Esch-sur-Alzette, Luxembourg

Capital City

With a population of just 37,455, Esch-sur-Alzette is hardly the bustling metropolis some might imagine. This industrial city in southern Luxembourg is a far cry from the charms of the capital, Luxembourg City, which lies 15 km to the northeast. The rapid growth of mining and steel production in the 19th century transformed Esch into a multicultural urban hub, but the decline of heavy industry in the late 20th century has left the city grappling with structural challenges. Bureaucracy is a persistent headache, and the weather can be harsh. Yet Esch's selection as a European Capital of Culture for 2022 suggests there may be hidden gems for the right kind of newcomer - one drawn to the gritty character of a city reinventing itself.