Luxtoday
Communes and neighborhoods

Gare: a transportation hub in the center of Luxembourg

In this article, we will navigate through the tapestry of Gare's past, explore its dynamic population, weigh the pros and cons of living within its boundaries, assess transport accessibility, and its infrastructure.

Last time updated
15.07.24

The Gare neighborhood, nestled in the heart of Luxembourg City, may be one of the smallest districts, yet boasts a vibrant and diverse community.

General characteristics of Gare

Bordered by the Ville Haute, Grund, Bonnevoie-Nord, Bonnevoie-Sud, Gasperich, and Hollerich, Gare is not only home to the central train station but also embraces a strategic location near the city center and its bustling commercial avenues. This prime positioning grants residents excellent mobility options.

Population of Gare

This neighborhood is a home to many people in Luxembourg, as it is a variable and multifaceted district in the heart of the City. It hosts

8.96%
of the country's total population
11,895 residents
as of December 31, 2022

Notably, this district boasts the highest concentration of foreign residents among all city neighborhoods, accounting for an impressive 83.56% of its population. This demographic diversity adds a unique and cosmopolitan flavor to the Gare community, reflecting Luxembourg's status as a global hub.

Gare Luxembourg how many people live in districts Luxembourg City
Created with data from Ville de Luxembourg

Being one of the top populated neighborhoods in the City, Gare presents a compelling mix of advantages and challenges for residents.

Transport accessibility

The Gare neighborhood boasts unparalleled transport accessibility, offering residents a variety of commuting options. Whether by car, tram, bus, bike, or on foot, navigating this vibrant district and reaching the city center is a seamless experience.

Here's a breakdown of the various transportation modes:

By car
The Gare to city center commute is swift, taking between 5 to 10 minutes, contingent on traffic conditions. Notably, the neighborhood provides five conveniently located parking lots, ensuring that residents can easily access their vehicles.
By bus
The Gare neighborhood boasts an extensive bus service, with nearly all major lines passing through the neighborhood. Residents can effortlessly reach any part of the city via buses like 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 9, 10, 13, 14, 18, 19, 20, 22, 23, 27, 28, 29, CN1, CN2, CN3, and CN8.
By bike
Due to its proximity to the city center, Gare is easily accessible by bike in less than 10 minutes, providing a quick route to nearby neighborhoods. Nine Veloh self-service stations are strategically placed throughout the district, offering residents the convenience of electric bikes for their journeys.
By tram
One of Gare's significant advantages lies in its complete traversal by a tram line, simplifying local circulation. The neighborhood hosts a tram station at Gare and two more along Avenue de la Liberté: Paräisser Plaz and Place de Metz. A mere 5-minute journey connects Gare to the city center, while the line extends to Luxexpo in just 25 minutes.
By foot
While a pedestrian journey to the city center takes a bit longer, approximately 20 to 25 minutes from Gare, it remains a viable and healthy option for those who prefer a leisurely stroll.
Show all

Renting and buying real estate

Real estate dynamics in the Gare neighborhood present a unique landscape, with purchase prices averaging at 10,390 euros/m2, notably lower than the capital's average of 12,243 euros/m2. This divergence is likely influenced by the neighborhood's challenging reputation, attributed to issues like prostitution, drugs, and minor delinquency.

For buying the average price is 

10,390 euros/m2
in the Gare
12,243 euros/m2
the capital's average

For renting the average price is 

31.28 euros/m2
in the Gare
30.72 euros/m2
 the capital's average

On the leasing front, rental prices stand at 31.28 euros/m2, slightly exceeding the city's average of 30.53 euros/m2. This intriguing contrast between buying and renting reflects the nuanced real estate market in Gare, offering options that cater to different preferences and financial considerations.

Rent
Luxembourg
Gare

Applications, search, and profound advice in our guide to renting

Infrastructure of the neighborhood

Discover the heartbeat of Gare through its robust infrastructure, seamlessly blending education, culture, health, recreation, and commerce. From the École de la Gare and the Clinique Zitha to the Centre Sociétaire et Sportif Gare, this neighborhood offers a rich tapestry of facilities.

If you're considering settling down in Luxembourg and have a preference for places on the city's periphery, you'll find our article on Bridel and Kopstal particularly insightful. Additionally, we invite you to peruse our collection of articles covering various communes and neighborhoods within the city.

Living in Gare: advantages and disadvantages

The Gare neighborhood presents a compelling mix of advantages and challenges for residents.

On the positive side, its stellar location and excellent mobility options, including proximity to the train station and a tram line running through the area, make it a highly accessible hub. Extensive bus routes further enhance connectivity, providing convenient travel to almost any destination.

However, a notable drawback persists despite the municipality's concerted efforts to improve safety. The streets surrounding the train station bear a notorious reputation, marked by issues like prostitution, drug-related activities, and minor criminal incidents, particularly during the nighttime.

While the local government is actively addressing these concerns, it remains an ongoing challenge, prompting residents to weigh the convenience of location against these security considerations.

Pros and cons
Close to the Central Train Station (Gare Routiere)
Transportation hub providing bus, tram and other connections
Developed infrastructure in the district, with schools and shopping available
Busy and multifaceted transportation hub with some noise levels
Considered to be partialy unsafe neighborhood, depending on the place you live
Busy nightlife scene, that might bring discomfort to some people

In the winter of 2024, a demonstration was held in the capital where residents of the Gare spoke out to demand that the city authorities do the necessary efforts to make the neighborhood safer and change its reputation for the better.

Photos submitted by Aleksandr Nagornyi (nagornyi.lu)
Photos submitted by Aleksandr Nagornyi (nagornyi.lu)
Photos submitted by Alexandr Nagornyi (nagornyi.lu)
Photos submitted by Aleksandr Nagornyi (nagornyi.lu)

What is there in this quartier of Luxembourg City?

There are many places to uncover in the Gare neighborhood: families with kids and working people will find it a great fit to suffice the need for quick and easy accsess not only to transportation, but also all commodities one might need living in the capital of the country. There are also parks like Place de Strasbourg and sports hubs like Jims Gym underline its commitment to holistic well-being. The diverse shopping scene completes the picture, making the Gare neighborhood a dynamic and vibrant place to live. 

École de la Gare, GACOM building, source: Ville de Luxembourg
Centre Sociétaire et Sportif Gare, source: Contacto.lu
ZithaKlinik, source: editus.lu
Den Atelier, source: Den Atelier website
Playground Ecole de la Gare, Fischer Street, source: Spillplaz.lu
Schools, creches, and education
Cultural centers
Healthcare
Parks, nature places and kids playgrounds
Sports infrastructure
Shopping and restaurants in Gare

Historical overview

In the early 19th century, the Gare neighborhood was a modest enclave, its significance transforming dramatically with the integration into the Grand Duchy's railway network. The inauguration of the first train station in 1859 marked a pivotal moment, catalyzing the neighborhood's expansion.

Cigarettes and champagne

Gare became a magnet for hotels and businesses by capitalizing on its newfound connectivity. Notable establishments, including the E. Mercier & Cie champagne company and the Heintz Van Landewyck cigarette manufacturer, set up shop in the vicinity. The trajectory of growth gained momentum in 1867 with the Treaty of London, prompting the dismantling of Luxembourg's fortifications. This era witnessed key developments, notably the construction of the iconic Adolphe Bridge in 1903 and the creation of Avenue de la Liberté, seamlessly linking the train station to the city center.

Independant district

The neighborhood's evolution took another turn in 1920, with the amalgamation of neighboring communes into Luxembourg City. Formerly part of Hollerich, the Gare district emerged as an independent entity within the city, solidifying its historical significance in the tapestry of Luxembourg's urban development.
Gare Luxembourg Train station old photos
Source: Rail.lu
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

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We took photos from these sources: Alexandr Nagornyi, Felicia Varzari on Unsplash, Contacto.lu, Spillplaz.lu, editus.lu, Den Atelier, Ville de Luxembourg

Authors: Luz
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