Business guide to Luxembourg

Business guide to Luxembourg

Wedged in between France, Belgium and Germany, Luxembourg is about the size of Oxfordshire with a smaller population, and shares a little in common with each of its neighbours. That's reflected in most things, from the food to the language; Luxembourg has three official languages – French, German and Luxembourgish.

The language(s)

Multilingualism can be confusing for English visitors, but it's fairly straightforward. Although most citizens generally speak Luxembourgish to each other, they won't expect you to know any. French is the dominant language in official matters and is used for laws. So most internal business is conducted in French, and it's also the lingua franca of restaurants and hotels. However, Luxembourg has long been welcoming business visitors from all over the world, and most Luxembourgers speak English; you can expect to speak English in work contexts here, though a polite attempt at French or German won't usually go amiss. Most people will respond to you in the language you address them, or just in English. There you have it.

The atmosphere

It's no secret that Luxembourg is predominantly a banking hub and most visitors come to Luxembourg City for business rather than the sights. Actually, that's a shame, as the city's strategic location means it has a rich history with some charming sights; the old town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Moselle wine country is as worth visiting for its hilly scenery as it is for tastings and tours, and there's some lovely countryside a very short distance from the city. The country has the second highest GDP per capita in the world and it's obvious – but certainly not in a showy way. Luxembourg is more about understated elegance than cash-flashing.

Getting from London to Luxembourg

You can fly from London City Airport to Luxembourg seven days a week, with two to five departures a day. Flights to Luxembourg start early most days and there are two evening departures at 1840 and 1940 every day except Saturday; you can see the full schedule on our London-Luxembourg timetable page.

Getting to and from Luxembourg airport

Luxembourg airport is less than five miles (8km) outside Luxembourg City centre, so the airport transfer is quick and easy. Public transport is straightforward; from Monday to Friday buses leave every 10 minutes from the airport for the city centre and take around 30 minutes; it's about half the time if you take a taxi or hire a car and drive yourself. For a comprehensive round-up have a look at our guide to Luxembourg airport.

Getting around Luxembourg

Luxembourg's size means it's easy to get around. You can drive the entire length of the country in around an hour, and there are some sights well worth seeing outside the city, so hiring a car is a good option if you want to see more than the capital. The city is also linked by train to other towns in the country and international destinations, including Brussels and Metz. You can find useful transport information on Luxembourg's official portal.

Within the city, you're never far from a taxi rank or bus service, both of which can get you around the city. However, the capital is quite compact and you can get around mostly on foot.

Travelling for the day

Need to be in and out in a day? No problem. Tuesday to Friday there's an early flight from London City Airport at 0735, which gets you to Luxembourg at 0945. The last flight back from Luxembourg to London City Airport is at 1850 so you can still feasibly get at least a half-day there before heading home. Check our timetable for full details.

Longer stays in Luxembourg

Need to stay overnight? Luxembourg is well set-up for business travellers with a lot of accommodation intended for international visitors. Hotels tend to be geared to business and are generally of a high standard. If you're staying long-term or just want a bit of a home-from-home, try a serviced apartment; BridgeStreet Global Hospitality has a selection of properties right in the city centre near most major offices. You can browse for hotels on our booking portal.

Make the most of your trip to Luxembourg

If you're open to the idea of more than a get-in-get-out flying trip, Luxembourg is a surprisingly enjoyable tourist destination with an identity that's more distinct than the French-meets-German label that tends to be bandied around. Here are some of the top sights that you can squeeze in to get some leisure time on your business trip, whether you have an afternoon or want to take on a weekend.

ock Casemates

The best-known attraction in Luxembourg City, these historic tunnels are popular with good reason. They're in the city centre and are part of the rocky remains of the city's fortifications. The casemates are a network of tunnels originally dug in the 17th century and a wander around them gives you an insight into Luxembourg's history as a strategic location often under attack from various European powers vying for control.

The Moselle wine country

Outside the city Luxembourg has a lot of green space, and it's at its most scenic and enjoyable in the Moselle region. It's a great place for fresh air and walks, but the highlight is possibly the vineyards that line the river along the country's eastern border. Remich and Schengen are good bases for wine tours where you can enjoy tastings and the kind of vine-covered hilly scenery you see on postcards. Schengen also hosts the Hunnefeier wine festival in autumn – in 2017 it takes place on 15 October.

Get outdoors in Luxembourg

If client drinks have left you needing just the fresh air, there are some great hikes in Luxembourg within half an hour of the city. The Mullerthal region is 30 minutes away and is known as Little Switzerland for its rugged terrain, dense woods and pretty, wild streams. Visit Luxembourg has some good suggested itineraries.

Ready to fly? Head to our booking portal to browse for flights.

08/09/2017