Luxembourg
Last checked:
- Capital
- Luxembourg City
- Currency
- EUR · Euro
- Languages
- Luxembourgish, French, German
- Plugs
- Type F, C · 230 V
Emergency numbers
Top 5 places
- Bock Casemates · Luxembourg City
Tunnels and galleries cut into the rock of the old fortress, a UNESCO site.
- Grund and the Chemin de la Corniche · Luxembourg City
Riverside lower town and the clifftop walk often called Europe's most beautiful balcony.
- Vianden Castle · Vianden
Restored medieval castle above a small river town, with a chairlift.
- Mullerthal Trail · Echternach / Berdorf
Hiking through sandstone gorges and forests in 'Little Switzerland'.
- Moselle wine route · Remich / Schengen / Grevenmacher
Vineyards, wine cellars and river cruises along the German border.
Getting around
Public transport
Free public transport
Trains, trams, buses and the Pfaffenthal funicular are free nationwide. You only pay for first class on trains or for journeys crossing the border.
Public transport
Mobilitéit.lu
Official journey planner and timetables for all buses, trams and trains.
Trains
CFL trains
National railway; free in second class within Luxembourg. Cross-border tickets to Belgium, France and Germany are paid.
Taxi
WebTaxi / Colux / HelloTaxi
Taxi fares are not regulated and operators set their own prices, so ask the fare before the ride. Evening and Sunday surcharges are legal. Taxi ranks are at the station and in the city centre.
Bike share
Vel'oh
Luxembourg City bike share with e-bikes; cheap day and 3-day passes with the first 30 minutes of each ride free. The city also has free public lifts between upper and lower town.
Car rental
Flex / Carloh
Car sharing services, plus the usual rental companies at the airport.
Money and cash
Currency: EUR · Euro
All major cards are widely accepted and contactless is normal. Little cash is needed. Luxembourg is expensive for hotels and restaurants, while fuel, alcohol and tobacco are cheaper than in neighbouring countries.
Tipping
Tipping is not obligatory. Service is generally included in prices, and people round up or leave a small tip for good service, often around 5-10% in restaurants. (varies)
| Restaurants | Round up or about 5-10% for good service (varies). |
|---|---|
| Cafés and bars | Round up to the next euro. |
| Taxis and ride apps | Round up (optional). |
| Hotels | Optional: 1-2 EUR per bag or per night. |
| Tours and guides | Optional: a few euros per person. |
| Food delivery | Optional: round up. |
Service charge: what’s true
Not usually shown as a separate charge on the bill; prices include service and VAT. (varies)
Pressure tactics to watch for
No widely reported pressure tactics. If a card terminal suggests a tip, choosing none is acceptable.
Useful phrases
- L'addition, s'il vous plaît. The bill, please (French).
- Gardez la monnaie. Keep the change (French).
- Merci villmools. Thank you very much (Luxembourgish).
Etiquette
- Greet with 'Moien' (Luxembourgish) or 'Bonjour' when entering shops; locals appreciate a word of Luxembourgish.
- Be punctual and fairly formal in shops and restaurants.
- Shops usually open from about 6:00 at the earliest to 20:00 at the latest on weekdays; many close on Sundays.
- Drunk and disorderly behaviour is a criminal offence.
- Cover shoulders in churches such as Notre-Dame Cathedral.
Scams and how to handle them
Overpriced taxis
Where: Airport, station, taxi ranks
How it works: Taxi fares are not regulated, and some drivers charge inflated rates per kilometre.
How to avoid it: Use official ranks, check the price list on the car and ask the fare in advance.
Pickpocketing at the station and on buses
Where: Gare de Luxembourg, buses, tourist attractions
How it works: Thieves target travellers with luggage and distracted visitors.
How to avoid it: Keep valuables separated and bags closed.
Hotel lobby theft
Where: Hotel lobbies in the Findel (airport) area
How it works: Bags are taken while guests check in or wait.
How to avoid it: Keep bags in contact with you at reception.
Theft at restaurant tables
Where: Restaurants and cafes in the city centre
How it works: Bags hung on chairs or phones on tables are taken while you eat.
How to avoid it: Keep bags on your lap or between your feet.
Phishing and requests for bank details
Where: Phone, email, text messages
How it works: Criminals target foreign visitors to obtain personal or banking information.
How to avoid it: Do not share card or bank details with anyone who contacts you; call your bank directly.
Thefts around ATMs
Where: Cash machines in busy areas
How it works: Thieves watch PIN entry or distract users at ATMs.
How to avoid it: Cover your PIN and use ATMs inside banks.
Safety
- Luxembourg is one of the safest countries in Europe; violent crime is uncommon, though violent robberies have happened.
- Theft is the main concern around railway stations (especially the Gare area at night), on buses, at tourist sites and ATMs.
- Report thefts to police within 24 hours for insurance.
- Traffic laws are strictly enforced with fines for minor offences.
- Tap water is safe to drink.
How widely English is spoken
English is almost universally understood. French is the main language on signs and menus; Portuguese and Italian are also widely spoken.
Sources
- GOV.UK Foreign travel advice: Luxembourg, safety and security
- Wikivoyage: Luxembourg
- Wikivoyage: Luxembourg City
- Visit Luxembourg: Practical information
- Visit Luxembourg: Getting around
We check these guides against official and well-known sources, but rules and prices change. Spot something out of date? Email support@tourits.app.