Catherine - Savvy Family TravelLuxembourg City, the heart of Europe, is a treasure trove of experiences that can be enjoyed by the whole family. From its rich history and culture to its stunning natural beauty, this compact city offers an array of activities that are sure to delight both adults and children alike. With just one day in Luxembourg City with Kids, you can embark on a scavenger hunt around the city, explore fascinating museums, marvel at grand palaces, taste local culinary delights, and play in beautiful parks.
This guide will take you through 14 kid-friendly activities, each offering unique experiences that cater to young curious minds and adventurous spirits. Whether it’s a ride on the Pfaffenthal Lift, a visit to Bock Casemates, or a stop at the Chocolate House, there’s something for everyone in this enchanting city.
City Promenade Tour
The perfect way to see the MOST with just one day in Luxembourg City is to take the guided or self guided City Promenade tour arranged by the Tourist Office in Place Guillaume II.
City Promenade Tour for Kids
This self guided (free) city tour is a delightful scavenger hunt for children. Guided by the characters of Count Siegfried and Melusina the Mermaid, kids can explore the city’s famous sights while solving riddles. The tour takes approximately two to three hours and ends with a personal souvenir gift for participants who have solved the secret code.
Stop by the Tourist Office to pickup your Tour Map. It’s filled with fun facts about various points of interest, written in a way that enthralls young minds.
This was a brilliant way to engage my 5 year old in learning about the city’s history and landmarks. He still talks about the cannon ball in the church.
Le Chemin de la Corniche
Known as ‘Europe’s most beautiful balcony,’ this pedestrian promenade offers stunning views of the old town and Alzette Valley. The pathway is built on a 17th-century rampart constructed by the Spanish and the French, adding a touch of historical charm to your leisurely stroll.
The walk is about 1km long and doesn’t require much physical effort, making it suitable for families with children. From the Corniche, you can enjoy a beautiful view of the Alzette valley and the city’s most populous commune at the confluence of the Alzette and Pétrusse rivers.
The path is free and open 24/7. However, the most enjoyable time to visit would be on a sunny day when the city below is bathed in light.
Pfaffenthal Lift
The Pfaffenthal Lift, located in the heart of Luxembourg City, is a modern marvel that offers an unforgettable experience for visitors of all ages, especially kids. This panoramic elevator is not just a means of transportation, connecting the Pescatore park located in the city centre with the Pfaffenthal area at the bottom of the Alzette valley, it’s also a unique vantage point to appreciate the stunning cityscape.
As you step into the glass-walled elevator, you’re treated to a thrilling vertical ride, ascending or descending 71 meters in just 30 seconds. Children are sure to be enthralled by this adventure.
What makes the Pfaffenthal Lift even more appealing is that it’s absolutely free! This means you can ride up and down as many times as you wish, enjoying the views at different times of the day. Whether you choose to visit during the day when the city is bustling with activity, or in the evening when the lights add a magical glow to the landscape, the experience is sure to be memorable.
Grand Ducal Palace
The official residence of the Grand Duke.
While the interior of the palace is only open to the public during the summer months, the grandeur of the exterior is on display all year round.
The facade of the building is an impressive sight with its ornate balconies, tall windows, and intricate stone carvings. The Flemish Renaissance architecture from the 16th century is beautifully preserved, and the guards standing at the entrance add a touch of regality. If you see the guards, you’ll know the Duke is inside.
If you only have one day in Luxembourg City with kids, skip the palace tour and keep exploring.
Try Local Dishes
Three local fare in particular that are kid-pleasers include:
Gromperekichelcher: These are essentially Luxembourgish potato pancakes. Made from grated potatoes mixed with onions, parsley, and sometimes bacon, these crispy fritters are a hit with kids. They’re often served at outdoor markets and festivals, making them a fun and portable snack for children to enjoy.
Kniddelden: This dish is made of boiled dumplings served with ham or bacon. A favorite for my two young boys.
Quetscheflued: A sweet treat that kids will love, Quetscheflued is a plum tart that is a traditional dessert in Luxembourg. The ripe plums provide a sweet and slightly tart flavor that’s balanced by the buttery pastry crust. This dessert could be a great way for children to try local fruit in a familiar dessert format.
National Museum of History and Art (Nationalmusée um Fëschmaart)
The National Museum of History and Art (MNHA), nestled in the heart of Luxembourg City, is a must-visit for families with children. This museum opens a window to Luxembourg’s rich and varied past, offering exhibits that span from prehistory to contemporary art.
One of the key highlights of the MNHA is its kids discovery tour. This specially curated tour is designed to engage young minds, making history fun and interactive. Children are introduced to the stunning Roman mosaics, an impressive collection that vividly illustrates life in ancient times. These intricate pieces of art not only captivate the kids with their vibrant colors and patterns but also provide a tangible connection to the distant past.
The tour doesn’t stop at the Roman era. It further takes the children through various exhibits showcasing Luxembourg’s medieval and modern history. Each exhibit is thoughtfully planned to be engaging and educational. Interactive displays, hands-on activities, and engaging storytelling techniques are used to bring the exhibits to life, ensuring that the children are entertained while they learn.
In addition to the discovery tour, the museum also offers workshops and holiday activities designed to inspire creativity and a love for history in children. From pottery making to painting, these activities allow children to express their creativity while learning about Luxembourg’s cultural heritage.
Bock Casements
The Bock Casemates are a network of underground tunnels etched into the Bock cliff in Luxembourg City. This UNESCO World Heritage site is steeped in history, having served as a fortress, a shelter during wars, and even as a refuge during sieges.
Constructed in 1644, the casemates originally had 23 kilometers of tunnels. Today, 17 kilometers still remain, with the passages reaching up to 40 meters in depth. These labyrinthine tunnels offer a unique perspective of the city’s military past. As you wander through the passages, you’ll encounter old cannon holes, from which soldiers used to defend the city, and rooms that once housed bakeries and kitchens, providing a glimpse into the day-to-day life within the fortress.
Kids will especially enjoy the sense of adventure that comes with exploring these underground tunnels. The winding passages, the eerie quiet, and the occasional echo create an atmosphere of mystery and excitement. To add to the thrill, some sections of the casemates are dimly lit, making it feel like a real-life treasure hunt.
However, do remember to bring along a jacket. The temperature inside the casemates remains constant throughout the year, hovering around 10-15 degrees Celsius (50-59 degrees Fahrenheit), and it can feel chilly.
Cost: 8€ for adults. €4 Children between the ages of 4 to 12 years. Children under 4 years of age are free.
Ernster: All English Bookstore
A haven for little bookworms, Ernster offers a wide selection of English books for children of all ages. It’s a great place to pick up a new bedtime story or an activity book for quieter moments during your trip.
The Chocolate House
The renowned Chocolate House, located in a charming 15th-century house opposite the Grand Ducal Palace in Luxembourg City, is a paradise for chocolate lovers of all ages.
At first glance, one would assume it’s simply a candy shop, however an entire seating area is on the upper level where guests can enjoy a full meal from savory to sweet.
One of the highlights that kids particularly enjoy at the Chocolate House is the vast selection of chocolate spoons. These are chunks of chocolate on wooden spoons that come in over 60 different flavors, including white chocolate, dark chocolate, milk chocolate, “Kids Only”, and a variety of fun and exotic combinations. Kids will have a great time choosing their favorite spoon to stir into hot milk, creating a delicious, creamy hot chocolate drink.
Aire de Jeux Monterey – Pirate Ship Playground
This playground features a pirate ship structure and a water play area, making it a fun place for kids to play and cool off during warmer months. My kids played in the waterscape for 90 minutes and still found it a struggle to break away.
Open Air Market in Place Guillaume II
This is the perfect spot to explore local flavors and collect picnic supplies. The Place Guillaume II market is held every Wednesday and Saturday from 7:30 am until 1:30 pm.
St. Michael’s Church & the Cannon Ball
St. Michael’s Church, located in Luxembourg City, is a historical landmark with a unique feature that sets it apart: a cannonball lodged in its tower. This peculiar artifact is a quirky piece of local history that kids and adults alike will find fascinating.
The church dates back to 987, making it the oldest existing religious site in Luxembourg City. Over the centuries, it has seen numerous reconstructions due to various sieges and wars. However, one particular event left a lasting mark on the church. During one of these conflicts, a cannonball was fired at the church and became lodged in the tower, where it remains to this day.
Live Music in the Squares
During summer, free concerts are often held in the city squares. Local and visiting kids seem to gravitate to each other to dance to the music!
Domino – Jouets Toy Store
Domino – Jouets Toy Store is a delightful destination for children and adults alike, located in the heart of Luxembourg City. This family concept store is a treasure trove of toys and gifts from classics to contemporary favorites, with well-stocked shelves full of engaging and fun items. The store is known for its diverse offerings and high-quality products.
More Playgrounds
Old Town Playgrounds
If you’re in need of a couple more spots to burn energy while in the old city center, save these two playgrounds to your map. Option 1 and Option 2
Airport Park & Playground
Easiest to reach if you have a car, this adorable playground is the perfect spot to burn off energy before heading to the airport. There is a bathroom available for 1€ and a soccer field too. Street parking seemed plentiful.
Getting to Luxembourg
Getting to Luxembourg is a breeze, thanks to its excellent connectivity with the rest of Europe and beyond. If you’re traveling from the United States, there are several flight options available. You can fly directly into Luxembourg from major airports like Boston or Philadelphia. Before your trip, remember to check the travel requirements. Depending on your nationality, you may need a valid passport and possibly a Luxembourg Schengen Visa.
If you’re in Europe, you can opt for a more eco-friendly mode of transport. Luxembourg is well connected to other European cities by an efficient rail network. In our case, there was a direct train from Paris to Luxembourg City, taking just over 2 hours.
Getting around: One Day in Luxembourg City
Once you’ve arrived in Luxembourg City, getting around is incredibly easy due to the country’s free public transportation system. Yes, you read that right – all public transportation in Luxembourg, including buses, trams, and even the Pfaffenthal Lift, is completely free! This makes exploring the city and its surroundings both convenient and budget-friendly.
As for traveling between Luxembourg City and the airport, you can rely on the country’s efficient bus system. Bus line 29, provides a quick and direct connection between the city center and the airport, making it easy for travelers to reach their accommodation or catch their flights. We used this and it was a breeze!
Closing Thoughts on One Day in Luxembourg City with Kids
To wrap up, Luxembourg City is a versatile destination that caters to families with young kids, offering a variety of attractions that are both educational and entertaining.
The city’s free public transportation system allows families to explore the diverse points of interest with ease. You can cover a lot of ground with one day in Luxembourg City with Kids.
From historical sites like Bock Casemates to leisurely walks along Le Chemin de la Corniche, Luxembourg City holds a day of adventure and discovery for the whole family.
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