Luxembourg has long been seen as a boring destination, but content creator Pauline Weis says it's Europe's most misunderstood country. With lush forests, medieval castles, and quiet hiking trails, the Grand Duchy has more to offer than its reputation suggests.
Basic Facts
Luxembourg is Europe's seventh-smallest nation with a population of just 699,000. You can cross the whole country in about an hour. The capital, Luxembourg City, is built on a rocky plateau overlooking dramatic gorges and a sweeping canyon, creating a striking multi-level cityscape. It is home to the Bock Casemates, a natural fortress carved into a cliff face that was a strategic stronghold in the 17th century and a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1994.
A Progressive Place
In March 2020, Luxembourg became the first country in the world to offer free public transport across the entire nation. The capital also boasts free city-wide WiFi and Europe's second-lowest gender pay gap. While Luxembourg City has a population of around 120,000, more than 70% of its residents are non-Luxembourgers, representing some 170 countries.
Food Scene
Pauline Weis says Luxembourgish food is hearty, combining the quantity of German cuisine with the quality of French. Alongside traditional dishes like Kniddelen (dumplings with fried bacon lardons), the capital offers diverse restaurants reflecting its cultural mix. One success story is Chiche!, a Lebanese restaurant that employs 70 staff, most of them refugees and migrants.
Top Recommendations
Weis recommends the Mullerthal Trail, a 112km trek through forest and waterfalls known as 'Little Switzerland', just over 30 minutes from the city. Vianden Castle, voted one of the world's most beautiful castles by CNN Travel, offers cycling trails and a romantic landscape. Fond-de-Gras is a preserved industrial heritage site with a vintage steam train through old mining landscapes.
In the capital, start the evening with a stroll through the Grund, the oldest part of the city. Try a local beer at Liquid bar overlooking the Alzette River, then head to Rives de Clausen, a 12th-century brewing district turned entertainment quarter. For dinner, Weis recommends Beim Siggy, Um Dierfgen, and Chiche!, then cocktails at Hotel Cravat and a night out at Rock Box bar.
Getting There
Ryanair flies direct to Luxembourg from London Stansted, with return fares from £38 in August. Free public transport is available on arrival.
