24 Hours in Tórshavn

Got 24 hours to spare? Spend them in Tórshavn, one of the smallest capitals in the world.

Even though it might be small, Tórshavn is filled to the brim with rich history and modern Nordic charm. Its compact size makes everything easily accessible while maintaining a unique character, with colorful turf-roofed houses and a lively café culture.

Getting Around Tórshavn

Tórshavn is easy to navigate with various transport options, including biking, driving, and sailing. The city is also very walkable, with the longest walk being no more than two hours. City buses are also available if you need to get across town

From Vágar Airport:
• Airport Taxi/Shuttle – A direct option for convenience.
• Bus 300 – A regional bus with a stop at the airport, but note that it is not a dedicated airport bus, so schedules may not always align with flight times.

Arriving by Ferry/Cruise:
The harbor is right in the heart of Tórshavn, near Tinganes and the Old Town. The main city bus station, Steinatún, is a short walk away. Here, you can catch free city buses, with a northbound and a southbound side.

Tip: Google Maps works well for public transport in Tórshavn.

Start Your Day Right

Begin with a hearty breakfast at a local café or enjoy a brunch buffet at one of the town’s hotels.

Check out our Brunch Guide for recommendations.

A Glimpse into Faroese History

Now the adventures can start!

Start your adventure with a stroll through Tinganes, the historic district where the Faroese government operates among narrow, cobbled streets lined with old turf-roofed houses. Tinganes is one of the world’s oldest parliamentary meeting places, alongside Tynwald Hill (Isle of Man) and Þingvellir (Iceland).

Explore Tórshavn’s Old Town (Reyn and Undir Ryggi), a charming neighborhood of black-tarred wooden houses with white-framed windows and grass roofs. These 14th-century homes are still lived in today, offering a wonderful blend of history and modern life.

Bitin

Bitin is a Nordic restaurant, located next to the city center bus …

Tórshavn

Bowl.fo

At Bowl, we combine fun, food, excitement, and entertainment for a…

Tórshavn

Burger King

The best and quickest burger restaurant

Tórshavn

Cafeteria in Hoyvík (FK)

The restaurant in Hoyvík offers a warm and welcoming atmosphere wh…

Tórshavn

Haps Burger & Steaks

HAPS serves gourmet burgers, steaks, snacks and milkshakes. HAPS s…

Tórshavn

Hvonn

Flavours from the Far East At Hvonn restaurant you can enjoy a div…

Tórshavn

No 12

Grab a cold juice and a delicious sandwich at our Football Stadium…

Tórshavn

Pizza 67

A long-standing locals’ favourite, Pizza 67 serves an impressive r…

Tórshavn

Resturant Seven

Nice and tasty Chinese food, east of Torshavn fortress by the harb…

Tórshavn

Reyðleyk

Looking for quality fast food that the whole family can enjoy? Loo…

Tórshavn

SILO

Cafeteria serving hot and filling lunchtime meals at reasonable pr…

Tórshavn

Sunset Boulevard

Fast Food Fast food restaurant including sandwiches, burgers or sa…

Tórshavn

Suppugarðurin

Traditional Japanese Ramen in the heart of Tórshavn Traditional J…

Tórshavn

Sushi Daily

About Sushi Daily Sushi Daily is a restaurant in SMS offering sush…

Bitin

Niels Finsensgøta 12

Bowl.fo

Heykavegur 1

Burger King

Húsagøta, Thorshavn, Færøerne

Cafeteria in Hoyvík (FK)

Brekkutún 9

Haps Burger & Steaks

HAPS, Tinghúsvegur, Tórshavn, Faroe Islands

Hvonn

Tórsgøta 4

No 12

6 Gundadalsvegur, Thorshavn 100, Faroe Islands

Pizza 67

8 Tinghúsvegur, Thorshavn 100, Færøerne

Resturant Seven

Yviri við Strond 21

Reyðleyk

8 Ingibjargargøta

SILO

15 Vestara Bryggja, Tórshavn 100, Færøerne

Sunset Boulevard

Húsagøta, Thorshavn, Færøerne

Suppugarðurin

12 Niels Finsens gøta, Thorshavn 100, Færøerne

Sushi Daily

SMS, Tórshavn, Á Trapputrøðni, Tórshavn, Faroe Islands

Museums & Galleries

After lunch, take some time to explore Tórshavn’s museums and galleries, which offer a deeper insight into Faroese history, art, and culture.

The National Gallery of the Faroe Islands showcases incredible local artwork, while the National Museum gives you a look at the islands’ Viking past and traditional way of life.

Whether you’re into contemporary art or historical artifacts, there’s something to discover.

Shopping in Tórshavn

If you have room in your suitcase, shopping in Tórshavn is a treat! Most shops are within walking distance of the city center, making it easy to browse for souvenirs, Faroese design items, or maybe some practical outdoor gear. The main shopping streets are Niels Finsensgøta and Dr. Jacobsensgøta, but you’ll also find plenty of gems in the surrounding streets—a great mix of local boutiques, cozy cafés, and well-stocked stores.

Whether you’re looking for new hiking boots, a warm wool sweater, or unique home décor, there’s something for everyone. Be sure to check out local Faroese design stores for beautifully crafted items that capture the essence of the islands.

Tip: Many shops offer tax-free shopping for visitors from outside the Faroe Islands. Just ask in-store and make sure to keep your receipts—then you can get a VAT refund on eligible purchases when you leave.

EINSTAKT

elsabech

Føroya Heimavirkisfelag

Guðrun & Guðrun

Marjun Heimá

Navia Tórshavn

Niels L. Arge

Østrøm

Snældan

Ullvøruhúsið

Hidden Corners & Natural Beauty

After lunch, take a scenic 30-minute walk to Svartafoss, the Black Waterfall, located in the local nature reserve. On the way, you’ll pass landmarks like Tórshavn’s city park, sports area in Gundadalur and The Nordic House.

Tip: Stop at a café along the way to grab a warm drink and a delicious pastry for the walk.

For a longer trek, try the Tórshavn City Walk (9 km, ~2 hours). This route starts downtown and takes you to Hoyvík, offering stunning views of the city.

Svartifossur

Waterfall in the stream “Hoydalsá” Svartifossur, meani…

Tórshavn

Dining & Nightlife

Wrap up your day with a delicious dinner at one of Tórshavn’s highly-rated restaurants.

Many feature Faroese specialties like lamb and fresh seafood dishes.

After dinner, explore Tórshavn’s nightlife:

For a relaxed evening: Choose a cozy bar with live music—many places offer concerts, especially in summer.

For a lively night out: Visit bars and clubs, especially on Fridays and Saturdays when locals go out.

Where to Stay

A good night’s sleep is key for a full day of exploration.

Tórshavn offers a range of accommodations, from luxury hotels to charming guesthouses.

Tip: Summer is peak season, so book well in advance. Winter is easier for last-minute bookings, but the off-season is becoming increasingly popular.

Travel Tips & Practical Info

When to visit really depends on what kind of experience you’re looking for. In summer (June to August), you can enjoy nearly 24-hour daylight with average temperatures between 10 – 12°C. It’s the perfect time for festivals, village celebrations, and making the most of long, light-filled days.

Winter (November to March) is a quieter season, with average temperatures around 5°C. While the daylight hours are shorter, it’s a beautiful time to go stargazing—and if you’re lucky, you might even catch a glimpse of the Northern Lights. Around Christmas, the capital transforms into a cozy, festive place, and February brings the magical Huldulitt festival.

As for budgeting, depending on where you go and what you’re craving, meals can range from:

• 100 to 200 DKK for breakfast
• 150 to 250 DKK for lunch
• upwards of 300 DKK for dinner

Transportation is easy and affordable—many places are within walking distance, taxis are generally around 200 DKK or less, and local buses are available if you need to get across town. Entrance fees to museums and concerts typically range from 80 to 200 DKK, giving you access to culture and entertainment without breaking the bank.