Things To Do
in Stanley
Stanley is the small capital and main settlement of the Falkland Islands, located on the northeastern coast of East Falkland. It blends British colonial architecture, a working harbour, and vibrant wildlife on the town’s doorstep. The town is a hub for island services, tourism, and flights to the scattered outports of the archipelago.
Visitors come for close-up wildlife experiences, maritime history, and the dramatic, wind-swept coastal scenery.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Arrive in Stanley and take in the breathtaking views of the harbor as you settle into your accommodation. Visit the Falkland Islands Museum to learn about the history and culture of the islands. Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at a local café, sampling traditional Falkland fare.
Explore the colorful streets of Stanley, where you can find charming shops and local art galleries. Consider taking a guided tour of the historic sites in town, including the 1982 Liberation Memorial. Enjoy lunch at a pub, where you can engage with locals and share stories of the islands.
Savor a delightful dinner featuring fresh seafood at a waterfront restaurant, watching the sunset over the harbor. After dinner, stroll along the seafront and take in the tranquility of the evening. Relax at your accommodation, preparing for the adventures to come.
After breakfast, embark on an exciting excursion to Volunteer Point, home to majestic king penguins. The journey offers stunning landscapes and the chance to see various seabirds along the way. With a knowledgeable guide, you'll learn about the penguins and their natural habitat upon arrival.
Spend hours observing the penguins as they waddle through the sandy shores and interact with their colony. Enjoy a packed lunch in the picturesque surroundings of this wildlife haven. Be sure to bring your camera, as the scenes are perfect for capturing stunning wildlife photography.
Return to Stanley in the evening, reflecting on the day's incredible wildlife experiences. Dine at a cozy restaurant, relishing the local cuisine and sharing stories with fellow travelers. Wind down with a nightcap as you prepare for more exploration tomorrow.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $12-20 |
| 🍺Beer (pub) | $5-8 |
| ☕Coffee / cafe snack | $3-6 |
| 🚕Short taxi ride | $8-20 |
| ✈️Domestic FIGAS flight (short hop) | $120-300 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Exceptional, close-up wildlife experiences (penguins, albatross, seals).
- Compact, friendly capital with easy access to outport trips and guiding services.
- Unspoiled, dramatic coastal scenery ideal for photography and nature lovers.
- Remote location makes travel time and costs higher; services are limited compared with major cities.
- Weather is often windy and changeable, which can disrupt plans and outdoor activities.
- "Hello / Hi" - Hello (general greeting)
- "Please / Thank you" - Please / Thank you
- "Do you accept card?" - Do you accept card?
- "Where is the harbour?" - Where is the harbour?
- "¿Dónde está la playa?" - Where is the beach? (useful if speaking Spanish)
Places to Visit in Stanley
Visit one of these nice places.
Short drive from Stanley with sheltered coves, turquoise water, dramatic rock formations and a resident Magellanic penguin colony — excellent for close wildlife and coastal landscape shots.
A famous rookery of king penguins (a long day trip or flight away) that provides spectacular wildlife photography with large, colorful colonies and open beaches.
Dramatic coastline and lighthouse with panoramic sea views — good for sunrise or late-afternoon light and stormy weather atmospherics.
Harbour scenes, colourful boats and quayside activity offer atmospheric shots of island life and working maritime culture.
Clifftop boardwalks with nesting albatross and nesting birds, plus sweeping ocean vistas — best reached by boat or flight.
Food in Stanley
Stanley Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Fresh caught rock cod or other local whitefish, typically available in restaurants and pubs along the Stanley waterfront.
Must-Try!
Locally reared lamb, often served roasted or as steaks; look for it on most restaurant menus and at hotel dinners.
A warming, creamy chowder made with local fish and shellfish — a good option on chilly, windy days.
Local bakeries produce scones, pies and cakes — perfect with tea from a café after a morning walk.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
There is no large permanent street-food scene, but seasonal or weekend market stalls and harbour vendors sell seafood sandwiches, baked goods and local crafts — try a fish sandwich or freshly baked scone.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Interactions are typically polite and reserved; small talk and courtesy are appreciated. Dress casually but respectfully in town; remove muddy boots indoors when visiting homes or small establishments if asked.
Keep a respectful distance from wildlife, stay on marked paths and follow guide instructions. Do not approach or feed animals. Always ask permission before entering private land or photographing people on private property.
There is deep political sensitivity around the sovereignty of the islands. Be respectful and avoid making assumptions or initiating debates about sovereignty; follow local cues and avoid contentious phrasing when discussing geopolitics.
Safety
Tipping in Stanley
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is appreciated but not obligatory; round up bills or leave a 5–10% tip for good restaurant service. Taxi drivers and guides may be tipped for exceptional service, and hotel porters can receive a small tip.
The Falkland Islands pound (FKP) is the local currency and is at parity with GBP; British pounds are widely accepted. Credit and debit cards (Visa/Mastercard) are accepted in many shops, restaurants and hotels in Stanley, but cash is essential for remote areas, FIGAS flights, small vendors and some outport services. ATMs exist in Stanley but carry limited withdrawal amounts; inform your bank before travel.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
(November–March) The warmest, sunniest and busiest season with long daylight hours, best wildlife viewing (penguins, chicks, nesting seabirds) and the most available tours and boat trips.
(April–May) Cooler, fewer visitors, spectacular light for photography and continuing good seabird activity; some services begin to scale back after the main season.
(June–August) Cold, windy and with short daylight hours; some tours and operators reduce schedules or close. Expect icy conditions at times and limited options for day trips.
(September–October) Transition season with returning birdlife, unpredictable weather and increasing daylight — good for early-season bargains, but some wildlife sites are still waking up.
Stanley at Night
Hiking in Stanley
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Short, family-friendly coastal walk from Stanley with boardwalks, sheltered beaches and penguin viewing — good for half-day trips and close-up coastal photography.
A short coastal trail leading to the easternmost point near Stanley with spectacular sea views and lighthouse photography opportunities.
A longer inland hike to the highest point on East Falkland; it’s a full-day undertaking that rewards hikers with sweeping island vistas and remoter landscapes.
Accessible if you visit by FIGAS or charter, offering shoreline walks, salt lagoons and wildlife viewing on a relatively flat, scenic island.
Boardwalk trails around nesting bird colonies and cliffs with excellent photographic vantage points; reached by boat or small plane as part of guided trips.
Airports
How to reach Stanley by plane.
The main international gateway for visitors; scheduled flights connect Mount Pleasant to the UK and occasionally to South America. From Mount Pleasant, it’s a roughly 45–60 minute drive to Stanley by road or arranged transfer.
A network of small grass or gravel airstrips across the islands (e.g., Pebble Island, Saunders Island, West Falkland airstrips) served by FIGAS light aircraft — useful for visiting remote islands but book well in advance and be prepared for weather-related changes.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Predominantly residents of British descent with strong local identity; many families have lived on the islands for generations and are involved in farming, fishing and public services.
A modest number of residents come from other countries (e.g., South America, the UK and beyond) working in tourism, hospitality, public services and technical roles.
Personnel based at Mount Pleasant provide a visible presence and contribute to local economy and community life.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Rugby union and football are popular community sports with local clubs and occasional regional matches.
Both sea fishing and freshwater trout fishing are widely practised recreational activities and a draw for visiting anglers.
Horse riding, local pony events and sheepdog trials are part of rural community life and heritage.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Stanley.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options exist but are more limited than in larger cities; cafes usually offer salads, soups and egg- or cheese-based dishes. Bring specialty items if you have strict requirements because selection and variety are smaller and imports can be pricey.
Vegan and gluten-free choices are available in cafés and some restaurants but are limited; always notify restaurants in advance. Carry essential specialty foods or snacks if you need consistent options. For severe allergies, communicate clearly and consider bringing emergency medication.