8 Reasons To Add Luxembourg to Your 2025 Travel List

I recently traveled to Luxembourg to complete my goal of visiting 100 countries. I chose Luxembourg because it was easy to get to, the airfare was affordable, and there appeared to be several interesting sites to visit.

While I found the quaint medieval city of Luxembourg a masterpiece and easily explorable on foot, the countryside was equally as glorious.

Here’s how I booked my trip and 8 reasons you should add the country to your travel list.

Booking the Flight

I always start with Google Flights to find an affordable destination. I type in my departure airport and leave the destination blank or input an area I would enjoy visiting. In this case, I entered Europe.

I booked the economy flight using 47,000 Ultimate Rewards points from my Chase Sapphire Reserve^®. These points are worth 1.5 cents each when booking via Chase Travel. I then called American Airlines and applied my systemwide upgrades to fly in business class.

I could have also transferred Ultimate Rewards points to a Oneworld alliance airline partner and booked an award flight. However, I am close to qualifying for Executive Platinum elite status with American Airlines AAdvantage. Booking with Ultimate Rewards points allows me to earn redeemable AAdvantage miles and Loyalty Points that count toward earning status.

With the flight booked, I was off to visit Luxembourg. Here’s what I experienced and why you should consider a trip there, too.

1. Luxembourg City Is a UNESCO World Heritage Site

Luxembourg City is a treasure. Walking the cobblestone streets and alleys reveals buildings built in the 1600s and 1700s. The city also has a dynamic medieval fortress, a castle, a stunning cathedral, and underground tunnels.

A walking tour is the best way to see the city, and much of it can be seen in a day.

If you’re fortunate, as I was, you’ll witness the changing of the guard at the Grand Ducal Palace. Then find the elevator that takes you down to the Grund, the forested valley pictured in this article’s feature image.

There are way too many experiences to mention here. Visit Luxembourg, the country’s tourist information site, can provide more details. Or, when you arrive, find the tourist information center in the Place d’ Armes, the city’s main square.

2. The Country Is Small and Easy To Explore

With a land mass of just 998 square miles, similar to Rhode Island, Luxembourg is one of the smallest European countries. It is also the least populated country in Europe, with around 600,000 residents.

The distance from its northern to southern border is just 51 miles, and the width is around 35 miles from east to west. The small size allows you to see much of the country during a short trip. Renting a car is a good choice at around $35 per day. Plus, vehicles use the right lane, like in the U.S.

Although the country is the wealthiest per capita in the world, lodging, food, transportation, and experiences are all affordable.

The country is also not a popular tourist destination, so you generally won’t be fighting any crowds.

3. Public Transportation Is Free

Taxis are expensive in Luxembourg. A simple 20-minute trip from the airport to the city costs around $65. However, I found there was no need to take an expensive taxi on my trip, as I could hop on the free public bus for 15 minutes and then walk to my hotel.

Free public transportation also provides convenient access to villages across the countryside. I even met a woman who was taking the free bus to Germany.

All modes of public transport are free for everyone and include buses, trains, trams, and funiculars.

4. Lodging Can Be Booked With Hotel Loyalty Points

While there aren’t many branded hotel choices, popular hotel brands, including Hilton, Marriott, and Radisson, each have a property here. I booked my 2-night Hilton stay using 60,000 Hilton Honors points earned on my Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card*. The DoubleTree by Hilton Luxembourg was surrounded by forest and just a short, free bus ride to the city center.

The newer Moxy Luxembourg Airport can be booked using Marriott Bonvoy points. The hotel is also a short, free bus ride to the city center.

The Park Inn by Radisson Luxembourg City is near the city, and the Best Western Plus Grand Hotel Victor Hugo is in the city center.

It’s worth noting that tour companies will pick you up at any hotel in and around the city.

*The information regarding the Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card was independently collected by Upgraded Points and not provided nor reviewed by the issuer.

5. Schengen Agreement

Schengen is a small but historically important town where Germany, France, and Luxembourg come together. The Schengen Agreement, signed there, changed the way we travel today. The agreement opened the borders of European countries to free trade and transit.

From just 5 initial countries, there are now 29 countries that have signed the agreement. All but 4 are part of the European Union.

The town is about 30 minutes from Luxembourg City and is worth visiting not just for its historical significance but for its riverfront location, cobblestone streets, cafes, and charm.

6. Wine Country

A highlight of a drive through the countryside is visiting Moselle Valley wine country. I visited in late October, and the fall leaves were still on the trees. It was a lovely ride.

Caves St. Martin and Benoît & Claude Viticulteurs are 2 of the most popular vintners in Remich, a charming town in the heart of wine country.

Vineyard tours are entertaining and informative, and the wine is excellent. I can personally vouch for this.

The area is about an hour from Luxembourg City.

7. France, Germany, and Belgium are Next Door

When visiting Luxembourg, you’re never far from Germany, France, or Belgium. In the spa town of Mondorf-les-Bains outside Luxembourg City, you may accidentally wander into France while walking in the park.

You could easily use Luxembourg as a base and explore the 3 surrounding countries. In less than 3 hours, you can take the train to Brussels in Belgium, Strasbourg in France, or one of several cities in Germany.

And remember, public transportation is free throughout Luxembourg.

8. American Cemetery

A visit to the American Cemetery is a must when visiting Luxembourg. Over 5,000 soldiers who lost their lives in the Battle of the Bulge are buried here. Gen. George Patton’s grave is also in the cemetery.

It’s similar to the site near Normandy, yet smaller, individual graves are marked with the soldier’s name, home state, and date of death. It’s a beautiful and solemn place to pay respects.

Like in Normandy, I sought out a soldier’s grave from my home state to pay tribute to. William Mathews died on November 12, 1944, 80 years ago.

Final Thoughts

Luxembourg is a gem of a destination and easy to explore. Would you believe I experienced everything in this article in just a day? I plan to return in the spring to see more of the city and the country.

Exploring the city, the countryside, several villages, the wine country, and the cemetery made Luxembourg a worthwhile destination.

I booked a guide for the day via Viator for less than $100. Of course, I earned triple rewards on my purchase: Ultimate Rewards points, Membership Rewards points via Rakuten, and Viator Rewards.

If you’ve considered visiting Luxembourg, or even if you haven’t, don’t hesitate to add it to your travel list.