Time

In Luxembourg, the 24-hour clock is used in all situations. With the exception of supermarkets and banks, most businesses and shops don't open until Monday at noon. On regular weekdays, businesses and banks are open from 8:00 - 5:00 p.m., and are closed on weekends. There is generally a lunch break of one hour. Companies that do not have a cafeteria issue tickets to employees that can be used to purchase lunches at nearby restaurants. Shops are open from 9:00 a.m. to either 6:00 or 8:00 p.m. Tuesday through Friday, with a similar late opening on Mondays. Shops are open on Saturdays, although some close as early as 4:00 p.m. The fact that many shops close at 6:00 p.m. during the week makes it difficult for working people to shop on weekdays. It is for this reason that one can expect downtown Luxembourg to be very busy on a Saturday.

With the exception of mini-marts, little is open on Sunday, a day devoted to rest and quiet. The law in Luxembourg proclaims the hours of 10:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m. always to be "quiet hours." This means that it is unacceptable to create any noise-related disturbances during those times. On Sundays, quiet hours extend throughout the day, which means that not even loud household or gardening machinery can be used during these times.

Elementary schools run from 8:00 a.m. until noon. After the lunch break, school resumes from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. Secondary schools are in session from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Punctuality is considered very important. One is expected to be prompt for all social or business appointments, if not a few minutes early.