With beautiful town squares, fun shopping, quiet cobblestone streets, lush greenery and historical architecture and fortifications that are UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

The world’s only remaining grand duchy, Luxembourg was also once one of Europe’s most strategic and greatest fortified sites. Luxembourg City, the duchy’s capital, is also the first city to have been twice named ‘European Capital of Culture,’ as designated by the European Union. A blend of French, Belgian, Austrian, Spanish, Italian, Dutch and Prussian architecture, the city reflects its multi-national heritage – having been under rule and influence of many of its neighbors throughout its history. A modern city, high-tech buildings now stand near the historic ones in a stunning melting pot of the times.

The Place Guillaume II (often called Knuedler among Luxembourgish) ranks among Luxembourg City’s top spots and is a bustling town square in the heart of the historic Ville Haute Quarter. Dedicated to William II of the Netherlands – and one-time Grand Duke of Luxembourg (1792-1849) – a grand equestrian statue of the Duke stands in the center. Find Luxembourg City Hall on the western side. The square is also sometimes used as an open-air music venue and is home to the annual Rock um Knuedler concert.

The Place d’Armes is another popular destination for locals and tourists alike with a variety of restaurants and cafés. At various times, live performers, bands and street artists can be found as well. Once used as a parade route in the 17th century, it was paved with flagstones and bordered with lime trees under French Sun King Louis XIV. The beautiful Palais Municipal (aka Cercle Municipal), which was once used for administrative purposes, now hosts celebrations and cultural events. Nearby, the Dicks-Lentz monument honors two native Luxembourg writers, Edmond de la Fontaine (whose pen name was Dicks) and Michel Lentz, can also be found here. Michel Lentz wrote Ons Hémécht, the Luxembourg national anthem.