Luxembourg City, one of the least visited yet most densely populated capitals in Europe, offers a unique experience compared to its bustling counterparts like Rome, London and Paris. These major cities attract tens of millions of visitors each year, while Luxembourg City sees around one million tourists annually.
Nestled between France, Belgium and Germany, this western European capital provides a stark contrast to the fast-paced, towering metropolises of the continent.
While it’s challenging to confirm if Luxembourg City is indeed the least visited capital in Europe – with Sarajevo, Vilnius and Tbilisi also contenders – it does hold the title for being the least densely populated.
With 1,700 residents per square kilometre, it’s significantly less crowded than Paris with 20,025 people per square kilometre, or London with 5,640.
Much of Luxembourg City is preserved as parks, forests and large swathes of farmland, offering an expansive, open feel that greatly differs from other European capitals. Despite its lower visitor numbers, it’s certainly worth considering for your next European getaway.
From the UNESCO World Heritage Site Old Quarters to the Petrusse and Bock Casemates and National Museum, Luxembourg City boasts a plethora of must-see attractions all within walking distance.
“What strikes many visitors to Luxembourg City is the gorge splitting the centre in two. The deep valleys and high cliffs were the area’s strength when ‘Lucilinburhuc’ (small castle) was established here in 963. For almost 1,000 years, the area housed a fortress that became so strong it was known as ‘Gibraltar of the North’,” notes the country’s tourist board, as reported by the Mirror.
“Luxembourg City has since forged a new visual identity out of the castle ruins. It built architectural gems such as Adolphe Bridge, the town hall, Place d’Armes, the Grand Ducal Palace, Notre-Dame cathedral, places for reflection like the Gelle Fra (golden lady) and romantic riverside gardens in the Grund and city parks.
“Today, the city continues to evolve architecturally making it a top tourism destination. In the Old City, you will see abbeys and other buildings that have been transformed into public cultural highlights, not forgetting modern districts like Kirchberg, where you will find the magnificent Modern Art museum Mudam and Philharmonie buildings. With an impressive array of annual events such as the Schueberfouer funfair, there is always something to see in Luxembourg City, no matter what time of year you visit.”
A recent Tripadvisor review by a globetrotter who included Luxembourg City on their European adventure revealed some unexpected charm: “Every European I met along the way on my Eurotrip (London, Paris, Amsterdam, Brussels…) responded with surprise (and not in a good way) when I mentioned that Luxembourg was my next stop. ‘WHY would you go there? ‘ is what I kept hearing. Turns out, this little country is great for a day trip. I had a great time exploring the huge crypt, prices are good, city is immaculate, and the fact that it’s small means you can walk and experience it all”
Navigating Luxembourg is a breeze with its free public transport system, and the capital city is conveniently connected to France and Germany by train. Additionally, Luxembourg Airport is a mere 20-minute bus journey away from the city centre.
For those looking to jet off, Ryanair is offering flights from Stansted to Luxembourg at the tempting price of £31, with a flight duration of just one hour and 10 minutes.