Centre, Grund and Clausen
The center of the capital encompasses the upper town, encircled by three boulevards: boulevard Royal to the north and west, boulevard Franklin-Roosevelt to the south and boulevard Jean-Ulveling to the east. By extension, the Centre district encompasses the entire upper part of the city, up to boulevard Robert-Schuman and côte d'Esch. This historic heartland is home to most of the city's museums (with the notable exception of the Mudam and Dräi Eechelen museums, located on the Kirchberg plateau), as well as the Grand Ducal Palace, Notre-Dame Cathedral and the city's main shopping street, the Grand-Rue. It's built around the two main squares, Place d'Armes and Place Guillaume II, Luxembourg's nerve centers. More commercial and less residential than its neighboring districts, this area is home to numerous hotels and restaurants. Finally, gourmets won't want to miss a visit to the Gastronomic Islet, one of whose entrances is on Rue de l'Eau, behind the Grand Ducal Palace.
The Grund and Clausen districts correspond to the fortified lower town to the east and northeast of the city, in the meandering Alzette. Quiet and picturesque, these are probably the most pleasant and authentic districts in Luxembourg City. Many walks pass through these districts, particularly from the Bisserwee, the steep cobbled road that links the central high plateau to the Grund. Let yourself be seduced by the charm of the Grund: it's so pleasant to sit on a terrace and enjoy a drink as evening falls... The Grund is also home to the Museum of Natural History, which has been beautifully restored. A place full of discoveries, ideal for a family visit!
The lower town is home toNeimënster Abbey and its adjacent church, as well as a splendid esplanade offering a superb view. Les Rives de Clausen (a collection of bars and restaurants set up on the industrial wasteland of the former Mousel et Clausen brewery) has been one of the city's "places to be" since 2008. The major Mansfeld Park project at Clausen was completed in 2017.
Belair, Limpertsberg and Kirchberg
The Belair and Limpertsberg districts to the northwest of Luxembourg City are the most exclusive. Along with Bonnevoie-Sud, they are the most densely populated, yet give the real impression of having plenty of space. It's not for nothing that these are the residential and family neighborhoods! The beautiful architecture of Belair's homes is a real eye-catcher. This busy district is strategically located on the axis leading to Strassen's shops, but it's also close to Merl Park, where you can relax and unwind. Limpertsberg, linked to the Kirchberg plateau by the Grande-Duchesse Charlotte bridge, is a popular district for expatriates, many of whom work in the European Quarter. Close to the heart of the capital, it's also a great place to escape the hustle and bustle of the city center and enjoy the green spaces and playgrounds with family and friends. It also boasts a rich cultural offering, including the Grand Théâtre and Utopia cinema. With its numerous primary and secondary schools, as well as international private schools, Limpertsberg is also known as the "school district". However, this could change by 2025, with the relocation of some schools to other districts.
Kirchberg covers 360 hectares in the north-eastern heights of the capital. Together with the Belval site still under development (in the Terres Rouges area), it is Luxembourg's most worthy architectural representative. It is easily accessible from the city center via the Grande-Duchesse Charlotte bridge, more commonly known by Luxembourgers as the Pont Rouge. Since the 1960s, Kirchberg has been home to the city's European institutions.
Over the years, the district has opened up and now includes the headquarters of the majority of banks, the Olympic swimming pool, a national sports and cultural center, a cinema complex and a large shopping mall, the European schools, the central park created by landscape architect Peter Latz, the Dräi Eechelen Museum, the Philharmonie and the Grand Duke Jean Museum of Modern Art(Mudam).
The Kirchberg plateau borders Findel, home to the Grand Duchy's international airport.
Nearby is the Hamm district, with the American military cemetery where General Patton is buried.
Station, Hollerich and Bonnevoie
To the south and south-east of the capital, the districts of Hollerich and Bonnevoie surround the Gare district on both sides. This is the most populated area of the city. Residential buildings are followed by shops and administrative buildings. These are undoubtedly the most popular and cosmopolitan areas of the city, as rents are lower than in the centre or in the residential areas of Merl and Belair in the west of the city. The famous rotundas, which date from the end of the 19th century, are one of the sights of the Bonnevoie district, close to the railway line in Rue de Bonnevoie. Classified as historical monuments, they were renovated in 2007. Rue de Hollerich, which is known for its many cafés and bars, runs parallel and next to Rue de l'Aciérie, where the cultural space Les Rotondes is located.
Station, Hollerich and Bonnevoie
To the south and south-east of the capital, the Hollerich and Bonnevoie districts surround the Gare district on either side. This is the city's most densely populated area. Residential buildings are followed by commercial and administrative buildings. These are undoubtedly the city's most popular and cosmopolitan neighborhoods! Rents here are lower than in the city center or in the residential areas of Merl and Belair to the west of the city. Near the railroad line, on rue de Bonnevoie, the famous rotundas, dating from the late 19th century, are among the curiosities of the Bonnevoie district. Listed as historic monuments, they were restored in 2007. Rue de Hollerich, known for its many cafés and bars, runs parallel and adjacent to Rue de l'Aciérie.
