With a population of approximately 19,000 people, Nuuk is a very small city. It is also undergoing a significant period of growth, with new apartment blocks going up everywhere.
Island Princess docks in the port, which is the other side of a hill from the rest of Nuuk city. It’s about one mile walk each way, although one of the local tour firms has laid on shuttle buses ($22 per person, tickets valid all day). Tickets must be purchased in advance the day before you dock.
Once we have made the hike into town, it becomes clear there won’t be much to do today. It’s Sunday and virtually everything is closed. There are a handful of tourist stores, some cafés and the national museum down on the waterfront. Bizarrely, the local stonemason is also open for business.
Top tip: The Nuuk Tourist Office on the corner of Imaneq and Kuussuaq in the centre of town is much cheaper than the stalls in the unit next to the dock.
Bonus tip: It is illegal for US and Canadian residents to import seal skin or fur goods which is a shame because the locally-made gloves and slippers look amazing.
Meandering down the Main Street, we pass Greenland’s only shopping mall. Sadly, even the cathedral is closed – this time for renovation. I take a quick hike up the hill to take a panoramic picture of the city from next to the statue of Hans Egede, the missionary who brought Christianity to Greenland.
We also have a quick look at the statue of Sedna which is only visible at low tide. There are many legends about Sedna, Mother of the Sea, most of which involve her father throwing her out of his kayak before chopping off her fingers to loosen her grip. Those fingers went on to become all the seals in the Arctic Sea.
Although it would have been cool to see the Qilakitsoq Mummies in the Greenland National Museum, we have to give it a miss. The building is clearly not designed for wheelchairs or scooters, so there’s little chance of us navigating the exhibits.
Top tip: Most of Nuuk is closed on a Sunday.
Bonus tip: The National Museum is free to visit on Sundays.
On the way back to the ship, we’re lucky enough to pass the farmer’s market where one can buy ox, seabirds, narwhal, seal and all kinds of local delicacies. But we don’t.
Top tip: Take a second battery for your mobility scooter. The uphill journey into town uses a lot of power.
I like the laidback vibe of the city and would happily visit again. Linda said she quite liked it too, but she is sceptical that there is anything else to see or do. The locals that we met were very friendly, happy to wave a greeting even if they did not speak English.
The only weird thing was where were the people of Nuuk today? The streets were largely deserted apart from other cruisers.
Top tip: It may be mid-summer, but the temperature topped out at 5ºC today. Make sure to take some gloves, especially if you will be riding a mobility scooter.
Did we get passport stamps in Nuuk?
No. There are no stamps at Nuuk port and the police station is only open four days per week (definitely not Sundays). I asked at the tourist shop and they offered to sell me postage stamps – not quite what I had in mind.
Gutted. I REALLY want a Greenland stamp for my passport.
Things to do in Nuuk
Nuuk is still an up-and-coming destination, and its tourism infrastructure is still under development. However, there are a number of intriguing activities to consider when visiting the city.
Nuuk Walking Tour with Museum Visit & Greenlandic Tasting
Explore the heart of Greenland’s capital on a guided walking tour that combines history, culture, and flavour in just a few unforgettable hours. Begin at the Katuaq Cultural Centre, where your guide will set the stage with an introduction to Nuuk’s fascinating past and present. As you stroll through the city, admire key landmarks such as the Hans Egede Statue and the picturesque Nuuk Cathedral, all while gaining insight into Greenlandic traditions and daily life.
The journey continues at the Greenland National Museum, where you’ll embark on a guided visit through its remarkable collections. From centuries-old Inuit artefacts to preserved mummies and everyday items, the exhibits bring Greenland’s unique culture and history vividly to life. Afterwards, settle into a welcoming indoor venue for a Greenlandic tasting session, sampling both savoury and sweet local specialities that highlight the authentic flavours of the region.
Blending walking, learning, and culinary discovery, this tour is the perfect introduction to Nuuk for cruise visitors eager to experience the essence of Greenland in an engaging and memorable way.
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Greenlandic Beers, Burgers and Samplers Tasting Tour
Begin your Greenland adventure with a short drive from the port to Colonial Harbour, the historic heart of Nuuk. As you explore this atmospheric district, your guide will share fascinating stories about early Greenlandic missions, food preservation traditions, and even the surprising history of how beer became part of local culture. The journey continues at Killut in the town centre, where you’ll learn about modern Greenlandic brewing, browse a display of craft beers, and even take home a can as a unique souvenir.
From there, enjoy a relaxed walk to a cosy local venue for the highlight of your tour—a guided tasting of Greenlandic flavours. Over the next hour, sample a delicious selection of finger foods, from reindeer or muskox sliders to local fish bites, dips, and freshly baked buns. Each dish is perfectly paired with Greenlandic beer or, if you prefer, a non-alcoholic alternative.
Blending history, culture, and authentic cuisine, this immersive experience brings you closer to modern Greenlandic life while offering cruise visitors the chance to savour flavours you won’t find anywhere else.
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Nuuk Fjord Boat & Fishing Tour with Local Hunter Guide
Set sail on an unforgettable journey through the breathtaking Nuuk Fjord, accompanied by a local expert who shares deep knowledge of Greenland’s coastal traditions, hunting, and fishing heritage. As the boat glides through dramatic Arctic scenery, you’ll trace the historic route once taken by the Danish-Norwegian missionary Hans Egede, travelling from the Island of Hope to the abandoned village of Kangeq, a site steeped in Inuit culture and history.
Along the way, you’ll have the chance to try your hand at Arctic fishing and learn traditional techniques passed down through generations. Your guide will weave in stories of sustainable hunting, ongoing whale research, and the environmental changes shaping life in Greenland today. With keen eyes on the water, keep watch for wildlife—Nuuk Fjord is home to several whale species, and with a little luck, you may witness these magnificent giants in their natural habitat.
Blending raw nature with cultural storytelling, this sailing tour offers a rare and meaningful perspective on Greenland. It’s not just an excursion—it’s an immersion into the landscapes, traditions, and resilience that define life by the sea.
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