Visiting Luxembourg, one of the most magnificent countries in the heart of Europe, known for its lush forests, enchanting castles, and rugged gorges.
As a landlocked nation with Luxembourg City as its southern capital city, there are several things to keep in mind when embarking on your first visit to this amazing destination. Read on for some useful tips!
The Grand Duchy is unparalleled globally as the sole of its kind
Luxembourg does not have a monarch in the form of a King or Queen. Rather, it has a Grand Duke or Grand Duchess who reigns over the country.
Henri has presently reigning as the Grand Duke since 2000 and just like how England celebrates their Queen’s “official” Birthday annually, so too does Luxembourg celebrate his official Birthday every year.
As of now, the 23rd of June is designated as the date for festivities, and on its eve, which falls on June 22nd, all Luxembourgers enthusiastically participate in revelry!
The day’s celebrations are accentuated by a public holiday and usually extend until dawn with fervor.
Explore diverse sections of the city to get a comprehensive experience
Visiting Luxembourg boasts a diverse range of distinctive atmospheres and vibes across its various areas.
From the Grund nestled in the valley to the gleaming new structures of the European Union situated in Kirchberg, each location offers something unique with countless activities to enjoy.
Whether your preferences fall towards contemporary art galleries outdoor live performances or even exceptional culinary experiences, Luxembourg caters to all tastes!
Don’t forget to pack comfortable shoes for walking as you will be covering a lot of ground
To explore the city of Luxembourg, it’s recommended to walk (especially in cramped sections like Grund). It is prudent to wear comfortable footwear suitable for walking.
Give Luxembourgish cuisine a chance (at least once!)
Even though Luxembourg is recognized for its global ambiance, it boasts several unique dishes.
Throughout my stay in the country, I indulged myself with flavorsome cuisines from different European and non-European countries.
One of the reasons is that Luxembourg accommodates various EU establishments and frequently receives visitors from all around the world.
However, I didn’t miss the chance to taste a unique Luxembourgish delicacy during my visit since it’s not easily available elsewhere.
As shown below, Kniddelen is a dish that features dumplings made from either meat or vegetables.
Euro is the currency to be used
Did you know that Luxembourg was one of the founding members of the European Union? Consequently, the official currency used in this country is Euro.
This comes in handy if you intend to travel to neighboring countries like France and Germany since they all use the Euro too.
So while visiting Luxembourg there’s no need for a double money exchange!
Explore the rural area, even if it’s just for a few hours
Vianden should be your top priority if you can only make time for one destination.
This enchanted castle and town are located in the northern region of Luxembourg, just a few hours’ drive from Luxembourg City.
If this is your first visit to the country and transportation concerns weigh heavy on your mind, fret not!
The travel time is worth it, as the enchanting Vianden Castle stands tall as one of the largest surviving castles in its area.
Victor Hugo once called this town home and now a museum dedicated to his life and works occupies a prime spot at the town center.
Acquire a Visit Luxembourg Pass
The most crucial advice for newcomers to Luxembourg would be to consider purchasing a Visit Luxembourg Pass.
This could spare you the trouble, effort (and frequently expense) and I strongly advise it as an essential measure.
The Luxembourg Pass offers diverse options such as family cards and duration-based ones.
Its versatility extends to many attractions, in addition to serving as a means of transportation for most public routes across the nation.
Conclusion
Luxembourg City, the southern capital, is home to the Grand Duchy, a unique global monarchy. The country celebrates its official birthday every year on June 23rd, with festivities on its eve.
The city offers diverse experiences, from contemporary art galleries to European Union structures in Kirchberg.
Walking is recommended, especially in cramped areas. Luxembourg offers unique cuisine, including Kniddelen, a delicacy made from meat or vegetables.
The official currency is the Euro, making it convenient for travelers to neighboring countries. The Vianden Castle and town are must-sees.
