48 hours in Luxembourg - A 2 day Itinerary

Luxembourg City, Luxembourg. Cityscape image of old town Luxembourg skyline during beautiful summer sunset.

Luxembourg is a small country that is based in Europe. It shares borders with Belgium, France and Germany. It has a small population of over 600,000 people and a rich history that goes back thousands of years to Roman times.

The country is quite small, but it has a lot of things to offer visitors and residents alike. It is known for its good food, wine and beer; it also has some beautiful landscapes and architecture that you can enjoy while visiting.

This 48 hours in Luxembourg itinerary will tell you everything you need to know to enjoy the perfect Luxembourg weekend trip.

It includes when to visit Luxembourg and how to get around, what to eat, where to stay, and all the best things to do in Luxembourg and places to visit. It even includes all the best tours to do in Luxembourg and beyond so you can enjoy a perfect 2 days in Luxembourg.

It is home to the only Grand Duchy that you will find throughout Europe and has many castles nestled amongst its landscape. The country is also known for being a financial centre, as it has many banks and investment companies that are based there.

The capital city is called Luxembourg City and this is where you can find many government buildings and banks. It is also home to a large number of museums that are worth seeing, including the National Museum of History and Art.

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Table of Contents

Where to stay for your 48 hours in Luxembourg itinerary

If you only have 48 hours in Luxembourg then it is recommended to stay in the capital city as this is where there is most to do in close proximity to each other.

A weekend in Luxembourg is plenty of time to see everything that you want to see and get a feel of the country. If you are staying in Luxembourg City then there are plenty of hotels to choose from. Many of these are located near the station and the city centre, so this makes it easy for you to get around.

If you are on a luxury budget then Hotel Le Place d’Armes is a great hotel to stay at. It is centrally located meaning all attractions are within a few minutes walk away. The decor of the hotel and rooms are extremely stylish and the service is great.

It is a perfect place to stay if you want to experience luxury in Luxembourg City. The hotel has many amenities such as a fine dining restaurant on site, a bar with a terrace as well as a fitness and spa centre.

If you are on a tighter budget, then try one of the many hostels that are in Luxembourg City such as Youth Hostel. This accommodation is slightly out of the centre but it is still within walking distance of the city centre and many attractions.

It is a great place to meet other travellers and make new friends. The hostel offers many amenities such as common rooms, parking, complimentary breakfast and bike storage.

Day 1 in Luxembourg

For your first day on your 48 hours in Luxembourg itinerary, you will get to soak in the culture of the capital city.

You will go sightseeing to some of the most famous landmarks of the Luxembourg City skyline and visit some of the most important museums to learn more about the history of Luxembourg.

Luxembourg City Walking Tour

Start your day early by grabbing breakfast and joining a Luxembourg City Walking Tour around the city. This tour is around £20 and takes two hours to complete.

Within this time you will get to see the city with a tour guide who will be able to take you to the best places to view the city’s skyline and learn about the history of Luxembourg.

During this tour, you will get to see sights such as the Holy Ghost Citadel, Le Chemin de la Corniche and Place Clairefontaine.

Notre Dame Cathedral

Continue your sightseeing by heading over to the Notre Dame Cathedral once the tour has finished. This cathedral was built between 1613 and 1968 and is one of the most popular landmarks in Luxembourg City. The cathedral is open every day with the entrance being free.

It is well worth a visit, especially if you want to see the impressive architecture that has both Baroque and Gothic styles. The Roman Catholic cathedral features many beautiful stained glass windows, huge arches and a magnificent organ.

There is also a collection of relics, which you can view during your visit. It is the only cathedral in the whole country which has made it one of the most popular tourist attractions in Luxembourg.

Luxembourg city = exterior view of Notre Dame Cathedral in the city center

Grand Ducal Palace

Next up is the Grand Ducal Palace, which is only a 5 minute walk away from the cathedral. The palace is the official residence of the Grand Duke of Luxembourg and is one of the most important palaces in Europe.

It has been standing since 1572 and was originally built as a fortress. The last renovations on the building were back in 1895 which left the palace much larger than its original structure. The palace is open to the public and you can go inside and see all of the amazing rooms.

A guided tour comes at a 15 euro fee and lasts around one hour and fifteen minutes. The palace is an amazing place to visit and you can easily spend an entire day wandering around. There are some really interesting rooms with great artwork and sculptures that you should definitely check out.

Luxembourg - Grand Ducal Palace, residence of the Grand Duke, and people on the street in Luxembourg, UNESCO World Heritage Site

Panoramic Elevator of the Pfaffenthal

After some lunch, head over to the Panoramic Elevator of the Pfaffenthal. This novel mode of transport will provide you with stunning views across not only the city but the nearby Alzette River valley.

The elevator is a great way to see the city from above and you can not miss out on it. The elevator does not take long to get to the top where you will have access to another part of the city.

Luxembourg, Luxembourg - City view with Pfaffenthal lift, modern buildings with glass facades, old town skyline with towers of the Cathederal. Lift is part of free public transport system

Parc Municipal

Once at the top of the elevator, take a short walk over to Parc Municipal. This is a beautiful, green space that is perfect for relaxing. There are plenty of benches, trees and flowers to enjoy whilst you take in the views of the city below.

The park also contains a playground, so it is perfect for families. The park is free to enter and open 24 hours a day. The Parc Municipal is a great place to visit if you want to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city below.

Villa Vauban Parc municipal d'edouard Andre Museum. Luxembourg city.

Luxembourg City History Museum

The Luxembourg City History Museum is located in the centre of the city. The museum contains exhibits on various aspects of Luxembourg’s history, including archaeology and art.

Visitors can learn about how this tiny country became rich from its natural resources and has grown into one of Europe’s most influential financial centres.

You will find a mixture of temporary and permanent exhibits, there is a permanent exhibit of the Grand Duchy and all the history that goes with it.

The entry fee is only 5 euros and is open every day bar Monday. There is a café in the building where you can relax with a drink after exploring all of its exhibits.

external view of the National Museum of History and Art in the city center

Nightlife in Luxembourg City

The nightlife in the city is diverse and has something for everyone, from jazz clubs to cocktail bars. It is a great place for single travellers as there are plenty of places to meet new people and make friends.

The best place to go for a drink is the old town, here you will find plenty of bars and restaurants. There are also lots of clubs and pubs in the area which become more lively at night.

Some great restaurant recommendations include Brasserie Guillaume and La Table du Pain. Both have a cosy atmosphere, great food and a range of drinks.

If you want to go for something more lively then the Bazaar Bar and Restaurant is great for this. With an extensive cocktail list and a Mediterranean style, this bar will be sure to impress.

Beautiful Alzette river side scene on road Rue Munster of Luxembourg at night

Day 2 in Luxembourg

Walk around the cobbled streets of the medieval old town in the morning and then immerse yourself in modern art for the afternoon.

The second day of your 48 hours in Luxembourg itinerary will bring a different perspective to the city. Not only will you be able to see some amazing architecture but also sample some local cuisine by visiting one of the many cafes or restaurants.

Luxembourg City Old Town

To start your day, have a relaxed morning strolling the streets around the old town. You will find the main square is called Place Guillaume, it is extremely popular and has a bustling vibe. You will also find that there is a wide range of restaurants and cafes to choose from making it a great spot for breakfast.

A great cafe recommendation is Golden Bean Coffee Experience or Beet. Golden Bean Coffee Experience has an array of excellent coffees and breakfast pastries, whereas Beet is an all vegan eatery with a wide variety of options.

There is a lot to see in the medieval old town, you will find that there are many shops and attractions. It is well worth exploring the area as it has some fantastic architecture, narrow cobbled streets and beautiful buildings.

Luxembourg city, the capital of Grand Duchy of Luxembourg. The Old Town and Grund quarter.

Bock Casemates

Bock Casemates is a great place to visit, they are located underground in the old town and you can see how the casemates were used during the war. The casemates have been converted into a museum which is great for history lovers.

It is well worth visiting the Bock Casemates as it gives an insight into how people lived during wartime and what they did to protect themselves from enemy attacks.

They were made back in 1644, are 23 kilometres in length and measure 40 meters deep in some places. The site is now listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and they are really interesting to visit.

Historic Bock Casemates Tunnels - Luxembourg City

Grand Duke Jean Museum of Modern Art (MUDAM)

After a quick bite to eat, head over to the Grand Duke Jean Museum of Modern Art for the afternoon.

The museum is a short distance out of the city centre, you can either walk 20-30 minutes or get a short 5 minute taxi to the complex. The Grand Duke Jean Museum of Modern Art, also known as MUDAM, is a great place to visit if you are an art lover.

The huge gallery and museum houses a large collection of contemporary art and modern art. It costs 8 euros per person to enter the art filled building and it is open every day except for Tuesdays. You will find a huge library on site, plus a cafe and other facilities.

Parking place and glass roof of Contemporary Art Museum of Luxembourg city

Musée Dräi Eechelen & Fort Obergrünewald

After your visit to MUDAM, take a stroll back through the Parc des Trois Glands where you will find many historical landmarks such as Musée Dräi Eechelen, Porte du Grünewald and Fort Obergrünewald. These old buildings and ruins date back to the 1600s and offer a sight into the history of the area.

The museum houses a collection of weapons and armour from the early days of Luxembourg’s history. The forts were built to protect against invaders, making them some of the oldest buildings in Luxembourg City.

The park also contains many walking and biking trails, making it a great place to relax and enjoy nature. The Parc des Trois Glands also offers great views that overlook the city and surrounding areas.

LUXEMBOURG CITY - A view of the Fort Thungen in Luxembourg City, Luxembourg, which nowadays hosts the Drai Eechelen museum, a museum of the history of the city

If you are wondering how many days in Luxembourg you need, then two days will be enough if you are wanting to visit the main sights of the capital. A long weekend Luxembourg will create plenty of memories and will provide you with enough time to tick off all of the major tourist attractions.

If you are looking for more, then a week in Luxembourg will give you time to explore the countryside. There is plenty to see outside of the city and if you want to get away from the crowds and enjoy some peace and quiet then this is the perfect opportunity. The beautiful scenery and peaceful atmosphere make it a great place to relax.

As you can see, Luxembourg is a great place to visit. It has plenty of interesting things to see and do, as well as a rich history and culture. If you are looking for somewhere different and exciting then this is the perfect destination.

The country is small, but the things to do are endless. You can spend your time exploring the city or going on an adventure in the countryside. There is something for everyone, making this destination one of the best places to visit in Europe.