Visit Luxembourg in 2 days

Where to Stay in Luxembourg

Location matters in Luxembourg because the city is small but vertically dramatic: you often move between the high town and the valleys, and minutes can feel like a world when stairs and bridges are involved. For a two-day visit, choose a base that keeps your walking distances short to the sights you care about, allows easy arrival and departure, and suits your tolerance for hills. Think of your neighbourhood choice as a way to trade minutes for atmosphere — a few extra steps can put you in a postcard setting.

The city is organised around the historic upper town and the lower river valleys. The compact core around the cathedral and the main square is where civic life has long centred, while the Alzette valley and the riverside quarters have a quieter, more intimate feel. If you’re planning to visit Saint Michael’s Church, Luxembourg and the Fishmarket, you’ll appreciate being close to the riverside promenades; if Notre-Dame Cathedral, Guillaume II Square and the Ministry of State are your priorities, staying in the upper town saves time and lets you step outside into grand squares and pedestrian streets.

For most visitors I recommend focusing on two complementary areas. Ville Haute places you within easy reach of the Ville Haute landmarks like Notre-Dame Cathedral and Guillaume II Square and keeps official buildings such as the Ministry of State within a short walk. For atmosphere, the lower quarter around the Alzette — the Grund and the Fishmarket area — offers picturesque streets, river views and close access to Saint Michael’s Church, Luxembourg. If you value transport connections, consider staying near the Gare so trains and buses are immediately at hand.

Transport in Luxembourg is unusually straightforward: the central city is extremely walkable but also served by frequent buses and a network of funiculars, lifts and pedestrian bridges that make steep parts manageable. Public transport across the country is free, which is handy for short hops or arriving from the airport; taxis and bike rentals are also plentiful if you want to save your legs after a day of sightseeing. Keep in mind some streets are steep and cobbled, so check whether your accommodation has an elevator if stairs are a concern.

Finally, relax about the choice: for two days pick the vibe you want — history and squares in the upper town or charm and river views in the lower quarter — and prioritise proximity to your top sights. Book a place with clear arrival instructions and at least decent luggage access, and you’ll spend your time enjoying Saint Michael’s Church, the Fishmarket, Notre-Dame Cathedral and Guillaume II Square rather than worrying about getting back to your room.

Getting Around Luxembourg

Getting around Luxembourg is one of the pleasant surprises of visiting Europe: the network is compact, punctual and very easy to use even if you’re here for just a couple of days. The city is served by the national train operator CFL, a neat network of bus lines and the modern tram — in the centre everything feels within reach. Because the system is small and well signed, you won’t need to wrestle with complicated transfers; route maps are clear, stops are frequent, and announcements are often bilingual, so you can relax and enjoy the views as you travel. 🚇

A practical tip about fares and paperwork: since March 2020 most public transport within Luxembourg is free public transport — that means buses, trams and domestic trains generally require no ticket. That said, if you’re planning cross-border trips into Germany, France or Belgium you’ll need to buy an international ticket, so check before you hop on. If you prefer a physical guide, the Luxembourg Card can be handy for tourists who want museum discounts and organised excursions, but it’s optional for getting around the city itself. 🎫

When it comes to navigation I rely on Google Maps and the CFL app in tandem: Google does a great job showing walking times, tram stops and where to change, while CFL gives live train info and platform details. Search the place name, pick "transit" and you’ll see clear options — some are a short walk, others a quick tram ride. For unexpected schedule changes, the apps update in real time, which makes it easy to stay flexible and enjoy your day without stress. 🗺️

Money-wise, Luxembourg is a breath of fresh air: because local transport is free you’ll save on the usual transit card expenses, leaving you more to spend on food, a museum or a cozy café. Consider using the city’s Park & Ride facilities if you arrive by car, and avoid taxis for short hops in the centre — public transport or a brisk walk will usually be faster and far cheaper.

On my last visit we decided to explore between Saint Michael's Church and the Fishmarket before heading to Notre-Dame Cathedral. Instead of waiting for a bus we walked the charming cobbled lanes, popped down a viewpoint staircase, and reached the Fishmarket in ten minutes — then took a two-stop tram to Notre-Dame to save time before a museum opening. That mix of walking and a single short ride is exactly why Luxembourg’s transport feels so effortless: you can improvise, enjoy the city and always find a quick, reliable way to your next stop.

What to Pack for Luxembourg

Short trip, big history — Luxembourg’s compact old town and cathedral-lined streets invite long, slow wandering. On my last 48-hour visit I was out for 10+ hours each day, climbed the casemates steps, and walked about 12 miles total. Here are the essentials I actually used and why each one mattered in real situations.

1. Comfortable walking shoes (Merrell Moab 2 or similar): I wore my Merrell Moab 2s and they saved my feet on cobblestones and steep staircases — I logged roughly 12 miles across Luxembourg City in one day. Stiff soles protect your arches on uneven pavements and the grippy tread stops me slipping on damp stone near the fortifications. Don’t bring new shoes — break them in first.

2. Cross-body bag: I carried a medium cross-body with a zip and RFID pocket for my passport and camera. It keeps valuables close in crowded squares and inside churches when I sat quietly for 20–30 minutes. A bag that sits across your chest is much easier to manage on stairs and avoids the shoulder strain of a tote when you’re out 10+ hours.

3. Weather-appropriate layers (light waterproof jacket + scarf): Luxembourg weather flips quickly — during one morning I had sun, by afternoon a light rain and chill. I layered a thin fleece under a packable waterproof jacket and used a scarf for warmth in cool churches. Layers let you be comfortable sitting quietly in a cathedral or walking briskly along the Alzette valley.

4. Power adapter (Type C/E, 230V) and a short USB-C cable: Plugs are Type C/E and the voltage is 230V — I forgot this once and had to hunt for an adapter before evening photography. A small travel adapter plus a short cable lets you recharge in small guesthouse rooms between visits to Notre-Dame Cathedral and the Grand Ducal Palace.

5. Power bank (10,000–20,000 mAh): My 10,000 mAh power bank gave me one full phone charge plus camera battery top-ups during a long day of photographing stained glass and city views. When I missed a cab or extended a visit in a church, having juice for maps and photos was a literal lifesaver.

6. Optional — lightweight scarf (for church modesty) & pocket notebook: I always keep a thin scarf to cover shoulders if needed in sacred spaces and a small notebook to jot down names of churches, quiet moments, or service times. Both are small but made the difference between respectful entry and scrambling to cover up or losing a memory.