Luxembourg – Travel Guide
This small yet enchanting country in Western Europe, captivates visitors with its blend of medieval charm and modern sophistication. Explore the UNESCO-listed Old Town of Luxembourg City, where ancient fortifications overlook scenic valleys and winding streets. Marvel at the grandeur of historic landmarks like the Grand Ducal Palace and Notre-Dame Cathedral. Wander through lush parks and gardens, or indulge in gourmet cuisine at Michelin-starred restaurants. With its rich history, stunning architecture, and scenic landscapes, Luxembourg offers a delightful retreat for travelers seeking a unique European experience.
All about Luxembourg
Luxembourg FAQ
What is Luxembourg known for?
Luxembourg is one of the world`s smallest countries, landlocked by Belgium, France and Germany. It boasts award-winning wine and food, an ancient network of underground tunnels and is best known for its status as Europe`s most powerful investment management center. It is often compared to Switzerland. Both NATO and the EU have installations in Luxembourg as do other European organizations.
What are the best places to visit in Luxembourg?
Spend time in the lush, green region of Ardennes, which consists of mountains that extend from southeast Belgium. You`ll find some fascinating castles in this region, such as Vianden castle. The cosmopolitan Luxembourg City may be modest in size, but it is a prosperous and bustling metropolis steeped in history. Be sure to check out the bizarre rock formation, creeks and waterfalls at the Mullerthal, sometimes referred to as `Little Switzerland.` Explore the hiking trails and rich iron mining area of Red Rocks and discover the great white wines in the Moselle region.
How many days should I spend in Luxembourg?
We recommend 7-10 days based on what you want to see and do. We offer flexible vacation packages so you can select your number of nights in each city, desired hotel, and activities. We suggest a minimum of 3 nights in larger cities.
What is the best way to get around Luxembourg?
Luxembourg is a compact country, making it easy to reach nearly any town in the country in an hour or less by public transport. The Mobilitéit agency coordinates the country`s trains and buses. Most public transportation in Luxembourg is Free! You only need a ticket for cross-border journeys, or if you wish to travel first class on the train.
By Train: The Chemins de Fer Luxembourgeois (CFL) train network is generally a good way to move across the country. Luxembourg city is the main railway hub, from where trains head in all directions. While the south is reasonably well covered, the north is limited to one main line. Trains in Luxembourg are comfortable and modern, and generally run perfectly on-time.
By Bus: The country is served by countless bus services, reaching every little village in the country. Most services run at least every hour throughout the week, with higher frequencies during weekdays and reduced operation on Saturdays and Sundays.
The bus service out of town is also extensive and reliable. Buses numbered 100 upwards will take you out of the city. For destinations in the north of the country, one usually first needs to take a train to Mersch, Ettelbruck, Wiltz, or Clervaux, and change there to a bus to the final destination. Other destinations usually have a direct bus from the capital.
Buses are modern and clean. Screens and announcements on-board advise of the next stop on most bus services. It is important to hail the bus you wish to catch by raising your hand towards the road as it arrives.
By Car: Luxembourg`s road infrastructure is well-developed. Anywhere that happens to lie along the major motorways is easily accessible (including Grevenmacher in the east, Mamer to the west, Bettembourg to the south and Mersch and Ettelbruck in the north). Esch-sur-Alzette, the country`s second city (more like a small town by international standards) also has its own motorway link.
Driving in Luxembourg is nowhere as challenging as in some other European countries. The locals are generally polite. When entering the highways from side roads into the slower traffic lane, the other drivers will allow you to join the traffic line, but traffic indicators are essential. As with other highways in Europe always keep in the slow traffic lane, keeping the fast lane for overtaking. Some drivers travel at high speeds and will flash their headlights to indicate that they are in a hurry, even if you are sitting on the speed limit. Normal day-to-day driving in Luxembourg is generally smooth but traffic does slow down in peak times.
Finding parking in Luxembourg city center on weekends can be difficult. Most spaces are quickly taken and some parking garages close early. The best option is to find somewhere near the station and then walk around the city center.
By Bike: The streets and landscape in Luxembourg make for good cycling territory.
What is the currency of Luxembourg?
Luxembourg uses the Euro. Also, a service charge of 15% is added to your food bill at a restaurant, so a tip isn`t mandatory, but many people add a Euro or two for good service. For more detailed information, consult our guide by clicking here Tipping in Luxembourg.
Do people speak English in Luxembourg?
`Lëtzebuergesch` or Luxembourgish is the national language. It is taught in schools, but French and German are also spoken widely and are considered the `official languages.` French is the administrative language. English is common, especially in larger villages and tourist destinations within Luxembourg. We suggest you get a good English-French guidebook and familiarize yourself with common phrases such as hello, goodbye, excuse me and numbers 1-10.
Best time to visit Luxembourg
Like much of northwest Europe, Luxembourg enjoys a temperate climate without extremes. The sea is some 186 miles away, so winters are slightly cooler and summers a bit warmer.
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January maximum temperatures in Luxembourg City average 41°F, while July maximums average 73°F. May and June are often the driest, sunniest months, while July and August are the hottest. It can rain at any time however, so come prepared. Every season in this country has its charm, as well as its pitfalls, so when to go depends on your travel type and what plan/activities you are interested in.
The Ardennes, being higher, is cooler than the south throughout the year. The north is notably wetter. Winter often brings snow, although weather trends are no longer as predictable as they once were. Summers may be scorching one year, yet miserable the next.
You can visit Luxembourg at any time, but bear in mind that the availability of services in some regions varies with the seasons. May, June and September are usually very pleasant months, as the weather is often at its most benign during late spring and late summer. July and August are also recommended, as they tend to be slightly warmer, if marginally wetter and busier.
National holidays in Luxembourg:
– New Year`s Day (Jan 1)
– Shrove Monday/Carnival (2 days before Ash Wednesday)
– Easter Monday, May Day (May 1)
– Ascension (40 days after Easter)
– Pentecost Monday (1 day after the seventh Sun after Easter)
– National Day/grand duke`s official birthday (June 23)
– Assumption (Aug 15)
– All Saints` Day (Nov 1)
– Christmas (Dec 25 and 26)
Tipping in Luxembourg
The questions `when?` and `how much?` that surround tipping can leave some travelers confused, as the practice varies. This guide attempts to cover most situations that you, as a tourist, will encounter. Hopefully using these `tips` will provide a smooth experience when interacting with locals in restaurants, bars, hotels, tour operators, and taxis.
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Tipping in Luxembourg
Currency: Can I pay in U.S. dollars, or should I use Euros?
The official currency of Luxembourg is the euro, written EUR. Some shops catering to tourists will accept payment in Euros but not U.S. dollars. Once you`re in Luxembourg you`ll need to use the Euro.
Restaurants, Cafes, and Bars: When should I tip? How much is customary?
A service charge of 15% is added to your food bill at a restaurant. An additional tip isn`t required, but many people add a Euro or two for good service. It is recommended to tip your server directly, do not put it on the credit card to ensure your server receives the tip.
Hotel Staff: Who should I tip?
A service charge of 10% is common at hotels. You should also tip service staff at the hotel that is helpful. For porters and bellhops, 1 to 2 Euros per bag is sufficient. A small tip for housekeeping is also greatly appreciated and should be about 1.50 to 2 Euros per day. You may wish to provide a small tip for room service as well, if you use it during your stay.
Taxi Drivers: Should I tip?
Tipping cab drivers is not expected necessary in Luxembourg, but they will not refuse if you do tip them. Leaving a tip (round up) is always a good idea, especially if the driver is helpful and provides you with recommendations.
Tour Guides: Is a tip required?
Typically tour guides should receive a tip that is 10% of the total cost of the tour. You should tip drivers half the amount that you tip the guide. However, you are not obligated to, but you can always tip a little extra if you had an exceptional experience.
Final Thoughts
Remember while tipping is not obligatory, it is best to follow what the locals do, which is usually 10% gratuity. Tipping in Luxembourg is similar to tipping traditions in the rest of Europe. However tipping customs vary depending on the service. Service provides generally expect that most tourists will tip and possibly tip more than they need to.
Top cities in Luxembourg
What to expect while traveling
