Culture & sights
What's overrated in Luxembourg (and what to do instead)
5 min read
Tourist crowd at Place d’Armes Luxembourg
The overrated three
The Palais Grand-Ducal interior tours ($15, summer only) — 45 minutes of gilded rooms with rushed English commentary. Skip and just watch the guard change outside. The Chocolate House opposite the Palais — hot chocolate is fine but it's a hyped Instagram spot with $9 drinks and 20-minute waits. Try Namur or Oberweis instead. Rue de la Loge and the immediate old-town shopping — expensive tat, laminated menus, and coach-tour crowds.
Better uses of your time
Walk the Corniche path from Place de la Constitution down to Grund at sunset — free, and it's genuinely one of Europe's great city walks. Ride the free Pfaffenthal elevator both ways. Spend an afternoon at MUDAM ($8) which is properly world-class contemporary art in a Pei building. Take the free train to Wasserbillig for an afternoon by the Moselle. Any of these beats another lap of Place d’Armes.
Frequently asked questions
Is the guard-change worth it?
Yes — it's small, dignified, free, and takes 10 minutes. Summer only (roughly mid-July to end of August). Don’t queue for interior tours after.
What about the city tourist bus?
$22 for something you can do free on the tram and Pfaffenthal lift. Skip.
Where to stay
Rooms worth pairing with this guide.
Ready to plan this trip?
Real prices for the places this piece names.
