Grand Ducal Palace, Luxembourg (must see)
Nestled in the heart of Luxembourg City鈥檚 medieval Old Town, the Grand Ducal Palace is a striking example of Flemish Renaissance architecture that has served as the official seat of Luxembourg鈥檚 monarchy since 1890. Originally built as the city hall in 1572鈥�1573 on the ruins of an earlier 1418 structure, the palace evolved from municipal government offices to the residence and workplace of the Grand Duke and his family.
Inside, the first floor of the palace boasts lavishly decorated state rooms such as the grand staircase, reception halls, dining rooms, and the Salon des Rois, where the Grand Duke hosts official events and welcomes dignitaries. Each room reflects both historical prestige and modern elegance, thanks to restorations undertaken in the 1960s and a comprehensive renovation between 1991 and 1996. While the palace remains the head of state鈥檚 primary workplace, its principal residence lies at Berg Castle in Colmar鈥態erg.
Tourists can explore the interior during one of the exclusive guided tours available annually from mid鈥慗uly through the end of August. These 75鈥憁inute tours鈥攇uided by the Luxembourg City Tourist Office鈥攐ffer rare access to the Duke鈥檚 office, the formal dining room, and the regal Salon des Rois.
For visitors to Luxembourg City, the palace serves as a powerful symbol of the nation鈥檚 living heritage. Its magnificent fa莽ade, presence within the UNESCO鈥憀isted Old Quarters and Fortifications, and central location make it an unmissable landmark鈥攅specially when combined with a scenic stroll through Ville Haute or a relaxing pause at one of the charming nearby caf茅s.
Why You Should Visit:
The palace is a local landmark right in the heart of Ville-Haute. When visiting Luxembourg, you will inevitably stop and take a look from street level. Keep an eye out for the palace guards' ceremonies.
Tips:
The palace is open for guided tours only during July and August. Ask for information at the information center at Place Guillaume II. Like at Buckingham Palace, you can take pictures with the guard if you wish.
Inside, the first floor of the palace boasts lavishly decorated state rooms such as the grand staircase, reception halls, dining rooms, and the Salon des Rois, where the Grand Duke hosts official events and welcomes dignitaries. Each room reflects both historical prestige and modern elegance, thanks to restorations undertaken in the 1960s and a comprehensive renovation between 1991 and 1996. While the palace remains the head of state鈥檚 primary workplace, its principal residence lies at Berg Castle in Colmar鈥態erg.
Tourists can explore the interior during one of the exclusive guided tours available annually from mid鈥慗uly through the end of August. These 75鈥憁inute tours鈥攇uided by the Luxembourg City Tourist Office鈥攐ffer rare access to the Duke鈥檚 office, the formal dining room, and the regal Salon des Rois.
For visitors to Luxembourg City, the palace serves as a powerful symbol of the nation鈥檚 living heritage. Its magnificent fa莽ade, presence within the UNESCO鈥憀isted Old Quarters and Fortifications, and central location make it an unmissable landmark鈥攅specially when combined with a scenic stroll through Ville Haute or a relaxing pause at one of the charming nearby caf茅s.
Why You Should Visit:
The palace is a local landmark right in the heart of Ville-Haute. When visiting Luxembourg, you will inevitably stop and take a look from street level. Keep an eye out for the palace guards' ceremonies.
Tips:
The palace is open for guided tours only during July and August. Ask for information at the information center at Place Guillaume II. Like at Buckingham Palace, you can take pictures with the guard if you wish.
Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Luxembourg. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "黑料吃瓜网: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.
Download The 黑料吃瓜网 App
Grand Ducal Palace on Map
Sight Name: Grand Ducal Palace
Sight Location: Luxembourg, Luxembourg (See walking tours in Luxembourg)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Luxembourg, Luxembourg (See walking tours in Luxembourg)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in Luxembourg, Luxembourg
Create Your Own Walk in Luxembourg
Creating your own self-guided walk in Luxembourg is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Chocolates and Pastries Walking Tour
A tiny European nation wedged between Belgium, France, and Germany, Luxembourg may not be the first destination that comes to mind when you think of chocolate and pastry. Still, the country's capital, Luxembourg City, has a burgeoning confectionery scene that can successfully compete with its renowned Belgian and French counterparts.
One must-visit spot for pastry enthusiasts here is La... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 0.9 Km or 0.6 Miles
One must-visit spot for pastry enthusiasts here is La... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 0.9 Km or 0.6 Miles
Luxembourg Introduction Walking Tour
The capital city of the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg is known as Luxembourg City. The Romans had built small forts here that guarded two roads that passed through. But it was Count Seigfried in 963 who began the town by building a castle on the Bock promontory. A small church followed on the site of present day St. Michael鈥檚 Church. Soon a community sprang up along the Roman road.
Bock Rock... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.1 Km or 1.3 Miles
Bock Rock... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.1 Km or 1.3 Miles
Souvenir Shopping Tour
Luxembourg, a picturesque European nation, offers a delightful array of souvenir shopping experiences, allowing you to carry a piece of its charm back home.
Start your journey at the Luxembourg City Tourist Office, where you can acquire traditional souvenirs such as postcards and keychains, along with valuable information about the city's attractions.
The Market on Place Guillaume II is... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.0 Km or 0.6 Miles
Start your journey at the Luxembourg City Tourist Office, where you can acquire traditional souvenirs such as postcards and keychains, along with valuable information about the city's attractions.
The Market on Place Guillaume II is... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.0 Km or 0.6 Miles
Useful Travel Guides for Planning Your Trip
Sourvenir Shopping: 16 Unique Things to Buy in Luxembourg
Let alone their products, what does the rest of the world know or hear, in general, about Luxembourg other than the Duke of Luxembourg or Jardin du Luxembourg (Luxembourg Garden) which is in Paris after all? Unless you live nearby (France, Germany or Belgium) and have frequently visited the country,...