Shopping
Overview
Porcelain and crystal glass are particularly popular souvenirs. The Villeroy & Boch porcelain manufactory in Septfontaines was closed in 2010 as production was relocated to Asia, but there is still a factory outlet on the factory premises where second-hand goods and discontinued models are sold. There is also a regular Villeroy & Boch store downtown. Another regional specialty is the earthenware crockery from Nospelt, where a fourteen-day exhibition of local craftsmanship takes place every August. The most popular piece made in the Nospelt potteries – especially among children – is the lilting Péckvillchen (bird-shaped ceramic whistles), which are only found at the Éimaische, the traditional Emmaus festival on Easter Monday, in Nospelt and at the market in Luxembourg City. Fine clothing and accessories can be found in the numerous brand shops of internationally renowned designers that can be found in the city center of Luxembourg. The city’s largest shopping center is the Auchan Mall on Plateau du Kirchberg, where over 60 shops offer a varied range of goods. The Belval Plaza in Esch-sur-Alzette, the country’s second largest city, is also a very large shopping mall. The Cityshopping Info Point (Internet: www.cityshopping.lu), which is located in the center of Luxembourg on the central Place d’Armes, will help you to find specific shops (opening hours: Tue-Sat 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.).
- Searchforpublicschools: Offers schooling information of Luxembourg in each level – compulsory, technical and higher education programs.
Opening hours
Mon 12.00-18.00, Tue-Sat 08.30-18.00, sometimes longer in the large shopping centres. Some small shops open 08.30-19.00/21.00. In the smaller towns, the shops sometimes close for a short lunch break.
Annotation
Shops in Luxembourg City are open on certain Sundays of the year, usually the Sundays in Advent. Some shops are closed on Mondays.
Culinary
Overview
The traditional Luxembourgish cuisine combines decent portions, which reflect German warmth and a healthy appetite, with the flair and extravagance known from France and Belgium. Local freshwater fish such as trout, pike or crayfish are excellently prepared throughout Luxembourg, as are the numerous baked goods and cakes. There are delicious desserts that are often refined with liqueurs, e.g. B. Omelette soufflée au cherry. A dash of quetsch (plum schnapps), Mirabelle plum or cherry brandy refines babas (small cakes) and fruit salad. Restaurants and bars correspond to the northern European standard.
Regional specialities
Carré de porc fumé (smoked pork with broad beans or sauerkraut) Cochon de lait en gelée (suckling pig in aspic) Jambon d’Ardennes (the famous smoked Ardennes ham) Judd mat gaardebounen (smoked pork neck with broad beans and fried potatoes) Bouchée à la Reine, or paschtéitchen (chicken and mushrooms in a béchamel sauce, served in a puff pastry pie) Weinzossis (sausages with mashed potatoes and mustard sauce) Tarte aux quetsches (plum tart)
Useful information
Children and young people under the age of 17 may only stay in restaurants when accompanied by adults. The opening hours are 07.00-24.00 (weekdays) and until 03.00 on weekends and public holidays.
Tip
15% service charge is included in hotel, restaurant and inn bills. Taxi drivers expect 15% of the fare.
Culture
Religion
87% Roman Catholic; 13% Protestant, Jewish and Muslim minorities.
Social Rules of Conduct
General: Luxembourgers are considered balanced, open and modern people, arrogance is alien to them. Anyone who is friendly and humble will soon be able to develop a warm relationship with the people of Luxembourg. Racism is virtually unknown in this country where people of over 120 nationalities live and work. However, it should be noted that Luxembourg civilians suffered greatly from the German occupation forces during World War II and this is still a sensitive issue today. On the other hand, remarks about the small size of the country are also taken with humor by the Luxembourgers. Manners: The usual forms of politeness should be observed. shaking hands to greet each other, three kisses alternately on the cheeks are common among friends. You greet each other all day with Moien. The correct form of address is Här (Mr.), Madame/Fra (Ms.) or Joffer (Miss). Hosts are given a small gift or a bouquet of flowers, and the children are also happy about a little something. The table manners correspond approximately to the French customs. You start eating after all the guests have been served. In addition to the cake fork, a knife is always served with a piece of cake or tart; its use is not absolutely necessary. In the months of July and August and at Easter, many Luxembourgers travel with their families. Clothing: Luxembourgers attach great importance to their appearance. Neat casual attire is acceptable in most cases. in some restaurants, Clubs and special social occasions wear more elegant clothing in muted colors with subtle accessories. Smoking: Smoking is not permitted at the airport, train stations, public transport, restaurants, cafes, bars, discotheques, cinemas, theatres, schools and other government and municipal buildings. There is a smoking ban in all public places. Some hotels, cafes, nightclubs and restaurants offer smoking rooms. Tipping: It is customary to tip 10% in hotels and restaurants, although tipping is included in the bill. Taxi drivers are usually given a 15% tip.
Climate
Best travel time
Atlantic temperate climate. A little rainier and cooler in the north (Ardennes region). Frequent snowfall in winter. The best travel time is from May to mid-October.
Country data
Phone prefix
+352
Area (sq km)
2586
Population
625,978 (Source: homosociety)
Population density (per square km)
221
Population statistics year
2020
Member of the EU
yes
Main emergency number
112
