Ever considered a weekend away in Luxembourg?
Stunning vistas, brilliant boutiques and fab bars make this tiny country a winner, says writer Janice Hopper
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GET A GRUND VIEW
Luxembourg City is built around huge valleys and rocky ledges, so the split-level city’s array of walkways, funiculars and elevators are attractions in their own right.
First, catch the free 71m-high Pfaffenthal Elevator to get views from its stunning glass cabin.
The bravest can even stand on the glass-bottomed viewpoint!
Next, check out Chemin de la Corniche, a pathway along the city’s 17th-century ramparts, nicknamed “the most beautiful balcony in Europe” for its sweeping vistas over the characterful Grund district.
Once there, track down the Melusina Mermaid, a vivid-pink statue created by artist Serge Ecker using 3D printing.
CHIC SUPERMARKET EATS
For hearty, local specialities, two restaurants are a must.
The traditional Um Dierfgen serves the national dish, judd mat Gaardebounen – smoked pork neck with broad beans and potatoes, £24 (Umdierfgen.lu).
Or head to the stylish Brasserie du Cercle and tuck into a crispy tarte flambée, topped with crème fraiche, onions and lardons, £14 (Brasserie-du-cercle.lu).
After a cheap eat? You can’t beat European supermarket chain Monoprix’s branch on the elegant Place Guillaume II.
Lounge at pastel-pink tables on its terrace, tucking into a DIY ham and cheese baguette – it’s cafe culture dining at supermarket prices (Monoprix.fr).
GO UNDERGROUND
Head deep into the rocks at the Bock Casemates, a series of 14 miles of tunnels built into the soaring Bock Promontory.
These eerie maze-like defence tunnels date back to the 17th century and 35,000 civilians sheltered here during WW2. Entry costs £9 per adult (Luxembourg-city.com).
Follow the Museumsmile — we’re talking one mile, seven museums – including modern art at Mudam.
Its permanent collection is 700 pieces strong, but artists are encouraged to “take over” the space, so you never know what you will find.
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Entry costs £7 per person, free on Wednesdays 6pm-9pm (Mudam.com).
At The National Museum of Natural History families will love learning about space, wildlife and genetics almost as much as riding the giant slide.
Entry costs £4.50 per adult, and free for under-21s, or free for all on Tuesdays 5.30pm-8pm (Mnhn.lu).
FASHION AND FIZZ
For carefully collated fashion, including gorgeous knits, head to Muse By on Grand Rue (Muse-by.com).
Then dip into Devï on Rue Aldringen for holiday dresses and sustainable accessories (Devi-clothing.com).
Reward yourself with a rich hot chocolate, £5, in the duck-egg-blue interiors of Genaveh (Chocolaterie-genaveh.com) or pop a cork at champagne bar Flûte Alors!, where the waiters carry maps to explain where your fizz is from.
A glass of delicate Rosé Marc Hébrart will set you back £12 (Flutealors.lu).
NOVEL NIGHTCAPS
Kick back at the oldest bar in town, Ennert de Steiler, for a glass of Luxembourg pinot gris, £7.50 (Facebook.com/ennertdesteiler).
For velvet armchairs, walls awash with vibrant artworks and total living-room vibes, drop by Kaale Kaffi, for an Aperol spritz, £10.50.
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Meanwhile, centrally located Hotel Vauban has a buzzing outdoor terrace – a perfect spot after a day’s sightseeing – and upstairs you will find simple but smart lodgings.
Double rooms cost from £140 B&B (Hotelvauban.lu).
BTW
Luxembourg has won the Eurovision Song Contest five times.
All public transport is free. Flights from the UK to Luxembourg cost from £29 return.
Plan your trip at Visitluxembourg.com.
