Luxembourg cooking combines German heartiness with Franco-Belgian finesse. The preparation of trout, pike and crayfish is excellent, as are the pastries and cakes. Delicious desserts are prepared with local liqueurs, and a dash of quetsch, mirabelle or kirsch will be added to babas or fruit cups. Most aspects of restaurants and bars are similar to the rest of Europe. Luxembourg's white Moselle wines resemble those of the Rhine, but are drier than the fruitier wines of the French Moselle. Beer is another speciality and is a traditional industry. Minimum drinking age: The minimum age for drinking in bars is 17, and anyone younger than 17 must be accompanied by an adult in cafes and bars. Hours are generally from 0700-2400 (weekdays) and until 0300 (weekends and public holidays). Nightclubs are generally open until 0300.
National specialities:
• Carré de porc fumé (smoked pork and broad beans or sauerkraut).
• Cochon de lait en gelée (jellied suckling pig).
• Jambon d'Ardennes (famous smoked Ardennes ham).
• Tarte aux quetsches.
• Omelette soufflée au kirsch.
National drinks:
• Bofferding, Diekirch Mousel and Simon (beer).
• Eau de vie (45 to 50 per cent alcohol).
Tipping: Bills generally include service, but a rounding up is often given. Taxi drivers expect 10 per cent of meter charge.

Visitors to Luxembourg can enjoy a variety of evening entertainment from theatre performances, classical music concerts, opera and ballet, to nightclubs, cinemas and discos. For more information, contact the Luxembourg City Tourist Office (see Top Things To Do).

Special purchases include beautiful porcelain and crystal. Villeroy & Boch's crystal factories in Septfontaines are open to visitors. A regional speciality is earthenware pottery from Nospelt, where in August there is a fortnight's exhibition of local work. Shopping hours: Mon 1400-1800, Tues-Sat 0800-1800.