Luxembourg: Europe’s Best-Kept Secret

While scanning a map of Europe for somewhere new to explore near the start of my travels in Germany, Luxembourg quietly caught my attention. I knew little about it beyond its reputation as one of Europe’s smallest—and most expensive—countries. I was surprised to learn it has the highest wealth per capita in the world, even surpassing Switzerland, largely due to its successful financial sector. Yet as a visitor, I found many things unexpectedly accessible, with free public transportation and several attractions costing nothing at all. In the end, Luxembourg became one of the most delightful surprises of my multi-country trip.

At Tale of Two Towns

Luxembourg’s Old Town feels like two worlds stacked on top of each other—quite literally. Up above in the Ville Haute, the city is grand squares, historic buildings, and classic European elegance. Located here is the Palais Grand-Ducal, Place d’Armes Square, beautiful Notre-Dame Cathedral, and the landmark Grand Duchess Charlotte Bridge. And in the lower Grund, tucked into the riverside valley, everything softens. Stone houses line the river, quiet walking paths wind along the water, and the pace shifts to something almost storybook-like. The contrast between the two is what makes Luxembourg so memorable—you’re not just exploring a city, you’re experiencing it in layers.

A Royal Visit… and a Little Luck

Getting around Luxembourg during my visit turned into an adventure of its own. I had unknowingly arrived in the middle of events surrounding a change in the monarchy, with street closures, barricades, and plenty of “guess I’m walking” moments. But the chaos became the highlight. By complete chance, I was exploring the city centre on October 3, 2025, during the historic “Trounwiessel” (throne change) at the Palais Grand-Ducal, when Grand Duke Henri abdicated in favor of his son, Grand Duke Guillaume. A public parade filled the streets with music, pageantry, and crowds, and I only discovered what was happening after asking a local what all the hubbub was about. The next evening, I stumbled upon a free outdoor music and drone show near my Airbnb, where I ended up celebrating with locals who welcomed me right in—and even bought me a beer, a much-appreciated gesture in a country where nothing comes cheap. It was chaotic, inconvenient at times, and completely unforgettable.

Free Rides & Steep Climbs

Luxembourg has a well-earned reputation for being expensive, but the city offers one major perk: public transportation is completely free. Buses, trams, trains, and even the Pfaffenthal-Kirchberg Funicular cost nothing to ride, and the system is remarkably easy to use. The colorful city buses are especially hard to miss, making it simple to hop on and off while exploring. And while the Old Town is compact and walkable, getting between the upper city and the lower Grund often involves some steep climbs—part of what makes Luxembourg’s city centre feel so unique and memorable.

Surprisingly Free in Luxembourg

One of the best surprises in Luxembourg—especially in a city known for its high prices—is just how many things you can enjoy for free once you’re in the Old Town. I found myself happily wandering into museums and historic sites I might have otherwise skipped, simply because there was no expense making me think twice. The excellent Luxembourg City History Museum offered a fascinating look at the past, present, and future of this remarkable city.

But honestly, some of my favorite “attractions” didn’t require going inside anywhere at all. One of the most memorable experiences was simply walking along the old fortress walls and exploring remnants of the city’s military past—stone passages, viewpoints, and elevated walkways. The Bock Casemates (a subterranean defence system) is particularly fun to explore, with maze-like tunnels carved directly into the rock and sweeping views over the valley below. In a city where you expect to spend, Luxembourg quietly gives you some of its best experiences at no cost at all.

A Country of Contrasts

Through conversations with shopkeepers, new pub friends, and my concert companions, I heard very different perspectives on what Luxembourg has become. My concert companions—young professionals early in their careers—enjoyed high salaries and, in some cases, generational wealth. They were highly educated, multilingual, and globally minded, yet still frustrated by the country’s slower pace of life.

At the same time, many hospitality workers can’t afford to live in Luxembourg at all, commuting daily from neighboring countries by train or car. The economy is strong and jobs plentiful, but affordable housing was not. Ironically, the commuters seem more content—accepting the long journeys in exchange for higher wages that better supported their families.

Although roughly 45% of residents still identify as Catholic, Luxembourg has become increasingly secular in recent decades, particularly younger generations. Declining trust in the Catholic Church, including fallout from abuse scandals, has contributed to the shift.

A Small Country With Big Layers

In the end, what stayed with me most about Luxembourg wasn’t just its postcard setting—nestled in a scenic valley beneath dramatic cliffs—its charming Old Town, or even its immense wealth. It was the contrasts. A tiny country where dozens of languages mingle, where commuters cross borders daily in search of opportunity, and where old-world Europe exists alongside global finance. Luxembourg may be small on the map, but it felt far larger in culture, complexity, and character than I ever expected.