Capital city in Sermersooq, Greenland
Nuuk
Arctic capital with fjords, whale watching, Inuit culture and a small modern town. Safe to walk, but very remote and expensive: day trips need boats or flights, and weather changes plans.
At a glance
- Safety4/5Safe with normal careDetails
- Monthly budget$3,610–5,120Comfortable, one person · kr24,000–34,000Details
- Value for money4/100Better value than 3% of places we coverDetails
- Best time to goJun–SepWarmest: Jul, 9°CDetails
- Tap waterYes, drinkableTown tap water is safe to drink.Details
- LGBTQ+4/5WelcomingDetails
- Solo travel3/5English: common in tourist areasDetails
- Doctor's visit$60–120Private clinic, without insuranceDetails
- Getting aroundNuup Bussii (city bus)Walkable centerDetails
- Cash or cardCards almost everywhereCards work in most hotels, shops and restaurants; carry Danish kroner for small vendors and settlements.Details
Where to stay in Nuuk
Areas visitors base themselves in.
| Area | Good for |
|---|---|
| Colonial Harbour and Centre | Walkable stays near Katuaq and the National Museum |
| Nuussuaq | Newer district with shops, quieter, across town |
Apps that work in Nuuk
No ride-hailing apps work here; see the taxi note below.
- Maps: Google Maps
- Messaging: Messenger
- Taxis: No ride apps. Taxis operate by phone or from ranks; book ahead for the airport.
Cash, cards and tipping
What to carry and how to pay. Money in Greenland.
- Cards almost everywhere Cards work in most hotels, shops and restaurants; carry Danish kroner for small vendors and settlements.
- Currency: Krone (DKK). US$1 ≈ kr6.65 on 03 Oct 2026.
- ATMs: ATMs in 15 towns, including Nuuk, Ilulissat and Sisimiut; PIN required. None in small settlements.
- Tipping: Prices include service; something extra for a great guide or meal is appreciated.
- Paying by phone: Bring a physical card with a PIN; acceptance is good in towns and patchy in settlements.
Before you go
Visa and entry
- Outside the EU and Schengen: Schengen or Danish visas aren't valid unless issued specifically for Greenland.
- If you don't need a visa for Denmark, you don't need one for Greenland.
- Flights from Copenhagen leave Schengen, so expect passport control and an EES exit record.
Emergency numbers
Police 70 14 48
Plugs
Type C, K · 230 V, 50 Hz. Do I need an adapter?
SIM and eSIM
Tusass sells the Hello Greenland prepaid eSIM online, or a physical SIM at its stores in Nuuk, Sisimiut and Ilulissat. Roaming is very expensive. eSIMs work for visitors.
Going to Nuuk solo?
SoloSquare is where travelers, nomads and locals in Nuuk meet up for small plans: coffee, dinners, walks and day trips. Join one, or start your own in a minute.
Sources
Prices are SoloSquare estimates; climate, air, safety and visa figures come from the sources listed. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.