Luxembourg is great, but I won't be coming back, because it's just too...
Honestly, Luxembourg is the least capital-like capital I've ever visited. It's small, clean, super wealthy, but the pace of life is incredibly slow. It's the first and only country in the world with free public transport nationwide. It covers only 2,586 square kilometers, about the same size as Shenzhen. You can explore it thoroughly in 2–3 days.
I was truly impressed after visiting—but after the awe wore off, only one thought remained in my mind: It's great, but I won't be coming back.
🌟 First, let's talk about what's good (it really is good)
1. Stunning scenery, every shot is a masterpiece 📸
The Old Town of Luxembourg is a UNESCO World Heritage site, and the entire city sits on both sides of the Pétrusse Valley. Standing at the Place de la Constitution, with the Gëlle Fra (Golden Lady) monument standing in the center, you can take in the entire valley at a glance, with the Adolphe Bridge spanning across both banks. The Chemin de la Corniche is known as "Europe's most beautiful balcony," overlooking the colorful houses of the Grund district built along the river, like a fairy tale world.
2. World Heritage fortress, stepping deep into history 🏰
The Bock Casemates have 17 kilometers of underground tunnels and are known as the "Gibraltar of the North." Walking through the dim rock tunnels, the mottled stone walls are etched with the marks of time. The Vianden Castle in the suburbs is a beautifully restored Romanesque-Gothic wonder; climb the high tower for a panoramic view of the valley.
3. Free nationwide transport, saving money to an absurd degree 🚌
Since 2020, Luxembourg has become the world's first country with free public transport nationwide—trains, trams, and buses are all free, and it's completely free for tourists too. Take a free bus from the airport directly to the city center, or take a free train to small towns like Vianden.
4. "Little Switzerland" hiking paradise 🌲
Müllerthal is known as "Little Switzerland," with its sandstone formations, forest trails, and magnificent cliffs that are breathtaking. The Moselle Valley is a well-known wine region where you can taste Riesling white wine.
😅 But why won't I come back? (All the truth)
1. After 6:00 PM, the whole city shuts down 🚪
I was shopping in a mall at 5:30 PM, and at 5:45 PM, the announcement came on—in French, German, and Luxembourgish: We are closing. At 6:00 PM sharp, standing in the Place Guillaume II, surrounded by 17th-century architecture, the streetlights just turned on, and the stone streets looked beautiful—but there was no one around. It wasn't a weekend or a holiday, just a regular weekday evening, and the whole city felt like it had been put on pause. Store operating hours are regulated by law, and on Sundays, the whole city is dead silent. Looking for nightlife? It doesn't exist.
2. Prices are absurdly high 💸
As the country with the highest GDP per capita in the world, prices are naturally not cheap. A one-bedroom apartment in the city center rents for €1,500–2,000 per month. Dining out actually charges a €5 dishwashing fee. Hotel breakfast is €36 per person. Parking spaces sell for €30,000–50,000, which is 3–6 times more expensive than a used car.
3. Attractions can be seen in two hours ⏱️
The diameter of the old city center is only 1 kilometer, and the main attractions are within walking distance. Place de la Constitution, the valley, Adolphe Bridge, Notre-Dame Cathedral, the Grand Ducal Palace... you can basically finish in two hours. Some say, "There are only a few places to visit, about 2 hours is enough." Although there are places like Vianden and Müllerthal nearby, if you only visit the city center, half a day is really enough.
4. Wealthy but "boring" 😴
Some say this is "the wealthiest country, but the most boring place I've ever seen." The locals are very wealthy, but they don't live like wealthy people. There's no bustling commerce, no crowded streets, and you can't even find places to spend money.
📝 Practical tips (save these if you want to go)
Best time: April–May, September–October, mild weather and avoids summer crowds
Visa: Chinese citizens need a Schengen visa, fee is €87, processing takes about 10–15 working days
Transport: Nationwide buses, trams, and trains are all free. Download the Mobiliteit.lu app to check routes
Accommodation: No need to choose the old town core; hotels around the train station are more affordable
Budget: About €40–60 per day (including budget accommodation and food)
Food: The national dish is Judd mat Gaardebounen (smoked pork with broad beans), and potato pancakes are a must-try street snack
To sum up: Luxembourg is beautiful, clean, safe, and the free transport is moving. But if you are looking for lively nightlife, a rich shopping experience, or want to find a destination where you can play for three to five days without repeating yourself—think twice. Two days is enough, three days is a lot, and any more is just making it hard on yourself.
Luxembourg is great, but I really won't be coming back. Not because it's bad, but because—it's too quiet, too expensive, and too boring. 😂