The best neighborhoods in Luxembourg City

It might come as a surprise but the EU’s second-smallest capital has a whole lot to offer. From magnificent castles to enchanting winding streets, the city combines its rich past with a vibrant, sophisticated air. Today, Luxembourg City is a modern hub with a friendly atmosphere, high quality of life, and excellent public transportation system that attracts those from all around the world.

Learn about this bustling capital and why so many choose to call it home with the following topics:

An overview of Luxembourg City

Nestled in the heart of Western Europe, Luxembourg City is a vibrant city of just 51.73 km². As the commune with the highest population in the Grand Duchy, it is home to 134,714 inhabitants as of 2023.

The city’s unique character extends beyond borders due to its proximity to Belgium, France, and Germany. Moreover, it is a melting pot of cultures, with people of about 167 nationalities making up approximately 70% of its population.

The city’s history includes its medieval origins as a fortress. Then, a post-war reconstruction after World War II changed it into the modern European capital we know today.

It gained global recognition when its old quarters were given UNESCO World Heritage status in 1994. Furthermore, the city has become a major center for European institutions, including the European Court of Justice and the European Investment Bank.

Luxembourg City has a lot to offer, making living there an exciting cultural experience. Visit the many museums around the city to discover its history and art. It is a great place to live for those who love good food, with many Michelin-starred restaurants. You can also visit local markets to savor the culinary delights of Luxembourg, such as Gromperekichelcher.

Education

If you have children of school age or are looking to move to the city to study yourself, there are quite a few options. Children may attend public, private, or international schools. Many international schools exist in and around Luxembourg City, notably the International School of Luxembourg (ISL), Saint George’s International School, and Lycée International School Michel Lucius.

For those looking to further their education and experience student life in the Grand Duchy, you are in luck because many of Luxembourg’s universities are concentrated in the city. For example, the University of Luxembourg and the Luxembourg School of Business.

Work and businesses

Luxembourg City is a major financial hub, hosting global banks and investment firms, and is mainly popular with private banking and investment funds. Recently, the Luxembourg Chamber of Commerce has supported a startup facility called House of Startups (HoST) in the city as well as the Luxembourg House of Financial Technology (LHoFT) and the Luxembourg City Incubator (LCI).

Luxembourg City’s modern infrastructure, low corporate tax rates, and location actively attract businesses and investors. Furthermore, it benefits from a skilled, diverse, multilingual workforce, making it an appealing place to live for talented professionals.

Getting around Luxembourg City

Luxembourg City has some great public transportation options. In fact, since February 2020, all public transportation within Luxembourg City has been free. However, some exceptions include first-class tickets and travel on cross-border trains.

If you want to travel by train, there are five rail stations, including Luxembourg Station. Another convenient transportation option is the efficient bus network, including a night bus network. In addition, there is a tram line with service running both directions between the stops of Luxexpo and Lycée Bouneweg.

Another option is driving; however, it may be difficult and expensive to find parking, and traffic can also be a challenge. Luckily, the city has taken initiatives to ease traffic and be more environmentally friendly with ‘park and ride’ parking lots. These are located outside the city and allow 24-hour parking with access via rail or bus routes.

How to find housing in Luxembourg City

If you want to rent or buy property in Luxembourg City, you need to act fast. While the housing market in Luxembourg is cooling down overall, the city remains a popular place to live, and competition for housing is still fierce. Below are some useful websites for finding properties:

• atHome
• ImmoStar
• IMMOTOP
• Wortimmo

Aside from searching on your own, real estate agencies (agent immobilier/immobilienmakler) are also very helpful. If you see a place you like, contact a reputable agent to get the process started.

Typical accommodation in Luxembourg City

Many residents in the city own houses, while apartments are the most common type of rental property, particularly in the center. Rental properties are typically unfurnished, although some come with essential kitchen items. Fully furnished apartments are available, but they cost more.

Other accommodation options that can be considered depending on your circumstances are student housing, shared houses, and social housing.

Renting in Luxembourg City

Where you want to rent can affect how much you will pay and what is available. For example, the average cost of rent is around €1,760 for a one-bedroom apartment in the city center and around €1,360 outside of the center.

You might pay more in places like Kirchberg and Merl because they are close to business areas and a bit more upscale. However, Hollerich and Gasperich have some affordable options. Luxembourg also provides various rental properties, including furnished and affordable housing for those who meet specific criteria.

Wherever you rent, you must provide documents like your passport, employment contract, or pay slips as proof of identity and income. You will get a tenancy agreement to review and sign if you pass these checks. After that, you must pay a deposit to the landlord (bailleur/vermieter) and estate agent fees (frais de commission/maklergebühren) before moving in.

Buying in Luxembourg City

If you are considering investing in a long-term life in Luxembourg City, you might want to buy a home. There are no restrictions on expats purchasing homes in Luxembourg. Finding a place to buy is similar to renting but involves much more paperwork and fees. Also, it can be pretty expensive overall, with prices varying by area.

According to a report by Immotop, in April 2024, Belair had the highest asking price at €14,482 per m². However, Dommeldange had the lowest average at €9,361 per m².

Luxembourg City’s neighborhoods

The city is divided into 24 distinct quarters (quartiers) that offer a diverse range of accommodation options. Whatever your preference, each neighborhood offers something different, such as nightlife, green spaces, historical charm, art, and culture.

Belair

Located in the west of Luxembourg City, this area is bordered by the quarters of Rollingergrund, Merl, Hollerich, and the city center. If you are seeking a more residential life amongst a diverse population of expats, then this is a great neighborhood.

In terms of housing, the area has a mix of large villas from the 1920s and 1930s, as well as more modern and upscale apartment buildings. Despite being one of the most expensive neighborhoods to live in with average rent prices around €30 per m², Belair’s convenient location and easy access to the city center make it a reassuring choice for daily commuters.

Incredibly convenient for families, Belair has many green spaces and playgrounds, such as Merl-Belair Park and Castle Playground, for parents and children to enjoy together.

If you have children, many schools and childcare options are available. These include daycare centers and two primary schools.

For those who want a more international environment for their young ones, private kindergarten Over The Rainbow International School may be a good option. Moreover, the International School of Luxembourg is nearby and an easy commute by car, bicycle, or public transportation.

Aside from schools and playgrounds, the Central Hospital of Luxembourg (Centre Hospitalier de Luxembourg) and community and culture centers are close by. If you are into sports and fitness, a pool is open to the public.

Additionally, there are two gymnasiums, a tennis club, and a stadium. Since Belair is so close to the center, you are always near everyday amenities such as supermarkets, trendy cafes, pubs, and restaurants.

Beggen

If you are looking for an international, family-friendly, quiet neighborhood, then Beggen is an excellent choice. This is also a great area to become a homeowner, offering a more affordable option compared to other quarters. Rent and property prices are lower due to its distance from the city center, you can feel secure about your investment.

Several bus routes make the quarter well-connected with the rest of the city. It is also convenient for those who wish to commute to other areas by car. However, residents may not need to travel outside Beggen for necessities since there is a shopping center with a supermarket, household goods store, and various restaurants.

It’s important to note that Beggen has no hospital; the nearest one is a 30-minute bus ride.

There are many school and childcare options for families with children, from primary schools to nurseries. Although there are no high schools in Beggen, students can attend schools in neighboring areas.

Children can also enjoy green spaces and numerous playgrounds. Adults can use sports facilities such as a tennis club and football ground. Furthermore, nature lovers can enjoy walks along the Alzette River or take in the countryside atmosphere.

Merl

Close to Belair, Merl is another family-friendly residential area full of diversity, and many expats live there. It is a great place to live if you want to be close to the city center but prefer a quieter neighborhood with more natural surroundings. However, living in Merl is costly compared to other areas of the city.

This area also offers diverse educational options for residents and their children. For example, there is the Merl School (an elementary school), a municipal daycare center, and the nearby Geesseknäppchen School Campus. The International School of Luxembourg (ISL) is also in the neighboring Hollerich quarter.

For those who wish to live in the center of culture and art, Merl is near institutions such as the Théâtre National de Luxembourg and the Conservatoire de Musique de Luxembourg (Luxembourg Conservatory of Music). Residents can enjoy concerts and theater performances in multiple languages.

Merl provides many recreational facilities for outdoor enthusiasts. These include parks, a sports hall, gyms, and a riding center.

While basic shopping needs can be met, there is only so much variety in the types of shops and restaurants available. Luckily, Merl has a bus system that connects the neighborhood to other areas. 

While there is no tram, it’s easy to get to the city center in about 15 minutes, whether you take the bus, drive, or bike. This makes it easy to access shopping in the city and nearby shopping centers like the Boomerang Strassen shopping center.

Kirchberg

Kirchberg is in the northeast part of Luxembourg City. While it may have started as an agricultural hub, it has since become an urban business center. Kirchberg is also home to many European Union institutions, such as the European Court of Justice and the European Investment Bank, earning it the nickname “European Quarter.” 

As of now, it remains an attractive place for business professionals working in banking and international companies. As a result, rent is higher than the citywide average.

Residents of Kirchberg benefit from excellent public transportation options, including trams, cable cars, and buses. Moreover, there is access to large shopping malls, including the Kirchberg Shopping Center.

Healthcare is accessible via Kirchberg Hospital and nearby hospitals in Neudorf/Weimershof. The area also has many schools for children and the Kirchberg campus of the University of Luxembourg.

Additionally, residents can participate in a variety of cultural and sports activities. For example, the Philharmonie Luxembourg (the Grande-Duchesse Joséphine-Charlotte Concert Hall) is located in the quarter, and the National Library of Luxembourg (Bibliothèque nationale) holds cultural events. 

For sports enthusiasts, the La Coque sports complex has a swimming pool and climbing wall. The area also hosts the starting and ending points of the ING Night Marathon.

Overall, Kirchberg is an ideal place to live for those working in certain business sectors who want easy access to transportation, amenities, and entertainment. However, it may be less appealing for those looking for a quieter and cheaper area.

Ville Haute

If you are more of a city dweller, then Ville Haute (the Old Town) is a great place to live. Compared to other areas in Luxembourg City, this quarter has a commercial rather than residential atmosphere.

With trendy bars and restaurants, high-end shopping options, and easy access to anywhere in the city, it is no surprise that Ville Haute is so popular. However, housing is challenging to find and expensive at around €30 per m².

Ville Haute is also an ideal place to live for those who prefer walking everywhere. However, the area is not very car-friendly, as there are few parking spaces and they are expensive. Luckily, there is ample access to public transportation, with 23 bus stops that connect to various bus lines, 12 vel’OH! bike-sharing stations, and trams. There have even been efforts to make shopping areas more pedestrian-friendly.

Living in this area means you will always have amenities, with many supermarkets open for everyday shopping. In addition, you can find specialty shops such as butchers and bakeries. Furthermore, fresh produce is widely available every Wednesday and Saturday at the Stater Maart.

While this quarter may not be the best place to live for families due to crowds and a lack of schools, it is excellent for young professionals and young couples. Aside from shopping, there are numerous museums and theaters where you can view exhibitions and performances.

Additionally, there are many green spaces to relax in, including Kinnekswiss and the Vallée de la Pétrusse. Moreover, the Municipal Park of Luxembourg (Parc Municipal de Luxembourg) offers ample space for picnics, strolls, or jogging.

Clausen

If you love a vibrant social scene and want to live just outside the city center, Clausen is worth considering. However, due to its historical reputation, popular nightlife, and proximity to other desirable neighborhoods, rent is expensive.

Despite its small size, Clausen is a captivating blend of history and modernity. Once a hub for breweries and distilleries, these historic sites have now transformed into trendy bars and restaurants along the Rives de Clausen.

While the area is renowned for its vibrant nightlife, its residential quarters retain a peaceful and quaint charm. Additionally, Clausen offers delightful walking areas and green spaces, including the popular Mansfeld Park, perfect for relaxation.

While it may not be an ideal place for families due to a lack of schools and childcare facilities, it is perfect for singles and young couples. Furthermore, Clausen lacks amenities like supermarkets and healthcare facilities, which it makes up for with a convenient location. Getting to the city center is just a short walk or bus ride away.

Neighborhoods to avoid in Luxembourg City

As in most major cities, more crime occurs in the central neighborhoods, especially near main transport stations and touristy areas.

In 2020, the Luxembourg police found that over half all crime in the city occurred in the central neighborhoods of Gare and Bonnevoie. Approximately 20% of all recorded crimes in the capital were drug-related, and about 85% happened in Gare and Bonnevoie.

Furthermore, residents of Gare have often complained about problems like drug trafficking, squatting, and violence in the area. As a result, residents have taken measures to try and combat it.

Tips on choosing a neighborhood in Luxembourg City

When choosing a neighborhood in Luxembourg City, some things should be considered. Begin by thinking about your budget and lifestyle. Affordability may be higher in areas outside the city center but could mean a longer commute to amenities.

Additionally, consider how your workplace location will impact your daily commute. If you have children, look at available schooling options and the proximity of schools to potential neighborhoods. Ultimately, you should find a place that best aligns with your needs and preferences.

Useful resources

• Ville de Luxembourg – official website of Luxembourg City
• Luxembourg City Tourist Office (LCTO) – tourism website providing useful information about the city
• Immotop.lu – housing prices in the municipality of Luxembourg