publication date: May 2, 2012
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author/source: Anne Coates
One of the first things you become aware of in this picturesque city, is that
Luxembourg has hidden depths – literally! In places there is a happy marriage of
old and new buildings which makes for some fascinating discoveries.
One obvious example of this is the
in Rue St Esprit. Here what was once four
town houses dating from the 17th to the 19th centuries has been transformed with a
glass frontage which becomes the reception area. From the fifth floor, reached by the
panoramic lift – which travels through more than 1000 years of history in a few minutes – you have
spectacular views across the city.
Along with the permanent exhibitions of the city's history are temporary ones – from 8 June, the
ABC of Luxembourg, a very good
starting point for your appreciation of the city. The
museum is open Tuesday to Sunday, 10am to 6pm. Check out the
children's workshops. Entry free with
Luxembourgcard.
More obvious of
Luxembourg's past are the
Casemates, a
UNESCO World Heritage site. This is in the
upper part of the city and can be reached by a
lift if you don't fancy the climb!
One of the most envied
fortresses in Europe with its immense
underground military defence system, this warren of
galleries is one of Luxembourg's
prime attractions and children will love the huge canon in the
Pétrusse Casemates.
Not for those who are
unsteady on their feet or suffer from
claustrophobia! Open March to October, 10am to 5pm. Entry free with
Luxembourgcard.
History surrounds you in
Luxembourg but this is complemented by the vast array of lively
restaurants and
bars lining the streets and
squares which become host to
free concerts and
festivals throughout the summer evenings (21 June to 15 September) in
Place Guillaume and the wonderful
markets on Wednesdays and Saturdays.
If you like
chocolate one place you shouldn't miss is
Oberweis, rue Guillaume Kroll. This is a family business which makes
chocolate unique to
Luxembourg.
Oberweis chocolate is divine and while you are there, pop upstairs to the
tea rooms to see
Luxembourgers at leisure. The
tea rooms also serve
light lunches.
A
LuxembourgCard will cover your
public transport and entrance to
55 atttractions. You can buy
online before your visit: for a
single person or for
two to five people: one day 11€/22€; two days 19€/38€; three days 27€/54€.
The
bus journey into the city centre from the
airport is about 15 minutes – the
buses run frequently and regularly which is a bonus as
taxis here are expensive.
We stayed in the
Hotel Franςais in Place des Armes but for
family accommodation, I'd consider the
Youth Hostel which has rooms with
four to six beds with en suite facilities: 2 rue du Fort Olisy, L-2261 Luxembourg.
PWT rating: ♥♥♥♥♥
