I had stumbled across stuff on Luxembourg many times over the years. Most of it was travel related and left no lasting impact. The remainder of it was when it appeared in the news, for one reason or another. I knew it was a small country somewhere in the middle of Western Europe. That was about the size of it. So, when I decided to stop in the city of Luxembourg and take a look around I had no preconceived notions as to what it was going to be like. To my surprise, I found a truly welcoming city full of old-world charm and modern conveniences.
To be honest, My stop in Luxembourg was entirely based around book research. I needed a place in Europe for the main character to go to, so that he could contact someone from his past. At the time of adding the place to my travel itinerary I was thinking that Luxembourg was non-distinct enough in most people’s thinking that I could mold it into whatever I wanted it to be. Frankly, all that it required was a cool government building of some international variety and a couple good haunts to stop at.
I’m happy to say that the city of Luxembourg outshined my minimal expectations with layers of cool that I was not even remotely expecting. The city is old, but so much more than that it’s clean and friendly. It’s compact and bustling with activity. It has a genuine feel about it that I’ve only felt there. I am so happy that I stopped. I plan on stopping again, at some point.
The city of Luxembourg is built inside or and around a deep ravine. The city is basically two. tiered, with the upper sections being somewhat more touristy.
Beyond the city’s old-world architecture, lays a very international vibe. You get the sense of a place that has been fought over several times throughout the centuries. The city of Luxembourg has a very international feel and houses both international governmental agencies for Europe and the global headquarters for various industries.
Since the city is quite compact it is easy to walk. You can get about anywhere you want with little effort. Walking is also a great way to take in the city’s vibe. Most open squares are loaded down with outdoor eateries, and small vendor stands. All the restaurants that I ate at were very good. The food scene in Luxembourg is quite enjoyable.
I’m not even remotely a foodie, but I do like to eat … a lot! Normally, it’s street food, as street food fits my budget. However, if you’re in Luxembourg, you have to stop at Urban. It’s at 2 Rue de la Boucherie. I had lunch there a couple days in a row, and the food was fantastic. The people were cool as well. Definitely recommend it!
General Information
Weather: The weather in Luxembourg in September of 2025 was basically cold and rainy. I recommend layers, along with a rain jacket. Though not as cold and wet as my last stop in Bastogne, it was close. I had most of my clothes on at the same time.
Money: This is probably going to be a reoccurring statement for the remainder of this series of posts, but the Euro is king. That being said, Luxembourg is a modern city and credit cards are accepted almost everywhere you stop. As a side note: considering its feel as a center point for European affairs, it didn’t strike me as being a particularly expensive place. prices seemed on-par with the rest of places that I stopped.
Passport/Visa: I found no issues in entering Luxembourg or traveling around it with your standard blue USA passport, nor were any specific visas required. This statement is pre the EU traveler ID system going into effect. It was not in effect when I visited in the fall of 2025.
Language Barrier: zero language barrier. Everyone that I interacted with spoke passing English and was happy to converse in that language. Walking the streets it was obvious that Luxembourg has its own language, but all of the city seems to be based around international affairs of one variety or another, so English is kind of their secondary default language. Still, it pays to speak slowly and politely.
Getting In and Out Again
From the previous Bastogne, Belgium, post you have already figured out that I’m doing most of my travel by train. Luxembourg as a very nice train station. It is open, clean, and efficient. You can connect to Luxembourg from about anywhere else in Europe with minimal hassle. The trip south from Bastogne was quick and comfortable in second class.
The train station is compact and easy to navigate. Taxis and trams stops are located directly out the front door.
On the way out of town I opted for a plane. There was a good chunk of ground to cover and flying was both easier and more time effective. The Luxembourg Airport is located just outside of the northeastern part of the city. You can get to it from about anywhere in the city by using the central tram system. The airport services many major airlines and is easy to connect into from about anywhere. I found tickets from the airport south to Italy to be very reasonably priced on Luxair, and the airport easy to navigate.
My Headquarters
My choice in hotel for this stop was the Hotel Parc Belle-Vue. It was a choice based on location and price. I wanted something in the basic city center, and inside of my budget. the reservation was made on Travelocity and I got a good price for the three nights I was in town.
I have many good things to say about the hotel stay. The hotel, and its restaurant/bar are well located in the city. they are a short walk from the tram station and directly across the street from one of the city’s parks. The hotel itself is a little utilitarian, obviously catering to business travelers. Still, the bar had a fantastic view of the city’s central ravine area. I didn’t happen to get a good picture of the hotel, or I would have added one.
City Highlights
Like many cities in Europe, Luxembourg is a walking city. It’s compact and easy to navigate. On foot is where the city really comes alive. The people are friendly and the city is full of interesting things to see and do. Below is a small glimpse of the city’s topside attractions.
The city uses its open spaces very effectively. Many of the open street corners are occupied by makeshift stands, like this flower seller/coffee seller station built around a large tricycle.
Walking the streets around the top of the ravine, old Luxembourg is surprisingly easy to find. Many of the old sections are well-intact and still in use.
Luxembourg has a very French feel to it. The center of the city is a collection of grand, wide streets anchored by large buildings with uniform and stylish architecture.
The interior of Notre-Dame cathedral. It is absolutely spectacular. It is also an oddly calming environment.
Luxembourg is very good about utilizing space. This open area bar was based around a shipping container and an open piece of fortification wall. It was full every time that I passed it. Luxembourg people are happy people.
The Extra-Cool Bit
The first cool extra bit that I absolutely was not expecting was free city transport. The tram system running around the city is free to use. You simply get on and ride.
Not to be outdone by the tram system, the city Archeology, History, and Art museum also had free entry. The people at the museum were friendly and welcoming.
Some Closing Thoughts
The city of Luxembourg did not disappoint. It surpassed my expectations in every way except the weather … and that was my fault. I’m super happy that I stopped to look around. The city has already been incorporated into my current book. I feel like it will need to make an appearance in another book, just so I can go back again. It was absolutely worth the time.
As with most places I stop, I find good beer. The bar at the Hotel Parc Belle-Vue had good, cold beer and a killer view of the city.
The best part of travel is finding places like Luxembourg. I suggest that you get out and explore the world around you. You’ll be amazed at the places that are out there just waiting for you to wander through. Enjoy!
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