How to spend a day in Luxembourg City on a budget with kids

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If you’re wondering how to spend a day in Luxembourg City on a budget with kids then keep reading because we did this one so cheaply! Luxembourg City is a destination rich in history, culture and natural beauty, and you don’t need to spend a lot to enjoy it. Of all of the cities in Europe that we’ve visited, we found Luxembourg City to be one of the easiest places to explore on a budget – in fact we spent €23 the entire day! We purchased souvenirs and some ice-creams and drinks from a supermarket, but we did have a picnic and water packed so honestly we could have got away without spending a single penny.

Public transport across the whole of Luxembourg is totally free. We parked at Rue de Bouillon Park and Ride – which gives 24 hours of free parking. From there it was just a 10 minute bus ride into the city centre. (Follow the route for the Central Gare train station.) Again this was also free – and you can hop on and off public transport to save the little ones legs all day without needing to pay anything. It’s so easy to spend a day in Luxembourg City with kids on a budget – here are the 5 must see sights.

1. The Wenzel Circular Walking Route: The Best Sights in the City

The 2.5km Wenzel Circular Walking Route is the best place to start your Luxembourg City adventure as it’ll take you’ll past all of the main sights like: the Grand Ducal Palace, the Cathedral, Neumunster Abbey, the Adolphe Bridge, Rham Plateau and Bock Promontory. As cities go, I think you’d be hard pushed to find a cleaner, safer, more stunning place for a family day out, and this route really showcases the best things to see in Luxembourg City in one swoop. If you’ve got small children don’t panic, you can always hop on and off the buses to get around to lessen the walking – they come every few minutes so it’s insanely easy to get around the city.

2. Parc de Merl-Belair: Picnic and Playtime

When you need a break from sightseeing, head to Parc de Merl-Belair, one of Luxembourg City’s best parks for families. This large, green space is perfect for a relaxing afternoon, with plenty of room for the kids to run around and play. The park has a fantastic playground with swings, slides and climbing frames to keep the kids busy. There’s also a lovely pond where you can feed the ducks, and plenty of shady spots where you can spread out a picnic blanket and enjoy a leisurely lunch. Bringing a picnic with you is the best way to keep costs down during your city visit.

If you do need to buy food, and don’t want to break the bank, head to a local supermarket or bakery before you hit the park. We bought a whole box of ice-creams for the same price as we’d have paid for one from an ice-cream stall near the palace. Walk away from the major landmarks before buying food and souvenirs to save money.

3. Chemin de la Corniche: Europe’s Most Beautiful Balcony

Known as “Europe’s most beautiful balcony,” the Chemin de la Corniche offers breathtaking views over the Grund, the Alzette River and the surrounding hills. This scenic promenade runs along the edge of the city’s ancient fortifications and it’s the perfect place for a leisurely stroll. This was my favourite view from our city adventure in Luxembourg – just stunning. What makes the Chemin de la Corniche so special is the combination of natural beauty and historical significance.

As you walk along the pathway, you’ll pass by the old city walls, charming buildings, and lush greenery, all while enjoying panoramic views that stretch for miles. If you’re following the Wenzel Circular Walking Route you’ll come across the Chemin de la Corniche on your travels, but if not be sure to make a special trip because it’s spectacular. Take your time to soak in the scenery, snap some photos and let the kids explore the open spaces along the way. Whether you visit in the morning for a peaceful walk or in the evening to catch the sunset, the Chemin de la Corniche is a must-see spot in Luxembourg City. Best of all, this experience is completely free.

4. Pfaffenthal Panoramic Elevator: Panoramic Views

Keep the kids entertained with a fun ride on the Pfaffenthal Panoramic Elevator. This glass elevator connects the Grund with the upper part of Luxembourg City, offering stunning views as you ascend. The ride is completely free, and the kids will love the experience of watching the city unfold below them as they rise up through the air. Once at the top, you’ll find yourself near the Pont Adolphe, Luxembourg’s most famous bridge. The views from there are spectacular, especially at sunset. It’s a perfect spot for a family photo and a great way to wrap up your day of exploring. After taking in the views, you can enjoy a leisurely stroll along the bridge or back through the city centre.

5. Bock Casemates: An Underground Adventure

If your kids like an adventure, you might want to venture inside at the Bock Casemates. These incredible underground tunnels and galleries were once part of Luxembourg City’s ancient fortifications. Dating back to the 17th century, the Casemates were used to protect the city, and today they offer a fascinating glimpse into Luxembourg’s history. The entrance fee is reasonable and the Casemates also offer stunning views over the city and the Alzette River, making it an educational and entertaining activity that won’t break the bank. And don’t worry if you have a pushchair – there’s a stroller-friendly route through the Casemates, so even the littlest explorers can join in the fun.

If you’re on a tight budget, you can view the Bock Casemates from outside – like we did – and this is another spot you’ll come across on your travels if you’re following the Wenzel Circular Walking Route around the old city. The walkway opposite, at Rham Plateau, is a brilliant spot from which to view Bock Promontory.

Is Luxembourg City worth a visit?

Luxembourg City is one of our favourite cities – so definitely put it on your itinerary if you’re exploring Europe with the kids. It also makes a great day trip from neighbouring countries like Germany, Belgium and France if you’re staying nearby. Calais to Luxembourg is only a four hour drive, so it’s the perfect destination for a family road trip from the UK. We travelled at the edge of France, and then through Belgium, and the whole route was toll free too. If you’re looking for an affordable base in Luxembourg, we stayed at Birkelt Camping Village and it was less than £250 for 5 nights. (Though we were looking at that price per night had we stayed in the city centre!). You can find my full review here: Eurocamp Holiday Review: Birkelt Village Campsite, Luxembourg.

Travelling into the city to explore via public transport is a great way to keep things on budget – especially as public transport across the whole of Luxembourg is free! Plus the campsite comes with swimming pools, activities, entertainment and everything else that makes a good child-friendly family holiday. If you want to venture inside some of the attractions (in and outside of the city – there are lots of castles a short drive away) then it might also be worth getting a Luxembourg Card. For 2024 it costs €14 for one day / €22 for 2 days / €31 for 3 days and it’ll get you in to lots of the main attractions for free or at a discounted rate. If you’re still not sure if Luxembourg is the right destination for your family holiday – check out my article: 10 reasons why you should visit Luxembourg with kids!

What’s the best time of year to visit Luxembourg City?

Luxembourg is known for rain, and we had such a mix of weather when we visited. So, if you’re wondering when is best to visit, I wouldn’t worry too much about the time of year. (We stayed there in mid June and had storms, torrential rain and brilliant sunshine! 😂 Pretty much like the UK!) But hot weather is definitely less important for a city break, so it can be a great type of holiday for avoiding peak summer dates. If you’re able to travel during the off-peak season then you’ll most certainly save money on both flights and accommodation.

If you need to travel within school holiday dates then you’ll likely find May half-term, Easter and the October break cheaper than the summer holidays. If you’re able to have a midweek family getaway, and avoid weekend dates, then that can be a great way to save money on your city break even if you’re holidaying when the kids are off from school. And, it’s definitely possible to spend a day in Luxembourg City on a budget with the kids – so you won’t need lots of spending money either! If you’re also planning to venture outside of Luxembourg City, to see what else this fabulous country has to offer, then make sure you check out my full itinerary guide here: Luxembourg family holiday itinerary – the best things to see and do with kids.