Luxembourg City holidays

Popular holidays

Luxembourg City holidays blend small European capital charm with a big dose of culture, thanks to a UNESCO‑listed historic centre. The multi‑level city layout, with districts linked by a scenic elevator, makes a Luxembourg City break with TUI super easy.

Two-tiered Luxembourg City

Luxembourg City is split between an upper plateau that’s home to the historic old town, and The Grund lower valley. And both parts are linked by a scenic city elevator. The upper level offers sweeping views and walkable capital streets, while The Grund brings a quieter feel with Michelin‑starred dining, riverside gardens, and the Alzette river canals. It’s easy to explore both areas on foot as part of a Luxembourg City break.

The best historical sites in Luxembourg City

Luxembourg City’s UNESCO‑listed old town is packed with standout landmarks. The Casemates du Bock are the most famous. This maze of underground tunnels was built into the cliffs as part of the city’s historic defense fortifications, and later used as shelters during wartime. Nearby, the Notre Dame Cathedral adds a different kind of grandeur, with its Gothic architecture and colourful stained‑glass windows. Together, they’re essential stops on any Luxembourg City break.

Luxembourg City’s food scene

Luxembourg City punches well above its weight in the culinary world, boasting more Michelin‑starred restaurants per capita than anywhere else. Its fine‑dining scene leans heavily into high-end French gastronomy, with plenty of Italian‑influenced menus adding to the mix. Alongside the high‑end options, the city’s traditional flavours and local culinary specialities still shine through – especially the wainzoossiss, a wine‑marinated Luxembourg sausage often served with Moselle wine pairings.

Popular hotels in Luxembourg City

Top things to see and do in Luxembourg City

Shopping

Bargain buys

Luxembourg City’s Sunday flea market at Champ du Glacis is the top spot for bargain hunters. Stalls are packed with antiques, vintage finds and clothing, making it ideal if you love rummaging for local souvenirs.

Mid-range buys

Grand Rue is the main spot for high‑street shopping in Luxembourg City. Made up of shopping pedestrian zones, this long street is filled with international retail brands like Lush and Sephora. It also blends browsing with city centre café culture, thanks to the many restaurants and coffee stops dotted along the way.

Designer buys

Rue Philippe II is the heart of luxury shopping in Luxembourg City. This pedestrian street is lined with high‑end designer boutiques. Big‑name houses like Gucci, Christian Louboutin and Cartier anchor its line‑up, making it the city’s go‑to spot for exclusive fashion labels.

Nightlife

Laid-back evenings

For a slower‑paced night in Luxembourg City, The Grund is the go‑to area. This quarter has a relaxed evening atmosphere, thanks to a cosy pub culture, riverside wine bars, and plenty of canal‑view dining options tucked along its narrow streets.

Lively evenings

Big nights out in Luxembourg City often start in the Mousel Brewery district, the heart of the capital’s after‑dark scene. This part of the Clausen area lines up a mix of late‑night clubs and bars, many of which stay open into the early hours. With its compact layout and lively atmosphere, it’s one of the city’s go‑to spots for a night out.

Food & drink

Luxembourg sausage

The Luxembourg sausage, or wainzoossiss, is one of Luxembourg City’s standout specialties. This wine‑marinated meat is traditionally served with a rich mustard sauce – AKA moschterzooss. Its deep, savoury flavour makes it a favourite in local taverns, where it’s often paired with hearty mashed potato sides for a comforting meal.

Luxembourgish dumplings

Kniddelen dumplings are one of Luxembourg City’s ultimate comfort foods – small, dense dumplings that appear on almost every local tavern menu. They’re typically served with rich toppings like traditional beer sauce or slices of Luxembourg sausage, turning a simple dough into a hearty, home-style dish.

Luxembourgish Cremant

The Moselle Valley near Luxembourg City is the heart of the country’s winemaking – or viticulture – scene. The standout wine here is Crémant de Luxembourg, a sparkling vino crafted using the ‘methode traditionnelle’ – the same process used for making Champagne. The result is a crisp fizz that appears on most local wine bar menus across the capital.

Traditional bouneschlupp soup

Bouneschlupp is a classic Luxembourg City dish – a hearty green bean soup made with potatoes, leeks, celery, and smoked bacon or sausage. It’s rooted in the country’s roster of traditional vegetable stews, with seasonal variations that make it thicker in winter and lighter in summer.

Luxembourgish doughnuts

Verwurelter are classic Luxembourg City doughnuts, especially popular during the carnival season. These deep‑fried, sugar‑coated treats are one of the city’s best‑loved local bakery specialities, offering a simple pastry twist that’s become a staple of Luxembourg’s sweet traditions.

Facts about Luxembourg City

Currency

Euro

(EUR)

Language

Luxembourgish

Time zone

GMT +1

Flight duration

1 hour 15 minutes from Heathrow

FAQs

Where can I find the latest travel advice?

All your questions about entry requirements, visas, passports or health information are answered on our Travel Advice page.

What should I pack for Luxembourg City?

For Luxembourg City, bring comfortable walking shoes for exploring the hilly terrain and layers for variable weather throughout the year. Pack a waterproof jacket as rainfall is common, and warmer clothing for cooler months. Smart-casual attire works well for dining out.

Where are the best places to shop in Luxembourg City?

Luxembourg City offers excellent shopping experiences. You'll find high-end boutiques on Grand Rue and Rue Philippe II, while the Ville Haute district is great for general shopping. For local products, we recommend visiting the weekly market in Place Guillaume II.

What are the best beaches in Luxembourg City?

Luxembourg City, being landlocked, doesn't have beaches. However, you'll find lovely outdoor swimming pools and the nearby Remerschen Lakes for water activities. If you're looking for a beach experience, we recommend considering other TUI destinations.

Are there any local customs I should know about in Luxembourg City?

When visiting Luxembourg City, greetings typically include a handshake and locals appreciate attempts at basic French or German phrases. Punctuality is valued for reservations, and queuing orderly is expected. Smoking is prohibited in enclosed public spaces including restaurants and bars.

Should I tip in Luxembourg City?

In Luxembourg City, service charges are typically included in your bill. However, if you're particularly pleased with the service, rounding up or leaving a small tip of 5-10% is appreciated but not expected. This applies to restaurants, taxis, and hotels.

Where can I try local food in Luxembourg City?

For authentic Luxembourgish cuisine, try restaurants in the old town. Look for dishes like Judd mat Gaardebounen (smoked pork with broad beans) and Bouneschlupp (green bean soup). We recommend visiting the Ilôt Gastronomique area for a variety of traditional and modern dining options.

What's the nightlife like in Luxembourg City?

Luxembourg City has a lively nightlife scene. You'll find a mix of trendy bars and pubs in the Clausen and Grund districts. For a more high-end experience, head to the Rives de Clausen area. Many venues stay open until the early hours, especially on weekends.

What travel adapter do I need for Luxembourg City?

When visiting Luxembourg City, you'll need a European-style plug adapter. The standard plugs are two-pin Type C and Type F sockets, commonly used throughout continental Europe. We recommend bringing at least one adapter for your electronic devices.