Luxembourg City, capital of the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg, lies only 60 km from Metz, making it the most practical international city day trip from the Moselle valley. Direct IC and IR trains run from Metz Gare to Luxembourg Gare in approximately two hours (€20–€35 return via sncf-connect.com or cfl.lu), with around eight daily services. By car from Metz, the A31 motorway north reaches Luxembourg City centre in 1 hour 20 minutes; a park-and-ride at Bouillon on the city's southern edge operates for approximately €3/day.
The city's most striking feature is its dramatic topography: built on a rocky promontory above the valleys of the Alzette and Pétrusse rivers, the UNESCO-listed old city and its fortifications are classified as a World Heritage Site. The Chemin de la Corniche promenade — widely called 'the most beautiful balcony in Europe' — traces the cliff edge with sweeping views over the intact casemates and the Grund lower town below. Entry to the Bock Casemates (17 km of 17th-century rock tunnels carved into the cliff) costs €10 and takes around 45 minutes.
The upper town around Place Guillaume II (Knuedler) holds the ornate Grand Ducal Palace, the Gothic Cathédrale Notre-Dame (free entry), and pedestrian shopping streets. The Grund lower town, nestled in the Alzette valley, is reached by free cliff-side elevator and contains atmospheric riverside restaurants. The Kirchberg plateau, a 15-minute tram ride east, holds the Musée d'Art Moderne Grand-Duc Jean (MUDAM, entry €10) in a I.M. Pei-designed building.
Suggested day arc from Metz: depart at 8 h, arrive Luxembourg by 10 h, spend the morning in the upper town, descend by elevator for lunch in the Grund (€15–€25 per main), then the afternoon for the Chemin de la Corniche, Bock Casemates, and a tram ride to MUDAM before an evening return train. Notably, all public transport within Luxembourg — including trams, buses, and trains — is completely free of charge. April through October suits outdoor exploration; December brings a Christmas Village on Place d'Armes.
How to get there
- Train from Metz (2h, ~€25 return)
- Car from Metz (1h20 via A31)
Location
Place Guillaume II, 1648 Luxembourg
49.6116, 6.1319 View on map
Highlights
- Chemin de la Corniche: UNESCO-listed promenade with panoramas over the fortifications and Grund valley
- Bock Casemates: 17 km of 17th-century underground tunnels carved from the cliff face (entry €10)
- Grand Ducal Palace and Place Guillaume II in the pedestrianised upper town
- Grund lower town: riverside restaurants and medieval lanes in the Alzette valley
- MUDAM — Musée d'Art Moderne Grand-Duc Jean in a landmark I.M. Pei building on the Kirchberg plateau
Tips for visiting
- All public transport inside Luxembourg is completely free — no ticket needed once across the border
- Take the free cliff-side elevator (ascenseur) from the upper town to the Grund lower town — much easier than the steep stairs
- Book Bock Casemates tickets in advance at luxembourg.lu during peak summer months
- Buy cross-border train tickets from Metz at sncf-connect.com or at the CFL counter at Luxembourg Gare
- Luxembourg uses the euro; ATMs are plentiful near the Gare and Place Guillaume II
When to visit
April to October for outdoor exploration of the Corniche and Grund district. December for the Christmas Village on Place d'Armes. Peak summer weekends see the most visitors — arrive by 10 h to access the Bock Casemates before midday queues form.
Frequently asked questions
Is public transport free in Luxembourg City?
Yes — all buses, trams, and trains within Luxembourg have been fare-free for all passengers since March 2020. Visitors from Metz pay only for the cross-border rail segment.
How much time is needed for a comfortable day trip?
Six to eight hours works well: two hours in the upper town, one for lunch in the Grund, two for the Casemates and Corniche, then one more for MUDAM or the Kirchberg before catching an evening train back to Metz.
Are the Bock Casemates accessible to wheelchair users?
The casemates are carved from rock with uneven paths and narrow passages and are not wheelchair accessible. The Chemin de la Corniche and the upper town around Place Guillaume II are largely flat and accessible.
What languages are spoken in Luxembourg City?
Luxembourg is officially trilingual: Luxembourgish, French, and German are all in common use. French is widely spoken in restaurants and shops; English is well understood in all tourist areas.
Can I visit Luxembourg City directly from Strasbourg?
A direct connection requires changing trains, typically at Metz or Thionville. Travelling via Metz is the recommended approach, making Metz the natural starting point for this day trip from Grand Est.