Member Article

Balmoral International Group: Europe Spill

“Luxembourg: One of Europe’s Hidden Gems“

Europe is best known for its major tourist destination: London or Paris. These cities have achieved their status for a reason, they are abounding in things to see and do. However though, Balmoral International Group aims to also show you what Europe has still to offer aside from the image of wealth and destination of the royal city and the city of love. Smaller places offer slightly more tranquillity and are an excellent place to visit if a respite from the crowds is needed such as Luxembourg.

Luxembourg is best visited in summer or winter, try and avoid spring and autumn as the weather tends to be overcast and drizzly. In summer the town offers a lively buzz without turning into a tourist trap while in winter the inhabitants amuse themselves by visiting Christmas markets and drinking Gluhwein, a delicacy found in most German speaking countries. Having a Christmas market is not a tradition which is very prevalent in English-speaking countries but which many travellers find very enjoyable. In summertime the town offers many cultural activities such as art and dance exhibitions, wine tasting and (free) concerts. Be sure to check out the Grand-Ducal Palace which may not be as grand as its counterpart London but is way more accessible. Luxembourg’s Grand Duke is the only remaining Grand Duke in the world and effectively plays the same role as kings and queens do in other European monarchies. Luxembourg’s art galleries and museums are not of a very high quality, give them a miss and have a walk across the citadel instead. Large sections of the walls are accessible to the public. Alternatively have a guided tour in the casements, a maze of underground tunnels which runs under the city in which the population would shelter in times of war.

Dos and Don’ts:

• Do visit the fortress and the casements have a wander around the old town which has medieval and Renaissance architecture.
• Check out the Place d’ Armes (Weapons Square) in the city center as there is usually some kind of cultural activity going on. Be sure to dine out and ask for the local dishes, situated between France and Germany the cuisine offers a mix of both kitchens which is quirky.
• If travelling by car fill up your tank as Luxembourg offers the cheapest fuel in Western Europe, if you smoke stock up on cigarettes as they are cheap and will be substantially more expensive in the place you visit.
• Do not overpay for lodgings, the city center is expensive and the town’s comprehensive and cheap bus network makes for a much cheaper sleep in other areas of town.
• Do not overpay for food, sitting down on a terrace and ordering lunch can be up to four times as eating in a patisserie.
• Do not ask people if you are currently in Germany or in France, Luxembourg may be small but its people are very happy to be independent of their larger neighbours.
• Also do not feel too perturbed if people are unable to express themselves satisfactory in English. They learn three languages at school and are fluent in all of them; English is a fourth language for many.

Most of all enjoy your stay and let Luxembourg’s culture, tradition and heritage help you feel at ease. Balmoral International Group Luxembourg wishes you a healthy and memorable visit.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Margaux Athena Stephen .