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Place d'Armes
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Landmark
Place d'Armes, often referred to as the city's 'living room,' is the social heart and a central meeting point of Luxembourg City. Laid out in the 17th century by the renowned French military engineer Vauban, the square originally served as a parade ground for the city's garrison troops. Today, it is lined with numerous cafes, restaurants, and leafy linden trees, providing a welcoming atmosphere for both locals and international visitors. On the northern side of the square stands the Palais Municipal (Cercle Cité), a grand building used for cultural events and high-profile official receptions. A notable monument in the square honors the Luxembourgish national poets Dicks and Lentz, who were instrumental in shaping the country's cultural identity. During the summer, the bandstand is frequently used for live concerts, while in the winter, the square transforms into the main site for the city's traditional Christmas market.
- Location: Luxembourg
- Top sights: Kiosque de la Place d'Armes · Edmond de la Fontaine & Michel Lentz · Cercle municipal
- Nearby: Strassen (4 km)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | 1 | 1 | 5 | 9 | 13 | 17 | 19 | 19 | 15 | 10 | 5 | 2 |
| Rain mm | 67 | 57 | 57 | 46 | 70 | 68 | 65 | 72 | 56 | 65 | 68 | 79 |
📋 Practical info
Visiting
Place d'Armes is a public square in the old town of Luxembourg City, freely accessible at any time. It is a pedestrian zone lined with restaurants and cafés.
Typical hours
The square is open 24/7. The surrounding shops and cafés have regular opening hours, usually from 9 am to 6 pm.
Photography
Photography is allowed anytime and everywhere here. The square is especially photogenic at sunset, when the light falls on the building facades.
Time needed
A short stay on the square takes about 15 to 20 minutes. If you want to sit down at one of the cafés, allow half an hour or more.
Combine with
Place d'Armes is centrally located and convenient as a starting point for an old town stroll. Also visit the nearby cathedral, the palace, and the pedestrian street Grand-Rue.
Getting there
The square is pedestrian-only; the nearest bus stops are 'Hamilius' and 'Rout Bréck'. From Luxembourg train station it is about a 15-minute walk.
Insider tip
Visit the square in the morning to enjoy the peace before the tourist rush. On Wednesdays and Saturdays, a flower and farmers' market is held here.
Geography
Facts
- The square was laid out in 1671 following plans by engineer Jean-Charles de Landas.
- Sebastian Vauban fortified the square during the French siege of 1684.
- The monument to the poets Dicks and Lentz was inaugurated in 1903.
- The Cercle Cité building was constructed between 1904 and 1906.
- A plaque in the square commemorates the author of the Luxembourgish national anthem.
- The square is almost entirely pedestrianized, making it a popular walking destination.
Explore nearby
Notable places around
Route planner — Car & Motorhome
Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.
Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):
© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService
Sights in the town Place d'Armes (10)
YellowKorner
YellowKorner is a gallery in Luxembourg City.
Postgebai Stad Lëtzebuerg
Postgebai Stad Lëtzebuerg is a building in Luxembourg City.
Théâtre des Capucins
The Théâtre des Capucins is a theatre in Luxembourg City.
Galerie K
Galerie K is an art gallery in Luxembourg City.
Hôtel de Ville
The Hôtel de Ville is the city hall of Luxembourg City.
In Joy fine art
In Joy fine art is a gallery in Luxembourg City.
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
What can you do at Place d'Armes?
You can sit in outdoor cafes, listen to concerts, or visit the flea market.
Is there a Christmas market here?
Yes, in December the square is the heart of the Luxembourg Christmas market.
What important building is located on the square?
The Cercle Cité, a prestigious building used for exhibitions and events.
Is the square a pedestrian zone?
Yes, the square is car-free and part of the large pedestrian zone of the upper city.
Is there Wi-Fi in the square?
Yes, the City of Luxembourg often provides free public Wi-Fi in the square.
Place d'Armes: where is it located?
Place d'Armes is located in Luxembourg.
Place d'Armes: what is there to see?
Highlights include Kiosque de la Place d'Armes, Edmond de la Fontaine & Michel Lentz, Cercle municipal.
Place d'Armes: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug.
Place d'Armes: why is it worth visiting?
Place d'Armes, often referred to as the city's 'living room,' is the social heart and a central meeting point of Luxembourg City.
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History & landmarks
Luxembourg City Hall
The neoclassical administrative building on Place Guillaume II is the hub of the capital's local government.
Cercle Cité
A grand historic building on Place d'Armes, used for cultural events and official receptions.
Place Guillaume II
A large public square in the heart of the city, also known as 'Knuedler', named after the knots of the Franciscan monks.
Petrusse Casemates
A vast system of underground tunnels and defensive fortifications in the rock above the Pétrusse valley.
More places
Equestrian Statue of William II
A monumental bronze monument on Place Guillaume II commemorating the former King-Grand Duke.
Grand Ducal Palace
The Grand Ducal Palace in the old town serves as the official residence of the Grand Ducal family.
Gëlle Fra (Monument of Remembrance)
Gëlle Fra is a monument in Luxembourg City, originally erected in 1923 to commemorate volunteers of World War I.
National Museum of History and Art
Central museum in the old town presenting archaeological finds and artworks from Luxembourg's history.
Casino Luxembourg
A forum for contemporary art located in a former upper-class casino building.
Notre-Dame Cathedral
The Cathedral of Luxembourg was originally built as a Jesuit church in the 17th century.