Many overlook this tiny country nestled between France, Germany, and Belgium but we felt the need to check it out and see what it was all about. We had two nights booked at a hotel a quick five-minute drive outside of the city center. I initially thought that two nights would be the ideal amount of time but honestly, it turned out to be too much time. Yes, believe it or not, at least in our opinion, this city would be best for a stop over en route to another destination. We arrived on an early afternoon and drove directly to the Luxembourg American Cemetery. Walking through the cemetery we read the names of the fallen soldiers and the states they called home. I felt sad that they were laid to rest in a country a great distance from their loved ones. Our visit was peaceful and reflective. That generation is one whom we have so much respect and appreciation for.
We walked the downtown city in probably two hours and felt all highlights had been seen during that time. Sitting in the hotel room watching the never-ending rain, I was ready to call this trip a bust and drive home a day early. Instead, I picked up the computer and started searching for activities on Google thinking there HAD to be something I missed during my previous search. A WWII museum 30 minutes away, jackpot. What did we have to lose? A quick drive and possibly seeing cool memorabilia seemed better than wasting time in the hotel watching toddler cartoons. This museum took our trip from a bust to a half hit and made me feel like our money spent for the weekend wasn't a total waste.
Would I recommend this trip to friends? Nah, probably not. Unless of course you are driving through the area, I would insist you input DieKirch, Luxembourg into your GPS and make your way to the National Museum of Military History.
Travel Notes
Parc Alvisse Hotel
This hotel as stated earlier is just a five-minute drive outside of the city center but situated in more of a wooded area. The hotel staff were not friendly and welcoming, something I always make note of. Why do people work in the hospitality industry if they can't show some hospitality.. Anyone else ever wonder this!? The hotel does have a nice sauna and indoor pool area but we didn't think it seemed very welcoming for children. A breakfast buffet was included with our room price and was the typical European breakfast spread. Park Alvisse Hotel website
Luxembourg American Cemetery
I've linked you to the American Battle Monuments Commission website which provides general information on the hours of operation, location, etc. for this particular cemetery. It's quite interesting to read through the FAQ section of this site to gain a better understanding of the history and burial policies of the American Battle Monuments Commission. Luxembourg American Cemetery website
National Museum of Military History
A treasure trove of so many WWII items and a true must see if visiting the area!
Admission fees, hours, and the address are listed on the website link provided.
Our two year old was fascinated by the different scenes displayed with mannequins. National Museum of Military History website
JFK American Bar and Kitchen
This was a neat find in the Kirchberg area of Luxembourg City. It was a modern restaurant with an extremely friendly staff and delicious food. You may be thinking, Why would they eat at an American restaurant? Let me tell ya..After a while, you just crave some quesadillas, a good burger, and a philly cheesesteak. JFK American Bar and Kitchen website
Vapiano
An Italian chain restaurant that originally started in Germany but has now become an International franchise. I've honestly never heard of them until this trip. Upon entering, the hostess hands you what appears to be a credit card. This card is their smart-card payment system. Servers do not come to your table here. Instead, you go to the individual chef stations that cook pastas, pizzas, and salads where you place your own order. At these stations, your card is swiped to load the order onto it. When you're ready to leave, hand the smart-card to the hostess and pay your bill. We loved this system, especially because it was fast and convenient if dining with children. The food and atmosphere were great! Vapiano Restaurant website
Travel Notes
Parc Alvisse Hotel
This hotel as stated earlier is just a five-minute drive outside of the city center but situated in more of a wooded area. The hotel staff were not friendly and welcoming, something I always make note of. Why do people work in the hospitality industry if they can't show some hospitality.. Anyone else ever wonder this!? The hotel does have a nice sauna and indoor pool area but we didn't think it seemed very welcoming for children. A breakfast buffet was included with our room price and was the typical European breakfast spread. Park Alvisse Hotel website
Luxembourg American Cemetery
I've linked you to the American Battle Monuments Commission website which provides general information on the hours of operation, location, etc. for this particular cemetery. It's quite interesting to read through the FAQ section of this site to gain a better understanding of the history and burial policies of the American Battle Monuments Commission. Luxembourg American Cemetery website
National Museum of Military History
A treasure trove of so many WWII items and a true must see if visiting the area!
Admission fees, hours, and the address are listed on the website link provided.
Our two year old was fascinated by the different scenes displayed with mannequins. National Museum of Military History website
JFK American Bar and Kitchen
This was a neat find in the Kirchberg area of Luxembourg City. It was a modern restaurant with an extremely friendly staff and delicious food. You may be thinking, Why would they eat at an American restaurant? Let me tell ya..After a while, you just crave some quesadillas, a good burger, and a philly cheesesteak. JFK American Bar and Kitchen website
Vapiano
An Italian chain restaurant that originally started in Germany but has now become an International franchise. I've honestly never heard of them until this trip. Upon entering, the hostess hands you what appears to be a credit card. This card is their smart-card payment system. Servers do not come to your table here. Instead, you go to the individual chef stations that cook pastas, pizzas, and salads where you place your own order. At these stations, your card is swiped to load the order onto it. When you're ready to leave, hand the smart-card to the hostess and pay your bill. We loved this system, especially because it was fast and convenient if dining with children. The food and atmosphere were great! Vapiano Restaurant website
Itinerary- 4 days and 3 nights
- Day 1
- Depart Stuttgart and drive to Luxembourg American Cemetery (3 hours and 20 minutes)
- Walk through the cemetery
- Check-in at hotel
- Downtown Luxembourg City
- Dinner in the city
- Day 2
- Breakfast at the hotel
- Research indoor activities due to heavy rain and thunderstorms
- Drive from Luxembourg City to Diekirch (35 minutes)
- National Museum of Military History
- Lunch out and about
- Dinner in the city
- Day 3
- Breakfast at the hotel
- Tour more of Luxembourg City
- Lunch at Vapianos
- Relax at the hotel
- Day 4
- Check-out and travel day
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