5 to 2 hours to explore this museum
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6. Mullerthal Trail
Known as Luxembourg’s Little Switzerland, the Mullerthal region features dramatic sandstone formations, moss-covered forests, and clear streams cutting through narrow gorges. The main trail spans 112 kilometres, divided into three loops, though shorter day hikes let you sample the scenery without committing to multi-day treks.
Route 2 passes the famous Schiessentümpel waterfall with its picturesque stone bridge. The trail holds the “Leading Quality Trails – Best of Europe” label from the European Ramblers Association. Free public transport makes reaching trailheads from Luxembourg City straightforward.
- Google Rating: 4.7/5
- Location: B.P. 152, 6402 Echternach, Luxembourg
- Timings: Accessible year-round; Best time to visit is between April and October
- Price: Free to hike; Luggage transport services available separately; set aside a couple of days for exploration
7. Notre-Dame Cathedral
Built between 1613 and 1621, this Jesuit church became a cathedral in 1870. Its black spires rise distinctively above the city skyline. Inside, Renaissance elements mix with Baroque details, while modern stained glass windows by Luxembourg artist Michel Stoffel add colour to the nave.
The crypt contains the tomb of Grand Duke Jean and other members of the royal family. A statue of the Virgin Mary, known as the “Comforter of the Afflicted,” draws pilgrims during the Oktav festival each spring. The cathedral sits at the southern end of the old town, making it easy to combine with nearby attractions.
- Google Rating: 4.7/5
- Location: 6 Parvis Notre-Dame – Pl. Jean-Paul II, 75004 Paris, France
- Timings: Monday to Wednesday and Friday, 7:50 AM – 7:00 PM; Thursday, 7:50 AM – 10:00 PM; Saturday and Sunday, 8:15 AM – 7:30 PM
- Price: Free entry; Donations welcomed; set aside 2 to 3 hours to explore the cathedral
8. Pfaffenthal Panoramic Elevator
This free glass elevator connects Pescatore Park in the upper city to the Pfaffenthal district 71 metres below. The ride takes just 30 seconds but delivers wide views over the valley and the Grand Duchess Charlotte Bridge. It opened in 2016 as part of efforts to link different levels of the city.
The elevator runs continuously throughout the day, making it a practical transport rather than just a tourist attraction. Combine it with a walk through Pfaffenthal’s quiet streets and a stroll back up via the Grund for a loop that covers multiple neighbourhoods. Things to do in Luxembourg today often include this quick descent for the views alone.
- Google Rating: 4.7/5
- Location: 2 Rue du Pont, 2344 Ville-Haute Luxembourg
- Timings: Daily, 5:45 AM – 1:00 AM
- Price: Free; 30 minutes is enough to explore the attraction
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FAQs
What are the best things to do in Luxembourg for first-time visitors?
Begin your visit with the Bock Casemates and a peaceful walk along Chemin de la Corniche for a classic introduction to the capital. A day trip to Vianden Castle lets you experience the beautiful countryside beyond the city. These sites give you a solid overview of Luxembourg’s history and scenery, making them ideal things to do in Luxembourg for tourists.
What shouldn’t you miss in Luxembourg?
The underground casemates offer a fascinating glimpse into the city’s military past, while the Corniche walkway rewards you with panoramic views. Vianden Castle in the north stands as one of Europe’s finest restored medieval fortresses. These are the must see places in Luxembourg that leave a lasting impression on visitors.
What are the best things to do in Luxembourg during the day?
Museum visits, castle tours, and hiking fill your daylight hours with rewarding experiences. The Mullerthal Trail offers full-day or half-day routes through remarkable rock formations that feel almost otherworldly. Wine tastings along the Moselle River make for a relaxing afternoon activity and count among the fun things to do in Luxembourg.
What are the best things to do in Luxembourg at night?
The Philharmonie on the Kirchberg plateau hosts world-class concerts that draw music lovers from across Europe. The Grund district comes alive in the evening with charming restaurants and cozy bars. During winter, Christmas markets fill the city center squares with warm lights and mulled wine.
What are the most kid-friendly activities in Luxembourg?
The National Museum of Natural History keeps younger visitors engaged with interactive displays and hands-on exhibits. Parc Merveilleux in Bettembourg combines a zoo with enchanting fairy-tale scenes that children adore. The glass Pfaffenthal Elevator offers a quick thrill with its sweeping valley views.
What are the best cultural things to do in Luxembourg?
MUDAM presents contemporary art within I.M. Pei’s striking architectural masterpiece. The National Museum of History and Art houses treasures ranging from Roman artifacts to modern paintings. Summer palace tours allow you to peek inside the Grand Ducal residence, making them top things to do in Luxembourg for culture enthusiasts.
What are the top food experiences in Luxembourg?
Judd mat Gaardebounen, the national dish of smoked pork collar with broad beans, deserves a place on your itinerary. Crémant de Luxembourg sparkling wine pairs beautifully with local cheeses. Restaurants in Grund serve traditional Luxembourgish cooking alongside French and German influences.
What are the best shopping areas in Luxembourg?
Grand Rue in the old town serves as the main pedestrian shopping district with a variety of stores. Place Guillaume II hosts a lively market on Wednesdays and Saturdays where locals gather. The Kirchberg district offers modern shopping centers near the European institutions.
What’s the best time of year to visit Luxembourg for sightseeing?
Late spring through early autumn brings mild weather and longer days, perfect for sightseeing. Summer opens palace tours and outdoor festivals across the country. December transforms the city with the magical Winterlights Christmas markets. Free public transport makes reaching attractions simple, and there are always plenty of things to do in Luxembourg waiting for you.
