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A Day Trip to Luxembourg

My Luxembourg Day Trip from Brussels

During my time in Brussels, Belgium, I decided to add another country to my list by taking a Luxembourg day trip. My research had told me that Luxembourg was absolutely worth visiting, and I was excited to experience some of Luxembourg’s top tourist attractions.

With only a day, I had to plan my Luxembourg itinerary carefully to ensure I didn’t run out of time. In the sections below, I highlight the top things to do in Luxembourg in one day and how to make the most of your visit.

View from the Casemates du Bock
Luxembourg from Casemates du Bock
Walking the Streets of Luxembourg City
Walking the Streets of Luxembourg

Luxembourg Day Trip from Brussels: Best Things to See in One Day - Table of Contents

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How to Get to Luxembourg from Brussels

The easiest way to get to Luxembourg from Brussels is by train. I highly recommend leaving early to maximize your time, as the train ride takes a little over three hours. Tickets cost around €25 each way for second-class and €40 each way for first-class.

I began my Luxembourg day trip by catching the 6:32 AM train. Be sure to check schedules ahead of time—Brussels has multiple train stations, so confirm you’re departing from the correct one. Additionally, some routes require connections, which can add an extra hour to the journey. If possible, book a direct train from Brussels to Luxembourg to save time.

My Day Trip to Luxembourg Began at Brussel-Centraal Station
My Day Trip to Luxembourg Began at Brussel-Centraal Station
First Class Rail Car - Brussels to Luxembourg
First Class Rail Car - Brussels to Luxembourg

How Much Time is Needed to Visit Luxembourg

Whenever I travel, I always ask myself, “How much time is needed?” The answer depends on how much you want to see. For this Luxembourg day trip, I found that Luxembourg City can easily be explored in a single day. However, if you want to experience more of the country, plan for at least a few days.

Exploring Old Town Luxembourg
Exploring Old Town Luxembourg
Exploring the Grund Area of Luxembourg
Exploring the Grund Area of Luxembourg

What to See in Luxembourg

During my time in Luxembourg, I focused on visiting the top sights in Luxembourg City. After arriving at Luxembourg Train Station around 9:00 AM, I quickly made my way to my first stop: the Adolphe Bridge.

Adolphe Bridge - Luxembourg
Adolphe Bridge
The Glass Elevator - Luxembourg
The Glass Elevator

Adolphe Bridge

The Adolphe Bridge stands 43 meters above the Pétrusse River and connects Boulevard Royal with Avenue de la Liberté. When it opened in 1903, it was the largest stone-arch bridge in the world. Named after Grand Duke Adolphe, the bridge has been renovated multiple times, most recently in 2017, to accommodate the Luxembourg City trams.

During my Luxembourg day trip, I walked across the Adolphe Bridge on my way from the train station to Place de la Constitution. The bridge offers great views of the river valley, but due to the angle of the sun, I struggled to get good photos—the shadows made it almost impossible to capture the scene clearly.

Adolphe Bridge - Luxembourg City
Adolphe Bridge

Place de la Constitution

Place de la Constitution is one of Luxembourg’s most famous squares. During my Luxembourg day trip, the square was set up with holiday-themed carnival rides, spreading festive joy throughout the Christmas season.

Looking Towards Place de la Constitution
Looking Towards Place de la Constitution
World War I Memorial at Place de la Constitution
World War I Memorial at Place de la Constitution

Gëlla Fra

Despite the decorations, I was still able to visit Gëlle Fra, also known as the Golden Lady. This Monument of Remembrance honors the thousands of Luxembourgers who volunteered in World War I.

During World War II, the Nazis dismantled the monument, and for 40 years, Gëlle Fra remained missing. It was eventually discovered hidden beneath the main bleachers of the National Football Stadium. Today, the monument pays tribute not only to those who served in World War I but also to those who fought in World War II and the Korean War.

Gëlle Fra (Golden Lady)
Gëlle Fra (Golden Lady)
Zoomed in on Gëlle Fra (Golden Lady)

Notre Dame Luxembourg

The next stop on my Luxembourg day trip was Notre Dame Cathedral, a striking example of Gothic architecture in the heart of Luxembourg City. While I wasn’t able to go inside, I admired the cathedral’s intricate exterior, with its soaring spires and detailed stonework.

Notre Dame Luxembourg
Notre Dame Luxembourg

Monument to Victims of the Shoah

Next to Notre Dame, Luxembourg, I visited the Monument to the Victims of the Shoah, which commemorates the persecution, deportation, and murder of Luxembourg’s Jewish community. This memorial is relatively new, dedicated on June 17, 2018, marking 75 years since the last deportation train of Jews left Luxembourg.

Monument to Victims of the Shoah
Monument to Victims of the Shoah

Place Guillaume II

Another famous square I explored during my Luxembourg day trip was Place Guillaume II. This historic square is home to Luxembourg City Hall (Hôtel de Ville) and the Equestrian Statue of Grand Duke William II. If you’re in need of facilities, there are free public restrooms in the nearby parking garage.

Place Guillaume II - Luxembourg City
Place Guillaume II
Luxembourg City Hall (Hôtel de Ville)
Luxembourg City Hall (Hôtel de Ville)
Equestrian Statue to Former Grand Duke William II
Equestrian Statue to Former Grand Duke William II

During my Luxembourg day tripPlace Guillaume II was transformed into a festive wonderland. A special holiday area called Winter Kids dominated the square, providing family-friendly fun.

From Place Guillaume II, I walked through Pass de l’Hôtel de Ville into another well-known square, Place d’Armes.

Winter Kids Theme Park at Place Guillaume II
Winter Kids Theme Park at Place Guillaume II
Walkway from Place Guillaume II to Place d’Armes
Walkway from Place Guillaume II to Place d’Armes

Place d’Armes

Located in the heart of Old Town Luxembourg, Place d’Armes is one of the city’s top tourist attractions. During my Luxembourg day trip, it was brimming with holiday cheer, serving as the site of Luxembourg’s traditional European Christmas Market.

Christmas Markets at Place d’Armes
Christmas Markets at Place d’Armes

With the market stalls filling the entire square, it was difficult to see many of the historical attractions. However, the festive atmosphere more than made up for it. While I didn’t do any shopping, I enjoyed a steak sandwich and beef and noodles from the culinary section of the Christmas Market.

Steak Sandwich - Place d'Armes Christmas Market
Steak Sandwich - Place d'Armes Christmas Market
Beef and Noodles - Place d'Armes Christmas Market
Beef and Noodles - Place d'Armes Christmas Market

Glass Elevator - (Panoramic Elevator of the Pfaffenthal)

From Place d’Armes, it was a short walk to one of Luxembourg’s most unique attractions—the Glass Elevator (Panoramic Elevator of the Pfaffenthal). To reach the Glass Elevator, I walked toward Pescatore Park, following the pathway that leads to the elevator platform. This glass-walled structure descends 71 meters into the Pfaffenthal area, offering stunning views of the Alzette River Valley.

Walkway to the Glass Elevator - Luxembourg
Walkway to the Glass Elevator
The Glass Elevator Seen from the Pfaffenthal Area
The Glass Elevator Seen from the Pfaffenthal Area

One of the best parts? The ride is completely free. The elevator operates daily from 5:45 AM to 1:00 AM, except on the first Monday of each month, when it closes for maintenance.

The Glass Elevator is at the End of this Walkway
The Glass Elevator is at the End of this Walkway
Glass Elevator - Photographed from Casemates Memorial Point
Glass Elevator - Photographed from Casemates Memorial Point

At the base of the elevator, there are free public restrooms, making this a convenient stop for travelers. Before leaving the area, I also took some time to explore Pescatore Park, which offers fantastic views of the Grand Duchess Charlotte Bridge.

Pescatore Park - Luxembourg City
Pescatore Park
Grand Duchess Charlotte Bridge - Seen from Pescatore Park
Grand Duchess Charlotte Bridge - Seen from Pescatore Park

The Bock Promontory and Casemates

My favorite place in Luxembourg was definitely the Bock Promontory and Casemates, and this is where I spent the majority of my time during my Luxembourg day trip. The Bock Casemates are built atop Luxembourg’s original castle, which was founded in 963.

The Bock Casemates, constructed by the Austrians in the 18th century, played a key role in Luxembourg’s fortifications, earning the city the nickname “Gibraltar of the North.”

Unfortunately, during my day trip to Luxembourg, the guided tour was sold out, so I was only able to explore the Bock Promontory from above.

 

The Bock Promontory
The Upper Levels of the Bock Promontory
A Great View from the Ramparts - Luxembourg
A Great View from the Ramparts

The Best Views in Luxembourg

I began my sightseeing by climbing the stairs to the Casemates Memorial Point, a historical landmark with an observation platform offering fantastic views of the Glass Elevator and Grand Duchess Charlotte Bridge.

Casemates Memorial Point
Casemates Memorial Point
Grand Duchess Charlotte Bridge from Casemates Memorial Point
Grand Duchess Charlotte Bridge from Casemates Memorial Point

From there, I crossed the street and walked along the fortress walls, which provided incredible panoramic views of the Alzette River Valley and the European Institute of Cultural Routes.

Alzette River Valley
Alzette River Valley
European Institute of Cultural Routes
European Institute of Cultural Routes

Hiking Down Into the Alzette River Valley

Continuing along the ramparts, I admired the Pont du Stierchen and the Pont du Château (Castle Bridge) from above before making my way downward, eventually reaching the base of the Bock rock face, where I was now looking up at the towering fortifications.

Pont du Château from the Ramparts
Pont du Château from the Ramparts
Pont du Château from Below
Pont du Château from Below

Finally, I crossed the Pont du Stierchen and made my way toward the Grund, a charming district nestled along the river.

Pont de Stierchen from the Bock Promontory
Pont de Stierchen from the Bock Promontory
Crossing the Pont de Stierchen
Crossing the Pont de Stierchen

The Grund

Located in the Alzette River Valley, the Grund is one of the most scenic and historic areas of Luxembourg City. The Pont du Stierchen and Castle Bridge (Pont du Château) connect the Grund to the Bock Promontory, where Luxembourg’s original fortifications once stood. This lower district offers stunning views of the Bock Casemates and the towering city walls above, making it a must-visit stop on a Luxembourg day trip.

View of the Upper Portion of Luxembourg from the Grund
View of the Upper Portion of Luxembourg from the Grund

As I wandered through the Grund, I admired its cobblestone streets, medieval architecture, and peaceful riverside views. Unfortunately, I was pressed for time, so after crossing the Pont du Grund, I began the steep climb back up to the upper part of the city.

The Narrow Streets of the Grund
The Narrow Streets of the Grund
Crossing the Pont du Grund
Crossing the Pont du Grund

Grand Ducal Palace

After quite a hike back to the upper city, I had one last landmark to visit before concluding my Luxembourg day trip—the Grand Ducal Palace. This impressive building serves as the official residence of Luxembourg’s head of state, the Grand Duke of Luxembourg.

I paused to admire the ornate façade and elegant Renaissance-style architecture, taking a quick photo to capture the moment. With my time in Luxembourg coming to an end, I made my way back toward Luxembourg Train Station for the journey back to Brussels.

Grand Ducal Palace
Grand Ducal Palace
Grand Ducal Palace
Side View of the Grand Ducal Palace

Luxembourg City Tours

During my day trip to Luxembourg, I did not take a tour. To me, it seemed like the top sights in Luxembourg were easy to see without a guide. For those who prefer the expertise of a local guide, I have linked a few tours in the section below. Please note that I am an affiliate of Viator. If you purchase a tour using one of my links, I will receive a small commission. This commission is at no additional cost to you.

2 Hour Luexmbourg Tour
2 Hours Tour in Luxembourg with Local Guide - $37.32

Immersive tour with a local guide. Apart from the historical facts that you will learn, I also love talking about what it is like living in Luxembourg, what our culture, food, and politics look like, and why it’s simply one of the most multicultural countries in Europe.

Discover the ancient city center with all of its major sightseeings, including the Palace of the Grand Duc, St Michael’s church, Cathedral Notre Dame of Luxembourg, Golden Lady, and many more.

Private Luxembourg Tour
Private Tour of Luxembourg City and the Countryside - $111.97

A customized private tour by car from Luxembourg City towards the Moselle Valley and back. We will drive through the villages and see historical sites, parks, wine cellars and other local attractions. There will be the possibility to take short walks to enjoy beautiful views and to relax in one of the local cafes. The tour is specially designed for individuals or families who are interested in history and traditions of Luxembourg. The usual route is about 80 kilometers. The itinerary will be aligned with your personal preferences.

Luxembourg E-Bike Tour
The Best of Luxembourg City Guided E-bike Tour - $65.05

With this guided tour, we invite you to discover the main points of interest of the capital by e-bike.
The tour includes some very steep inclines, which is why it is important to be accompanied by an experienced guide. A fun experience suitable for all levels.

Luxembourg Private Tour
Luxembourg Private Walking Tour With A Professional Guide - $317.51

Luxembourg is famous for its medieval fortified old town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site at the shores of the River Alzette. Follow us through the winding alleyways to discover the secrets of the city and be surprised by the grand squares, churches and palaces on every corner. Be sure to admire a mixture of styles that range from the gothic, renaissance and baroque architecture. We will take you on a walk that you will never forget, through the capital of one of the smallest states in Europe. Join us and enjoy the ride!

You will learn about:
Roman times
Foundation of the city
The house of Luxembourg
Rule of Burgundy
Habsburg period
Eighty Years' War
French revolution and occupation
Treaty of Paris
Independence
German influence
German occupation during the 2 World Wars.
Modernity

Luxembourg Walking Tour
Surprise Walk of Luxembourg with a Local - $116.23

Are you ready to join me for a surprise walk around Luxembourg ?
From my many experiences and personal interactions in Luxembourg, I have gathered a personal checklist of must-sees with my most memorable places. Don’t miss out on the chance to see Luxembourg from a unique perspective and understand why I call this place my home! Create a deeper connection with the city, just like I have, and enjoy exclusive anecdotes, tips and tricks, and secret revelations of Luxembourg.

We will meet next to Museum of History and Art and from there, your authentic discovery of Luxembourg will start!

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