The east to west street located just north of the Place d'Armes is known as Grand Rue. As the central square, the street is for pedestrians only. Many shops and boutiques lie along this stretch of road-indeed, it is essentially an outdoor shopping complex. Everything from famous international brands to unique local artisan shops can be found here.

The shops are built on the ground floors of the buildings of this historic area of town. Many of the buildings above the shops are residential, but the entire area is a concentrated commercial zone with administrative offices, political institutions, shops, and banks. At the west end of the street, you'll find the Royal-Hamilius, a large residential and shopping mall development completed in 2019.

The east end of the street ends just a block north of the Grand Ducal Palace on Rue du Marché aux Herbes. If you continue east on Grand Rue, it will turn into Rue Sigefroi. You will arrive at the Bock promontory, where the casements, Archaeological Crypt, Chemin de la Corniche, and St. Michaels Church are located.

While Grand Rue is a great place to start, the entire center of the city, known as Ville-Haute, is a walking and shopping district. The streets and boulevards connecting Grand Rue with the rest of the town are also lined with dozens of shops and restaurants. Visit the information kiosk in the Place d'Armes for maps and directions.

The original town square of the old town is still the heart of the community. Here, you'll find locals and visitors out and about, enjoying the fresh air and sunshine during the warm summer months. Many restaurants and cafés have outdoor patios, and this whole part of town is a pedestrian-only zone. You'll often find live music or open-air markets going on.

On the square's eastern side is the Cercle, which was initially designed as an administrative building. It was the site of the European Court of Justice but is now a venue for cultural events. Outside of it, you will find a sculpture of Countess Ermisinde with the 1244 Charter of Emancipation that guaranteed citizen's rights.

On the opposite end, there are monuments dedicated to two of Luxembourg's poets, Dicks and Michel Lentz. The lion on the monument represents the Grand Duchy, and the national motto is inscribed on the pillar. It translates, "We want to stay what we are."

The square gets its name from its historical purpose of being a gathering spot and parade ground for troops. The spot was laid out after a massive fire destroyed much of Ville-Haute in 1554. Dutch military engineer Sebastian van Noyen created the first version of the square called New Market.

In 1671, Spanish engineer Jean Charles de Landas used the area as a parade spot for the garrison. Flagstones and lime trees were added under Louis XIV.

Luxembourg City Tourist Office: Located at Place Guillaume II, Luxembourg City’s excellent tourist office not only offers multi-lingual advice from knowledgeable and friendly staff and a wide variety of helpful publications, it also has a gift shop. The small display case is filled with the souvenirs, from Peckvillchen whistles to the ‘Renert’ fox sculpture.

What to buy here: Sculpture old and new.

Find quality reproductions of pieces by Luxembourgish sculptors from the 12th to 20th centuries or even of ancient artifacts found in the region. Alternatively, discover the work of contemporary artists imaginatively treating traditional themes. Reproductions include the ‘Renert’ fox sculpture based on the original sculpture that stands in Place Guillaume II, inspired by the famous writer Michel Rodange, as well as a Gallo-Roman bronze wild boar sculpture dating from the first century A.D. Contemporary works cover a broad range of styles, with artists like Jeannot Bewing and Pascale Seil often inspired by history and legend. Pieces start from about €200.

Even though it's more than 100 years old, the Adolphe Bridge is referred to as the 'new bridge' by the locals. The 'old bridge,' by contrast, refers to the Passarelle or Luxembourg Viaduct.

The bridge was needed as the city expanded, and the Old Bridge was unable to accommodate the amount of traffic that the city now saw. Local architect Albert Rodange was hired to develop plans for the new bridge, but the city also hired Frenchman Paul Séjourné, who had years of bridge-building experience.

Séjourné's final plan was audacious for the day. Instead of building the bridge like a traditional viaduct with many medium-sized arches, Séjourné sought to make the bridge with one large central arch and many smaller ones to support it. The main structures were made of sandstone, while the roadway was made of a relatively new material-reinforced concrete.

The original structure was opened in 1903 and featured both road and rail traffic. The rails were eventually removed when Luxembourg phased out the use of tram cars. In 2004, the bridge was structurally reinforced with prestressed steel bars.

Between 2014 and 2017, plans were put into action to reintroduce trams in Luxembourg. The bridge was widened and reinforced to accept the new rail lines. Additionally, a second level was suspended below the current level that carries pedestrian and bicycle traffic.

The beautiful bridge has inspired some copycats. Both the bridge over the River Garonne at Toulon and the Walnut Land Bridge in Philadelphia are based on the Adolphe Bridge.

Why You Should Visit:
The views from the pedestrian bridge of the valley below and Luxembourg, in general, are lovely. The bridge connects old town Luxembourg on the north with the Gare District to the south.

Tips:
Great views of the bridge can be seen from Constitution Square, near the Gëlle Fra monument, and from the Pétrusse Valley below. One of the best overlooks of the bridge is from the Pétrusse Casemates. If you're after photos, the bridge is lit well at night for stunning time-lapses or long exposures.

The Adolphe Bridge's pedestrian path is a great way to connect from Ville-Haute to the Plateau Bourbon and Gare District on the south side.

Luxembourgish for "Golden Lady," the Gëlle Fra is a monument located in Constitution Square. The square itself was created on an ancient Bock bastion overlooking the Pétrusse River and park in the valley below. The memorial is to the thousands of Luxembourgers who volunteered for service during the World Wars. It was built in 1923.

The centerpiece of the monument is a 21-meter tall granite obelisk. A gilded bronze statue of Nike, the goddess of victory, stands atop an obelisk.

Germany occupied Luxembourg during the First World War, so there was little that the nation's people could do to help the Allied Powers. But over 3,700 Luxembourgers living outside of the country volunteered to fight in the French army; over 2,000 of them became casualties of the war. The monument was created to honor their courage and sacrifice.

The Nazis dismantled the monument during WWII, but various pieces were recovered and restored. The Gëlle Fra statue was missing until she turned up under the national football stadium's main stands in 1980. Recent additions to the memorial have honored those who fought in World War II and the Korean War.

Immediately west of Constitution Square is the Casemates de la Pétrusse. Both are situated above the Parcs de la Pétrusse and Garden Luxembourg. Walking trails and stairways connect to the valley below, with beautiful views of the Adolphe Bridge crossing over the Pétrusse River and park.

Why You Should Visit:
You can see it from a distance but come near to experience its beauty.
The view of the city from the memorial area is even more fantastic.

Tip:
The best views of Gëlle Fra are during the Christmas market as the Ferris wheel is put up in the parking lot surrounding the statue and you can have a very close look.

Nestled in the historic quarter of Ville Haute, the Notre-Dame Cathedral is a timeless gem combining architectural elegance and spiritual depth. Originally built as a Jesuit church between 1613 and 1621, under the direction of Brother Jean du Blocq and Ulrich Job, it was granted cathedral status in 1870 and stands today as the only cathedral in the Grand Duchy. Its façade, with three distinct towers added during the 1935–38 expansion, marks a striking silhouette on the city skyline.

This sacred space delights visitors with a rich mix of late Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque design elements-from the soaring pointed arches and cylindrical pillars to the ornate alabaster carvings and sculpted pulpit that brings biblical stories to life. Inside, the cloistered nave and choir are illuminated by masterful stained‑glass windows, crafted by artists such as Louis Barillet and Josef Oberberger, which bathe the interior in vibrant, multicolored light.

At the heart of the cathedral lies the venerated statue of Our Lady of Luxembourg-also known as “Consolatrix Afflictorum”-the nation’s patron saint. This 16th-century wooden Madonna and Child holds deep religious and patriotic significance. It is paraded through the streets during the annual Octave pilgrimage in spring, a culminating tradition that dazzles with devotion and local festivity. The crypt also contains the tombs of Luxembourg’s Grand Dukes and prominent national figures.

Admission is free, and the cathedral is conveniently open daily-typically from early morning until evening-with optional audio-guide tours available in multiple languages. Whether you're drawn by architectural grandeur, spiritual solace, or cultural heritage, Notre‑Dame Cathedral offers a powerful and memorable welcome to Luxembourg City.

Why You Should Visit:
Visitors who are interested in art or Gothic architecture will love this stop. The stained glass windows are gorgeous, even in dim light.

Tip:
Anyone considering the rooftop trip – make sure you fit, as it's a spiral staircase top to bottom with only a brief rest area in a gift shop. Fantastic view from the top, but a trek! Don't forget to also visit the crypt, which is decidedly cooler on hot days.

Nestled on the southwestern edge of Place Guillaume II, Luxembourg City Hall (Hôtel de Ville) is an elegant neoclassical landmark and the vibrant administrative heart of Luxembourg City. Constructed between 1830 and 1838 on the site of a former Franciscan monastery, much of the original stone was reused in its construction, lending continuity to this historic corner of the Ville Haute quarter. The building quietly dominates the open space of the square, flanked by two bronzed lions added in 1931 and accented with flags and refined symmetry.

Since its completion, the city hall has been the hub of local governance, housing council meetings, the private office of the mayor, and hosting foreign dignitaries visiting the capital. Its first council meeting took place on 22 October 1838, though the official unveiling-delayed until 15 July 1844-was presided over by Grand Duke William II, who stood proudly before the unveiled building and equestrian statue on the square.

For the curious visitor, the town hall is best appreciated both up close-admiring the clean neoclassical facade, lion sculptures, and period details-and as part of a stroll through Place Guillaume II. The square, colloquially named Knuedler after the Franciscan friars who once inhabited the site, is a local hub for music, markets, and gatherings. Nearby, the Luxembourg City Tourist Office is easy to spot, should you wish to pick up maps, book guided tours, or join in seasonal events held in the square.

Whether you're a history aficionado or simply admiring architecture during your city walk, Luxembourg City Hall offers a lovely blend of civic history and urban charm. Standing quietly yet confidently in the heart of the capital, it connects centuries of local governance with Luxembourg’s evolving role as a European crossroads-and it’s free to admire!

Place Guillaume II, affectionately known by locals as “Knuedler”, is one of the most iconic public squares in Luxembourg City’s historic Ville Haute (Upper Town). Originally the site of a Franciscan monastery dating from the 13th century, its name derives from the knot worn in the friars’ belts (Luxembourgish knued). After the monastery was confiscated by the French in 1797 and later demolished, the square was redeveloped, eventually gifted to the city by Napoleon in the early 19th century.

The western edge of Place Guillaume II is dominated by the elegant neoclassical City Hall (Hôtel de Ville), completed in 1838 and featuring distinctive twin lion sculptures added in 1938 by Auguste Trémont. On the eastern side, you’ll find the striking equestrian statue of Grand Duke William II, erected in 1884 to commemorate the ruler who granted Luxembourg its first parliamentary constitution. The pedestal is adorned with heraldic symbols representing the House of Orange‑Nassau and all twelve cantons of the Grand Duchy.

Today, the square buzzes with life, especially on Wednesdays and Saturdays, when a lively farmers’ market springs up, featuring local gardeners and vendors selling produce, flowers, cheese, preserves, and more. Beyond its market charm, Knuedler hosts seasonal open-air concerts and cultural events, including the long-running Rock um Knuedler festival, which attracted up to 10,000 guests before recent interruptions-celebrated for bringing international acts to the heart of the city.

A stroll through Place Guillaume II is more than just sightseeing-it’s an immersion into Luxembourg’s past and present. From its medieval roots and historic architecture to its everyday vibrancy as a community hub, this square captures the spirit of the city.

Nestled in the heart of Luxembourg City’s medieval Old Town, the Grand Ducal Palace is a striking example of Flemish Renaissance architecture that has served as the official seat of Luxembourg’s monarchy since 1890. Originally built as the city hall in 1572–1573 on the ruins of an earlier 1418 structure, the palace evolved from municipal government offices to the residence and workplace of the Grand Duke and his family.

Inside, the first floor of the palace boasts lavishly decorated state rooms such as the grand staircase, reception halls, dining rooms, and the Salon des Rois, where the Grand Duke hosts official events and welcomes dignitaries. Each room reflects both historical prestige and modern elegance, thanks to restorations undertaken in the 1960s and a comprehensive renovation between 1991 and 1996. While the palace remains the head of state’s primary workplace, its principal residence lies at Berg Castle in Colmar‑Berg.

Tourists can explore the interior during one of the exclusive guided tours available annually from mid‑July through the end of August. These 75‑minute tours-guided by the Luxembourg City Tourist Office-offer rare access to the Duke’s office, the formal dining room, and the regal Salon des Rois.

For visitors to Luxembourg City, the palace serves as a powerful symbol of the nation’s living heritage. Its magnificent façade, presence within the UNESCO‑listed Old Quarters and Fortifications, and central location make it an unmissable landmark-especially when combined with a scenic stroll through Ville Haute or a relaxing pause at one of the charming nearby cafés.

Why You Should Visit:
The palace is a local landmark right in the heart of Ville-Haute. When visiting Luxembourg, you will inevitably stop and take a look from street level. Keep an eye out for the palace guards' ceremonies.

Tips:
The palace is open for guided tours only during July and August. Ask for information at the information center at Place Guillaume II. Like at Buckingham Palace, you can take pictures with the guard if you wish.

The Luxembourg City History Museum presents a vivid and immersive introduction to the development of Luxembourg City from its earliest origins in the 10th century to the cosmopolitan capital of today. Housed in four beautifully restored 17th‑ to 19th‑century houses in the old town, the building juxtaposes historic architecture with a sleek glass façade and panoramic elevator that offers sweeping views over the Grund district and Rham plateau, reflecting the city’s multi‐layered character.

Inside, the permanent exhibition “The Luxembourg Story” is spread over three subterranean levels and two above, showcasing around 500 original artifacts, urban models, photographs, audiovisual sequences, and interactive multimedia. These exhibits trace Luxembourg’s evolution through four key historical periods-from medieval town and fortress to capital city, wartime occupation, European hub, and finally into the future urban space represented by a tactile 3D city model and interactive planning table.

The museum also features rotating temporary exhibitions on themes such as local culture, contemporary urban issues, or artistic projects, all housed on the upper levels above the permanent galleries. The UNESCO Visitor Centre is integrated into this space, further connecting the city’s heritage with its status as a World Heritage Site.

For tourists, this museum is more than a chronological narrative-it’s a sensory journey through the architectural, social, and political forces that shaped Luxembourg. With its interactive displays, dramatic elevation views, and central location in the Old Town, the Luxembourg City History Museum is an accessible and engaging starting point for understanding the identity and evolution of this elegant European capital.

The Hall of the Chamber of Deputies (Hôtel de la Chambre des Députés), located in the heart of Luxembourg City’s old town, serves as the official seat of Luxembourg’s national legislature. The current building was completed in 1860 on the site of a former Franciscan monastery, reflecting the country’s political evolution following its independence in the 19th century. With its sandstone façade, arched windows, and modest neo-Renaissance detailing, the structure blends harmoniously with the historic architecture of the surrounding Ville Haute district.

Although not generally open for casual public visits, the building is of interest to those curious about Luxembourg’s political institutions and history. Its location is just steps from the Grand Ducal Palace, making it a natural stop for visitors exploring the area. When in session, the Chamber hosts debates, votes, and legislative discussions that shape the country’s policy landscape, and these proceedings can be followed online or through public broadcasts.

The Hall of the Chamber of Deputies is also part of the architectural narrative that defines Luxembourg’s civic core. While its exterior is relatively understated, it carries symbolic weight as a space where democratic processes unfold. Visitors interested in the intersection of architecture and governance will appreciate its careful integration into the urban fabric and its role in national identity.

In contrast to grand legislative buildings in other capitals, the Hall of the Chamber of Deputies reflects Luxembourg’s emphasis on accessibility, discretion, and civic continuity. Its proximity to key sites such as the Place d'Armes and the Corniche adds to its appeal for those on a historical walking tour of the city.

The Walls of the Corniche (Chemin de la Corniche) is a historic promenade, often hailed as “the most beautiful balcony in Europe” thanks to Luxembourg writer Batty Weber. This elegant pathway stretches along the old city ramparts-built in the 17th century by the Spaniards and French-gracefully perched above the Alzette valley. From its vantage point on the Bock promontory to the lower sections around the Holy Ghost Citadel, the corniche offers a stunning vantage over the terraced rooftops of Ville Haute and the storybook quarter of Grund below.

Walking the corniche feels like stepping into a living postcard. Visitors are treated to panoramic views of the Alzette River, the charming Grund neighborhood, and the verdant Rham Plateau. The stone pathway, once equipped with staircases to navigate steep inclines, was leveled off in the late 19th century following the fortress's dismantling of 1867. This transformation revealed unobstructed vistas-shields, and loopholes were removed-so that the beauty of Luxembourg’s dramatic terrain could fully shine.

Steeped in deep history, the corniche traces the remnants of a city fortress that spanned nearly a millennium. From the 10th-century castle of Count Siegfried to the sprawling ramparts heightened by Vauban’s expertise and later scaled back by the Treaty of London’s decree, this area still preserves pieces of its defensive past-walls, towers, casemates, and cobbled ancient paths. As part of the Old Quarters and Fortifications of Luxembourg, a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1994, the corniche forms a captivating chapter in the city’s resilient narrative.

For tourists, the Walls of the Corniche is a must-do stroll. It’s ideal for early mornings or twilight walks when sunlight bathes the valley and rooftops in golden hues. Interpretive plaques, scenic viewpoints, and access to the Grund via elevators or stairways enrich the experience. Along the path, you’ll be just steps from key landmarks-Saint Michael’s Church, the Bock bridge, and the Neumunster Abbey-each one anchoring the corniche within Luxembourg’s intimate tapestry of culture, architecture, and breathtaking beauty.

Luxembourg takes great pride in its title as the "Gibraltar of the North." This fearsome reputation comes from the heavily fortified city's past; it was taken by surprise once in 1443, and the only other time it was defeated was when it was surrendered to the French in 1795. Even then, the city walls were mostly unbreached.

Luxembourg's northeast corner is home to Bock rock, a cliff that towers above the River Alzette. The Romans started with a small fortification here, but it was Count Siegfried in 963 who built the first castle. The city gradually grew around it, and city walls were built that connected to the Bock.

During different periods of occupation, various expansions and upgrades were made by each subsequent occupier. The casements were constructed by the Spanish and the Austrians.

While Luxembourg had begun in the Middle Ages as a relatively open city, by the 16th and 17th centuries, the city had become more or less closed off from the surrounding areas. There were so many walls, guarded gates, and fortresses that the merchant city began to suffer.

Sadly, most of the city's walls and fortresses were torn down in 1867 as a condition of the Treaty of London. Many various pieces and sections of the walls, forts, and towers remain.

Why You Should Visit:
The remains of the fortress and the city's old quarter have been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1994. The casements and other remains of the fortified city are one of Luxembourg's foremost attractions.

The Bock is the area that started Luxembourg; this is the defensive position that appealed greatly to Count Siegfried back in 963.

The casements were greatly enlarged during the period of the Austrians. Around 1744, the passages you see today were created. The central passage is 100 meters long and seven meters wide, with as many as 25 cannon slots branching off from either side. The area was large enough to be used as the barracks for several hundred soldiers.

Tips:
Be sure also to check out Pont du Château, the two-story bridge that connects the Bock to the old town. It was built in 1735 by the Austrians and featured four different ways to cross between the cliffs.

The antechamber of the Bock casements is the archeological crypt.

The views from the Bock of the old city can't be beaten. Don't forget your camera!

In the Grund district, in the southern part of Luxembourg City, is Neumünster Abbey. The building today houses a public meeting place and cultural center. It is the home of the European Institute of Cultural Routes and is also the site of many concerts, seminars, and exhibitions. Also onsite, the Lucien Wercollier Cloister houses many of the famous local sculptor's collection.

Neumünster Abbey was built in 1688 and expanded in 1720. It stands on the original Benedictine Altmünster Abbey site, which was destroyed by fire in 1542. The abbey consisted of a church and four wings surrounding an inner courtyard. After the French Revolution, authorities confiscated the church and altered the building into a military hospital.

The building was used as a police station, prison, troop barracks, and various points throughout its history. During WWII, the Nazis who occupied Luxembourg used the building to imprison resistors and political opponents.

The building has been the site of many notable events, including where Bulgaria and Romania signed their Treaty of Accession into the EU.