City Guide: Luxembourg City

City Guide: Luxembourg City

Luxembourg’s quaint capital is a multi-storey city of high culture, hybrid dining and a festive, royal mood that will take you pleasantly by surprise.



If
your preconceptions of Luxembourg are of a pint-sized country
limited to wealthy financial institutions, Rolexes and suits, then
you will be surprised by the allure of its quaint capital, which is
a multi-storey city of high culture, hybrid dining and a festive,
royal mood.

Sandwiched between Belgium,
France and
Germany, the
petite country is smaller than most of our British home
counties, yet embodies the spirit and ideals of the EU. Indeed, the
Schengen agreement was signed here; the tiny wine-making village in
southeastern Luxembourg is synonymous with open borders and
mobility, chosen for its ideal location at the intersection of
three borders.

Luxembourg City is built upon a rocky plateau adjoined by many
bridges and viaducts: a perilous topography that has served it well
over the centuries as a natural fortress. Its romantic cobbled
streets, green parks and world-class museums occupy one of the most
unique urban settings in Europe.

The staggered vertical layers of the UNESCO-protected old town
are divided into two distinct areas. The lofty Ville Haute is home
to the city’s high street and main sights, and Ville Basse, or
Grund, is a leafy,
picturesque
neighbourhood down in the gorge. The two are
connected by elevators (including a glass elevator with a
skywalk-style floor) and a steep, hairpin road. Additionally, there
is the bustling Gare district around the train station, and
Kirchberg – perhaps better known as Luxembourg’s European
headquarters being home to the European Commission, the European
Court of Auditors and the European Court of Justice.

Take note of the erudite locals flowing seamlessly between
French, German, English and Luxembourgish (a hybrid of German and
French) and adopt their enviable “joie de vivre” lifestyle – let’s
not forget, this is Europe’s wealthiest nation where luxury goods
jostle with Michelin stars and the locals certainly know how to
live well.

An
Insta-worthy destination
for aesthetes, gourmands, linguists
and history buffs alike, Luxembourg is an enriching place that will
take you pleasantly by surprise.


hotel

Le Place d’Armes

Luxembourg City, Luxembourg

Le Place d’Armes is a five-star hotel with a sophisticated mood and refined blend of regency style and contemporary design. Once a row of 18th-century townhouses, the luxury hotel is part of the Relais & Chateaux collection, and has a popular French brasserie.

Address

18 Place d’Armes
1136


hotel

Hotel Simoncini

Luxembourg City, Luxembourg

Hotel Simoncini is a modern hotel and art gallery which regularly hosts cultural events such as performances and poetry nights. It’s right in the centre of town, near the cathedral.

Address

6 Rue de Notre Dame
2240


hotel

Youth Hostel

Luxembourg City, Luxembourg

The city’s Youth Hostel, which is an excellent low-cost option, occupies a picturesque riverside spot surrounded by woods and fields ideal for post exploring walks.

Address

2 Rue du Fort Olisy
2261