Luxembourg is a city built on many levels, with the historic old city built on the plateau and other communities sitting below in deep gorges. Connecting the different parts of town for pedestrians and cyclists has always been a challenge from a planning perspective.

The Pfaffenthal Panoramic Elevator was begun in 2006, but due to various delays, it wasn't completed until 2017. Along with the Grund public elevator and the Pfaffenthal-Kirchberg funicular, the city is connected to the Alzette and Petrusse river valleys below.

The elevator's main shaft is about 60 meters tall, and it is built right into the Cote d'Eich hillside. Seventy-two anchor bolts are drilled as far as 30 meters into the bedrock, and the terrain is reinforced with concrete. The footbridge leading to the elevator in Pescatore Park has an observation platform that extends out over the Alzette Valley. It also has window panels and clear glass flooring, allowing for some stunning views.

Why You Should Visit:
The glass-walled elevator is a quick and easy way to connect to the community of Pfaffenthal, but that's far from the only reason to take the ride. The elevator provides some of the most beautiful panoramic views to be found anywhere in the city.

Tips:
Even if you don't plan to ride the elevator, take the trip out on the footbridge to check out the observation deck.

If you'd like to visit the Pfaffenthal section of town, consider going down on the elevator and back up via the Pfaffenthal-Kirchberg funicular. In this part of town, you'll find the Grand-Duchess Charlotte bridge, several parks, and Fort Niedergrünewald.

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.

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.

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.

If you're visiting Luxembourg City, the Statue of Grand Duchess Charlotte in Clairefontaine Square is an elegant and historically rich landmark not to be missed. Erected in April 1990 to commemorate the 90th birthday of Grand Duchess Charlotte, who reigned from 1919 to 1964, the bronze monument was created by French sculptor Jean Cardot. Standing at approximately 2.75 metres tall on its base, it commands a gentle prominence in the heart of a peaceful, leafy square.

As you approach, you'll notice Charlotte’s arm is outstretched skywards-a gesture that is deliberately open to interpretation. Tour guides explain that it evokes both a welcoming symbol to her people and a poignant appeal during World War II for Luxembourg’s allies to aid in liberating the country. This warm, dignified portrayal captures the respect and gratitude Luxembourgers felt toward her, especially given her steadfast leadership during turbulent times.

Surrounded by stately architecture and close to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the statue is framed by a tranquil garden environment with benches for reflection-a favourite gathering spot for both locals and tourists. On a sunny morning or during golden hour, the statue’s bronze surface seems to glow softly amid the Luxembourg flags flying nearby-an ideal moment for a photograph or quiet contemplation.

Whether you're fascinated by Luxembourgish history, public art, or simply seeking a serene stop during your city tour, the Grand Duchess Charlotte statue offers a thoughtful introduction to the country’s proud identity and past.

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 the historic Ville Haute quarter, the Equestrian Statue of William II stands proudly on the eastern edge of Place Guillaume II, a grand neo‑classical square affectionately known as Knuedler by locals. Commissioned in 1884 and unveiled amidst city pride, this graceful monument pays tribute to William II, who reigned both as King of the Netherlands and Grand Duke of Luxembourg from 1840 until 1849.

The statue itself is a masterful collaboration between two prominent sculptors: Antonin Mercié, who sculpted William II in a commanding salute with bicorne hat raised, and Victor Peter, who designed the elegant rearing horse beneath him. Cast in bronze, the monument features a sculpted pedestal adorned with heraldic emblems: the coat of arms of the House of Orange‑Nassau, alongside those of the City of Luxembourg and all twelve cantons of the Grand Duchy-a striking visual narrative of national identity and pride.

William II is celebrated for granting Luxembourg its first parliamentary constitution in 1848-one of the most liberal of its time in Europe-and this statue commemorates both his leadership and the constitutional freedoms he championed. In front of the imposing City Hall, completed in 1838 in neoclassical style, the statue forms a majestic focal point for the square, linking civic governance with national legacy.

For visitors, stepping onto Place Guillaume II means immersing oneself in Luxembourg’s layered history and vibrant present. Whether you pause for photos beside the bronze monument or explore the heritage that surrounds it-from medieval monastic foundations to modern open‑air markets-this site offers both historical insight and lively social energy. Don’t miss the farmers’ market on Wednesdays and Saturdays, or the seasonal concerts and festivals that transform this elegant square into a bustling cultural hub known to draw locals and tourists alike.

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.

With the long and storied history that Luxembourg has, it's no wonder that its National Museum of History and Art would be a worthwhile visit. The museum covers all periods in the city's development, from Roman times to the present day. Except for some exhibitions, the museum is free.

The archeology section and exhibits are exemplary. The collection spans all the human activity in the Luxembourg territories from prehistory to the Middle Ages. Many artifacts come from the Bronze and Iron Ages of Roman times. One notable item is a Roman mural that was uncovered nearby, circa 240 AD.

In addition to fine arts, the museum also has an extensive collection of arts and crafts. These include Luxembourg-produced items like clocks, furniture, silverware, and ceramics. The collection is uniquely displayed in settings as they exist, with recreated rooms like luxurious Renaissance palaces to Art Deco rooms.

The museum is quite large, housed in a five-story building with an additional five floors below ground level. If you are pressed on time, it's worthwhile to sit and plan your visit. If you take your time, you can easily spend all day here.

Signs and text in the museum are sometimes in English and sometimes not. The best solution for English speakers is to pick up an audio guide.

Why You Should Visit:
The way the museum is built and arranged offers a true cultural and historical experience, and the old walls of the city are very nicely integrated in the space.
You'll see a very interestingly designed building that takes you down 4 levels to prehistory and up another four to modern art - definitely worth exploring even if you're not into museums.
You can also go to the oldest church in Luxembourg (St. Michael's nearby) and the old Fishmarket in front of the museum.

Tip:
You do need to leave big bags in a locker that costs €1 but you can take the camera around with you.
Make sure you pick up a highlights leaflet in the introductory gallery. There are gallery guides (available in English) on each floor, too.

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.

Fort Thungen, also affectionately known as the “Three Acorns” (Drai Eechelen), is a remarkable 18th‑century fortress perched above Luxembourg City in the Drai Eechelen Park, Kirchberg quarter. Built in 1732 under Austrian command to enclose the earlier Vauban-style Redoute du Parc, it was later expanded by Prussian forces in the 19th century before most of its structure was dismantled following the 1867 Treaty of Paris. Only the three distinctive round towers, each crowned with giant acorn motifs, survived intact along with the foundation walls, making them both emblematic and evocative remnants of Luxembourg’s fortress past.

Visitors can explore the Three Acorns Museum (Musee Drai Eechelen), opened in July 2012 within the fully restored fort, to trace Luxembourg’s history from 1443 to 1903. The museum’s permanent exhibit spans six underground casemate galleries filled with over 600 artifacts, maps, documents, and multimedia displays, supplemented by two additional casemates amply illustrating life and urban development in the capital over the centuries. From the rooftop terrace, sweeping panoramic views invite reflection on the verdant Alzette valley below and the contrasting modern skyline of the Kirchberg district, featuring the nearby glass pavilion of the MUDAM (Museum of Modern Art Grand‑Duc Jean).

The grounds themselves are equally inviting, located in a serene landscaped setting known as the Three Acorns Park (Parc des Trois Glands). A former deep moat, now a scenic garden, offers shaded paths ideal for a stroll or quiet respite. Guided tours are available and highly recommended for families and history enthusiasts to gain deeper insights into the site’s military significance and cultural identity.

Whether you're captivated by military architecture, fascinated by historical narratives, or simply seeking a tranquil spot with views of Luxembourg’s fortified past and vibrant present, Fort Thungen delivers a memorable blend of history, culture, and scenic charm.

Why You Should Visit:
There's a beautiful view from the walking path, and the fort itself is very impressive.
Each section takes you through the various histories of Luxembourg and how many times it changed hands until becoming its own country.
The artifacts and maps are very cool to see for anyone interested in this piece of history.
At the end, you can walk in the tunnels of the fort and then go to the top and walk along the roof.

Tip:
Visiting inside the fort requires admission; however, you can explore the outside walls for free!
As it is located in a pretty hilly area, you can just sit down and chill and enjoy the magnificent view of the city with no one to bother you.