Growing up in Luxembourg, I’ve always been amazed by the variety and beauty packed into our small country.
From fairy-tale castles and lush countryside to the lively capital city, traveling Luxembourg offers experiences for adults, families and solo travelers..
Over the years, I’ve explored every corner (almost!), finding hidden gems and popular spots alike.
Whether you’re into nature, history, or delicious local food, Luxembourg has something for you.
Here’s my ultimate Luxembourg bucketlist with top experiences that show off the best of my beautiful country.
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Overview: Luxembourg Bucketlist
- Explore Luxembourg Old Town
- Visit Vianden Castle
- Try Luxembourgish cuisine
- Join the Dancing Procession in Echternach
- Shop at the Christmas Markets
Table of Contents
1. Explore Luxembourg City
The Old Town (Grund) is one of the many beautiful places in Luxembourg.
I often stroll around the city to visit the historic monuments, bridges, and fortifications, including Grand Ducal Palace, the official workplace of the Grand Duke for over a century, and the Adolphe Bridge, once deemed as the biggest stone arch in the world during the early 1900s.
Just a short walk from the Grand Ducal Palace are the underground tunnels of Bock Casemates, an impressive testament to the city’s once-fortified status, hence the title “Gibraltar of the North.”
Book Luxembourg Old Town tour to enjoy the best of the capital.
2. Vianden Castle
One of the best castles in Luxembourg, Vianden Castle evokes a mystical grandeur that dates back to the 11th and 14th centuries.
The medieval fortress majestically stands atop the enchanting Our Valley, which naturally separates Luxembourg from neighboring Germany.
I’ve visited Vianden Castle countless times, but the panoramic views of the castle and the town above the cliffside never fails to amaze me.
Get your Vianden Castle tickets in advance
3. Mullerthal Trail (Little Switzerland)
The Mullerthal Trail, which spans 112 kilometers, meanders through unique sandstone formations, caves, gorges, and rocky ravines.
Hiking through Luxembourg’s Little Switzerland is one of the exhilarating things to do in Mullerthal, where stunning landscapes and rewarding views of the surrounding hills and forest await.
Beyond panoramic views, the scenic trail also leads to Echternach, the oldest town in Luxembourg.
A 60-minute tour, one of the things to do in Echternach, includes a visit to Benedictine Abbey, Basilica with a crypt, Dënzelt market square, Trifolion, and the cross of justice.
4. Philharmonie Luxembourg
From chock-full of beautiful places, explore the impressive music of the Philharmonie Luxembourg, the latest offering of the Place de l’Europe. It has three concert halls and can accommodate up to 1,500 concertgoers.
Attending a classical concert is among the most unique things to do in Luxembourg by night.
As a musicophile myself, I love that Philharmonie Luxembourg showcases a large spectrum of contemporary and classical music, including jazz.
See the concert schedules and book your tickets here.
5. Mudam Luxembourg
The city has become a renowned destination for history buffs and art lovers like me.
Only a few steps from the Place de l’Europe, you’ll find Mudam Luxembourg, a public museum featuring contemporary art exhibits and a bright design cafe.
Designed by the Chinese-American architect Ieoh Ming Pei, Mudam Luxembourg is next to the historic Fort Thüngen in the Dräi Eechelen Park.
6. Luxembourgish Cuisine
Are you wondering what to eat in Luxembourg?
You’ll surely be spoilt for choice because our cuisine is a mix of international flavors, such as German, French, and Belgian.
Gromperekichelcher (potato pancake) is by far my favorite Luxembourg traditional food. Just head to Place Guillaume II Market where you’ll find food stalls selling street food and Luxembourg desserts.
Brasserie Guillaume is my go-to seafood spot. I often order fried calamari and raw oysters, which I usually pair with the classic Cote du Rhône wine.
You can also visit local wineries along the Moselle Wine Route.
Other great places to eat Luxembourgish food are Siegfried Brasserie and Am Dierfchen.
7. Outdoor Adventures
Fancy a canoe or kayak trip in the Sauer River? The Sauer flows into Echternach and forms the border between Luxembourg and Germany.
A Sauer kayak tour is one of my favorite summer things to do; they start in Dillingen, where you can send a kayak and slide down until Echternacherbrück.
If you’re not into water sports, you can still explore Luxembourg’s countryside charms on two wheels or horseback.
Lease a horse or go on a guided trek with Icelandic horses across the Upper Sûre valleys.
For thrill-seekers like me, try rock climbing in Berdorf where you can scramble up craggy rocks as high as 30 meters.
Another favorite activity of mine is SUP on the “Stau”, the Upper Sure Lake. You can rent them at the Youth Hostel Insenborn.
8. Family Fun at Parc Merveilleux
A visit to Parc Merveilleux is a guaranteed trip to remember. Especially for families!
Here, you can make your childhood fantasies come to life and meet famous characters like Snow White and Cinderella in the fairytale forest.
My favorite attractions here are the miniature train and the Pony Express. Children can also get up close to animals in vast enclosures (aquariums and terrariums).
See flamingos, crocodiles, and more!
9. Nature Park Our
Luxembourg is blessed with scenic nature parks. One is the Nature Park Our, nestled in the Eislek at the heart of Ardennes.
The Nature Park Our is one of the country’s three nature reserves, along with the Nature Park Öewersauer and Nature & Geopark Mëllerdall.
It has diverse landscapes to explore, from sweeping valleys to vast plateaus.
During my last visit, I trekked through the hiking trails and discovered unique flora and fauna, where I spotted gray magpies and orchids.
10. Dancing Procession, Echternach (May/June)
Held every Whit Tuesday, after the Christian holiday celebrated after Pentecost Monday, Echternach, Luxembourg’s oldest town, turns into a lively city attracting thousands of international visitors.
During this sacred day, the ancient abbey town of Echternach holds a dancing procession called Sprangpressessioun in Luxembourgish.
Pilgrims across the Grand Duchy gather to pay homage to Saint Willibrord. Every year, I watch participants dance gracefully with a white handkerchief in hand, dressed in white, black, or blue.
It a MUST when looking for things to do in Echternach. The best part is that everyone is welcome to join! People gather at 9am in the old Abbey Courtyard. See you there!
11. Schueberfouer Fair (August/September)
Who would want to miss Luxembourg’s largest funfair? I certainly won’t.
From late August to early September, the Schueberfouer Fair is an unmissable event featuring epic rides, attractions, and culinary delights.
Personally, I like purchasing artisan crafts, so I usually browse stalls selling old-fashioned CDs and Central African ebony sculptures.
Any funfair won’t be complete without a gastronomic trip. The Fouerfësch is an absolute must-try, a whiting fish perfectly paired with chips and beer.
And did you know that the Schueberfouer is one of Europe’s oldest funfairs?
12. Christmas Markets (December)
During the most wonderful time of the year, the city is aglow with festive lights, bringing cheery holiday vibes.
In December (even as early as November), the best Christmas Markets in Luxembourg are lined up with vibrant stalls selling food and gifts. I usually participate in games and join funfair rides to make it more joyful.
These holiday markets are spread across four lively locations in the city center: Place d’Armes, Place de la Constitution, Place de Paris, and Kinnekswiss.
However, there are plenty of other Christmas Markets throughout the country. In my opinion, the most scenic ones are Echternach, Vianden, and the Moselle.
13. Wine Harvest Festival
Moselle Valley is best known for something I can’t live without: wines. Yes, you read that right, and they even have a festival for them.
To get a true Moselle Valley experience, sample an array of drops from local wineries.
Several wine harvest festivals are celebrated across the region from September to October.
And where there’s wine, there’s food. What I love the most is feasting on barbecued meat and fried fish paired with aromatic Moselle wine.
Book Moselle Valley tour with wine tasting to explore some of the best wineries in Luxembourg.
14. Château d’Urspelt
Where to stay in Luxembourg? Château d’Urspelt had me feeling like royalty with its luxurious ambiance fit for a queen.
This 18th-century castle hotel is located in the heart of Our Valley, in the small town of Urspelt, just outside of Clervaux.
Château d’Urspelt is an enchanted retreat fringed by lush greenery. It offers a magnificent grandeur reminiscent of a fairytale.
After exploring the city, stay in a luxe suite or sip tea in the hotel’s courtyard.
Book Chateau d’Urspelt accommodation here
15. Le Place d’Armes Hotel
In the historic center of Luxembourg lies Le Place d’Armes Hotel, located just 300 meters from Notre-Dame Cathedral.
With its elegant Art Deco interior and striking facade, Le Place d’Armes Hotel nods to the historical influences that Luxembourg is known for.
My stay at Le Place d’Armes Hotel was superb. Its location is accessible to the city’s famous landmarks, including Grand Ducal Palace and Adolphe Bridge.
Insider Tips
The best time to visit Luxembourg is from June to August when there are longer hours of sunshine and pleasant weather.
Luxembourg Airport is just a short bus or taxi ride to the city. Public transport (trams, trains, and buses) is free. Bike rentals are also available 24/7 in Luxembourg, Esch-sur-Alzette, and Moselle.
Essential travel apps and resources
- Mobiliteit.lu: A location search tool for public transport routes.
- AccuWeather: A weather app tool for temperature and rain forecasts.
- Webtaxi: A taxi service app for hassle-free trips.
Local etiquette and customs
- Shaking hands is an accepted form of greeting.
- Address the person using the vous pronoun instead of the informal tu.
- Monsieur or Madame are used for surnames with honorific titles.
- Be courteous at all times.
My final thoughts on Luxembourg’s bucket list
Luxembourg’s historical charm, scenic hiking trails, and outdoor adventures sum up the trip of a lifetime. A European destination that will tick most of the items on your bucket list, if not all.
Are you looking forward to a well-deserved vacation? Start planning to visit Luxembourg. For a hassle-free trip, download the Luxembourg Bucket List PDF version here.
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Hola! I’m Paulina, a seasoned travelette who crossed the Atlantic Ocean by Boat HitchHiking. On my blog, find expert insights for an extraordinary holiday through outdoor and sustainable travel like hiking, cycling, and sailing. Let’s embark on unforgettable journeys together! 🌍🚀
