Ever wanted to explore a European city but only have a single day? Well, if you answered yes, then boy do I have the perfect, enchanting city for you! Let me introduce you to the small country of Luxembourg nestled between France, Belgium, and Germany. Luxembourg City is the capital, and is the most populated area of Luxembourg. To top it off, you can enjoy the entire city in roughly a day! I traveled to Luxembourg City with my friend after a week in Paris (oh yes, that post is in the works). Luxembourg was the perfect destination after an event-filled week exploring Paris. Unfortunately, when we were looking up what all to do during our stay in the city we had trouble finding resources out there that give comprehensive look at what to do in Luxembourg. But don’t fret! I’m here to fill that void, and give my itinerary of what to do in Luxembourg!
Purchase a Luxembourg Card: If you’ve read any of my other European travel posts then you have already heard my spiel on buying a city card. Luxembourg takes this a step further though. Their card is not just a city card, but a COUNTRY card! However, even if you only use the discounts in the city, you’re still getting your money’s worth. It is only 13 Euros and includes transportation on buses and trains. Out of all the cards I’ve suggested, I truly think Luxembourg gives you the most bang for your buck
Food: Like any European city, there are plenty of delicious places to eat, but for the ex-patriot American who is missing unhealthy, American staples like Pizza Hut, then you’re in luck. Luxembourg City has a Pizza Hut and it was so good. I’m not much of a Pizza Hut fan in the states, but I truly enjoyed the one in Luxembourg. I actually ordered a salad (I know LAME), but it was one of the best salads I had in Europe.
Walking around the City: The old town of Luxembourg is enchanting. Surrounded by the Casemates, the entire city is pretty compact. This makes it perfect to try and fit all your activities into one day. You can easily get between all the levels of the city by walking along the Wenzel Wall, which is part of the third ring of the city’s fortress. Just a short walk from the Wenzel Wall was this nice shopping area with cute little boutiques and fun restaurants. In fact, I bought this one shirt at this store that describes me perfectly: “Racer in the Morning”. Wanna know a secret? If you ever see my hair in a bun, it’s because I woke up late.
Luxembourg City Tours: Speaking of the Wenzel Wall, we actually took a 3-hour tour for 15 Euros through the city’s tourist center that took us around to all the major sites along the wall. This included: Old Town, Bock Promontory, Chemin de la Corniche (Balcony with a view), and the outer city walls. The best part of this tour was getting to learn all of the different facts about the city.
One of these stories is of Melusina the mermaid. Legend has it she was the wife of the first Count of Luxembourg. He saw her one day in her human form, was so enchanted with her beauty that they got married on the condition that she spent every Saturday alone. They lived many happy years together until the Count decided to spy on her during her alone time. What he saw, of course, was a mermaid tail. With her secret out, she was swallowed up into the earth where she can only come out every 7 years or when her city needs her.
Another interesting fact that we learned that captured my fascination involved the gardens under the wall. In the gardens, they plant the ancient versions of vegetables. For those who may not know, most vegetables that we eat have been genetically domesticated to look the way that they do. They also harvest grapes within a small section of the garden and produce Fiederwäissen, otherwise known as Feather White wine.
Museum of Modern Art: Included in your city card is free admission to the Museum of Modern Art. Normally, I am not a fan of modern art, but this museum actually had really interesting exhibits that were interesting to look at. The landscape around the museum was also beautiful with all the trees changing hues. Can you tell I am a landscape designer? Always paying attention to the landscaping!
Fortress of Luxembourg: Near the Museum of Modern Art, is the old Fortress of Luxembourg. Inside, there is a museum that gives not only the history of the Fort itself but also of the country. Poor Luxembourg has had so many invasions! I’m not sure Melusina did much to help Luxembourg! After you go through the museum, you can then go out and explore the fort. At the tip of the Fortress is an amazing view of the city!
Overall, Luxembourg is the perfect destination if you want to see some more of Europe, but don’t want to wear yourself thin. It definitely ranks as one of my favorite destinations! People from Luxembourg also were very friendly which certainly makes the country more inviting!