Best Hotels in Nuuk, Greenland: Where to Stay in our Favorite Capital (+ apartments)
View from our apartment in Nuuk
Nuuk is overlooked by many visitors, who go straight on a ferry or a plane to Ilulissat. And that’s a shame, because we absolutely fell in love with it — read our Nuuk Travel Guide!
Nuuk is a one-of-a-kind capital where snow-capped mountains meet the sea and the rhythm of everyday, modern life blends seamlessly with the raw, untamed beauty of Greenland.
Greenland’s tiny but mighty capital isn’t just a gateway to glaciers and fjords, it's a vibrant, growing city full of character. The vibe there is just… cool, in every sense of the word!
From intimate guesthouses and self-catering apartments to upscale hotels, Nuuk’s accommodations reflect the city’s unique charm and mix of modernity with traditional Greenlandic influences. Whether you're looking for luxury or simplicity, there’s a place for everyone to rest their head after a day of Arctic adventure.
Plan your Nuuk trip: where to stay and things to do
🗓️ When to see the northern lights in Nuuk
The aurora season in Nuuk runs from late September to early April, with the best viewing usually between December and February, when nights are longest and skies clearest.
On a calm night, you can often see the lights right from town and by the water — though it’s always better a little outside the glow of streetlights.
For photo settings, gear advice, and the best Northern Lights destinations across the world, check out our full 👉 Northern Lights Hub.
Best hotels in Nuuk
Old Nuuk is soooo picturesque!
Nuuk is still small, which means: not a ton of hotel stock. And with the new airport and more flights coming in, places sell out. So if you’re going to Greenland’s capital, it really helps to know which hotels and apartments are actually in town — and which ones are worth it.
Hotel Hans Egede
A Nuuk staple, Hotel Hans Egede stands as the tallest building in the city and offers a panoramic view that will make you feel like you're on top of the world. Modern rooms, a delicious restaurant serving local specialities like reindeer, and a welcoming atmosphere make this our go‑to for a comfortable stay. Whether you're visiting for work or play, Hotel Hans Egede is a solid choice with a real Greenlandic soul.
👉 Book Hotel Hans Egede here
HHE Express
A newer, more modern branch of Hans Egede — same reliability, smaller footprint. Clean design, good Wi-Fi, and comfortable beds make it a solid mid-range option right in the heart of the city.
👉 Book HHE Express here
HOTEL SØMA Nuuk
Right by the harbor and cultural center (which has great food!), HOTEL SØMA feels more local than corporate. Rooms have sea views, the breakfast is hearty, and it’s often travelers’ first real encounter with Greenlandic hospitality.
👉 Book HOTEL SØMA Nuuk here
Hotel Aurora
Bright, friendly, and family-run. Hotel Aurora sits just uphill from the center and feels like home — you’ll find warm blankets, spotless rooms, and a small but generous breakfast. Great for couples or solo travelers who prefer calm over crowds.
👉 Book Hotel Aurora here
Eagle View
Exactly what the name promises: sweeping mountain and fjord views. Apartments are stylish and modern, with kitchens and balconies that make you want to stay longer than planned. Watching the light change over the water from here feels like the definition of Arctic peace. A lovely budget option.
👉 Book Eagle View here
Nuuk Hotel Apartments by HHE
If you’re staying a few days, this is perfect. Full kitchens, spacious rooms, and the perks of hotel service. Some units overlook the mountains — and yes, you can cook dinner while watching the Arctic light (magical in any season) fade outside your window.
👉 Book Nuuk Hotel Apartments by HHE here
Hotel Nordbo / Nordbo Apartments
A favorite for longer stays. Bigger rooms, practical kitchens, quiet location, and friendly staff. Nothing fancy — just space, calm, and that essential Greenlandic mix of independence and comfort.
👉 Book Hotel Nordbo here
Tuukkaq Apartments
These modern, self-catering apartments are tucked in a peaceful area but still close to everything. Excellent if you like privacy, flexibility, or the option to make your own reindeer stew after a long day out.
👉 Book Tuukkaq Apartments here
Kulukis Downtown Hostel
Budget option, but clean, bright, and very Nuuk. Great Wi-Fi, cozy shared spaces, and a short walk to cafés and museums. Perfect if you want to save money without sacrificing warmth or location.
👉 Book Kulukis Downtown Hostel here
Isi4u Apartments Manngua 74A
Modern apartments with plenty of natural light and everything you need for self-catering. Ideal for small groups or families. Reviewers rave about the cleanliness and the calm neighborhood.
👉 Book Isi4u Apartments Manngua 74A here
Zoom in on the map below to see more hotels and apartments in Nuuk
Is Nuuk worth visiting?
Nuuk has great hiking possibilities (this is walking distance from the city center)
Without a doubt. Nuuk is a place like no other. It’s the perfect blend of breathtaking wilderness and cosmopolitan charm. Unlike other tourist-heavy Arctic destinations, Nuuk offers a quieter, more personal experience.
And for us, Greenland, and other Arctic destinations, are as much about culture as they are about nature.
You can catch the Northern Lights right from the city, wander through picturesque streets lined with colorful houses, chat with super friendly locals, or simply enjoy the views of vast fjords. We visited this year, and we just loved it. It’s not just a city, it’s a chance to immerse yourself in an entirely new way of life.
Field notes
When we stayed in Nuuk, we learned fast: pick a place with a view. The light here shifts constantly — gold, grey, pink, deep blue, and of course the northern lights — and you’ll want to watch every second of it.
Here are a few tips:
Self-catering is a win. Groceries in Nuuk are surprisingly good and varied (we didn’t expect grocery stores this big), and cooking while the wind howls outside feels like a small victory.
Book early. Flights are limited, and so are rooms. Summer and shoulder seasons sell out.
Be flexible. As anywhere in the Arctic, weather runs the show here — and every storm makes the next clear day feel like a gift.
Penguin Trampoline tip:
If you’re looking for delicious Greenlandic food at fair prices, head to the café inside the Katuaq Cultural Center. It’s where locals actually eat — fresh fish soup, muskox burgers, reindeer stew, mattak... Portions are generous, the atmosphere relaxed, and you’ll likely end up chatting with artists or students between exhibitions.
Whales in Nuuk — and a way to follow them
Beaches in Nuuk are really… cool! — I (Eli) went into the water right there… and came out really fast!)
Between November and May, humpback whales and minke whales migrate through the fjords near Nuuk, following rich Arctic feeding grounds. On calm days, you can sometimes spot them right from the shoreline or during a boat trip out of the harbor — surfacing between drifting ice and mountains.
If you fall in love with these Arctic giants, you can actually follow one’s journey through our partner Fahlo — their Whale Bracelet supports marine research and lets you track a real whale’s migrations in the North Atlantic. You can also track other Greenland animals like polar bears and seals!
💙 🐋 Our readers get 20% off through this link: Track a real whale with Fahlo
FAQ: Staying in Nuuk
Jake is iceberg hopping on the beach!
What’s the best area to stay in Nuuk?
Stay near the center — you’ll be within walking distance of the harbor, the Katuaq cultural center, and most restaurants.
Can I see the Northern Lights from my hotel?
Yes, especially in winter (October – March). Eagle View and HOTEL SØMA Nuuk both have great sightlines.
Are apartments a good idea in Nuuk?
Absolutely. It’s part of the experience — independence, warmth, and a kitchen to cook with local ingredients.
Do I need to book early?
Yes. Nuuk’s hotel scene is small but demand is growing fast. If you see something you like, grab it.
Do I need travel insurance?
We recommend it for Arctic travel. Greenlandic weather can delay ferries or cancel flights in a blink. We use Heymondo, which covers cancellations and outdoor activities.
Nuuk doesn’t have many hotels — and that’s exactly why each one feels personal. Whether you want a polished stay at Hotel Hans Egede, local charm at HOTEL SØMA Nuuk, or the independence of Eagle View and Nuuk Hotel Apartments, every place offers warmth against the Arctic chill.
Book early, pack layers, and let Greenland’s smallest capital show you its biggest light show — from the comfort of your window.
Planning a trip to Greenland? Check out our guides:
🌇 Nuuk Travel Guide
🧭 Greenland Travel Guide
🧊 Ilulissat Travel Guide
⛴ Greenland by Ferry
🧳 Packing for Greenland
💸 How to travel cheaper in Greenland and anywhere else
