Transforming Gare into a safer and more attractive place has long been a top priority for locals. As the city’s third-largest district by population, its revitalisation has been a recurring demand from both residents and shopkeepers. Their concerns have not gone unheard: political leaders have made the district’s renewal a central focus.
In recent years, several changes have reshaped the area. The arrival of the tram, extensive urban renovations, and increased safety measures have all helped alter the district’s atmosphere. But the question remains: do those who live and work in Gare feel the difference?
Crime, drug trafficking, and safety concerns have long plagued Luxembourg City’s Gare district. Negative headlines about the area are a recurring theme, but authorities say they are stepping up efforts to reverse the trend.
One such initiative is “Drogendësch 2.0”, an inter-ministerial action plan comprising 60 measures aimed at tackling drug-related crime. The situation has also left its mark on commerce.
Around 14% of retail space in the district remains vacant, a figure that has stagnated for years.
Deputy Mayor of Luxembourg City Maurice Bauer acknowledges the challenge but points to progress:
“This is why we are also at the moment looking for solutions such as organising activities to fill up the empty spaces. We are very pleased with the efforts we have made so far as we managed to open 37 new stores here in the last year. We are trying as a municipality to do whatever we can do. Parking is free to make things more interesting for potential visitors.”
Is Gare now finally in the right course? Many local shop keepers seem to think so, including Isabel Neves, who runs a well-known store on Avenue de la Liberté:
“It’s great to have so many different shops and to see people finding the courage to open new ones. Avenue de la Gare and Avenue de la Liberté are the gateways to Luxembourg,” she says.
Since 2017, Neves has managed a tobacco and newspaper shop with her husband, a business that has existed since 1948. Starting next week, the shop will undergo a two-month renovation. Their 27-year-old son plans to take over the family business one day, proof that they are committed to their neighbourhood.
Felipe Melanda Gomes, another local business owner, describes the sense of community that ties him firmly in Gare: “The Gare is a bit like a village. Everyone knows each other, and most people try to help each other. That’s the spirit of the neighbourhood. If everyone contributes, and new businesses keep opening, it will only keep improving the area.”
Pop-up stores, small bars, and creative concepts are increasingly finding their way into the Gare. Among them is Café-Pilates, a hybrid concept that has quickly become popular.
“Honestly, people love it [...] no one has ever seen that in Luxembourg before. We offer a specialty café alongside quality pilates classes. People either come for coffee before their workout or stay for one after, and everyone is happy,” explains one local entrepreneur.
Even residents beyond the Gare notice the district’s revival, even if safety concerns still linger for some, particularly at night. “There’s a lot happening around here now, and that’s a good thing. The district is starting to come alive. Just look at the line of people waiting to get food, it brings life back to the neighbourhood, and I think that’s fantastic.”
As the third-largest district in Luxembourg City by population, the Gare is set to become an open, dynamic, and safer part of the capital. For local business owners, the message is clear: the district is on the right path, slowly but surely.
