Do you want to discover everything Luxembourg has to offer you and your family? You have come to the right post.
The Grand Duchy of Luxembourg, despite its small size, offers stunning landscapes, a rich history, and plenty of experiences to captivate visitors of all ages.
Luxembourg City, the capital of the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg is located just over 200 km (132 mi) from Brussels and Cologne and approximately 370 km (231 mi) from Paris. This makes Luxembourg an ideal destination.
So, prepare your pen and paper, (or notes app on your phone) and get ready to discover one of Europe’s hidden gems with this Luxembourg travel guide!
Luxembourg Travel Guide for Families
In this guide, we’ll tell you the best things to do in Luxembourg with kids and toddlers. From exploring historic castles and underground tunnels to having a picnic in a picturesque park. Luxembourg is full of things to see and do.
Best time to visit Luxembourg for a Family Day Trip
¿When is the best time to travel to Luxembourg with a baby?
Let’s break down the factors you should consider when planning your trip.
Weather in Luxembourg
Luxembourg weather experiences a temperate climate, with warm summers and cold-to-cool winters.
The coldest month is January, with average temperatures of 0ºC. You could also expect some snow during the winter months.
The hottest month in Luxembourg is July, with average temperatures of 18ºC.
The best time to visit Luxembourg for families with toddlers is during spring or the early summer months, from April to June.
During this time, you can expect pleasant temperatures, blooming flowers, and plenty of opportunities to enjoy outdoor activities like picnics in the park or relaxing strolls through the city.
Peak Season
Luxembourg is a popular destination for tourists, especially during the peak summer months of July and August.
Although Luxembourg is a small country, it doesn’t tend to get overcrowded. However, if you prefer to avoid crowds, consider visiting during the shoulder seasons of spring and autumn when tourist numbers are lower. This will allow you to enjoy a more relaxed and peaceful atmosphere while exploring Luxembourg with your little one.
Seasonal events or festivals in Luxembourg
Luxembourg hosts a variety of festivals throughout the year, from cultural celebrations and food festivals to Christmas markets and outdoor concerts.
For example, the Schueberfouer festival in Luxembourg, held in late summer, is one of Europe’s largest funfairs and offers a wide range of rides and attractions suitable for families with children of all ages.
So, if you want to enjoy one of these festivals, or just happen to be there when they are happening, just add it as a bonus to the list of things to do in Luxembourg in one or two days.
Any time would be good to enjoy a day in Luxembourg. But if we had to pick a season, the best time to visit Luxembourg with a toddler is during the spring or early summer months when the weather is pleasant, crowds are smaller, and there are plenty of family-friendly events and activities to enjoy.
How to Get to Luxembourg
Luxembourg is well-communicated by air, road, and rail. So, no matter where you are travelling from, there will be a way for you to get to Luxembourg to enjoy your visit.
Getting to Luxembourg by Air
If you’re coming from abroad or from a distant location, flying into Luxembourg Airport (officially Luxembourg Findel Airport – LUX) is often the most convenient option.
Luxembourg’s airport is situated just 6 kilometres from the city centre. It offers direct flights from major European cities as well as connecting flights from around the world.
Once you land, you can easily reach the city centre by public transportation, taxi, or airport shuttle.
You can take bus 16, 29 or 223 from Luxembourg’s airport and reach the city centre in approximately 30 minutes. The buses run every 10 to 15 min between Monday to Friday and every 30 minutes during the weekend.
And good news, ALL public transport in Luxembourg is completely FREE! Yes, you read it right, FREE!
An alternative to flying directly to Luxembourg Airport is to fly to a larger neighbouring European airport like Amsterdam Schiphol, Brussels Zaventem or Brussels Charleroi and then take the train to Luxembourg.
You can find cheap flights via Skyscanner.
Getting to Luxembourg by Train
Traveling by train is a convenient and eco-friendly option, especially if you’re coming from a neighbouring European country. This is the method we chose to visit Luxembourg as it gave us the commodity and flexibility we needed.
You can read here about our experience using the trains around Belgium and Luxembourg with a baby stroller.
Luxembourg is well-connected to major European cities such as Paris, Brussels, and Frankfurt or Cologne by high-speed trains operated by companies like SNCF and Deutsche Bahn.
Luxembourg’s train station, Luxembourg Gare, is located in the heart of the city and serves as a hub for domestic and international train travel.
How to Get to Luxembourg by Train from Neighbouring Cities
- How to get from Brussels to Luxembourg:
The one-way journey from Brussels to Luxembourg City is about 230 km and 3 hours by train. You can board the train at any of the Brussels main train stations Brussels-Zuid or Brussels-Midi, Brussels-Central, or Brussels-Nord. The price of the train tickets for a single trip between Brussels and Luxembourg starts at 30$ / 22£ .
- How to get from Paris to Luxembourg:
Paris is directly connected to Luxembourg by train. A one-way journey to Luxembourg City takes approximately 2.5 hours and the prices for a single journey start at 55$ / £44. Bare in mind that the price varies depending on the time of the train and how much in advance you but the ticket.
- How to get from Amsterdam to Luxembourg:
Although there are no direct trains from Amsterdam to Luxembourg, you can easily go via Brussels. The journey takes around 6h 45min. The main trains operating between Amsterdam and Luxembourg are Eurostar, NS and CFL. The price of a single journey between Amsterdam and Luxembourg starts 50$ / £40.
- How to get from London to Luxembourg:
A one-way train journey from London St Pancras Station to Luxembourg Gare Station take approximately 5h 45min. The trains are usually operated by Eurostar, with single journey tickets being sold from 125$ / £99.
To get cheap train tickets to travel around the UK and throughout Europe, we use Trainline.
Getting to Luxembourg City Centre from Luxembourg’s Train Station
Luxembourg’s train station is just a 20 minutes walking distance from Luxembourg’s main square, Place Guillaume II.
The easiest way to get there is by walking over the La Passerelle viaduct, a 19th-century, arcaded stone viaduct, or via the Adolphe Bridge, an early 1900s stone-arch bridge. Both paths offer picturesque views from the top that are worth visiting.
An alternative is to take the bus service from the outside the train station for a 4min journey to the stop by the Notre Dame Cathedral and the Place de la Constitution. Alternatively, you can take the tram just outside the station and exit it directly in the city centre, near Place d’Armes.
Both buses and trams run at very close intervals, which makes them a very convenient means of transportation.
Remember, ALL public transport is FREE in Luxembourg.
However, during weekends and holiday seasons, these could get overcrowded, making it hard to get on if you have a baby pushchair.
That’s one of the reasons we recommend travelling with an ultracompact stroller that can be quickly folded, saving you lots of space.
Arriving in Luxembourg by Car
If you prefer the flexibility of travelling by car, Luxembourg is easily accessible by road from neighbouring countries such as Belgium, France, and Germany.
Keep in mind that parking in Luxembourg City can be limited and expensive, so be sure to research parking options in advance if you plan to drive into the city centre.
Parking lots generally charge between 1€ and 3€ per hour and the parking spaces are very narrow, so be prepared to suffer a bit of stress if you have a larger car.
If you don’t want to pay for parking, an alternative is to use the P&R parking lots located on the outskirts of Luxembourg City. The first 24 hours are free, and you can then get to the city centre using Luxembourg’s free public buses.
If you are going to go to Luxembourg by car, go and check out this article that goes through all the different parking areas around Luxembourg City.
Travelling to Luxembourg by Bus
Luxembourg has a reliable network of long-distance buses that connect the country with neighbouring cities and countries.
Companies like FlixBus and Eurolines operate regular bus services to and from Luxembourg City, offering affordable and comfortable travel options for families.
If you are travelling on a tight budget to Luxembourg and don’t have time pressure, this may be your option.
You can find cheap bus tickets via FlixBus.
Regardless of how you choose to get to Luxembourg, rest assured that getting there with your toddler is easier than you might think. With a range of transportation options available, you'll have the flexibility of choosing the transportation mode that best suits you and your family.
If you want to read about how to entertain your toddler during the train journey or what to take for your flight with your toddler, visit our travel tips for detailed posts so you can travel stress-free.
Best Things to Do in Luxembourg with Kids
Most people think about Luxembourg as just a historical old town. However, Luxembourg has much more to offer outside Luxembourg City.
In this section we will go through the best things to do in Luxembourg City and the best things to see and do beyond Luxembourg’s capital.
Best Things to Do in Luxembourg City
1. Experience the views from Le Chemin de la Corniche
Known as the “most beautiful balcony of Europe”, this historic path offers stunning views of the city, the Alzette River as it crosses the city, and the ancient walls and fortifications. One of Luxembourg’s best places to get your family photo.
2. Discover Luxembourg’s Casemates, the city’s hidden underground labyrinth
The casemates, UNESCO World Heritage Site, are underground tunnels that serve as Luxembourg’s defensive forts. You can visit the Bock Casemates and Petrusse Casemates.
Both Casemates are not baby stroller-friendly. They are historic old tunnels with uneven floors. While exploring the casemates, you will encounter many steep steps which will make your visit a challenge and struggle.
Recomendation: If you want to visit Luxembourg Casemates with a baby or a toddler, we recomend you use a baby carrier. If you have a pushchair or stroller, ideally it should be a light and compactable stroller (an ultracompactable pushchair would be great) that can be carried comfortably with a storage travel bag.
- Bock Casemates: A fascinating underground labyrinth
The Bock Casemates form a labyrinth of tunnels beneath Luxembourg City. From the castmates, you will get breathtaking views of the Grund, Clausen, and Pfaffenthal districts.
The Bock Casemates are open every day from 9:45 am to 5:00 pm, with entries every 15min. Note that in winter, the opening times vary.
Ticket prices range from 8€ for adults, 4€ for children between 4 and 12 years old, and it’s free for children under 4 years old.
- Petrusse Casemates: Luxembourg’s Hidden Tunnels
The Petrusse Casemates extend for kilometres under the old town district. Following over seven years of work, Casemates are now open to the public again.
The Petrusse Casemates are open every day from 11:30 am to 3:00 pm.
Ticket prices range from 15€ for adults, 7.50€ for children between 4 and 12 years old, and free for children under 4 years old.
The visit takes around 45min and it will be guided, with the tour being available in four official languages.
3. Discover Grund’s neighbourhood
Explore the beautiful neighbourhood of Grund, located in the valley below the centre of Luxembourg City, beneath the Bock Casemates.
Grund, known for its picturesque landscapes, is one of the best places in Luxembourg to take photos and explore Luxembourg’s local culture with colourful houses and the undulating Alzette River.
4. Take the panoramic Pfaffenthal Lift
Take the famous glass elevator and enjoy the panoramic views of the Alzette Valley.
Your kids will love the experience of vertically descending, or ascending, 71m on a fully glazed panoramic lift. At the top, you will also get fantastic views from the glazed viewpoint that even features a glazed floor.
And the best part is, the Pfaffenthal panoramic lift is completely FREE.
5. Visit Luxembourg’s Gran Ducal Palace
Luxembourg’s Gran Ducal Palace is the official residence of the Grand Ducal family.
During the summer months, the Luxembourg City Tourist Office organises exclusive guided tours of the Grand Ducal Palace. On this 75-minute tour, visitors can take a look behind the scenes, including the Grand Duke’s office, the dining room, and the “Salon des Rois”.
The guided tours are available in English, French, German, and Luxembourgish.
6. Let your kids become pirates in one of Luxembourg’s parks.
Just a 5 minutes walking distance from Place d’Armes or Place Guillaume II, this park is the perfect place to let the little ones run free in the playground, enjoy a picnic, or simply relax by the pond.
The playground features a large wooden pirate ship, long slides, climbing nets, and much more.
If you want to find all the playgrounds distributed around Luxembourg, this site will give you detailed locations and descriptions of each playground with their key features.
Best Things to Do Beyond Luxembourg City
If you have more than a day to explore Luxembourg, it is worth exploring the wonders of Luxembourg beyond Luxembourg’s City.
All these places can be reached by bus from Luxembourg’s city centre. However, I would recommend that you rent a car. You would gain flexibility and you will also save hours of travelling. You won’t have to plan your day around specific bus times to avoid long waiting times during the required changes.
1. Vianden Castle
The Vianden Castle is a reconstructed medieval fortress. Your kids will love exploring its grand halls and climbing the castle’s towers. You will also be left speechless from the breathtaking views of the Our Valley.
2. Mullerthal Trail
If you and your family love an adventure, this is a must-do in Luxembourg.
The Mullerthal Trail is composed of 3 main routes:
- Route 1 and Route 2 pass through the City of Echternach which is largely known as the cultural and historic highlight of the region.
- Route 2 passes through the heart of Luxembourg’s Little Switzerland and offers the most spectacular rock formations.
- Route 3 features next to the rock formations many stream valleys and romantic castles.
So, lace up your hiking shoes and hit the Mullerthal Trail.
3. Abbey of Echternach
The Abbey of Echternach, founded in the 7th century, and the town of Echternach itself, will make you travel back in time. The Abbey and its surroundings are a place for peace while admiring the Romanesque architecture.
Tips for Traveling with a Toddler in Luxembourg
Public Transportation
Luxembourg’s public transportation system is generally stroller-friendly, with designated spaces for strollers. It is always a good idea to travel with an ultracompact pushchair or with a baby carrier.
Baby-Changing Facilities
Most restaurants and cafés in Luxembourg City have baby-changing facilities and you will be able to buy nappies, wipes, and any other basic baby material in Luxembourg’s supermarkets and shops.
Naptime Strategies:
If you want to find a quieter spot for your little one naptime, Luxembourg’s parks and gardens are great options.
Conclusion
We hope you have enjoyed this travel guide to Luxembourg. We have revealed Europe’s hidden gem secrets just for you.
Now it’s your turn to explore Luxembourg’s historic balconies of Le Chemin de la Corniche, the hidden underground tunnels of the Casemates, and the castles and hiking trails.
Bon voyage!
