Luxembourg

Luxembourg, Luxembourg

Luxembourg's modest 1000 square miles harbour an unlikely many treasures, from UNESCO-listed Medieval fortifications to prised wines of the Moselle, an animated arts scene, cutting-edge architectural creations, seats of prominent EU institutions and abundant natural pursuits, including skiing on the excellent slopes of northern Ardennes, hiking the Valley of Seven Castes or along the trails of Mullerthal that cut through peculiar sandstone rock formations, and soaking the hours away in the sparkling thermal pools of Mondorf-les-Bains.

Population:

114,303 (Jun 2017) Luxembourg City
590,667 (Jan 2017) Luxembourg

Currency:

1 Euro = 100 cents

Emergency Numbers:

For the Emergency Services, dial 112, or for the Grand Ducal Police, dial 113.

Opening Hours:

General commercial opening hours are roughly between 9.00-18.00 (few remain open until 20.00). Some restaurants open for lunch and dinner, remaining closed in-between.

Newspapers:

Delano (English)
City Magazine Luxembourg (French / English)
Luxemburger Wort (French / German / English / Portuguese)
Luxembourg Times (English)

The Country

Spread your net wide when deciding on an itinerary around the Grand Duchy, for some of the area's most enticing attractions lie away from Luxembourg City (although almost always within easy access from here). Some of the unmissable highlights include Luxembourg's Medieval fairy tale castles and much-loved wine route, that stretches across the Moselle River valley connecting the towns of Echternach and Mondorf-les-Bains, the latter inviting weary travellers for a soak in effervescent thermal baths.

Luxembourg City

The Duchy's capital of just over 114,000 inhabitants is largely made up of expats, but tourists are still few and far between – great news for those who prefer having the city streets all to themselves. There are a few excellent museums in Luxembourg City (the MUDAM is one not to be overlooked), plenty of Medieval remnants and lookout points to take them in from, as well as expansive dining offerings, including from Luxembourg's astounding many Michelin-starred establishments.

Dining

With its location at the nexus of German and French culinary traditions, Luxembourgish cuisine has absorbed influences from both of its neighbours. Some of the specialities include the quintessential kniddelen (flour and potato dumplings that come with different toppings), fried potato pancakes, imports from southern Germany such as flammekueche (a variety of pizza with creme freche or formage blanc, typically topped off with bacon and onions), schnitzel, as well as seafood from respectable suppliers in the region, and it doesn't end there. For such a small country, Luxembourg also boasts an enviable number of Michelin-starred restaurants (more per capita than in other countries in Europe).

Cafes

Alongside Belgium, Luxembourg has its own chocolate artistry to show for itself – the longstanding Namur, reputable Oberweis and artisan Chocolate House Bonn are a few essential stops for those with a taste for sweet treats. A few cafes still retain local flavour – try Bistrot de la Presse or Café Interview to look beyond the sleek facades of the city's trendy mixology hot spots.