A full day in Nuuk

Line Hedegaard - (linehedegaard)
Itinerary created by
Line Hedegaard
What you’ll do

Nuuk is a fascinating mix of Arctic wilderness and Nordic cool. It’s the smallest capital in the world but brims with life: colorful houses, a deep-rooted Inuit heritage, and a surprisingly modern edge. You can wander from a world-class art museum to wild hiking trails in just 15 minutes.

In two days, you’ll get a taste of Greenland’s ancient traditions and raw landscapes, all while staying in a place that’s more accessible than people think. Whether you’re sipping coffee in Katuaq, sailing through ice-speckled fjords, or watching the northern lights, Nuuk leaves a mark with its unique mix of culture, cold, and calm.

Day Total

8.2 km (5.1 mi)

21 min

Total route too long to export to Google
Missing data for distance between:
1) Inuk Cafe and Hostel and Kuanninnguit viewpoint in Paradise Valley
2) Kuanninnguit viewpoint in Paradise Valley and Restaurant Charoen Porn

A to B: A Full Day in Nuuk

A. Arrival at Nuuk Airport (GOH)

  • Once you land at Nuuk Airport, you'll be greeted by stunning views of mountains and fjords—welcome to Greenland's vibrant capital!

  • The airport is small and efficient, so baggage claim and customs are typically quick.

Transport to the City Center

  • Taxi: The fastest and easiest way. Taxis are waiting outside the terminal. A ride to the city center takes about 10–15 minutes and costs around 100–150 DKK.

  • Bus: You can also hop on Nuup Bussii (Line 1), which goes to the city center. It’s cheaper (about 20–30 DKK) and offers a more local experience.

For breakfast or early lunch I would recommend Pascussi or Esmeralda for a cozy local vibe.

1

Choose the option that fits you the best

Pascucci Cafe
Pascucci Cafe
Popular burger spot in Nuuk
Category
Café
Est. Price
$
Café Esmeralda
Café Esmeralda
Cozy café with delicious coffee
Category
Restaurant
Est. Price
$$
Restaurant Type
mediterranean
Kaffivik
Kaffivik
Greenlandic coffee roastery offering unique flavors
Category
Café
Est. Price
$$

774 m (0.5 mi)

2 min

B. Exploring Nuuk

Morning: Colonial Harbour (Kolonihavnen)

  • Start your day at the picturesque Colonial Harbour, one of the oldest parts of Nuuk.

  • Visit:

    • Greenland National Museum – See Qilakitsoq mummies and learn about Greenlandic history.

    • Hans Egede’s House – Built in 1728, it’s one of the oldest buildings in the country.

    • Stroll the colorful houses, the sculptures by Aka Høegh, and the view over the fjord.

2

Old Nuuk
Old Nuuk
Historic settlement in Greenland
Category
Sightseeing

264 m (0.2 mi)

3

Church of Our Saviour
Church of Our Saviour
Iconic Lutheran cathedral in Greenland
Category
Sightseeing

153 m (0.1 mi)

4

Hans Egede Statue
Hans Egede Statue
Controversial Hans Egede statue in Nuuk
Category
Sightseeing

473 m (0.3 mi)

1 min

5

Nuuk viewpoint
Nuuk viewpoint
From this viewpoint you can see Sermitsiaq
Category
Photospot

1.1 km (0.7 mi)

3 min

Lunch Recommendation

  • Grab lunch at Cafétuaq inside the Katuaq Cultural Center or enjoy a fish platter at Brugseni Café nearby.

6

Choose the option that fits you the best

Katuaq Greenlands Culture House
Katuaq Greenlands Culture House
Cultural hub with diverse events
Category
Restaurant
Est. Price
$$
Restaurant Type
local
Café Toqqorfik
Café Toqqorfik
Cozy café with delicious treats
Category
Café
Est. Price
$

836 m (0.5 mi)

2 min

Afternoon: Nuuk City Sightseeing

  • Walk through the pedestrian street Aqqusinersuaq, lined with shops, cafés, and modern Greenlandic vibes.

  • Pop into:

    • Nuuk Center - Have a stroll through the shops and get some souvenirs.

    • Katuaq Cultural Center – A must-see for architecture and local art exhibitions.

    • Nuuk Art Museum – Features both traditional and contemporary Greenlandic art.

  • Grab a coffee and soak in the contrast between modern life and Arctic traditions.

7

Choose the option that fits you the best

Greenland National Museum and Archives
Greenland National Museum and Archives
Greenland's rich history and heritage
Category
Museum
Est. Price
$
Nuuk Center
Nuuk Center
First shopping mall in Greenland
Category
Shop
Est. Price
$
Katuaq Greenlands Culture House
Katuaq Greenlands Culture House
Cultural hub with diverse events
Category
Restaurant
Est. Price
$$
Restaurant Type
local

60 m (0 mi)

8

Stairs along the coast in Nuuk
Stairs along the coast in Nuuk
Stairs going from the old colonial harbour
Category
Activity
Est. Duration
30-60m

4.3 km (2.7 mi)

8 min

Late Afternoon: Walk to Inuk Hostels

  • From the city center, it's about a 30-minute scenic walk to Inuk Hostels, located by the water with panoramic views of Nuuk Fjord.

  • Alternatively, a short taxi ride will get you there in under 10 minutes.

  • You can book the glass igloo hut or cabin - then enjoy the peaceful setting.

  • Also an option to book their sauna and spa experience

9

Choose the option that fits you the best

Inuk Cafe and Hostel
Inuk Cafe and Hostel
Local food and amazing view to Sermitsiaq
Category
Café
Est. Price
$$
Inuk Hostel Spa and Sauna
Inuk Hostel Spa and Sauna
Sauna with a view and a hot tub
Category
Spa
Est. Price
$$

Optional Backcountry Walk

  • If the weather’s good and you have time, follow one of the marked hiking trails behind Inuk Hostels. You’ll quickly find yourself in the rugged backcountry.

  • Easy hikes offer stunning views over the fjord and city.

  • Keep your eyes out for Arctic flora and maybe even a curious fox or raven.

10

This one is optional

Kuanninnguit viewpoint in Paradise Valley
Kuanninnguit viewpoint in Paradise Valley
The lush Paradise Valley, the backyard to Nuuk
Category
Tours
Est. Price
$$
Est. Duration
4-6h
Snow shoe hike around Quassussuaq
Snow shoe hike around Quassussuaq
Snow shoe hike around Quassussuaq
Category
Hike
Est. Price
$$
Est. Duration
3-4h

Evening:

🍻 First Stop: Charon Porn

  • A local legend. This intimate bar is known for its moody vibe, great cocktails, and eclectic crowd. Expect good music, dim lighting, and a solid mix of locals and visitors. It’s Nuuk’s best-kept secret (that isn’t really a secret).

  • Try their Greenlandic coffee and get a special show!

11

Choose the option that fits you the best

Restaurant Charoen Porn
Restaurant Charoen Porn
Delicious Thai cuisine in cozy atmosphere
Category
Restaurant
Est. Price
$$
Restaurant Type
thai
Sarfalik
Sarfalik
Cozy seafood brasserie with wines
Category
Restaurant
Est. Price
$$
Restaurant Type
french

283 m (0.2 mi)

🍺 Second Stop: Daddy’s

  • End the night at Daddy’s, Nuuk’s most iconic bar. Pool table, loud music, and a crowd that’s there to dance, drink, and be social. If it’s a weekend or event night, expect it to get rowdy—in the best way.

12

This one is optional

Daddy's
Daddy's
Cozy spot with tasty food
Category
Bar
Est. Price
$