7 ways you can experience Luxembourg like a local

Experiencing a country through the eyes of the people who live there opens up new and exciting travel experiences. Here, we give you the places Luxembourg locals like to eat, drink, stroll and relax...

3 mins

1. Visit the market 

Visit the market in Place Guillaume (Thomas Reinhardt)

Visit the market in Place Guillaume (Thomas Reinhardt)

Mix with locals at the market in Place Guillaume II in Luxembourg City, a large square which is also known as Knuedler because of the knots on the frocks of the Franciscan monks whose monastery used to be nearby.

Every Wednesday and Saturday morning, the attractive square with its grand statue of William II is transformed into a market, with stalls popping up offering everything from fresh fruit and vegetables and samples of goats' cheese and jam to rows of colourful flowers and various spices.

2. Find secret green spaces 

Admire the view of the city from Park Drai Eechelen (Alfonso Salgueiro/LFT)

Admire the view of the city from Park Drai Eechelen (Alfonso Salgueiro/LFT)

There’s nothing like finding a quiet, green space in the middle of an urban setting to relax and unwind after a busy day. In the Grund Quarter, if you stroll along the Alzette river, walk past the famous Melusina mermaid statue and go behind the Neumünster Abbey, you’ll find a green oasis. This hidden spot is understandably popular with the locals and is the perfect place for a gentle meander or to sit down with a book.

Another option that gets you away from the city bustle is Park Drai Eechelen. This park in Kirchberg is popular with the people who work in the city, who take a walk here after work. This tree-shaded green space is perfect for admiring the architecture of the city centre from a distance, so you can avoid the city crowds and soak up some nature.

3.  Join in with a yoga class

Join in with a yoga class

Join in with a yoga class

Another way to enjoy the city’s parks and to make your weekend break to Luxembourg more authentic is by taking a yoga class. Every Sunday morning from 10:30am to midday in the warmer months, a yoga class is held in the Kinnekswiss park. Don’t worry if you’re a beginner, as the class caters to everyone and is a fun and unique way to get a taste of life in Luxembourg City.

4. Go to a popular bistro 

Enjoy Luxembourg's many bistros ( Alfonso Salgueiro/LFT)

Enjoy Luxembourg's many bistros ( Alfonso Salgueiro/LFT)

Hanging out in the bars and the pubs that the locals frequent is a great way to get a feel for the authentic side of a country. Beim Renert, a bistro slap bang in the middle of the city in the Place Guillaume square is popular with locals and visitors alike – and for good reason. This atmospheric space is decorated with illustrations of the fox it is named after, has a large selection of spirits and good, traditional food on the menu such as Bouneschlupp (bean soup). A great way to get a real taste of Luxembourg. 

Another fantastic option is Ennert de Steiler, one of the oldest bars in the city. Head to the Old Town to find the 1350 building and go inside to find fun cocktails and music. 

Also in the Old Town is Café des Artistes, an authentic evening spot where the walls are painted red, artistically decorated with large paintings, posters and photographs. Giant candles drip wax over wine bottles and it’s not uncommon for the entire place to burst into song when classic French and Luxembourgish songs are played on the piano on Thursday, Friday and Saturday evenings.

5. Or relax in a café

Relax in the charming Kaale Kaffi

Relax in the charming Kaale Kaffi

If you want something a bit quieter, head over to Kaale Kaffi. This café mixes coffee with art and has a very vintage feel. Art and antiques clutter every corner and there’s huge piles of books. Pick one, find a spot on a colourful sofa and read quietly, soaking up the atmosphere around you.

6. Eat like a local

Enjoy brunch and jazz in the Neumünster Abbey (Christophe Van Biesen / LFT)

Enjoy brunch and jazz in the Neumünster Abbey (Christophe Van Biesen / LFT)

With French, German and Swiss influences, there is certainly no shortage of good food in Luxembourg. But if you want to mix your dining with local experience, try the Bouneweger Stuff. This popular neighbourhood hangout in Luxembourg City draws people into its cosy establishment with its organic weekend brunch, board games, a bowling alley and a huge collection of local beers wines and gins. A great option for vegetarian visitors.  

Another fun brunch option can be had over at the Neumünster Abbey in the Grund. Look out over the Alzette river, listen to live jazz music, sip on coffee and enjoy a delicious brunch that’s served until 3pm.

Like this? Here's our favourite places to eat and drink in Luxembourg

7. Spend a night at the museum

Spend an evening at the Museum of Contemporary Art (Visit Luxembourg)

Spend an evening at the Museum of Contemporary Art (Visit Luxembourg)

Have a unique museum experience, by visiting the Museum of Contemporary Art (MUDAM) in the evening. Every Wednesday evening, the museum keeps its door open later for its ‘Till Ten’ programme.

Arrive at 6pm for a drink at the Mudam Café, before enjoying free tours of the exhibition, music, shows and even dance performances. It’s a great way to marvel at the art in a relaxed and authentic setting.

Like this? Here's more cultural things to do in Luxembourg

Main image: Christophe Van Biesen / LFT

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