Trip Planning
The TakeYourBackpack guidebooks are your all-in-one travel companion, featuring the best cities, national parks, hikes, beaches, and unique sites, along with essential tips on when to go, how to get around, exchanging money, and even local phrases to get you started — everything you need for a smooth, unforgettable backpacking adventure.
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Personal tip: I normally search on good rating for atmosphere (for meeting people) and location (for easy exploring). Cleanliness as a bonus.
Travel Essentials
No special vaccinations are required for visiting Luxembourg beyond routine immunizations like measles, mumps, rubella (MMR), diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis (DTaP), and varicella (chickenpox). It’s always a good idea to ensure your flu shot is up to date, especially during flu season.
vaccination requirementsWhen I first started traveling, I often spent part of my first day in a new country hunting for a local SIM card. While this can still be slightly cheaper, it also takes time and planning.
These days, it's much simpler to install an eSIM before leaving home. Once you arrive in Luxembourg, you can activate it immediately and have mobile data from the moment you land — which is especially useful for ordering transport or navigating away from busy airports.
There are many providers nowadays, and price differences are usually small. I personally go with Airalo, as it offers excellent network coverage throughout the country and strong global coverage, so you can manage multiple countries from a single app.
Get your e-sim for LuxembourgCulture & Customs
Dress modestly, especially in churches. Punctuality is key; always be on time for meetings. A firm handshake is a common greeting. Use titles and last names until invited to be informal.
Tipping isn’t mandatory, but rounding up the bill or leaving a small tip is appreciated. Avoid loud conversations in public spaces, as Luxembourgish people value privacy and tranquility.
For LGBTQ+ travelers, Luxembourg is generally welcoming and progressive. Women travelers can feel safe, but exercise standard precautions at night.
Trying traditional food is always a great way to experience the culture. Here are some must-try dishes for Luxembourg.
- Judd mat Gaardebounen: This is smoked pork collar with broad beans. It’s a hearty, comforting dish that’s a staple of Luxembourgish cuisine, showcasing the country’s love for substantial, meat-based meals.
- Bouneschlupp: A traditional green bean soup often made with potatoes, bacon, and onions. It’s a warming dish that’s perfect for chilly days and reflects the blend of rural simplicity and robust flavors in Luxembourgish food.
- F’rell Am Rèisleck: Trout cooked in a creamy Riesling wine sauce. This dish highlights Luxembourg’s beautiful freshwater fish and its excellent local wines, marrying the two in a rich, delicious way.
- Gromperekichelcher: Crispy potato fritters flavored with onions and parsley. These are popular street food snacks or appetizers, loved for their satisfying crunch and savory taste.
- Quetschentaart: A delightful plum tart that’s a local favorite for dessert. It showcases Luxembourg’s fresh, seasonal produce and is a sweet taste of the region’s simple, yet delicious, baking traditions.
Yes, tap water in Luxembourg is safe to drink and locals use it daily without worries. It’s perfectly fine for tourists too, so no need to spend extra on bottled water unless you prefer the taste. If you’re sensitive to minor taste differences, a portable filter might come in handy, but it’s not necessary.
The main language in Luxembourg is
Luxembourgish. Backpacking is way more rewarding if you know a bit of the local language, so I'd suggest brushing up on the basics just in case your Luxembourgish skills have become a bit rusty.
Want to understand locals better?The complete Travel Guide for Luxembourg includes 52 essential words and phrases — greetings, thank-yous, ordering food, transport, numbers, and common local expressions you'll actually hear.
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Get the Travel Guide - In Luxembourg,
English is widely spoken, particularly in urban areas and among younger generations. The country is multilingual, with Luxembourgish, French, and German being the official languages. Most Luxembourgers are fluent in at least two or three of these languages, and many also speak English, especially in business, tourism, and hospitality sectors.
In cities like Luxembourg City, you’ll find that most signs, menus, and public information are available in English. Many locals, particularly those working in shops, restaurants, and hotels, are comfortable conversing in English.
While you may encounter some older individuals who might not speak English fluently, the general proficiency is high enough that communication is usually not an issue for travelers. Overall, English serves as a convenient lingua franca for visitors, making it easy to navigate and enjoy the rich cultural experiences that Luxembourg has to offer.
Money & Payments
The local currency of Luxembourg is EUR (€).
Luxembourg is pretty straightforward when it comes to handling money, but here are a few tips to save you some hassle:
ATMs: They’re everywhere, especially in the city center. If you’re venturing into the countryside, grab cash beforehand just to be safe.
Currency: Euros all the way. Don’t bother with dollars; they’re not accepted.
Cash vs. Card: Cards are widely accepted, but it’s smart to carry a bit of cash for small purchases or places that might not take cards, like local markets.
Exchanging Money: Skip the airport exchange counters—they’re a rip-off. Use ATMs for the best rates or head to a local bank if you must exchange cash.
In Luxembourg, tipping isn’t mandatory, as service charges are usually included in the bill, but rounding up the total or leaving an extra 5-10% for excellent service is appreciated. In taxis, rounding up to the nearest euro or adding a couple of euros is common. For hotel services, a small tip can be given to porters and housekeeping if service exceeds expectations.
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Over the years, I've learned the importance of packing minimally. It's so much easier to jump on the back of a truck or squeeze yourself into the last spot of a minibus without that supersized backpack. If you're headed to a warm destination, leave your winter jacket at home; for colder regions, opt for thin thermal underlayers. Instead of packing your entire wardrobe, bring just three sets of clothes, as laundry facilities are available everywhere.
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Hi, I’m Johan (Netherlands 🇳🇱), the creator of TakeYourBackpack. Over the past decade, I’ve backpacked through 80+ countries across six continents, gaining extensive experience with independent travel, long-term trips, and overland routes.