I’ve been traveling for years and am definitely guilty of overlooking certain destinations because I assume right away they are out of my price range (looking at you Dubai)…
But what if I told you the wealthiest country on Earth is actually a super affordable travel destination?
Yep, I was just as surprised as you probably are.
Luxembourg—a gem nestled between France, Germany, and Belgium—boasts the highest GDP per capita in the world in 2025 according to a new report from World Atlas.
Yet, despite this, it’s refreshingly easy on the wallet for a traveler.
From free public transport to cheaper hotels and even castles you can explore without spending anything, Luxembourg is proof that you don’t need millionaire status to live like one.
Here’s why visiting the richest country on the planet won’t empty your wallet:
You Can Travel Everywhere For Free (Seriously)
You know that awkward moment when you can’t figure out how to use a foreign ticket machine and you’re just randomly jabbing buttons in a panic?
Yeah, that won’t happen in Luxembourg—because public transport is completely free.
No catch. No fine print. Just free buses, trains, and trams across the entire country.
Since 2020, Luxembourg became the first country in the world to make public transport free for both locals and tourists.
So, whether you’re zipping around Luxembourg City or heading out to explore the countryside, you’ll never have to fumble for coins or stress about ticket prices.
Pro tip: The only thing you’ll need is a form of ID, as conductors occasionally ask to see it. Otherwise, just hop on and go. It’s basically like having a golden ticket, but for regular folks.
5-Star Hotels That Won’t Break The Bank
For a country that’s so loaded, I was pleasantly surprised by how affordable the accommodation is—even the fancy stuff.
I found 5-star hotels in the heart of Luxembourg City for under $300 a night (the Hotel Sofitel Luxembourg Europe), which is a steal compared to other popular European cities.
And we’re talking proper luxury—gorgeous suites, rooftop terraces, and spas that’ll make you consider missing your train home.
On a budget? No problem. You can easily snag a cozy hotel or guesthouse for around $100 a night, even in prime locations.
And if you’re feeling extra thrifty, there are plenty of affordable Airbnb options scattered around the countryside.
Free Castles, Cheap Museums, And Scenic Walks
You know what’s better than visiting a castle? Visiting a castle for free. And Luxembourg is full of them.
The country is basically one giant fairytale backdrop, with over 70 castles surrounded by forests and rolling hills. Many of them are free to explore from the outside, and even the ones with admission fees are pretty cheap compared to castles in neighboring countries.
Here are some of my favorite budget-friendly activities:
- Vianden Castle: This stunner looks straight out of a fairy tale, you half expect to see a dragon fly overhead, and entry is only €10 (about $11 USD).
- Free museums: Several museums along the Museum Mile in Luxembourg City offer free entry to their permanent exhibits.
- Scenic walking trails: You can stroll along the Chemin de la Corniche, aka “Europe’s most beautiful balcony,” for panoramic city views—completely free.
Oh, and if you’re a sucker for cityscapes, the Pfaffenthal Panoramic Elevator offers one of the best views of Luxembourg City (i.e. the pic below)—and yep, it’s free too.
You Can Hop Over To France, Germany, Or Belgium In Under An Hour
One of the coolest things about Luxembourg is its ridiculously good location. It’s like the ultimate European basecamp.
From the main train station, you can be in:
- Trier, Germany in 40 minutes
- Metz, France in 50 minutes
- Brussels, Belgium in just over 2 hours
- Paris in less than 2 hours (if you take a high-speed train)
So, if you’re feeling spontaneous, you can have breakfast in Luxembourg, lunch in Germany, and be back for dinner.
Luxembourg’s Countryside Feels Straight Out Of A Storybook
I’ll be honest—I expected the capital to be charming (which it is), but Luxembourg’s countryside totally steals the show.
Once you leave the city, you’ll find yourself surrounded by rolling green hills, medieval villages, and hidden valleys that look straight out of a Tolkien novel.
Some must-visit countryside spots include:
- 🌳 Mullerthal Trail: Known as “Luxembourg’s Little Switzerland,” this region is perfect for hiking, with woodland paths, rock formations, and waterfalls.
- 🍷 Moselle Valley: Famous for its vineyards and wine tasting, this area is a must for anyone who enjoys sipping a glass of Riesling with a view.
- 🏰 Beaufort Castle: A charming, partially ruined castle surrounded by forests—ideal for a peaceful day trip. Though this one is not free, it is really affordable at 7 Euros per person.
Why Luxembourg Is Worth It (Even If You’re On A Budget)
Luxembourg may be the richest country in the world, but it’s surprisingly affordable for tourists and travelers like us.
With free public transport, reasonable hotels, and free attractions all over, it’s one of the best-kept secrets for budget-conscious travelers.
Plus, it makes the perfect home base for exploring Europe without the hassle of moving hotels every night.
So, next time you’re planning a Euro trip, don’t skip past Luxembourg.
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This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com
Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post.
