Luxembourg (Lëtzebuerg)

Introduction to the commune

The commune of Luxembourg, commonly known as Luxembourg City, is the capital of the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg and the largest city in the country with nearly 116,000 inhabitants, of which 70% are foreigners. Located in southern Luxembourg in the canton of the same name, at the confluence of the Alzette and Petrusse rivers, the city is divided into 24 districts (Beggen, Belair, Bonnevoie-Nord/Verlorenkost, Bonnevoie-Sud, Cents, Cessange, Clausen, Dommeldange, Eich, Gare, Gasperich, Grund, Hamm, Hollerich, Kirchberg/Kiem, Limpertsberg, Merl, Mühlenbach, Neudorf/Weimershof, Pfaffenthal, Pulvermühl, Rollingergrund/Belair-Nord, Ville Haute and Weimerskirch.

Culture in Luxembourg City

A true cultural melting pot, the city has an abundance of venues for artistic expression such as museums (MUDAM), performance halls and theaters which make Luxembourg a rich and lively city.

More than 160 nationalities rub shoulders, making the capital city one of the most cosmopolitan in the world. The city has three official languages: German, French and Luxembourgish, and Portuguese is spoken by the 15% of foreign residents of Portuguese origin.

Transportation in Luxembourg City

When it comes to transportation, the city encourages mobility and environmental preservation, and it is well-served by public transport (there are 33 bus lines, and the tramway has been operational since the end of 2017). There is a public bike rental system available throughout the city, and carpooling has increased in popularity. Additionally, it has one of the country's only airports, Luxembourg Findel.

Schools in Luxembourg City

Luxembourg City has a positive environment for family life, with a large number of schools at all levels. It is also home to international learning institutions such as the European School, the French Lycée and the International School of Luxembourg.

Many parks and green spaces have been created, such as Parc Bel Air, the Edouard André Municipal Park or the Pétrusse parks.

Heritage and History in Luxembourg City

In terms of heritage and history, the old quarter and fortifications have been classified as a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1994. Luxembourg City’s charm can be explained by the harmonious coexistence between the historical heritage of contemporary architecture and the presence of beautiful green spaces (Pétrusse valley, which separates the old town from the Gare district and the English parks). The city is made up of several bridges including the magnificent Adolphe and Grand Duchess Charlotte bridges, impressive achievements that contribute to the city’s unique character.

The city is the largest financial center in Europe. Hundreds of banks and financial institutes have their headquarters there, not to mention other European institutions. The Kirchberg business district is home to a large number of high-rises and futuristic buildings that give the capital an avant-garde touch.

Shopping and restaurants in Luxembourg City

If you are passionate about shopping then you will not be disappointed; commercial services are very diverse and the city boasts more than a thousand merchants and artisans. Between the small boutiques of the Gare and Ville Haute neighborhoods and the major retailers, not to mention shopping centers like the Kirchberg, you will never be short on options.

It is also an ideal city for a night out due to its many bars, discos and cabarets. If this is what you are looking for, you will want to take a stroll through the famous Clausen district, the place to be when it comes to nightlife in the capital.

The city is also the place to be when it comes to fine dining; the hundreds of restaurants with a thousand and one flavors found throughout the city are sure to delight your taste buds.

Entertainment in Luxembourg City

Throughout the year, Luxembourg City organizes events and festivals for the enjoyment of both young and old.

On June 23, which is National Day, there are all types of entertainment which come together in a grand finale fireworks display.

From late August to early September, the city hosts the traditional Schueberfouer which is the largest festival in Luxembourg and the Greater Region; this is an event that no gastronomy lover should miss.

From late November to early January, the city puts on the Winterlights festival of lights and entertainment as part of the holiday season to enjoy the beautiful Christmas atmosphere.

Ecology

The city is part of the Climate Pact program, which was inspired by the European Energy Award. It is a system for quality management and certification within the energy policy and climate protection sectors which assesses and rewards communal involvement.

Real estate projects in Luxembourg City

Every year, a large number of construction projects are launched in Luxembourg.

One of these programs is the Royal Hamilius which incorporates a city district extending from boulevard Royal, avenue Monterez, rue Aldringen and Grand-rue and is a mixed project consisting of shops, services, offices and housing.  In complement with the already existing commercial services, the area will be of high architectural and urban quality at the neighborhood level. Its opening is scheduled for the end of 2019.

The new Cloche d'Or urban district is also growing. It is the result of a strategy to extend southward, decided and defined by the city of Luxembourg in consultation with the Government. The objective is to combine quality of community life with convenient living while adopting a strict philosophy of sustainable development.

Housing assistance in Luxembourg City

Under certain conditions, the commune of Luxembourg City may provide assistance for the construction or acquisition of housing within city territory. This allowance can only be granted once, in the amount of €3,600 per household (+ €600 per dependent child).