Things To Do
in Manily

Manily is a remote Arctic town in eastern Russia perched along a rugged coastline. Its landscapes blend icy seascapes, snow-dusted peaks, and a tight-knit community whose lifeblood is fishing and seasonal trade. The town serves as a gateway to pristine wilderness, offering wildlife encounters and dramatic coastal walks.

Visitors are welcomed by warm hospitality and compact streets that are easy to explore on foot.

Day Trips

Spend a day exploring around

day 1
Exploring Moscow's Heart
morning
:

Begin your adventure in the bustling heart of Moscow by visiting the iconic Red Square. Gaze at the stunning St. Basil's Cathedral, marveling at its colorful onion domes and intricate designs. Enjoy a traditional Russian breakfast at a nearby café while soaking in the vibrant atmosphere.

afternoon
:

Spend your afternoon exploring the historic Kremlin, where you can tour the armory and learn about Russia's royal past. Stroll through Alexander Garden, taking in its beautiful landscapes and monuments. For lunch, savor authentic Russian dishes at a well-known local restaurant.

evening
:

As the sun sets, take a leisurely walk along the Moskva River, enjoying views of the illuminating city skyline. Consider booking a ticket for a performance at the Bolshoi Theatre, experiencing world-renowned ballet or opera. End your night with a cozy drink at a rooftop bar, enjoying panoramic views of the city.

day 2
Art and Culture Day
morning
:

Start your day at the Tretyakov Gallery, home to an extensive collection of Russian art from the 11th to the 20th centuries. Marvel at works by famous artists like ikon painters, Repin, and Malevich. Grab a light breakfast at a local café to fuel your creative journey.

afternoon
:

After immersing yourself in art, head to the nearby Gorky Park to enjoy a leisurely walk or bike ride. The park features beautiful greenery, open-air exhibitions, and various food stalls offering delicious snacks. Break for lunch in the park, choosing from a variety of casual eateries.

evening
:

In the evening, visit the famous Bolshoi Theatre for a truly unforgettable cultural experience, whether seeing a ballet or a theatrical performance. Embrace the elegance of the historic building, and admire its opulent interiors. After the show, explore Moscow's nightlife with a visit to a trendy bar or club nearby.

Cost Guide

Prices

ItemPrice
🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant$10-15
Coffee$3-5
🥗Lunch$8-12
🚕Taxi ride (1 mile)$4-6
🛏️Hotel room per night$60-120

Strengths and Weaknesses

  • Stunning Arctic scenery and peaceful atmosphere
  • Excellent seafood and authentic local experiences
  • Remote location with limited services in some areas
  • Seasonal travel can be affected by weather and ice conditions
  • "Здравствуйте" - Hello
  • "Пожалуйста" - Please
  • "Спасибо" - Thank you
  • "Где находится ближайший рынок?" - Where is the nearest market?
  • "Сколько стоит?" - How much does it cost?
  • "Можно меню, пожалуйста?" - Could I have the menu, please?
  • "Говорите по-английски?" - Do you speak English?

Places to Visit in Manily

Visit one of these nice places.

Ice Cliff Overlook

A dramatic cliffside with sea ice in the foreground, offering breathtaking sunrise silhouettes and long shadows.

Old Wharf and Fishing Docks

Weathered boats, nets, and stacked crates provide textured, maritime scenes especially during blue hour.

Harbor Lighthouse at Dawn

Classic composition of a lone lighthouse against pale Arctic light and low-lying fog over the water.

Snow-covered Boardwalks

Minimalist winter scenes with footprints, soft light, and reflective snow gradients.

Culinary Guide

Food in Manily

Manily’s cuisine blends Arctic seafood, game, and foraged berries with Russian-influenced methods, resulting in hearty, winter-ready dishes and simple, fresh market fare.

Manily Famous Food

Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food

Arctic Char with Juniper and Cloudberries

Freshly caught char grilled with a juniper glaze and a bright cloudberry accompaniment; common at seaside eateries.

Must-Try!

Venison and Root Vegetable Stew

Slow-cooked venison with potatoes, carrots, and local roots; a comforting winter staple.

Berry Porridge with Lingonberries

Warm oats folded with wild berries for a nourishing breakfast or light supper.

Food Markets

Explore local food markets

Nerpa Market

Coastal market offering smoked fish, foraged mushrooms, berries, and handmade crafts; try the smoked Arctic char.

Seafarer's Snack Alley

A row of stalls with warm soups, pancakes, and local pastries perfect for a quick bite.

Climate Guide

Weather

Manily experiences an Arctic-subarctic climate with long, cold winters and short, cool summers. Winter temperatures often dip well below freezing, while summer highs hover in the low to mid-teens Celsius. Coastal influence can bring wind and periodic snowfall year-round.

How to Behave

Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior

Greeting and Respect

A firm handshake is common; address people by their surname with Mr./Ms. (Gospodin/Gospozha) until invited to use first names.

Safety Guide

Safety

Travelers should prepare for extreme cold, icy surfaces, and remote access to services. Wildlife awareness is important in coastal and forested areas; carry a basic safety kit and know emergency contacts. In case of medical needs, plan for longer transfer times to regional centers and ensure proper travel insurance.

Tipping in Manily

Ensure a smooth experience

Tipping Etiquette

In restaurants and cafes, tipping 5-10% is customary if service is not included. Small tips to guides, drivers, and bar staff are appreciated but not always expected.

Payment Methods

Cash (rubles) is widely accepted in smaller shops and markets; many restaurants accept cards, especially in town centers. ATMs are available in the main streets but can be limited in remote areas.

Best Time to Visit

And what to expect in different seasons...

Summer

Days are long with near-continuous daylight (midnight sun). Expect mild temperatures, breezes off the sea, and abundant wildlife activity. Pack light layers, sunscreen, and a hat; sea fog can roll in unexpectedly.

Winter

Polar conditions with very short days or polar night in parts of the season. Expect subfreezing temperatures, strong winds, and snow-covered terrain. Dress in insulated layers, waterproof outerwear, and protect extremities; aurora viewing is common on clear nights.

Nightlife Guide

Manily at Night

The nightlife in Manily is intimate and low-key, centered on small bars, cafes, and occasional live music. Local beers and seafood-centric menus dominate, with seasonal events and gatherings more frequent in warmer months. Expect a relaxed, friendly atmosphere rather than a bustling club scene.

Hiking in Manily

Immerse in an unforgettable hike.

Coastal Ice Shelf Trail

A scenic route along the coast with sea views and occasional wildlife sightings; best in late spring to early autumn.

Taiga Forest Loop

Gentle forest hike through spruce and birch with potential for songbirds and berry picking in season.

Airports

How to reach Manily by plane.

Manily Regional Airport (MNY) – fictional

Closest air link to the town with seasonal regional flights to Anadyr and other coastal hubs.

Anadyr Airport (DYR) – real

Main regional hub with year-round flights to Moscow, Yakutsk, and other cities; transfer points to northern towns.

Pevek Airport (PEE) – real

Smaller northern airport offering regional connections and seasonal services; useful for accessing the Chaun/Chukotka area.

Provideniya Bay Airport (PVS) – real

Remote airport serving the northeastern coast; limited schedule, primarily seasonal or charter flights.

Getting Around

Walkability

The town center is compact and highly walkable, with most sights reachable on foot. In winter, expect snow and ice for longer strolls. Some peripheral areas require a light vehicle or snow gear to access comfortably.

Demographics

Explore demographics in this area.

Chukchi and Russian communities

A mix of indigenous residents and long-time settlers, with seasonal workers contributing to the local economy.

Popular Sports

Explore popular sports in region.

Ice Hockey

A common pastime in towns with winter arenas and local leagues; casual games are easy to join.

Cross-country Skiing

Widely enjoyed on nearby trails and frozen rivers; accessible for all skill levels.

Dog Sledding

Traditional mode of winter transit turned into a thrilling excursion for visitors.

Transportation

Traffic

Traffic is light in the town center with most destinations reachable by foot. In winter, snow and ice can slow travel; limited public transit is available, with taxis as the primary option for longer trips. In summer, ferries and seasonal routes may connect Manily to nearby coastal villages.

Accomodations

Find the best place to stay when visiting Manily.

Dietary Restrictions

Tips for restricted diets.

Vegetarian

Vegetarian travelers can enjoy seasonal vegetables, forest mushrooms, berries, and grains. Request dishes without meat stock or fish sauces; in some places vegetarians may have limited options, so consider meals from markets or self-catering when possible.

Health & Medical

Healthcare

There is a small town clinic for routine care and emergencies; major medical services are located in regional hubs such as Anadyr. Travel insurance and planned access to a larger hospital are advised for serious conditions.

Discover Russia

Read more in our Russia 2025 Travel Guide.

Russia Travel Guide