If you’ve never considered Luxembourg for a city break, you’re not alone. While it may not top many travel lists, it turns out there are more things to do in Luxembourg than you might expect, from exploring the charming capital to hiking forest trails and visiting fairy-tale castles. With free and reliable public transport it’s easy to explore the country in just a few days. Here’s how to make the most of a weekend trip.
Top Things to Do in Luxembourg
Tucked between Germany, France, and Belgium, Luxembourg is one of Europe’s smallest countries — but it offers far more than most travellers expect. Nearly half the population is made up of foreign nationals, and you’ll hear Luxembourgish, French, and German spoken throughout the country. Though it’s best known as a financial hub with one of the highest GDPs per capita in the world, there are plenty of compelling reasons to visit.
Here are some of the top things to do in Luxembourg:
- Tour medieval castles – The most well known castles in Luxembourg include Vianden, Bourscheid and Clervaux Castle, each offering a glimpse into Luxembourg’s medieval past.
- Explore Luxembourg City – Discover the UNESCO-listed old town, scenic viewpoints, cliffside promenades, and the historic Bock Casemates
- Visit medieval towns – Wander through Echternach and Vianden, two charming towns full of history, architecture, and atmosphere.
- Hike in the Mullerthal Region – Known as “Little Switzerland,” this area offers forest trails, sandstone rock formations, and peaceful scenery.
- Taste wine in the Moselle Valley – Visit the country’s wine region for riverside views and local white wines.
Planning Your Trip: When to Visit, Where to Stay & How to Get Around Luxembourg
Luxembourg has a mild climate, so if warm weather is a priority, summer is the best time to visit. However, late spring and early autumn are also great options if you don’t mind cooler temperatures and prefer fewer tourists. Another unique time to visit is late November or December to experience the Christmas market.
If you’re flying in, you’ll arrive at Luxembourg Airport, located just outside Luxembourg City. The city itself makes an excellent base for your trip, with excellent transport connections to most places of interest.
Accommodation in Luxembourg City’s center tends to be expensive, so if you’re looking to save money, booking a hotel outside the city centre is a smart choice. The city is small, and with free, reliable public transport, staying slightly outside the center is a convenient trade-off. During my visit, I stayed at the Mercure Luxembourg Off Kirchber, which had great reviews and proved to be a perfect location between the airport and city center. It allowed me to easily drop off my bags both on arrival and before departure. I also appreciated the modern décor and excellent breakfast options. I’d highly recommend this hotel for anyone seeking comfort without breaking the bank.
3 Day Itinerary: The Best Things to Do in Luxembourg Over a Weekend
Luxembourg is compact enough to explore its top sights in just three days, making it an ideal destination for a long weekend getaway. This itinerary covers everything you need for a perfect trip.
Day 1 – Exploring Luxembourg City
Try to arrive on a morning flight to give yourself plenty of time to explore Luxembourg City. After dropping off your bags, take a bus to the city center and start with a walk around the UNESCO-listed old town. The city’s unique charm comes from two rivers carving deep canyons, creating stunning views. Don’t miss the Chemin de la Corniche for the best panoramic spots, and enjoy a stroll along the Alzette and Pétrusse rivers through the parks.
If you want a sit-down lunch, book ahead—many popular restaurants fill up fast. One place I had my eye on but couldn’t get into was Café-Restaurant Um Dierfgen, known for authentic Luxembourgish dishes. Also, keep in mind that many restaurants close on Sundays or Mondays.
In the afternoon, explore the modern district of Kirchberg. On your way there, take the Pfaffenthal Panoramic Elevator for beautiful views as you descend into the valley. Then, hop on the Pfaffenthal-Kirchberg Funicular, a fun and unusual public transport option, which will save you some energy as it takes you back uphill.
While Kirchberg lacks the old-town charm, it’s home to impressive modern architecture including the Philharmonie concert hall, the European Convention Center, and the European Parliament. On your return to the city center, stroll through Parc des Trois Glands for more great views and to see the partially restored Fort Thüngen.
End your day with a visit to the Casemates du Bock, an underground tunnel network that offers a glimpse into Luxembourg’s history. Plan for 30-45 minute. Tickets cost €10 for adults at the time of writing.
Day 2 – Hiking the Mullerthal Trail
Spend your second day exploring the Mullerthal region, known for its unique sandstone rock formations. There are three circular trails around 37-38 km long, but you can choose your own start and end points as you wish. The most popular is Route 2, famous for its stunning rock formations and the Schiessentümpel Waterfall.
I suggest starting in Echternach because it’s easy to reach by a direct bus from Luxembourg City and lets you visit the town before your hike. Take some time to visit the historic Abbey of Echternach, a 7th-century Benedictine monastery, then enjoy brunch or a coffee at Carli’s Coffee before starting your hike.
From Echternach, begin your hike in a counter-clockwise direction. The first part of the trail is mostly uphill, but if you prefer, you can skip this section by taking a bus to Berdorf, which is further along the route. Once you reach the village of Mullerthal, keep a lookout for signs pointing to the Schiessentümpel Waterfall, one of the trail’s most popular and picturesque spots—it’s definitely worth a visit.
You can choose to finish the hike all the way back in Echternach or end earlier at one of the several points where the trail crosses a road. For example, you can catch a direct bus back to Luxembourg City from Consdorf.
Day 3 – Visiting Vianden Castle
On your final day, take a slightly longer trip to Vianden to see Luxembourg’s most iconic castle. The town lies in the northeast, close to the German border. To reach it, you’ll first take a train to Ettelbruck and then continue by bus to Vianden.
Vianden Castle, originally built between the 11th and 14th centuries, has been beautifully restored and is now open to visitors. When buying your ticket, you can also add an audio guide for just €2—well worth it, even if you’re not a history enthusiast, as it brings the castle’s stories and architecture to life. You will need around 2 hours to fully explore the castle.
After your visit, don’t miss a stroll along the Our River. If you’re there between April and early October, you can also hop on the chairlift for stunning views over the town and the castle.
Be sure to leave Vianden with enough time to return to Luxembourg City for your flight. If your departure is earlier in the day, consider starting your trip to Vianden in the morning or shifting this visit to another day.
Final Thoughts on Visiting Luxembourg
Luxembourg might not be the first destination that comes to mind for a weekend break. It certainly wasn’t on mine. But it turned out to be one of the most surprising and rewarding trips I’ve taken. From the charm of Luxembourg City’s old towns, to the peaceful hikes of the Mullerthal Trail and the fairy-tale beauty of Vianden Castle, the country offers an impressive variety in a very compact area. With free public transport, efficient travel connections, and a unique blend of culture, nature, and history, Luxembourg is an ideal destination for a 3-day escape. If you’re looking for something a little different, a place that’s under the radar but full of character, Luxembourg definitely deserves a spot on your travel list.