Luxembourg is loaded with things to see for the tourist and if you can tear yourself away from the capital city you will discover enchanting towns and villages nestled amid hilltops and a diverse landscape. Luxembourg City is undoubtedly the main attraction and has the bulk of the sights, while the ancient town of Echternach and nearby Mullerthalis are also definitely worth a look.

Chemin de la Corniche
This pedestrian promenade has often been referred to as 'Europe's most beautiful balcony' and is a delight to stroll down during the day or night. At the southern base of the picturesque, cobble-stoned quarter is the stunning Citadelle du St Esprit which provides superb views of the lower town (Grund) as well as the valleys. The nightlife within Chemin de la Corniche is also pretty great.

Clervaux
The medieval market town of Clervaux in northern Luxembourg is a great destination for those into history and is well worth a look. The 12th century castle is the main attraction, while a war museum details the WWII Battle of the Bulge with its many impressive weapons exhibits. A rare collection of Edward Steichen documentary art photography is also in town.

Echternach
The abbey town of Echternach on the German border is a must see containing a staggering amount of fetching architecture. The beautiful 7th century Benedictine Abbey is the main attraction and comes complete with a museum, while the St Willibrord Basilica with its spectacular crypt is another popular landmark. The 15th century Town Hall is also worth a look and if you are here in May be sure to have a look at the world famous Echternach Sprangpressessioun religious dancing procession.

Luxembourg Ardennes
Luxembourg’s most spectacular region is one of deep, wide valleys, plunging rivers, lofty castles and great options for outdoor fun. The towns of Clervaux, Vianden, and Wiltz are the main thoroughfares in the Ardennes region, which lies right in the north of Luxembourg. Skiing is also popular here in the winter, while at other times rock climbing, hiking and cycling are all the rage.

Luxembourg City
Luxembourg City, or Luxembourg-Ville, is the main reason that most people visit the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg; the largest and most comprehensive urban centre with the great percentage of the country’s attractions. The town is beautifully located overlooking the Petrusse and Alzette Valleys where the original fortress town was founded. Remnants of the original fortress can still be discerned of which the labyrinthine tunnels (casemates) go for miles underneath the city streets. Grand architecture, impressive museums, shopping, eating and nightlife are all widely available here.

Müllerthal
Affectionately known as ‘Little Switzerland’ and situated near Echternach in eastern Luxembourg, Müllerthal is one of pretty woodland, waterfalls and caves and is even more popular than the Ardennes region for the outdoors type due to its proximity with the capital. The hiking, cycling and rock climbing here are better than anywhere else in Luxembourg and just about anyone can take on the walking paths to the west of the town which pass picturesque waterfalls and eventually lead to the ancient Beaufort castle.

Notre Dame Cathedral
One of Luxembourg’s finest old structures, the Notre Dame Cathedral is home to the royal family vault and huge sarcophagus of John the Blind. The cathedral was built between the relatively short period of 1613 and 1621 – just eight years, which is a snip for European cathedrals back then – and is best visited during the Octave of Our Lady of Luxembourg around Easter. The sacristan of the church may let you see the royal treasury if you ask nicely.

Palace of the Grand Dukes
The Palace of the Grand Dukes (Grand Ducal Palace) is a fairly unremarkable structure from the outside but is as opulent as they come when one gets inside. The medieval palace was first built in 1572 and extended in 1741 and is the official home of the Grand Duke. Today it has been totally restored and is gleaming. Phone: +352 467 070.

Vianden
The popular and picturesque town Vianden in north-eastern Luxembourg is one of the major destinations outside of Luxembourg City and is beautifully located on the River Our. The hilltop castle is indicative of the region and harks right back to the 11th century. It was actually completed 300 years later in the 14th century and is the main attraction here and is accessible by chairlift. The other main attraction in town is the wild boar sanctuary.

Get away from it all in the Ardennes. These run from Belgium and into northern Luxembourg. Discern the rolling landscape, thickly forested slopes, fantastic old towns and villages with ancient castles and an abundance of fresh air. Ski in the winter, hike in the summer and sample real ale and traditional Benelux cuisine in the myriad of country pubs year-round.

Go rock climbing. Best places are the Müllerthal region to the northeast of Luxembourg City or the Ardennes in the north of the country. All types of climbs cater to all fitness levels and guides are on hand to help out to boot. One could even enrol on a course where equipment is supplied, or simply go it alone.

Go walking. This can be done amid Luxembourg City’s many large and well-equipped parks, along the river banks of the beautiful Moselle Valley, or for some serious hiking, up in the Ardennes or in the Müllerthal region. Mile after mile of footpaths go past pristine lakes, plunging waterfalls and quaint villages.

People-watch in Place d’Armes. This is Luxembourg’s liveliest and most thriving square, where one can sip a cappuccino in one of the myriad terraced cafés and street stalls. Catch a concert in the summer here or indulge in a spot of shopping at the twice monthly flea market. Farmer’s market happens on Wednesdays and Saturdays.

Relax in a thermal spa. This activity is especially ecommended at Domaine Thermal, Luxembourg’s biggest and best spa resort, which lies just outside the city amid the peaceful Lorraine Hills and vineyards. Those so inclined will be thrilled with the range of facilities which include the thermal baths and a fitness centre. Mondorf-les-Bains is a popular spa town in the southeast of Luxembourg which also offers pampering and leisure options.

Taste the country’s top beer. Apart from the fabulous wines that the country churns out, courtesy of the Moselle Valley region, the Grand Duchy also makes some pretty good beer which tourists can sample. Go visit a traditional brewery in the north-western town of Wiltz where you can also go skiing in the winter and hiking in the summer.

Tour the Moselle Valley. In the south of Luxembourg vineyards cling to the verdant hillsides and the wide Moselle River snakes along below. Tourists can go on tours and tastings of most wineries in the region, where fruity-tasting numbers are generally produced. Boating expeditions along the river are also all the rage.

Visit Schengen. This is the now internationally famous village that saw the signing of the Schengen Agreement in the 1990s. Head for the south of the country where Luxembourg meets France and Germany, divided by the Moselle River. Although not a remarkable village in itself, a drive of the region is worth it.