The Norfolk Explorer

Luxembourg is a small country, but certainly not one to be overlooked!

Sitting between Germany, France and Belguim, it is a unique city with its own charm and plenty of great things to do.

But first, here are some fun facts about Luxembourg:

1. There are three languages spoken – German, French and Luxembourgish
2. All public transport is COMPLETELY FREE!
3.  In 1994, the Old Town was added to the UNESCO list of World Heritage Sites
4. It is the second richest nation in the world
5. It has the highest minimum wage in the EU….but also the highest cost of living

Here are some of the best things to do in Luxembourg.

1. Explore the Grund district

This is part of the old town, which has UNESCO World Heritage Status, and it was my favourite area of the city.

From the city centre you can walk down the scenic Chemin de la Corniche, bending as it goes downhill, to the Pont du Grund. Here you can take some brilliant photos of the old town, where the traditional beige and yellow buildings line the river that cuts through the gorges of this wonderful city.

For a tasty spot of lunch, head to La Grocerie which serve an excellent selection of sandwiches in a cosy, local setting.

2. Do the Wenzel Walk

The Grund area is also where you can start the Wenzel Walk, a circular walk that takes you around some historic spots in Luxembourg.

Starting at the Pont du Grund, head out on Rue St Ulric and eventually you’ll come to The Wenceslas Wall, which was once 875m long and equipped with 37 towers and 15 gates.

Follow this as it goes through the old town, over the river, past some of the crypts of the Casemates du Bock and then where it gradually winds back up the hill (with many panoramic viewpoints on offer) and outside the entrance to the Casemates.

It’s a really picturesque, and not too challenging, walk with many opportunities for great photos.

3. Visit the Casemates du Bock

As you’ll be conveniently outside the entrance after the Wenzel Walk (if you’ve done this first), it makes sense to pay a visit!

The Casemates du Bock are a vast complex of underground tunnels & galleries, which begun in 1644 and were then used as bomb shelters during the Second World War.

Tickets for adults cost 10 Euros and it makes for a really cool experience. The tunnels are vast, so if you want to see all of them, allow for at least an hour.

4. Drink in the oldest bar

Whenever I go somewhere, particularly a capital city, I love to research what the oldest bar is and have a drink. I love a historic building, and there’s something so cool about drinking with locals in a bar that’s been there for hundreds, sometimes thousands of years!

The oldest bar in Luxembourg is the Ënnert de Steiler, situated conveniently near the palace and the Grund area (up the hill, mind you).

The building was built in 1350, but was officially a pub from 1842 – which is still pretty old! It’s a very picturesque building, with a grand balcony adorning the front.

5. Snap the hidden inscription

Just down from Ënnert de Steiler, tucked away in a nondescript alleyway, is a building with an oriel bay window with an inscription.

It reads “Mir wölle bleiwe wat mir sin” which is Luxembourgish for “We want to stay what we are” and it refers to the ambition of the Luxembourgish people to retain their independent identity and sovereignty.

The alleyway is quite small, and doesn’t get very busy, so it’s not only a great opportunity to snap an important part of history, but also to escape some of the crowds of the nearby pub.

6. Head to the Palais Grand-Ducal

The palace is home to the Grand Duke of Luxembourg, which has been a Grand Duchy since 15 March 1815, of which it is the world’s only.

It’s a beautiful building, with a different style of grandeur to some of the more traditional palaces seen around Europe. The facade is clean, simple, yet elegant and in keeping with the slighly yellow tones seen around the city.

It sits on a wider street, almost a square, with various restaurants and shops opposite. For dinner with a view, try some tasty and traditional Luxembourgish food in Bistrot Presse.

A word of warning though, if you want to tour the palace, this is only open during summer!

7. Eat some delicious chocolates

One of the shops opposite the palace is a heavenly chocolate shop, Chocolate House Nathalie Bonn, offering decadent cocoa treats and cakes, complete with an upstairs café.

It’s quite a small shop, and it does get quite crowded, so bare that in mind! But there is a brilliant selection, I picked up some dark chocolate bars for me and some milk chocolate truffles for my husband.

If Luxembourg isn’t on your list, then it needs to be!

It’s a brilliant city that is easy to explore in a weekend, with a nice variety of walks, shops and attractions. And it’s a very walkable city, which is always nice!