Grund

The Grund is the lower town of Luxembourg, in the Alzette valley beneath the cliffs that carry the upper city, a quarter of narrow streets, old houses and bridges over the river with the fortifications standing above on both sides. A free lift drops from the Plateau du Saint-Esprit into it. It was the industrial and poor quarter for centuries and is now largely restaurants and bars. It lies within the inscribed old quarters and fortifications.

What you actually see

• The valley setting - a quarter beneath the cliffs carrying the upper city.
• The lift - the free vertical drop from the plateau into the lower town.
• The Alzette bridges - the crossings over the river through the quarter.
• The rock walls - the fortifications standing above on both sides.

When to go

April to October is the most comfortable. Evenings are when the quarter is busiest. The lift runs most of the day and into the night.

Honest expectations

The quarter is largely bars and restaurants now and busy at night. The climb back up is steep if the lift is out of service. Parking is effectively impossible.

Nearby

Neumunster Abbey is in the quarter, and the Bock is above.