A Day Trip to Luxembourg
Relatively small and unknown, Luxembourg City is definitely one of the most underrated gems in Europe. The capital of Luxembourg is perfectly situated in close proximity to metropolises like Brussels and Cologne and is easily accessible by rail or air. Now, I would not go as far as describing this picturesque town with approximately 100,000 inhabitants as a cosmopolitan hub, but it is certainly worth having a look around.
The first thing I noticed on arrival is the beautifully structured, historic Old Town. Narrow cobbled alleys, interrupted by small green areas and loads of shade-giving trees, are bustling with the everyday life of locals.
The Alzette River flows through the scenery and offers superb opportunities for a leisurely walk along its banks, enjoying the calm atmosphere in the meanwhile. You are also not dependent on public transport to get around; you can easily explore the main sights by foot. The Grand Ducal Palace with its elegant facade is definitely a sight to not miss out on. It is now the Duke’s official residence, after becoming the first city hall in the 16th century and being used as a concert hall during the time of occupation by the Nazis. Another sight to stop at is the Monument of Remembrance, also commonly known as the Golden Lady, which commemorates the Luxembourgish volunteers during World War I. It is one of the city’s most prominent landmarks, and the golden figure even went abroad for a while in 2010 when it was part of the Expo exhibition in Shanghai. A statue that has seen more of the world than I have so far, how sad. But it is also significantly older than me so I have quite some time left to catch up. Okay enough of that, swiftly moving on.
The Notre Dame Cathedral is the only one in Luxembourg and boasts fantastic gothic architecture. The design is quite straightforward and classy, with a few ornaments from Renaissance times. Especially noticeable are the Organ Gallery and the Nave, both marvellously decorated. Enlarged in the 1930s, the church’s newly added tower burned down in 1985, along with the bells. They were rebuilt in the same year. A place where you will most definitely find locals, as well as tourists, is the Place d’Armes. With several petite shops and cafes, it is perfect for people-watching, and twice a month a flea market takes place on Saturday. On warm summer evenings, lots of musicians like to use the setting for sweeping performances, fabulously accompanying your leisurely night out with friends. If you are looking for a highlight of cuisine and culture, you definitely should not miss out on Grund, a neighbourhood close to the centre. It is well-known for its lively nightlife scene and home to the Michelin starred restaurant Mosconi, serving the best pasta I have ever eaten (at this point I would like to quickly make a sincere apology to the Italian restaurant around the corner of my flat). Feeling the need to relax from sightseeing for a moment or simply want to watch life pass you by a bit? Head to Petrusse Park next to the symbol of Luxembourg’s independence, Adolphe Bridge and sit down on a bench, enjoying the beautiful flower arrangements, vibrant surroundings and the sight of the Petrusse River. For a unique view of the panorama, why not head to Bock Casemates? The old castle is rich in history and boasts several ring walls and tunnels you can walk through to get a perfect impression of the massive fortress.
Fans of brilliant art might want to stop by the Musee national d’histoire et d’art Luxembourg, where you can admire inspiring exhibitions of Beaux-Arts, decorative and popular artworks as well as archaeological objects. There is also a possibility to book a guided tour to get an even more detailed insight into the large collection of paintings and sculptures. When we spontaneously decided to visit the city, it was rather because we did not know what else to do with our weekend than because of genuine interest. Little did we expect to stumble upon such a striking town that I would absolutely consider one of Europe’s most gorgeous secrets. I can only recommend you to experience the exceptional atmosphere along with a captivating mixture of bustle and calmness yourself!
