Things to Do in Luxembourg City

Luxembourg Ville’s Old Town, walled in to the north of the city, is a striking network of narrow lanes and twisting alleyways. Capped by a fantastic fortress, this UNESCO-protected quarter has to rank among the most underrated and least visited of Europe’s capitals.

Saturday in Luxembourg City is market day, and the range of goods on offer is split into two. Place Guillaume is where to head for food and great local produce, while the stalls at Place D’Armes largely sell a selection of bric-a-brac, antiques and jewelry. Both are great, though!

Luxembourg City is riddled with underground tunnels and fortifications. Known as the Casements du Bock, this series of tunnels, stairwells and underground armories were hewn out by the Spanish in the 18th century, and now make for fascinating exploring.

This fine building is the official residence of the country’s Head of State, and, as such, something of a curiosity: Luxembourg is the only Sovereign Grand Duchy (a country whose head of state is a Duke) in the world.

Out to the east of the country, Mullerthal or ‘Little Switzerland’ – the area surrounding Echternach – is hilly, densely forested and perfect for hiking. Echternach itself has a striking medieval square, and is home to one of the continent’s oldest Dancing Processions held every year on Whit Tuesday.