Luxtoday
Communes and neighborhoods

Luxembourg City: living in the heart of Luxembourg

Tucked away in the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg, you'll find Luxembourg City, which is not only the capital but also the largest city in the country. This article dives into the heart of Luxembourg's capital, giving you a closer look at its people and highlighting essential spots around town.

Last time updated
09.09.24

Luxembourg, at its heart, is a country nestled in Western Europe, surrounded by Belgium, France, and Germany. It's a small but prosperous land, famous for its beautiful scenery, wealthy economy, and significant role in European politics. Within this country lies a city also called Luxembourg, which is the capital and bustling center of the nation. To avoid confusion, people often call it Luxembourg City. It's known for its stunning medieval old town set on dramatic cliffs, its role as a central hub for the European Union, and its lively cultural atmosphere. In Luxembourg, "commune" refers to the smallest level of local government, similar to what many places would call a municipality. Luxembourg City itself is one such commune, handling local governance and services within its area. So, talking about Luxembourg could mean discussing the grandeur of the country, the historic and political significance of its capital city, or the local administrative setup that keeps the city running.

General characteristics of Luxembourg City

Luxembourg City, the capital of the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg and its largest city, boasts a population of 134,714 as of December 31, 2023. Nestled in the southern part of Luxembourg within the eponymous canton, it's conveniently located just 20 minutes by car from the borders of Belgium and France and 30 minutes from Germany. 

Small but mighty

With a population like this the capital may seem small compared to other European counterparts like Paris, Brussels, or Madrid. However, it boasts hundreds of noteworthy centers spanning education, commerce, business, culture, and more. It's a city of significant importance, as evidenced for example in its nomination as the European Capital of Culture twice, first in 1995 and later in 2007.

Comprising 24 districts, each with its own distinct characteristics, the city offers a rich tapestry of experiences. The central neighborhoods, such as Ville Haute and the Grund, brim with history and culture, as the country's capital was built upon the formidable foundations of a grand fortress; these districts are even recognized as UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Other neighborhoods, like Kirchberg and Gasperich, house significant commercial and business centers.

Population of the capital

As of January 1, 2024, Luxembourg City had a population of 134,714 residents, making it the most populous city in the country, representing approximately 20% of the nation's population.

Luxembourg City how many people population and numbers
Source: created with data from Ville de Luxembourg

The city's population is distributed across various neighborhoods, with the six most populous being Bonnevoie-sud, Belair, Gare, Limpertsberg, Gasperich, and Kirchberg, collectively accounting for around 50% of the capital's population. Conversely, the least populous neighborhoods include Pulvermuehl, Grund, and Clausen.

Luxembourg City is notably cosmopolitan, boasting a high percentage of foreign residents at 70.44%. The neighborhood with the highest proportion of foreign residents is Gare, with an impressive 82.68%, followed by Neudorf/Weimershof and Kirchberg. In contrast, the neighborhood with the lowest proportion of foreign residents is Cents, with 49.31%, followed by Hamm and Grund.

20%
of the country's population lives in the capital
134,714
residents live in Luxembourg City
70.44%
of Luxembourg City residents are foreign nationals

Transport accessibility

In Luxembourg City, public transport is not only convenient but also free, offering residents and visitors easy access to various modes of transportation.

By car
The capital boasts excellent internal connectivity, allowing for swift travel from the city center to different neighborhoods within just 10 minutes and to more distant points in no more than 20 minutes. Numerous parking facilities, both outdoor and indoor, are available throughout the city. Additionally, the capital features six park-and-ride (P+R) lots located on the outskirts, providing free parking for 24 hours. These P+R lots aim to facilitate connectivity with public transportation for those commuting from outside the city while mitigating congestion within the capital. P+R locations include areas south of Cessange and Gasperich, in Hollerich, and north of Beggen.
By bus
The city operates a single tram line running from Luxexpo in Kirchberg to Lycée Bonnevoie in Bonnevoie-sud, passing through neighborhoods such as Limpertsberg, Ville-Haute, and Gare. Moreover, a new tram line is set to commence service in 2035, traversing from Place de l'Etoile along Route d'Arlon to the Luxembourg Hospital Center (CHL).
By bicycle
Cycling is one of the most efficient ways to navigate the city. A journey from the center to the central areas of most neighborhoods takes no more than 15 minutes while reaching the city's farthest points typically requires no more than 20 minutes. Since 2008, Luxembourg City has operated its own bike-sharing system, Vel'oH!, boasting numerous stations scattered throughout the capital and even extending to some neighboring communes.
By train
Like its road infrastructure, Luxembourg City serves as the hub of the national railway network operated by the national railway company CFL. All railway lines converge in the capital, with Luxembourg Central Station (Gare Centrale) serving as the central axis. Additionally, the capital is home to four other railway stations: Pfaffenthal-Kirchberg, Hollerich, Cents-Hamm, and Dommeldange. Howald Station, situated in the municipality of Hesperange, can be considered the 6th station of the capital, serving the Gasperich district to the south and the Cloche-d'Or commercial and business center located there.
By tram
The tram service in Luxembourg City, a newcomer to the scene, has quickly become essential for both locals and tourists. It offers a smooth and comfortable way to get around, linking important spots like business areas, shopping zones, and key attractions. Its routes are smartly laid out to ensure easy trips to the European institutions, the central train station, and other crucial places, greatly improving how connected the city feels. The trams themselves are top-notch, equipped with green technology and features that make them accessible to everyone, promising a comfy and convenient ride. This advancement highlights Luxembourg City's dedication to eco-friendly city travel and adds to its already impressive public transport system, known for being effective and easy to use.
Show all

In terms of external connectivity, Luxembourg City is strategically positioned within the Frankfurt - Paris - Amsterdam triangle, ensuring connectivity to the European road network via several international routes for cars:

  • A1 (E44): Towards Grevenmacher and Trier (Germany)
  • A3 (E25): Towards Dudelange and Thionville/Metz (France)
  • A4: Towards Esch-sur-Alzette and Audun-le-Tiche in France
  • A6 (E25 / E411): Towards Arlon and Brussels
  • A7 and N7 (E421): Towards Mersch, Ettelbruck, and Saint-Vith in Belgium

You can check in detail all the bus routes in the interactive map provided by the city of Luxembourg and get detailed instructions to get from one point to another on their route planner page.

Renting and buying real estate

Living in capital cities often comes with the advantage of urban amenities, but it also entails higher real estate costs, a trend mirrored in Luxembourg.

Prives for flats in Luxembourg City
Source: created with data from immotop.lu (prices from January 2024)

Luxembourg City, being the capital, exhibits significantly higher property prices compared to the rest of the country, particularly in its affluent neighborhoods where prices can be staggering.

In Luxembourg City, the average cost to buy a place is around 12,089 euros per square meter, while renting costs about 30.72 euros per square meter on average. If you're looking to buy, square meter on average. If you're looking to buy, Belair is the priciest area, where prices soar to 14,277 euros per square meter. Kirchberg and Limpertsberg are also on the higher end. Dommeldange offers more wallet-friendly options for buyers, with average prices at 9,277 euros per square meter. For renters, Pfaffenthal leads the pack with costs at 34.75 euros per square meter, with Kirchberg and Gasperich not far behind. If you're looking to save on rent, Cents is the most budget-friendly neighborhood, averaging 27.06 euros per square meter, with Beggen and Bonnevoie-Sud also offering lower rental prices.

For buying the usual prices stand at 

14,277 euros
per square meter in Belair, one of the the priciest areas of the capital in general
12,089 euros
per square meter is the capital's average price for buying property in 2024

For renting the average prices are around

27.06 euros
per square meter is the price for renting in the most budget-friendly Cents neighborhood
30.72 euros
per square meter – the capital's usual price for renting property in Luxembourg City
Rent
Luxembourg
Flat

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

Infrastructure of Luxembourg City for life

The city is well-equipped with a comprehensive transport system that includes buses, trams, and a network of roads that keep everything connected. Cultural gems such as the Luxembourg Conservatory and Philharmonie Luxembourg bring vibrant cultural experiences to life. Health and well-being are top priorities, with leading facilities like the Center Hospitalier de Luxembourg and Hôpitaux Robert Schuman providing top-notch care.

For those who love the outdoors and shopping, places like the expansive Kinnekswiss Park and the bustling Cloche d’Or Shopping Center offer plenty of options to suit a variety of interests.

Place to call home

If you're considering making Luxembourg your new home, we encourage you to explore our range of articles that look in depth at the different city communes and neighborhoods.

Pros and cons of living in Luxembourg City

Living in the capital city offers a lifestyle vastly different from that of rural or suburban areas. Here are some of the advantages and disadvantages.

Living in Luxembourg City offers a blend of benefits and challenges that mirror the vibrant and complex nature of city life. On the bright side, the capital is a hub of connectivity and top-notch infrastructure, ensuring that getting around and staying connected is a breeze. The city's lively social atmosphere means there's always an opportunity to meet diverse groups of people. Whether it's healthcare, education, or entertainment, access to a wide range of services and amenities is second to none. Plus, the job market is thriving, offering varied career options across numerous industries.

Yet, urban living comes with its own set of hurdles. The competition for housing in Luxembourg City is fierce, leading to steep prices for both buying and renting. The hustle and bustle of the city may increase stress for some, a stark contrast to the tranquility found in more rural areas. For drivers, navigating daily commutes can be frustrating due to parking woes and traffic jams. And while the city does have its green spots, they might not fully satisfy those seeking deep immersion in nature.

Pros and cons
Efficient communication and connectivity due to superior infrastructure and public transportation.
A vibrant social life with diverse opportunities for interaction and leisure activities.
Easy access to a wide range of services, from healthcare to education and shopping.
Numerous leisure options, including cinemas, theaters, and sports facilities.
Ample job opportunities across various sectors, offering diverse career options.
High real estate prices due to intense competition and demand exceeding supply.
Elevated stress levels caused by the city's hustle and bustle, including noise from traffic and crowds.
Commuting challenges, including parking issues and traffic congestion, even with the availability of public transportation.
Limited opportunities to disconnect and enjoy the outdoors compared to rural or suburban areas.

What can you find in the capital?

Covering every aspect of Luxembourg City's rich infrastructure and landmark sites in one article is a big challenge, but let's uncover some of the capital's most remarkable features.

Shopping Center Cloche d'Or, source: Cloche d'Or Experience Facebook Page
University of Luxembourg Limpertsberg Campus, source: University of Luxembourg, Faculty of Law, Economics and Finance Facebook Page
Luxembourg Stadium, source: Luxembourg Stadium website
Conservatoire de Luxembourg, source: Conservatoire de Luxembourg Facebook Page
Luxexpo The Box, source: Luxexpo Facebook page
Sports centre d'Coque, source: d’Coque website
Schools, creches, and education
Cultural centers
Healthcare
Parks, nature places and kids playgrounds
Sports infrastructure
Shopping and restaurants

Historical overview

The foundation for Luxembourg City's development was laid in the 10th century, with the construction of a castle on the Bock rock by Count Sigefroy de Luxembourg (Siegfried). This castle was erected upon the remains of a Roman castellum called Lucilinburhuc, meaning "small castle" in Old High German.

Antiquity

The earliest traces of settlement in Luxembourg City date back to the Celts in the 2nd century BCE. Approximately a century later, the Romans invaded the territory that is present-day Luxembourg. During Roman times, Luxembourg was strategically located at the intersection of two Roman roads, one from Trier (Augusta Treverorum) to Reims (Durocortorum) via Arlon (Orolaunum), and the other connecting Metz (Divodurum) to Aachen (Aquisgranum).

Middle ages

Luxembourg City served as the seat of the County of Luxembourg since its establishment in the 10th century, becoming the Duchy of Luxembourg in 1353 when its rulers ascended to the throne of Bohemia and became emperors of the Holy Roman Empire. The city underwent significant expansions, with a second wall constructed parallel to the original in the current Rue du Fossé. In 1244, Countess Ermesinde granted the city its charter of autonomy. Substantial fortification works began in the upper town in 1320 under the reign of John the Blind, culminating in completion by 1398. The fortification of the lower town (the "Grund") was carried out between 1387 and 1395.

Spanish period

Through inheritance, Luxembourg City passed to Charles V, who, as a child, held the title of Duke of Luxembourg. Under his rule, Luxembourg came under the Habsburgs of Spain. During this period, notable construction included a Spanish-style palace in present-day Clausen, although it was mostly demolished before the Old Regime. The current Grand Ducal Palace in the upper town partially dates back to the 16th century, replacing the town hall that had burned down.

French and Austrian influence

Luxembourg faced several annexation attempts during the reigns of Louis XIV of France and later during the War of the Spanish Succession. It eventually fell under Austrian administration until the French Revolution. Luxembourg was annexed by the French Republic in 1795 after a prolonged siege. It was then incorporated into the French Empire under Napoleon Bonaparte.

Dutch and Belgian periods

After Napoleon's defeat at the Battle of Waterloo in 1815, the Congress of Vienna restored Luxembourg as a grand duchy within the German Confederation. Simultaneously, it was given to King William I of the Netherlands in personal union, leading to tensions with Belgium. After the Belgian Revolution in 1830, Luxembourg remained in a state of ambiguity until the Treaty of London in 1839, which divided the grand duchy between Belgium and the Netherlands.

Luxembourg declared its neutrality in 1867 and saw occupation during both World Wars. Today, as a founding member of the European Union, Luxembourg City hosts numerous EU institutions and is recognized as one of the Union's capitals. With its rich history, strategic location, and high quality of life, Luxembourg City continues to thrive as a dynamic European hub.

faq

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What healthcare facilities are available in Luxembourg City?

How is the housing market in Luxembourg City?

How do I navigate the public transportation system in Luxembourg City?

Send feedback

We took photos from these sources: Pixabay, University of Luxembourg, Faculty of Law, Economics and Finance Facebook Page, Conservatoire de Luxembourg Facebook Page, Luxexpo Facebook page, Cloche d'Or Experience Facebook Page, d’Coque website, Luxembourg Stadium website

Authors: Luz
Was this article helpful?
Very helpful!
Informative!
I didn’t get it.
This is outdated.