There is something about summer in Luxembourg that makes us want to stay out just a little bit longer. A sunny terrace, an after-work drink that turns into dinner, cocktails overlooking the city or an afternoon by the Moselle. When the weather cooperates, Luxembourg has plenty of places to make the most of it.

And while we will always appreciate a perfectly mixed cocktail, this isn't simply a list of cocktail bars. We've rounded up some of our favorite places to have a drink in Luxembourg this summer, whether you're looking for serious mixology, a terrace in the sun, somewhere casual to meet friends or a spot that practically demands a long, lazy afternoon.

Here are 12 places worth adding to your summer list.

Shinzo

Best for: Creative cocktails in the city centre

If cocktails are the main event, Shinzo is a good place to start. Tucked into Grand-Rue in the heart of Luxembourg City, the cocktail and wine bar takes a seasonal approach to its drinks, incorporating ingredients such as Luxembourg wines and botanical hydrolats into its creations.

The atmosphere is stylish without feeling overly formal, and there's a menu of dishes designed for sharing if one cocktail inevitably turns into dinner. Live music sessions on Thursdays add another reason to linger.

Address: 8 Grand-Rue, L-1660 Luxembourg

Le Trianon Cocktail Bar

Best for: Old-school cocktail glamour

There are trendy cocktail bars and then there are places that feel as though they belong to another era.

Inside the Grand Hôtel Cravat, Le Trianon has been serving drinks since 1953. The intimate vintage setting makes it one of our picks when you want a proper cocktail somewhere that feels a little special.

Come for a classic cocktail before dinner, settle into one of the cosy corners and enjoy a slice of old Luxembourg glamour in the heart of the city.

Address: 29 Boulevard Franklin Delano Roosevelt, L-2450 Luxembourg

BAC

Best for: Cocktails with a Luxembourg twist

BAC (short for Bar à Cocktail) is one of the more interesting additions to Luxembourg's cocktail scene.

Located in Pfaffenthal, the bar puts Luxembourg products at the heart of its concept, working with local distilleries, breweries and vineyards to create cocktails that feel distinctly rooted in the country.

It's creative, intimate and a little removed from the usual city-centre circuit, exactly the sort of place worth seeking out when you're in the mood for something different.

Address: 7 Rue Vauban, L-2663 Luxembourg

SixtyFour° Bar

Best for: A polished cocktail in Kirchberg

Kirchberg isn't always the first neighbourhood that comes to mind for a night out, but SixtyFour° makes a convincing argument for heading there.

Located inside Sofitel Luxembourg Europe, the bar takes its cocktails seriously, balancing original creations with reinvented classics. The setting is sleek and contemporary, making this an easy choice for an after-work drink, a date or cocktails before dinner.

Address: 6 Rue du Fort Niedergruenewald, L-2226 Luxembourg

Le 18 Bar

Best for: A hidden garden terrace

Just off one of Luxembourg City's busiest squares is a surprisingly peaceful place for a drink.

Le 18, inside Hôtel Le Place d'Armes, has an intimate bar as well as a garden terrace tucked away from the bustle of the city centre. Choose between classic cocktails, the mixologists' own creations or a glass of champagne and enjoy the feeling of being hidden away despite being right in the middle of town.

Even better for spontaneous summer plans: the bar doesn't take reservations, so this is somewhere to simply stop by and see where the afternoon takes you.

Address: 18 Place d'Armes, L-1136 Luxembourg

L'Observatoire

Best for: Drinks with a view

Sometimes the view matters just as much as what's in your glass.

Perched on the eighth floor of Sofitel Luxembourg Le Grand Ducal, L'Observatoire offers sweeping views across Luxembourg City's historic skyline. It's particularly lovely as the light begins to change in the evening, when the rooftops and old town stretch out below you.

Order a cocktail, champagne or glass of wine and stay for sunset. It's also one of those addresses worth remembering when you have visitors in town and want to show off Luxembourg from above.

Address: 40 Boulevard d'Avranches, L-1160 Luxembourg

Maya

Best for: Drinks on Place Guilluame

On a sunny summer day, sometimes all you really want is a table on a lively square and nowhere you need to be.

Maya's location on Place Guillaume II puts you right in the middle of Luxembourg City life. Its colourful Latin American-inspired atmosphere and central terrace make it an easy choice for meeting friends, grabbing an afternoon drink or kicking off a night out.

This is less about hushed cocktail-bar vibes and more about sitting outside, watching the city go by and enjoying summer in the centre.

Address: 34 Place Guillaume II, L-1648 Luxembourg

Scott's Pub

Best for: Drinks by the river

A Luxembourg summer classic.

Scott's has been part of the Grund since 1985, but it's the riverside terrace that earns it a place on this list. Sitting beside the Alzette with views of the UNESCO-listed Grund, it feels surprisingly removed from the city above.

Come for an afternoon drink in the sunshine, an after-work beer or cocktails that turn into dinner. On a warm day, it's difficult to beat the setting.

Address: 4 Bisserweg, L-1238 Luxembourg

De Gudde Wëllen

Best for: Music, open-air drinks and a night out

Not every summer drink needs linen napkins and an elaborate garnish.

De Gudde Wëllen is one of Luxembourg City's go-to spots when you're looking for something more relaxed, with a programme that regularly brings live music, DJs and cultural events into the mix.

In summer, the action also moves outside with Le Gudde Weather, its open-air terrace,

a laid-back spot for drinks in the sunshine, music and long evenings outdoors.

It's casual, lively and a good choice when the drink is really just the beginning of the evening.

Address: 17 Rue du Saint-Esprit, L-1475 Luxembourg

Café des Tramways

Best for: A neighbourhood apéro

Sometimes the best place for a drink is simply the neighbourhood bar everyone keeps coming back to.

Café des Tramways is a Limpertsberg institution, with the kind of easy-going atmosphere that works equally well for an after-work drink, an apéro with friends or the beginning of a longer evening.

Away from the more tourist-heavy streets of the centre, it's also a good excuse to venture beyond the usual Ville Haute circuit.

Address: 79 Avenue Pasteur, L-2311 Luxembourg

Kontur Cafe day Bar

Best for: Day drinking

Who decided drinks have to wait until evening?

Kontur describes itself as a cafe and day bar, which is exactly why it belongs on this list. The stylish Limpertsberg spot transitions easily from morning coffee and brunch to an afternoon glass of wine or cocktail.

It's the place for a long lunch, a catch-up with friends or one of those summer afternoons when you have absolutely no intention of waiting until 6 p.m. for a drink.

And if you do decide to keep going? Café des Tramways is just a few doors away.

Address: 67 Avenue Pasteur, L-2311 Luxembourg

Tiny Bar

Best for: Sunset by the Moselle

Finally, we're leaving Luxembourg City altogether.

Tiny Bar sits directly on the banks of the Moselle in Remich, and it may be the most unapologetically summery spot on this entire list. Think drinks by the water, music, a relaxed beach atmosphere (you can even put your feet in the sand) and a terrace made for watching the sun go down.

This isn't somewhere to rush in for one quick drink. Pick a sunny afternoon, head to the Moselle and settle in.

Tiny Bar is seasonal, so it's very much a summer experience, which is precisely why we love it.

Address: 7 Route du Vin, L-5549 Remich

So, where are we drinking?

That's the beauty of summer in Luxembourg: it depends entirely on your mood.

For cocktails, head to Shinzo, BAC, Le Trianon or SixtyFour°. For views, choose L'Observatoire. For an afternoon in the sunshine, Kontur or Scott's. For something casual, Tramways or De Gudde Wëllen. And when you have an entire summer afternoon to spare, make your way to Remich and Tiny Bar.

Our advice? Don't try to pick just one. Summer doesn't last forever.