Which district to live in in Luxembourg City?

Are you planning to move to Luxembourg City soon, but wondering which district to choose to live in? Luxembourg City has 24 districts, over 130,000 inhabitants, and 70% of its population is of foreign origin. Family neighbourhoods, trendy, upmarket... Here's how to find your ideal living environment.

No time to read the article? Discover our complete video guide to choosing your ideal neighbourhood in Luxembourg (we'll sum it up for you):

Which neighbourhood for an expatriate family in Luxembourg City?

For families moving to Luxembourg City, some districts stand out for their quality of life, school infrastructure and a safe environment. Here are the most popular areas for expatriates with children.

Bonnevoie: "Little Paris" at a reasonable price

Bonnevoie is without doubt the best value for money for families arriving in Luxembourg. It's a dynamic district that combines an authentic village atmosphere with all the modern services you need.

Why choose Bonnevoie :

• Prices are attractive: rents 15-20% lower than the average for the capital, making it easier for young families to settle in Luxembourg
• The infrastructure is complete: You'll find crèches, a primary school, the Lycée Technique de Bonnevoie... Perfect for a complete education! If you need to, international schools (ISL, Vauban) are just a few minutes away by public transport.
• Transport links are excellent: with direct connections to the city centre and business districts in less than 15 minutes, via bus or tram.
• Neighbourhood life is very lively: local markets, community events and green spaces for children

Please note: The proximity of the airport can mean regular aircraft noise, depending on your exact location in the neighbourhood. But many expats get used to it!

Gasperich and la Cloche d'Or: a modern, well-connected living environment

The Gasperich district, with its modern extension of the Cloche d'Or, is the modern showcase of Luxembourg City. This fast-growing area is particularly attractive to expatriate families looking for proximity to the headquarters of the country's many major companies (Deloitte, Alter Domus, PwC, etc.).

Here's what you can find in Gasperich:

• The French Vauban school: full primary and secondary campus, ideal for French-speaking families (many expatriate children attend this school, for those who do not go to the European School of Mamer or the International School of Luxembourg)
• The Cloche d'Or shopping centre: It's Luxembourg's biggest and most modern shopping centre, with a large Auchan store, plus a host of services, restaurants and family leisure facilities. You'll find everything you need.
• An exceptional rehabilitated urban park : it's one of the largest urban green spaces in the country, with plenty of children's play areas (perfect for family activities after school or at weekends) - there's also plenty of entertainment in the park
• Connections to all the country's motorways: Gasperich has centralised access to the Grand Duchy's entire motorway network. This means easy access to neighbouring countries (France, Belgium, Germany), making it an ideal location for those who like to hit the road at weekends.
• Tram (free): a mode of transport that runs through Gasperich, providing a very fast link with the town centre, Findel station and airport

In short: Gasperich is particularly suitable for modern families and an international community dynamic.

Kirchberg: a business and residential district

Kirchberg attracts many expatriates who work in the European institutions or major financial companies. These include the headquarters of the European Investment Bank, Arcelor Mittal and RTL Group.

This neighbourhood offers a unique balance between close proximity to work and a good quality of family life.

This is particularly true of Kirchberg:

• European schools : multilingual reference school system for expatriate children
• Good cultural facilities : Philharmonie, MUDAM, Kinepolis cinema
• Green spaces
• Maximum safety (a quiet residential area, ideal for families)
• A good connection to the transport network: with buses to all parts of the capital, and the tramway line running through the whole district

Attention The area is relatively empty in the evening. If you prefer a lively area, head for the city centre (upper town, Limperstberg...).

Which neighbourhood is right for a young expatriate in Luxembourg?

For the young professionals and couples without children When you arrive in Luxembourg City, certain districts offer a rich social life, a cosmopolitan atmosphere and plenty of opportunities for going out. Here are the capital's most dynamic areas:

Clausen: the epicentre of nightlife

This district, located at the foot of the Ville-Haute and on the banks of the Alzette, is a perfect example of the young, trendy side of Luxembourg City. It is also a historic district and a UNESCO heritage site. It is one of the symbols of Luxembourg's nightlife, with a village full of bars and restaurants where people party every night.

Here's what makes Clausen so attractive to expatriates:

• Les Rives de Clausen : a complex of bars and restaurants set in former industrial wasteland. It's a must for expatriates. You'll find cocktails and gastronomy from every culture.
• Authentic architecture : with preserved historic buildings, creating an atmosphere that is unique in Europe
• The proximity of MUDAM : museum of modern art, for lovers of contemporary culture.
• The presence of a very strong international community: There is a high concentration of young expatriates in this area, which makes it easier to meet people and integrate socially.
• Very good access to the centre: There is a direct pedestrian link to the Ville-Haute via a lift. The more adventurous can climb up on foot!

In short, Clausen is ideal for young professionals who enjoy a lively nightlife. and want to integrate quickly into an expatriate community. However, those who prefer peace and quiet will be more tempted by other districts.

Ville-Haute: at the centre of all the networks

La Ville-Haute is the nerve centre of the city. of Luxembourg City. This historic district is home to luxury shops, gourmet restaurants and trendy bars in an exceptional architectural setting.

Here are the advantages of living in the Ville-Haute as an expatriate:

• An ultra-central location: everything is within walking distance, from offices to leisure activities
• Access to the city's best barsjust a few minutes' walk away
• Access to top-of-the-range shopping (for those who like it): with both international boutiques and local designers
• A vibrant cultural life : theatres, art galleries, cultural events... everything is within easy reach

Please note: the cost of living is particularly high, and parking is difficult. However, it is the best connected place in the country in terms of public transport.

The station district: dynamic and accessible

Le The Gare district has undergone a major transformationIt is gradually becoming one of the most popular areas for young expatriates, thanks to its dynamism, good transport links and relatively affordable prices (comparable to those in Bonnevoie).

More and more new arrivals are choosing to move into a flat, a studio or even a shared flat.

Here's what makes the Gare district such a success:

• It is a transport hub: CFL train connections to all over Europe, as well as several bus routes and the tramway linking Findel to Gasperich
• There are many well-known and affordable restaurants (most of the restaurant names you will hear in discussions with your colleagues will be located in this area)
• There is a rich and varied nightlife: with affordable, alternative bars and renowned street theatre and concert venues such as Les Rotondes.
• House prices are relatively moderate: they are much more affordable than in the city centre
• Cultural diversity is total: it's THE cosmopolitan district par excellence

But be careful: Like all station areas, the Luxembourg district can suffer from security problems late at night. Avoid going out late in certain streets adjacent to the station and favour well-lit main roads.

The prestigious districts of Luxembourg City

For the expatriates with a high standard of living (international civil servants, senior executives, company directors)Some areas of Luxembourg City offer a prestigious residential environment combining tranquillity, greenery and top-of-the-range services. These include :

Belair: residential elegance par excellence

Belair remains the most sought-after district in Luxembourg CityThis reputation is underpinned by a number of undeniable assets that make it a benchmark for quality of life. This reputation is based on undeniable assets that make it a benchmark for quality of life.

Here are the main features of the Belair district:

• The architecture is remarkable: the area includes both historic villas and luxury contemporary residences, all set in a green setting
• The green spaces are exceptional: with immediate proximity to the Merl park, ideal for sporting activities or family walks in the evenings and at weekends
• The peace and quiet is absolute: the residential streets are very quiet. What's more, the district is a little further away from the air corridor (compared with districts such as Bonnevoie, Gasperich or Cessange).
• There are many local services and quick access to the Belle Étoile shopping centre in Strassen.
• It is a strategic geographical location: just 10 minutes from the city centre and business districts

But be careful: prices are particularly high. If you want the same quality of life at slightly lower prices, you could move to other neighbouring towns, such as Bertrange, Strassen or Mamer.

Limpertsberg: Luxembourg's historic district

Limpertsberg, the heart of which is the Champ du Glacis (large central square) is particularly attractive to expatriates working in the European institutions thanks to its proximity to Kirchberg and its dynamic cultural environment.

Here are the advantages of Limpertsberg:

• A direct connection to Kirchberg via the Grande-Duchesse Charlotte bridge
• A premium cultural offering: with the Grand Théâtre and Utopia cinema
• International schools: with a concentration of the best public schools (which is why the area is known as the "school district").
• A large expatriate community : with a structured social network that facilitates integration
• A green setting: with green spaces and play areas for families

This area is perfect for expatriate families favouring international education who want to evolve in a sophisticated cosmopolitan environment.

For those who enjoy language courses, you will also benefit from the proximity of the INL (Insitut National des Langues du Luxembourg).

Merl: for its proximity to international schools

Merl appeals to expatriate families by its strategic location close to international schools and its peaceful residential setting.

Merl's strengths include:

• The presence of Geesseknäppchen campus : a grouping of Luxembourg high schools and the International School of Luxembourg (ISL)
• Easy transport : with excellent bus services to all parts of Luxembourg
• A very family atmosphere: in a quiet residential area with plenty of green space
• More affordable prices overall: an attractive alternative to the more upmarket districts, while maintaining an excellent quality of life

Merl is generally recommended for expatriate families looking to combine proximity to international schools, residential tranquillity and direct access to the motorway network (via the Bouillon park-and-ride site).

How do you choose your neighbourhood when expatriating to Luxembourg?

The ideal district for your arrival in Luxembourg is the one that meets your specific criteria (budget, accessibility, infrastructure).

Criterion 1: Budget

Property prices vary considerably prices vary from district to district, with differences of up to 40% between the most affordable areas (such as the Gare or Bonnevoie districts) and the most upmarket areas. Whether buying or selling rental.

The following are indicative rents for a 2-bedroom flat:

• Premium districts (Belair, Limpertsberg): €3,000 - €3,500
• The centre and popular districts (Ville-Haute, Kirchberg): €2,800 - €3,200
• Balanced neighbourhoods (Gasperich, Merl, Clausen): €2,200 - €2,800
• Accessible neighbourhoods (Bonnevoie, Hollerich, Gare): €1,800 - €2,500

A word of advice: allow 25-30% of your net income for accommodation, plus compulsory charges and insurance in Luxembourg.

Criterion 2: Accessibility and transport links

Choose an area with good transport links to the city centre and your place of work.

For example, if you need to get to Gasperich or Kirchberg for work, look for a location close to the tramway that also suits your budget (Bonnevoie, Gare, Limpertsberg...).

Luxembourg also has a very dense and efficient bus network.

Remember that in Luxembourg, all transport is completely free! (unless you prefer to travel first class on the train).

If you're travelling by car, look for neighbourhoods close to motorway access. (Gare, Bonnevoie, Gasperich, Belair, Kirchberg).

Criterion 3: the presence of schools or colleges

For those arriving in Luxembourg with their families, the international school offer is often a major advantage. the decisive criterion for choosing your preferred district.

Here are the schools for each district:

• Gasperich : Vauban French school (primary and secondary)
• Kirchberg : European School I, multilingual programmes
• Merl : International School of Luxembourg (ISL), programme in English
• Hamm: St George's International School
• Weimershof : École Notre-Dame Sainte-Sophie (French and Luxembourgish)

In addition, there are numerous multilingual crèches, day nurseries and leisure centres in most residential areas.

A word of advice: take the time to compare the different districts and, if you can, visit them.

Consult our guide " Which expatriate school to choose?" 
Consult our guide " Which crèche to choose?" 

And if you want to live outside Luxembourg City, check out our guide to best communes for expatriates in Luxembourg.