places to visit minsk

30 Top Things To Do In Minsk: The Time-Warped Capital Of Belarus!

Posted on Last updated: December 15, 2023

Categories Belarus

Expert travel storyteller Jordan Adkins, founder of InspiredByMaps.com, brings a decade of adventures across 101 countries and 450+ UNESCO sites into rich, off-the-beaten-path narratives, melding ecological expertise with genuine, seasoned travel insights. His full bio can be found here.

Have you booked a flight and suddenly realized you have no idea what to do in Minsk, the capital of oft-overlooked Belarus?

Don’t worry, you not the only one!

I’ll be honest – I knew nothing about Belarus before booking a flight here [besides reading about the president’s “mini-me”][/sc] but was very worried after my research. The country is run by “Europe’s last dictator” who has been in complete control for the last 20 years complete with the secret police, political opponents going missing, election fraud… Horrible stuff that shouldn’t be allowed to continue in the 21st century…

That being said, as a tourist, you are not likely to see or be affected by any of this. People in Minsk, including military and police, were kind and super helpful – always willing to deal with my lack of Russian and point me in the right direction!

… You turn left at the hammer and sickle, then right at the Lenin memorial…If you pass the dictators house you’ve gone too far!

I had a week in time-warped Belarus – where apparently no one was told of the USSR collapse. And what a week it was!

Here the secret police are still called KGB, tractor sales are indicators for the success of the economy, and a statue of Lenin still stands outside the Government House Building. Soviet-era monuments and Stalinist architecture were a massive highlight of in Minsk, but I was also interested to see first hand what life is like here in this ah… “unique” country!

Entirely different from other post-Soviet cities like Riga , Tallinn , and Lviv that have embraced tourism and modernity, Minsk seems determined to stay in the past.  Along with Chisinau , it is the least touristy city I have been to in Europe, and while seven days might be a bit too long in just the capital, it’s cheap, clean, and has a lot going on if you do your research. 

So, is Minsk cheap?

Minsk is worth to visit for its good ‘what you get’ to ‘money you spend’ ratio with prices around the same as Ukraine or Moldova. It’s not expensive, transportation is inexpensive, the food is cheap, and the weather is incredible in the summer, meaning you can enjoy all the green spaces in town. Many of the top attractions and things to do in Minsk are free, as is people watching. 

Day trips out of Minsk are also surprisingly affordable, and convenient given Minsk’s location at the geographic and political center of Belarus.

Is Minsk worth visiting?

Minsk is a city with a “soul”, albeit a very different one that places like Porto or Buenos Aires . This meaning that it’s worth visiting to see how the city lives, how and where people go and what they do. The architecture, the variety of cafés, bars, restaurants, museums, public places, monuments, and people coexist in an utterly way. It’s part of what makes Minsk so special.

For history buffs, lovers of the bizarre, and different and those who love to explore away from the typical tourist trail, Minsk is definitely worth visiting. However, it is a destination where you’ll need to make an effort, scratch beneath the surface, and consider how and why things are to make the most of it.

I was not sure if I wanted to promote Minsk given the political situation of Belarus, including growing authoritarianism and repression of human rights. However, I reasoned with myself that the more ‘westerners’ that visit Minsk, the more open the regime will get – or at least the more aware the world will be of what is going on in this often forgotten country.

America has Cuba, Asia has Myanmar, and Europe — Europe has Belarus!

30 Top Things To Do In Minsk: The Time-Warped Capital Of Belarus! 🇧🇾

Page Contents

#1. People Watch Along Independence Avenue, Minsk’s Main Thoroughfare

#2. admire communist busts at zair azgur memorial museum and workshop, #3: learn about belarus’s rural traditions at the dudutki museum of culture and life, #4. admire the red church, the roman catholic center of faith in belarus, #5. catch the metro and admire the the ‘palaces of the people’, #6. enjoy a cheap night of fun and laughter at the belarusian state circus, #7: visit the pride of belarus, the belarusian automobile plant , #8. get the belarusian perspective on history at the great patriotic war museum, #9. pay your respect at the afghan war memorial on island of tears, #10. stop by the changing of the guards at the minsk eternal flame, #11. have your daily cat fix at the bizarre minsk cat café, #12. visit the all saints church, the most beautiful orthodox church in minsk, #13.  discover the weird soviet sculptures and their modern juxtaposing, #14. say hi to the statue of lenin, #15. enjoy a night out at the national academic bolshoi opera and ballet theatre, #16. admire the plethora of soviet art that still dominants the cityscape, #17. take a day trip to the historic city of brest, #18. admire the one-of-a-kind national library of belarus, #19. stop for a coffee at the delightful cafe zerno, #20. spy on the kgb (in their own building), #21: experience minsk’s incredible nightlife on a pub crawl, #22. admire the grand stalinist architecture of the gates of minsk, #23. wander around the old town of minsk, #24. check out the grand mir castle and nesvizh complex, #25: dine in medieval style at kamyanitsa, #26: visit the stalin line museum complex and khatyn memorial complex, #27. attend a show at the palace of the republic, #28. find your own green space in this city of parks and gardens, #29: enjoy luxe cocktails at the ritzy bar:dot xx1, #30: explore the modernized komarovsky marketplace, where to stay in minsk.

The central avenue of Minsk, this glorious street extends for 15 kilometers (9 miles). It connects five of the most important squares in Minsk: Kalinin Square, Yakub Kolas Square, Victory Square, October Square, and Independence Square and is one of the longest streets in Europe.

Many of the most notable landmarks of Minsk can be found along its length, and for the more active travelers walking its length is an excellent introduction to Minsk. In fact, the architectural ensemble of the avenue in Minsk (most of which was constructed during the 1940s-1950s), is currently being considered for UNESCO World Heritage Status.

The complete collection of post-war Stalinist architecture is unique in the world, owing to the destruction by Germans of Minsk in WW2 and subsequent rebuild. Independence Avenue has such meaning to Minsk; its name has been changed 14 times in modern history.

If you don’t want to walk the entire length, there is a public bus (#100) that covers almost the entire Independence Avenue – or the tourist sightseeing bus. Quintessentially Minsk, you couldn’t miss Independence Avenue even if you tried!

A hidden gem in Minsk missed by so many travelers. The incredible home studio of celebrated Soviet sculptor Zair Azgur which has now been turned into a museum celebrating his life and works.

Zair Azgur was a member of the USSR Academy of Arts who completed sculptures of countless heroes, statesman, generals, soldiers, partisans and civilians during his prolific career.

Truly an extraordinary museum for anyone interested in the Soviet Union or sculpture, what we found most striking was how extensively Azur’s sculptures of Lenin were distributed around the USSR and the world. Tours are given in Russian and occasionally in English, but the Russian guides are happy to let you tag along. It is worth the wait for an English tour; however, as Zair Azgur is a household name in Belarus and his life is incredibly fascinating.

The highlight is a cavernous room where countless sculptures of Stalin, Lenin, and other USSR officials peer down upon you. It is only a room, but what a room it is. The experience of standing here is surreal, to say the least.

Spend the day discovering an authentic Belarusian village where you can learn about the traditions and agriculture of rural Belarus and taste local food products.

Located about 45 kilometers outside of the city in the beautiful Belarusian countryside, you can either hire a car or take an easy day tour to visit the world-class Dudutki Museum Of Culture And Life.

When you arrive, you’ll find a real working mill, a blacksmith, potter, weaving machines, as well as a farmstead with pets and horses. You can watch a potter and blacksmith at work, and learn about the agricultural practices of Belarus before industrialization. Even better, you can opt for tastings of homemade cheese, butter, bread, and homemade vodka – or indulge in a delicious Belarussian national-style lunch or majestic horseback ride.

A great way to familiarize yourself with 19th century Belarus, the Dudutki Ethnological Museum complex is a hidden gem – and not to be underestimated. Even better than the Seurasaari Open-Air Museum Heritage Museum in Helsinki , this impressive recreation of medieval life preserves the memory of the old Belarusian way of life and is best explored with a full guided tour.

Officially known as ‘The Church of Saints Simon and Helena,’ this neo-Romanesque church was designed by Polish architects and completed in 1910.

An unusual sight in ex-Soviet countries where Orthodox Christianity dominates, the Red Church was formed after 2,000 of Minsk’s Roman Catholics petitioned local authorities in 1903 requesting a site for a new church. At the time, Minsk was part of the Minsk Governorate of the Russian Empire, and the request was approved.

In 1921, when Minsk became the capital of the Belorussian Soviet Socialist Republic (BSSR), the church was sacked by the Red Army and later closed in 1932 when the country was secularized. The Red Church was first used as a theatre then as a cinema (with a brief return to its intended use under the German occupation of WW2).

After hunger-strikes in 1990 by two Minsk Catholic activists, the building was returned to the Roman Catholic Church, the interior was fully restored, and the Red Church today is an important center of religious life in Minsk for the revived Belarusian Greek Catholic Church. There is a lot of history here, though to understand the importance of the relics held within you will need to read Belorussian.

Still, you can admire the marvelous gothic design interior complete with shining stained-glass windows and working organ. Mass is held here if four languages: Belarusian, Polish, Lithuanian, and Latin, and if you respectfully attend one is the best way to experience the magic of this moving site.

The Minsk Metro opened in 1984, becoming the ninth metro system in the Soviet Union. From its original eight stations has today grown into two lines with 29 stations, with further expansion planned in the near future.

While the Minsk Metro is a cheap and convenient way to explore the city, its stations (like most of the Soviet metro system) are all vividly decorated and a worthy Minsk attraction in their own right.

Crystal lamps, grand marble walls, details bronze sculptures – the Minsk metro is more than just a simple means of transportation; it is a true ‘Palace of the People’ and a triumph of architecture and art. Many (most notably, Niamiha) manifest Belarusian national motifs while others converge on more Soviet socialist themes.

The original eight stations are the most ‘Soviet’ and impressive, with more recent ones enjoy less interesting / more high-tech designs. No two-metro station here looks the same, and much like the subway art tour in Stockholm , you can plan a route to admire a few of the most impressive.

A few of our favorites are the extravagant white marble columns of Kastryčnickaja station, the folksy Płošča Jakuba Kołasa, and the dark yellow chandeliers of Park Čaliuskincaŭ. Station security can be rather fickle with photography; however – try to be discrete and wait until the platform is empty before taking any photos.

Circus art in Belarus has a proud history dating back to the late 19th century, as is part of the reason why Minsk was chosen for the site of the first stationary winter circus in the Soviet Union.

The judgment to build this impressive stone circus was made in 1952 and completed in 1958 in a grand Stalinist style. After this, the Belarusian States Circus quickly developed a reputation for its spectacular performances, including everything for water shows to aerial acrobatics, and people came here from across the USSR.

In 2010, the Belarusian State Circus underwent a full-scale renovation to ensure it remained one of Europe’s best arenas. It is still the only circus in the world that is positioned on the central avenue of the country capital. Tickets are very moderately priced, especially given the quality of the entertainment, and make a visit to the Belarusian State Circus one of the best things to do in Minsk at night.

There is excellent choreography, music, lights, colors, and the real feel of a modern circus inside – except for some of the performances still use animals. This has been outlawed in the rest of Europe, and we wish Belarus would follow suit – as the show would be even more incredible without them.

If you decide to go, ticket in advance to avoid disappointment (at either the local ticket office or online) and pay a little extra to get one of the front seats.

An interesting excursion to the BelAZ Automobile Plant should be high on the agenda for anyone interested in cars, transport or haulage and earthmoving equipment.

Located in Zhodzina, a short trip out of Minsk, BelAZ was one of the largest Commonwealth of Independent States investment projects and produced over 120,000 vehicles for use in the Soviet Union.

On a day tour here , you can familiarize yourself with mining dump trucks and witness the pride of the domestic Belarusian auto industry. During the tour, you will tour one of the assembly departments and witness the creation of the legend of the Belarusian engineering industry. At the technology exhibition site, you can not only make impressive photos in front of the legendary car, but also feel their power, by climbing into the cab.

It’s not only the mammoth dump trucks here, but the extensive territory of the plant that is impressive. You can even spot the BelAZ-75710, the world’s largest dump truck with 450 tons load capacity.

Not your typical tourist attraction for sure, but nothing about Minsk or Belarus is typical…

The concept of the Belarusian Great Patriotic War Museum was devised immediately after the end of Nazi occupation in Minsk.

This makes its unique as when the museum opened in 1944, it the first World War II museum to open –  before the ware had even finished in the rest of Europe. It relocated to its contemporary location in 1966 and was recently renewed in 2014. Today, one of the must-do things in Minsk is to explore its 24 grand exhibition halls with ten different themes.

It is acknowledged as one of the world’s greatest war museums and has an astounding collection of objects housed within. The story of the war is told through multimedia technologies, including a spherical screen, holographic 3D installations, and a fog screen imitating flame – and visiting here like no other WWII museum we have attended before.

There is a particular focus on the Belarusians in the Red Army, local anti-fascist and partisan activity, and the Nazi death camps – of which there were over 250 in Belarus alone.

A phenomenal museum in a sparkling setting, the Belarusian Great Patriotic War Museum even has guided audio tours in English to make the most of the site. There is a huge amount to see, from full-size planes and imposing tanks to guns, medals, letters, and other assorted items. You should allow two hours at a bare minimum, though for history buffs, you could very easily spend a whole day.

A small footbridge from the Minsk Old Town leads you to the Island of Tears, a memorial established in 1988 to memorialize Belarusian soldiers who lost their lives during the disastrous 9-year war the Soviet Union waged in Afghanistan.

On the island, there is a haunting chapel with statues of mourning mothers, sisters, and widows along with a fountain where the water is the tears of a crying angel. If you look, the angel is shiniest in one place. This is because of a Belarusian tradition where newlyweds attend war memorials on their wedding day – and a modern custom that suggests if a bride gropes the poor angel’s privates, she’ll be assured plenty of children.

The monument was raised in 1985, while the war was still ongoing, but only officially opened after the war ended. It has come to be a symbol of sorrow to all dead Belarusian warriors throughout history, and unlike the other Soviet war monuments in Minsk, the Isle of Tears has a deep feeling of sorrow. Here you can contemplate how meaningless war can be, and at what cost it comes at.

It’s a very beautiful memorial, made all the more moving by its arresting location in the river Svislach.

Belarus suffered profoundly under the Nazi occupation of WW2 when over a quarter of its population (over two million) died, and hundreds of villages were destroyed. Minsk was the major center of the resistance movement against the Nazi occupation, and as such, Minsk was later recognized as a Hero City by the Soviet Union. The

The World War Two Victory Monument in Minsk commemorated this role with a towering obelisk with stunning heroic scenes of cast iron, an eternal flame, and granite blocks marking the other 11 Soviet hero cities. The four bronze wreaths which lay around the column signify the four fronts on which soldiers gave their lives fighting to liberate Belarus from German invaders.

There is also a passage below the road and column with plaques marking the names of soldiers and a golden-lit wreath. Visit just before noon so you can witness the changing of the guard display, or at night when the eternal flame is not visible.

One of the more unusual things to do in Minsk has to be to visit the newly opened Minsk Cat Cafe / Museum (locally known as котокафе в минске)!

A craze that started in with animal cafes in Taipei and has since swept the globe from Auckland to Hong Kong , Mexico to Montreal – Minsk is now getting in on the trend with one of the cheapest cat’s cafes in the world!

At this centrally located feline-themed museum found near the Metro station “Oktyabrskaya” you’ll find eclectic art displays, board games, and plenty of chances to interact with the resident cats. Their interest in you is by no means guaranteed (they are cats after all); the staff are extremely friendly and will give you information about each cat and their personalities.

The cats are all up for free adoption, should you be moving to Minsk and looking for a new pet.

A modern construct building in 1991, this stunning orthodox temple is the highest cathedral in the Commonwealth of Independent States at 74 meters.

The All Saints’ Church is instantly recognizable thanks to its gold decorated spires and rooftops built in memory of innocent victims. Inside, it is just as sumptuous with extravagant altars, paintings, and a vast crypt, which holds three unknown soldiers from the three major wars in recent Byelorussians history (the War of 1812, World War I and World War II).

A bit of a prestigious project, but none the less very impressive.

The imposing Stalinist architecture of Minsk may be one of the top reasons to visit Minsk, but the city’s abundant monuments, statue’s and memorials are no less impressive.

As one of the Soviet Union’s twelve Hero cities, an honorary title awarded for Minsk’s role during The Great Patriotic War, the Soviets erected prominent monuments to venerate the city’s resistance against the invading Germans.

Many of these Soviet sculptures praise poets, musicians, writers, and politicians, but the most intriguing are typically those associated with the Great Patriotic War. You’ll find many works of this social realist era dotted around Minsk – in fact; it would be hard to miss most of them. However, a few are so remarkable you should place them on your list of things to do in Minsk and seek them out.

These are the Grand World War II victory column, the Obelisk to Hero City Minsk, and the confronting Island of tears (Afghanistan memorial).    

Yes, while the demolition of monuments to Vladimir Lenin became widespread during the fall of the Soviet Union, here is Belarus a statue to him still occupies pride of place outside the Minsk Government House.

Places like Cuba and Hanoi still prominently display Lenin statues in places, but in the ex-Soviet Union countries, this remains exceptional unusual. There are still over 30 statues of Lenin proudly displayed around Belarus, while (by contrast) the only two remaining Lenin statues in Ukraine are in the Chernobyl Exclusion Zone . Outside of Russia, only the unrecognized state of Transnistria  still has multiple statues of Lenin standing – a testament to the spirit of the USSR, which remains alive in Belarus. Maybe someday they will realize it too should go, but for now, the Lenin Monument at Independence Square in Minsk still stands.

Regardless of your political stance, you cannot but feel the weight of history as you stand in front of this grand monument to one of the men who changed the course of the 20th century.

The square itself is one of the biggest squares in Europe, and the Government House (built in 1934) is one of the few buildings that survived WW2 in Minsk. It is one of the highest organs of state power in Belarus, hosting the Supreme Council (a continuation of the Supreme Soviet of the BSSR), making the statue of Lenin here even more poignant.

For a night of refined art and culture, this landmark establishment is the place to go. Opened in 1933, this grand building was enlarged and enriched after WW2 and saw many Socialist realist operas by Belarusian composers take to the stage. One of the most famous, Dmitry Smolsky’s The Grey Legend, is still in the company’s repertoire today.

Well-regarded still as one of the world’s most extraordinary opera houses, tickets for both opera and ballet performances are exceptionally affordable – and if there is an event on while you are visiting Minsk, you should not miss the opportunity to attend.

The inside of the opera is even more luxurious, and the friendly staff, professional actors, including both national and foreign stars and world-class orchestra, ensure you will not be disappointed. With the rise of tourism in Minsk, the theater has even before more friendly to foreign English-speaking visitors – though getting a ticket might still require some translation assistance.

The grand building was completely renovated in 2009, with sculptures added around the theatre, the audience space enlarged, and lighting and motion equipment installed. Their repertoire is quite extensive – though the Nutcracker and Swan Lake is always a firm favorite.

If you have the choice, a ballet is recommended over an opera only as the Belorussian ballet company is one of the foremost companies in the world and tours internationally.

Minsk today might be slowly modernizing and shedding its Soviet-past, (including a new Belarusian-Brazilian Festival Of Urban Art to brighten up dreary buildings) – but you don’t have to look far to find dramatic signs of the Soviet past here.

The Soviet artistic heritage is revealed not only in wide boulevards and gray apartment blocks but also in immense murals and mosaics that embellish many spots around the city. Dubbed ‘Soviet Nonconformist Art’ and prevalent throughout the USSR from 1953 to 1986, no other city has as many monumental works of art intact and preserved today.

One of the most iconic is the “Storming of the Winter Palace” mosaic, produced by Alexander Kishchenko and found outside the Maladziožnaja metro station. Other incredible Soviet mosaic’s worth hunting down include the “Runners” artwork on the walls of the National Olympic Reserve School on vulica Filimonova, the “Lenin” mosaic close to the Alesya Factory on vulica Staravilenskaja and the “Guerilla Belarus” mosaic, at Partizanskiy Prospekt 81 on the exterior of the Tourist Hotel restaurant.

Each is a manifestation of the USSR’s spirit and now stand as snapshots in time, even as the world around rapidly changes.

Depart from Minsk for the day and explore the city of Brest and its main attraction, the Brest Fortress.

The fortress was one of the first to take on an enemy strike by German troops, beginning the Great Patriotic War. On this day tour, you’ll learn about the fortress’s valiant defense that led to it being conferred the title Hero Fortress and sees the great memorial installed on the ruins of the fortress.

Afterward, take some time to experience the ambiance of the city center and the famous Sovetskaya Street, wander around the splendid Church of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross, and admire St. Nicholas’ church.

Before heading back, you’ll also visit the Belovezhskaya Pushcha National Park – the largest forest of Europe. Here there is the chance to see noble bison, elegant deer, cautious lynx, as well as the famed long-eared eagle owl.

While Brest has enough attractions to warrant an overnight stay, it is not well connected by air, so this day tour is a great way to explore it from Minsk with minimal effort.

We have visited many incredible libraries around the world from the majestic Real Gabinete Portuese de Leritura in Rio de Janeiro to the hipster haven of library@orchard in Singapore . Still, none of them is even remotely as outlandish as the rhombicuboctahedron architecture of the National Library Of Belarus.

The biggest library in Belarus, the national library houses over 10 million books, including the largest collection of Belarusian printed materials in the world. And the third-largest collection of books in Russian. Most tourists come here not for the books but for the hyper-modern architecture with eight triangular and eighteen square faces.

Opened in 2006, the National Library is one of Minsk’s top city attractions, rising 76 meters and surrounded by a small park on the river bank. There is a public observation deck inside on the 23rd floor, along with a cafe and a gallery on the 22nd floor.

The panoramic views from the top are some of the best in Minsk, but you should also try to visit the building at night when the library is lit up in a kaleidoscopic light show, which changes based on the season.

While you need to be a member to enter the reading rooms, you can step inside to admire the patriotic paintings and the lavish space dedicated to literature and learning. An extraordinary symbol of intellectual life in Minsk – and one that is easy to visit, located only 200 meters from the Uschod metro station.

While Minsk has yet to develop a café scene as captivating as Auckland or Vienna , there is still nothing quite like finding a quiet café while traveling and people watching for a few hours. In Minsk, our favorite place to do this was Café Zerno , a modern spot not far from the city center with friendly English-speaking staff and indoor and outdoor seating.

In the summer, there is nothing better than sitting under the shady trees outside sipping a lavender latte while the breeze keeps you cool. There are also small meals and cabinet food to snack on – including a divine vegan chocolate raspberry cake.

Cafe Zerno attracts a very creative atmosphere with throngs of artsy people coming throughout the day. Even better? There is plentiful power outlets and free WIFI should you need to catch up on a little work, do some more Minks research, or charge your phone. 

The State Security Committee of the Republic of Belarus is the national intelligence agency of Belarus, and one of the few intelligence agencies that kept the Russian name “KGB” after the dissolution of the Soviet Union. Well, technically, it is the KDB rather than KGB when written in Belarusian – but it still shows just how time-warped and bizarre Minsk is.

You can still find their ‘not-so-secret’ headquarters in the north-west corner of Independence Square – though one suspects this is done on purpose, to remind the populace of the power and influence this organization still controls.

More than just a quirk of history, the KGB in Belarus is formally controlled by the President of Belarus, Alexander Lukashenko, and is accused by human rights organizations, the United States, and the European Union of being involved in secret police activities and human rights abuses. While they are unlucky to bother any tourists, it is important to recognize the very real oppression citizens of Belarus live with.

Look out for the ominous, yellow neo-classical building which takes up an entire city block– just don’t get caught taking any photos. Across the street, there is a small park with a bust of the infamous Felix Dzerzhinsky, who was born in Belarus and founded the Cheka – the original Bolshevik intelligence police and pre-KGB establishment of the Soviet Union.

Minsk’s nightlife scene is a big part of the appeal for many travelers – if only because it is so different and unique. This, however, can make it a bit difficult for independent travelers to explore – so one interesting solution is to head out of a guided Minsk pub crawl.

This way, you get to visit different bars and clubs across Minsk, get to know visitors and locals – and be sure you won’t get into too much trouble. The tour of the bar scene is led by an English- and Russian-speaking guide and tuns every Friday and Saturday evening starting at 8:30 PM. You’ll enjoy a free welcome shot at each bar, see how Minsk likes to party, and get to make new friends.

Each route is planned to visit the most interesting events in the city with parties, concerts, or dancing on the bar. All venues are positioned within a 5- to 10-minute walk of each other in central Minsk, so you won’t end up too far from where you started!

Located at the Railway Station Square are landmark Gates of the City of Minsk, these two symmetrical high towers rise 11 stories into the sky and greet travelers who arrive in Minsk by train. Stalinist Architecture is typically known for its grandeur, extravagance, and even arrogance, and the Gates of the City of Minsk is no exception. Their iconic Stalin classicism (Empire style) style combines details of baroque, late classicism, and art deco – and is instantly recognizable.

Constructed as part of the redevelopment of the railway station in 1952, the gates were used as apartments to house local railway workers during Soviet times. Since the fall of the Soviet Union, the Minsk Gates now house stores and shops – including a KFC – though the upper floors still house residential apartments.

Still, this doesn’t detract significantly from the beauty of the building – and the iconic Minsk Gates remains a symbol for the city which every visitor should be sure to stop off at. The Evening views are particularly impressive when the projected lighting only adds to the imposing feelings of the constructs.

One of the last traces of what Minsk looked like before communism, the Old Town is a delightful (if small) space to explore on a sunny afternoon.

Technically the old town is not even that old, having been rebuilt in the 1980’s – but wandering around here, you can get an idea for what Minsk looks like prior to a succession of occupations and conflicts which left it deeply scarred.

Located on the eastern side of the Svislach River, and known locally as Troitskoe Predmestiye, or “Trinity Suburb,” the Minsk Old Town has a collection of colorful (reconstructed) 17th and 18th-century buildings which house cute cafés with small terraces and touristy souvenir shops.

It is all ultra-clean and has an artificial feeling to it, but it is also one of the few areas in Minsk free from modern architecture. This was once the non-aristocratic part of Minsk, housing factory workers, and peasants – so the recreation has been a little imaginative – but the windy, cobblestone streets and a nice diversion from the noise of the modern city.

Some highlights include the Maxim Bogdanovich Literary Museum, the beautiful Barzha floating restaurant, and the double-towered Holy Spirit Cathedral.   

Icons of Belarus, these two UNESCO World Heritage Sites are located near each other and best visited on a day trip from Minsk. This is European grandeur up the likes of which you won’t find anywhere else in Belarus, and are jaw-dropping as Corvin Castle in Romania or Schloss Benrath in Düsseldorf.

Begin your day with pickup at your accommodation in Minsk, then drive through pictorial landscapes on your way to two modest towns, Mir and Nesvizh. Both medieval castles were built in the 16th century, and the owners of the castles were the wealthy Radziwill Family, the richest family in Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth. Mir is a majestic defensive castle and was painstakingly reconstructed between 1983 and 2010.

Today, this five-tower gothic castle is a real gem of Belarus with much mystery, history, and legends. The Nesvizh castle is also a magnificent palace with fortifications. It was the residence of the Radziwill family until 1939 and was also restored between 2002 and 2011.

It’s hard to overstate just how awe-inspiring both these sites are, and even if you only have three days in Minsk, you should make an effort to visit. It is technically possible to visit each by public transport, but it is not easy, and you’ll need to do each on a separate trip.

Instead, you should take an affordable private tour, which allows you to stop off as you wish in the Belarusian countryside life and make stops for local products like milk, honey, and cottage cheese.

Either way, everyone who visits Belarus should get acquainted with the Grand Mir Castle And Nesvizh Complex masterpieces.

One of the best restaurants in Minsk, the Kamyanitsa Restaurant prepares food based on the original recipes of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania and the Polish–Lithuanian Commonwealth.

From the moment you step through the doors of Kamyanitsa, you’ll instantly find yourself transported back in time with a fun dining experience soaked with medieval hospitality and classy decor. In what would surely be a very kitschy experience in any other country, Kamyanitsa manages to execute flawlessly – and is frequented by more locals than tourists. It is up there with the restaurants of Lviv as our favorite dining spot in Eastern Europe.

The attention to detail in history recipes, the massive wooden chairs, the stain-glassed windows, and excellent service all ensure you feel like royalty. 

If you want to indulge in traditional Belarusian cuisine like fresh homemade bread, cold “kvas”, draniki with pork and mushrooms, tongue with cucumbers and horseradish, and many other hearty dishes – this is the best place in Minsk to go. There is even live music with traditional instruments and traditional dancing most evenings. You might even learn some Belarusian folk dances!

While there is so much to see within the city itself, Minsk’s central location lends itself to many easy and exciting day trips, and one of the best has to be to the Stalin Line Museum Complex and Khatyn Memorial Complex.

The Stalin Line is an unofficial name referring to a defensive line that was mounted by the Soviets along their new western border in the 1930s that stretched from the Karelian Isthmus near Finland to the Black Sea. However, it was dropped by 1940 for a more west frontier in light of an expanding USSR. When Germany attacked in 1941, the new line was not yet ready, and the old Stalin line was no longer in use, leaving the Soviet Union exposed. 

Today, this section of the Stalin Line is one of Belarus’s top tourist attractions. It is open to the public as an elaborate defense museum separated into several sections that comprise restored bunkers with authentic interiors, demonstration areas with military vehicles (mostly post WWII) and equipment, and a reenactment battlefield. Visitors who are intent on racing around in a war machine can even try out some, including the tank! 

Nearby, the Khatyn Memorial Complex was constructed to remind the rest of the world about the repulsive crimes that the Nazis perpetrated all over Belarus and in Europe and to educate future generations.  On a day trip to this site, you’ll see the eternal flame of Khatyn and hear the sound of the bells of the memorial commemorate the victims of WWII.

Located less than an hour’s drive from Minsk, both are a must for history buffs who want to learn about Soviet war history and honor the victims of WWII.

Yet another imposing Soviet-style building in the very center of Minsk, but one that you can gain access to with conventions, concerts and symphony orchestras taking place here. Construction began on the monstrosity in 1985 but came to a halt during the fall of the Soviet Union – and only became fully operational in 2001.

The fact that it was completed in the classic Soviet “mausoleum” architecture style a decade after Belarussian independence speaks to the mindset of President Alexander Lukashenko of keeping on as if things never changed. There is even a luxury bunker shelter and a tunnel to the President’s Administration under the building.

Upcoming events are listed online in English and reasonably affordable. The Presidential Orchestra of the Republic of Belarus, in particular, is worth planning a night out around. The seats of the Grand Hall are comfortable, the acoustics are excellent, and the atmosphere is all very sophisticated.

The Palace of the Republic also houses an art gallery, a small hairdressing salon, a gym, and an Italian restaurant. If you can’t get inside, it is also worth admiring at night – when the impressive architecture takes on an almost spooky atmosphere.

Minsk is a very green city, despite what its first impression by lead you to believe. And so, one of the best things to do in Minsk on a sunny day is to grab a book and explore its many pockets of quiet nature and solitude.

Just take a look at any map to find the nearest to you, or hunt out a few of the stateliest.  Gorky Park is one of the oldest in the city, citing along the bank of the Svislach Ricer with an observatory, Ferris wheel, and abundance of fulfilled attractions. There are also three cafes and an abundance of sublime people watching.

For a more tranquil spot, you could try the expansive wooded Pobyedy (Victory) Park with its huge lake, nature trails, and picturesque vistas. It’s a perfect spot for a picnic or an early morning stroll. Other noteworthy spots include the central Botanical Gardens (with paid entrance), Yanka Kupala Park, or the Alexandrovsky Public Garden.

A high-end cocktail spot in Minsk located in the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Minsk  and perfect for a nightcap or celebration.

If you are looking to class it up a little, you can’t go wrong with a perfectly made Moscow mules with panoramic views over the city center and old town. The drinks are strong here, and the bartenders know exactly how to make them. There is also a very stylish interior, an Asian-fusion focused menu, designer desserts, and live music on Fridays.

Best visited at night, where the views are mesmerizing, though, like many nightlife spots in Minsk, ladies of the night frequent here – so do be careful.

The biggest and most vibrant market in Belarus. Located in a vast covered hall, the Komarovsky Marketplace has been completely updated recently – and so has lost a little of its old-world appeal.

Still, this is the best place to look into authentic Belarusian life – just now with refrigerators and smiles. If you are staying self-catered or in an holiday rental in Minsk , you can pick up fresh produce, spices, dairy products, and meat for later use – or just wander around indulge in some fantastic people watching. The prices are low by international standard, but a little high compared to other spots in Minsk – but the equally tends to be much better as well.

You could also try the very unique Dynamo Stadium market in Minsk with everything for shoes and clothing to saucepans and pot plants – or any number of smaller, local markets. As in all crowded places in Minsk, watch for people out to relieve you of your wallet.

When planning a trip to Minsk – location is vital, and of course, if you need Belarus visa support (even for the Belarus visa on arrival), you are going to need to check if your Minsk hotel visa support is going to work.

You generally do this after booking, and if they cannot offer it, there are also Belarus travel agencies offering visa support services (or you can cancel most Booking.com reservations free-of-charge).

Hotels in Minsk Belarus prices vary significantly, so here are three great options for you to consider with a great location, prices, reviews, and amenities. We also have a complete guide of where to stay in Minsk should you need more information. 

LUXURY DoubleTree by Hilton Minsk

One of the best hotels in Minsk city center and only 600m from the Holy Spirit Cathedral. DoubleTree offers city and river view rooms, a fine-dining restaurant, and a fitness center. For those wanting to pamper themselves a bit.  

MID-RANGE Renaissance Minsk Hotel

Central located in the Moskovsky District, the Minsk Hotel renaissance is a good middle-range hotel for food, living like a local in Minsk and sight-seeing. Plenty of amenities and don’t forget to ask about their Belarus Visa Support.

BUDGET Aqua-Minsk Hotel

An affordable accommodation option in Minsk offering single and twin rooms at low prices with included breakfast. Attached to the Lebyazhy Waterpark guests also enjoy free access to one of the zones in Water Park    

Things to do in Minsk in 3 days (includes offbeat stuff)

By Joan Torres 4 Comments Last updated on April 24, 2024

Minsk is the capital of Belarus, a country which, despite its large size and belonging to Europe, we tend to forget about.

I often wondered why travelers weren’t interested in visiting Minsk, and all I could think of was that most people see the country as a mere uninteresting extension of its sister Russia.

The truth is that the capital of Belarus feels like a distant and weird place to visit but, since I do feel a special attraction to barely visited places, I was pretty excited about this trip.

I traveled to Minsk from Odesa by plane, after spending nearly two months traveling in Moldova and Ukraine , so what I expected to find was a very Soviet city, full of gray concrete, similar to other Ukrainian cities such as Kharkiv or Dnipro, but less developed and decadent.

I was right in one thing: 

Minsk is indeed a very Soviet city, perhaps the most Soviet place that remains on Earth .

However, I was completely wrong about thinking that Minsk would be a sort of decadent city because, despite being very Soviet, Minsk is a majestic capital that was built precisely to convey the superpower of the Soviet Union to the West.

In fact, this used to be one of the finest and most impressive cities in the entire USSR and, today, visiting Minsk is a trip full of surprises that can satisfy both the intrepid traveler, seeker of offbeat stuff, and the one interested in history and sightseeing in an Eastern capital.

This guide contains everything you need to know to visit Minsk , including transportation and accommodation tips, things to do in Minsk, best day trips, and a special mention of all the offbeat stuff to visit in the city.

Interested in Kiev, as well? Read my Kiev travel guide

In this Minsk travel guide, you will find:

Table of Contents

• Introduction
• Where to stay
• Moving around
• Things to do in Minsk in 1 day
• Things to do in Minsk in 2 days
• Things to do in Minsk in 3 days
• Best day trips
• More information

our recommended travel insurance for Belarus

With all the current sanctions, IATI Insurance is one of the very few that covers travel in Belarus.

For more general information to the country, don’t forget to read all my tips & tricks for visiting Belarus

Introduction to visiting Minsk

Minsk is a brand-new historical city. 

And by brand-new, I mean that it was entirely reconstructed after being completely destroyed by the Nazis in WWII. 

After WWII, Stalin had something in mind, and that was for Minsk to become a monumental and grandiose city, aimed at showing the world that the Soviet Union was a global force, and the end result is an imposing city composed of expansive boulevards and mind-blowing classical architecture. 

This is the best example of post-war Soviet urban planning and you need to come here and see it for yourself. 

Minsk downtown is full of fancy Stalinist buildings like you would have never expected, but what surprised me the most was that its wide streets were impeccably clean, super calm, relaxed and overall, I felt it was much more modern and developed than Kiev itself, in physical appearance at least.

Nevertheless, what shocked me the most was the balance between being an apparently modern city and the amount they worship Communism and the Soviet Union, because the hammer, sickle, Red Star and Lenin were present in pretty much every important building and metro station and, for offbeat lovers, this was one of the most amazing things to see in Minsk.

Want to visit Minsk and surroundings on an organized tour? CLICK HERE TO CHECK ALL AVAILABLE TOURS IN MINSK

Visa for visiting Minsk

Belarus used to be a difficult country to get to but the Government has finally waived visa restrictions and, today, traveling to Minsk is much easier.

Most nationalities can get a free 30-day visa on arrival and you can see the country list here .

Check my 3-week itinerary for Ukraine

Visa requirements for traveling to Minsk:

• Proof of funds and, typically, they require what they call 2 base amounts per day, which is 51BYR (around 22€).
• Travel Insurance with a minimum medical coverage of 10,000€.

Some travelers are asked for the above, whereas others are not. They did ask for my travel insurance but didn’t ask for proof of funds. 

Being in possession of travel with insurance is a must for getting visa on arrival. I strongly recommend IATI Insurance . Readers of this blog can get 5% exclusive discount that you can get through this link .

However, there are two things you need to know:

• The free visa on arrival is only valid for those flying in and out of Minsk International Airport. If you intend to enter or leave the country overland, you must apply the old-fashioned way, via the embassy.
• Following some old, weird Soviet rules, you need to register every 5 days. The first can be done online via this link , but then you need to go to the Department of Citizenship and Migration – located here: 53.934879, 27.608219 – and pay the equivalent of 15€. It’s a tedious, unnecessary process. If you are staying in a fancy hotel, they might do it for you.

Where to stay in Minsk

Minsk has plenty of options for all types of budget.

Budget Hostel – Urban Hostel Minsk – A great, super modern hostel for backpackers in the best location. 

Budget apartment – Center Minsk Apartments – In Minsk, there is a wide range of apartments on offer, which are great value for money for two or more people. This one is in the city center.

Mid-range Hotel – Willing Hotel – Super neat and a new hotel close to bars and restaurants from Octoberskaya. A great choice for mid-range travelers.

Top-end Hotel – President Hotel – One of the best 5-star hotels in the city and the country.

How to move around Minsk

Traveling around minsk by metro.

Metro is the most convenient way to travel around Minsk. It has 2 lines which stop at pretty much all tourist attractions and one ticket costs as little as 0.65BYR.

The only downside was that the security guys were checking my bag each and every time I was getting in, perhaps because I wasn’t blond-looking, I don’t know, but most of the time they didn’t check others. It was pretty annoying.

Traveling around Minsk by tram

Trams are also convenient and Google Maps will tell you which one to take when giving you directions.

Traveling around Minsk by bus

I never needed to take a bus but I could see that they run pretty often and go everywhere.

Traveling around Minsk by taxi

I recommend you download a taxi app. In Minsk, they use Yandex, which is like the Russian Uber.

How to get from the airport to Minsk

There is a public bus that leaves every half an hour or so, stopping in 2 different places in Minsk, Uruchye Metro Station and Central Bus Station. 

How to get out of Minsk

Train – From the main railway station, you can travel by train from Minsk to pretty much anywhere in the country. I checked and booked my tickets on the official website .

Marshrutka – Very convenient, depending on the destination. All the marshrutkas I took left from either the Central Bus Station or Druznaya, located just behind the main railway station.

Things to do in Minsk in a 3-day itinerary

I often heard from travelers that there weren’t many things to see in Minsk. 

Well, I don’t know where they were, but I think completely the opposite. 

While it is true that Minsk isn’t a city for visiting UNESCO-World Heritage sites, it is indeed a real amusement park for offbeat lovers and urban explorers, and you may find that you need more time than you expected. 

Map of what to do in Minsk

Each pin color refers to a different day of your Minsk itinerary

Things to do in Minsk in 1 day – Explore Minsk City Center

On your first day, I recommend you visit Minsk’s downtown and the Old City.

I think we spent around 5 hours visiting all the sites below and finished our day in one of the bars in the Old City.

Minsk City Gates

Constructed shortly after the end of WWII, these impressive and glorious twin towers were built in the style of Stalinist Classicism, and are the first thing you see when you arrive in Minsk by train and also if you arrive by plane, as this is where the airport bus stops. 

House of Government and Lenin statue

This is one of the few pre-war Soviet buildings that wasn’t destroyed, a simple symmetrical but impressive building, which is guarded by a massive statue of the Old Fellah, aka Vladimir Lenin. 

This building and set up is pretty similar to the Government House of Tiraspol, Transnistria .

Nyezalyezhnastsi Square (Independence Square) The House of Government is the most important building in Nyezalyezhnastsi Square, but there are other post-war classical buildings worth checking out such as Minsk Hotel (1957), the Central Post Office (1953) or the Metro Administrative building (1984).

Saint Simon and Saint Helen Cathedral

Unlike their former Soviet neighbors of Ukraine and Moldova , there aren’t many Christian-related places to visit in Minsk but I liked this one in particular, because it was so different from any other I had visited in Kiev or Chisinau, plus I liked that it was located right at the heart of Nyezalyezhnastsi Square, surrounded by imposing Stalinist architecture. 

Furthermore, this Roman Catholic church has its piece of interesting history, as it was built in 1910 but then, when Minsk became the capital of the Belarussian SSR, the Soviets sacked it, shut it down, and turned it into a cinema. 

Then, during the Nazi occupation, it returned to its original purpose of a church but after the war, the Soviets switched it back to a cinema, until Belarusian independence, when it was finally returned to the Roman Catholic Church.

KGB Headquarters

Yeah, these are the official former KGB of the Soviet Union Headquarters, today renamed to KGB of Belarus , literally meaning State Security Committee of the Republic of Belarus .

Apparently, according to several human rights organizations, not much has changed since the fall of the Soviet Union, as this entity keeps violating the most basic human rights and being repressive. 

I am not sure whether you can take photos of the building or not but, given its central location and the beauty of this Neoclassic Stalinist building, and the fact that not many foreigners know that these are the KGB headquarters, they must be used to tourists taking them so, as long as you just take shots of the facade from across the street as I did, you should be fine.

GUM State Department Store

I would never ever recommend a shopping mall but I will recommend this one 🙂

GUM department stores can be found all across the Soviet Union, the most famous one being in Moscow’s Red Square .

Some of these stores have existed as trade centers since the 19th century but were later nationalized by the USSR in a failed attempt at democratizing consumption for the labor class.

The one in Minsk, however, was built in the 50s and the architecture from the inside makes you travel back to the Soviet Union times, plus they sell all sorts of strange things, from bizarre souvenirs to old-fashioned clothes.

Interested in visiting Minsk on a walking tour? CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE

Soviet Murals in Kastrucnickaya Metro Station

Just at the entrance of the metro station, you find some very cool Soviet murals, my favorite being the one with the cosmonauts.

Kastrichnitskaya Square

This massive, empty square was one of the most heavily damaged places in WWII and today, it holds a few very important buildings, including the Palace of the Republic  or the Trade Unions Palace of Culture .

T-34 Tank Monument

Belarus has an obsession with tanks, particularly T-34 tanks.

The T-34 tank was the most produced and used one during WWII. You can find one of these in many cities across the country.

Belarusian State Circus

Well, I have seen many Soviet Circus across the former Republic, all of them being quirky, concrete buildings but this one in Minsk is special because, despite being so Soviet, it looks glorious and the reason is that it was built by Stalin as a prize for Belarus’ contribution to the victory over the Nazis.

Pobyedy Square

Unfortunately, the place was under construction when I visited Minsk, so I couldn’t take any nice shot but this is Victory Square and the great pillar you find in the middle, topped with the Soviet Star, commemorates all those who died during the Great Patriotic War.

National Academic Bolshoi Opera and Ballet Theatre

Another great piece of Stalinist architecture, originally built in the 30s but partially restored by Stalin after the Nazis damaged it.

Island of Tears

A sobering monument representing women, mostly mothers, crying for their sons who either died or never returned from Afghanistan, during the Soviet-Afghan war from the 70s.

The Afghan-Russian war Across all the whole Soviet Union, especially if you are backpacking in Ukraine or Belarus, you find plenty of Afghan War memorials , and the reason is that the Afghan conflict was an unnecessary war that took the lives of tens of thousands of Soviet soldiers, many of them being less than 20 years old, yet, the USSR kept denying it. If you want to know more about this conflict, I recently read a book from Nobel Prize winner Svetlana Alixievitz that compiled tens of crazy stories from people who participated in the war. CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE ABOUT THIS BOOK

This is one of the top and most quirky things to do in Minsk: a regular KFC whose facade features a massive socialist sculpted relief from the 60s.

The Old Fellah (aka Lenin) wouldn’t be very happy about it 🙂

Holy Spirit Cathedral and Minsk Old Town

Apparently, Minsk Old Town has been home to several bars and taverns since the 13th century. 

Today, this part of town is kind of a soulless reconstruction that looks too new to be real, plus there isn’t much life going on.

However, following the 13th-century tradition, this is the area with the largest number of bars, some of them very cool, and I recommend the ones I went to like Pushka (for Mexican mezcal and tequila), Beercap (for craft beer) and Tiki Bar (more for dancing).

In Old Town Minsk you also find one of the most important churches in the country.

What to do in 2 days – Places beyond downtown

If you have another spare day to visit Minsk, I recommend you check out a couple of places and museums outside of the city center.

Zair Azgur Memorial Studio

This is pretty cool. Mr. Azgur was a Belarusian artist and one of the most famous sculptors in the Soviet Union, who dedicated his professional life to sculpting portraits and statues of renowned Soviet leaders.

Apparently, he made over 1,000 sculptures and 434 of them are found in Zair Azgur Memorial Studio in Minsk.

Here, you will find countless Lenins, Stalins, and Marxes in all forms and shapes and their most famous one is the original Stalin statue that used to stand in Kastrichnitskaya Square and was removed a couple of years after the Nikita’s Khrushchev’s famous speech that lead to the destalinization of the USSR.

Entrance costs 5BYR, well-worth the money for one of the best things to visit in Minsk.

Museum of the Great Patriotic War

Great Patriotic War is what the Soviets called World War II, as for them it was a conflict aimed at protecting the Motherland from the fascist invasion. 

The Great Patriotic War Museum in Minsk is massive, incredible and so visual, and it features actual tanks as well as loads of videos and photos, putting a special emphasis on the Nazi invasion of Belarus . 

Even if you are not into museums, come here to check the building and surroundings because it is filled with loads of WWII monuments. 

The general entrance costs 9BYR.

Kurapaty, Stalin’s Victims Memorial

Not many travelers know about this place and I only found out about it because I met a local journalist who was absolutely against anything do with the old regime, so he recommended me to visit this memorial to pay my respects to the victims of a leader who is often widely white-washed among Belarusians.

Located just outside of Minsk, but easily reached by tram plus a 2km walk, this memorial consists of hundreds of wooden crosses spread across a misty forest. 

Interested in a walking tour around Minsk? CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE

National Library of Belarus

For doing something a bit different and, by different, I mean non-Soviet stuff, head to the National Library, a 21st-century architectural masterpiece built in a diamond shape.

For a small fee, you can climb to the 22nd floor to contemplate the 360º views.

Kastrychnitskaya, the hipster street

At night, or shortly before sunset, go to Kastrychnitskaya street, the district where the modern Belarusian youth hangs out, an area filled with street art, art galleries, and hip bars. 

For me, the most interesting thing to see is a Lenin bust with a hipster painting in the background. 

Places to visit in Minsk in 3 days – Go even more Soviet

As I said before, Minsk is a real Soviet theme park so, if you haven’t had enough, on your 3rd day, I strongly encourage you to explore some pretty cool things on the outskirts of Minsk, most of them being very different from the classical Stalinist architecture, but the ugly, concrete buildings which you probably love to see.

Quirky and Soviet things to do in Minsk

Read: Weird things to do in Belarus

Soviet mural at Frunzienskaya metro station – One of the most amazing communist murals I have ever seen, conveying the real power of the labor class. 

Moskva Cinema – This weirdly-shaped cinema made of ugly concrete is pretty awesome to see. It was built in the 80s.

Sports Palace – Built at the end of the 60s, the Sports Palace has a peculiar asymmetrical shape and holds important sports events in Minsk. 

Traktarny Zavod – Meaning Minsk Tractors factory , this is a tractor factory and one of the most important industries in Belarus, manufacturing 3 million tractors per year and employing over 20,000 people.

The company was established in 1946 and, in case you are wondering, you can’t enter the premises but, outside of the factory, there is a park where you can find some tractor-related Soviet propaganda, including a Lenin statue and some murals. The factory has a metro station and it is not far from the center.

National Exhibition Center – Another super weird building. I don’t know anything about its history but it’s definitely worth the short trip  – it is a couple of km from downtown. 

Best day trips from Minsk

These are 4 different places I visited from Minsk.

Nesvizh Castle

A beautiful castle from the 13th-15th centuries that served as a residence for the Radziwill Family , a noble family originally from present Lithuania.

How to get to Nesvizh Castle from Minsk – Nesvizh is 120km away and to go there, you can take a train to a village named Haradzeya and then take a marshrutka to the village of Nesvizh.

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Mir Castle is another magnificent fortress related to the same Radziwill family and it is just around 30km away from Nesvizh.

How to get to Mir Castle from Minsk – To get there, you can take the bus that goes to Novogrudok.

Visit both Nesvizh and Mir castles on an organized tour from Minsk CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE

Stalin Line

This is unbelievably amazing, seriously. 

The Stalin Line used to be the border between the USSR and the rest of Europe and, before WWII, this border was right next to Minsk, as the Western part of Belarus wasn’t under Soviet rule.

So, they have turned this old border into an open-air museum where, among other things, you can see an actual recreation of the border, the only Stalin statue still standing in a public place, actual bunkers, endless tanks – both Soviet and Nazi – and shoot with a wide range of different weapons.

How to get to Stalin Line from Minsk – You need to go to the bus station named Druznaya, just across the main railway station. Once there, take the marshrutka towards Maladzyechna and tell the driver you want to get off at Lenina Stalina (Stalin Line).

The only downside of the museum is that there is no information in English, so if you wish to make the most of your visit, consider booking a tour. CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE

Basically, Khatyn was a Belarusian village that was attacked by the Nazis and whose inhabitants were burnt alive, including all children. 

Today, Khatyn doesn’t exist but they have turned its location into a massive memorial where all 26 houses have been recreated, as well as the exact spot where the people were burnt alive.

Khatyn however, is just one of the 618 Belarusian villages that were burnt down.

It’s an extremely sad and sobering place but a must-see.

How to get to Khatyn – It is a bit complicated but what I did was head to the Central Bus Station and took a marshrutka towards Vitebsk. I told the driver I wanted to get off at Khatyn’s intersection, which was 6km from the memorial. It’s quite a walk.

Again, this memorial doesn’t have information in English, so if you want to make the most of your visit and avoid all the hassle of going there on your own, consider booking a tour. CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE

More information for visiting Minsk

📢 In my Travel Resources Page you can find the list of all the sites and services I use to book hotels, tours, travel insurance and more.

Looking for walking tours or day tours from Minsk?

All guides and articles for traveling in Belarus destination

• Belarus Travel Guide
• Unusual Things to do in Belarus
• Belarus Itinerary

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Joan. Would you be able to contact me? I would love to talk to you. If i don’t answer. Please leave a message. I live in Orlando Florida. 407 791 7693….Huck

Hi Kevin, thanks – It is better if you contact me via email at joan(at)againstthecompass.com – cheers

I’m in Belarus right now! What an exciting place! Honest, wholesome, clean, friendly. This is how the Soviet union was SUPPOSED to be before it was corrupted by greedy Jews and then decimated by Stalin (who, in his defense, was trying to purge the TREACHEROUS JEWS…Not to imply that he wasn’t a murderous jerk who went too far) Today Russia is relatively Jew-free and yet only now starting to recover. For whatever reason, Belarus seems to have escaped the chaos and destruction of Jews and anti-jewish purges. Good for them!

I went to the Red Church in downtown Belarus. It was nice. They had mass in Belarussian. The Church also has a replica of the shroud of Turin. I prayed that Jesus would keep the rancid influences from ruining Belarus like they have America, and I hear also Sweden and to-a-lesser extent Japanm It may seem like this post goes on a bit about the jews, but I am not implying that all Jewish people are bad or that Judaism is the only evil in the world. Just that something weird about Jewish culture and a significant minority of wealthy Jewish financiers has played a strong causal role in the decline of multiple civilizations. Today we see it in the absolute garbage low-quality Hollywood films, for example the terrible new Star Wars films. These films are tasteless and reflect a civilization in decline. Think I’m exaggerating?: go look up psych data on average levels of happiness and life satisfaction in USA: From 1960s onward as America develops more permissive norms, under the influence of Hollywood Jews, happiness DECLINES. Belarus is amazing! Someone has to help these brave and noble people resist the infiltration of corrupting influences. Not just that minority of Jews who are bad eggs, but also greedy capitalists, fake Christians who don’t recognize that Jesus commands us to love everyone (even the JEWS!), and hipster computer programmers from silicCON valley.

Hi, Jessica! After reading reading carefully what you wrote and assuming you are American, I have a list of countries you can choose from, by alphabetical order: 1. Afghanistan 2. Chad 3. Eritreia 4. Mauritania 5. Somalia 6. Yemen You will love these countries lo live even because (unlike Belarus, where there are still some Jews – all very rich of course!) – these countries have no jews – jewish Hollywood movies are not popular there – their societies are not corrupted by Jewish decadence – Jesus is a prophet for them. For these reasons, these countries have the HAPPIEST people on earth. In fact, like-minded people have been flocking to these countries to experience what true HAPPINESS is like. You will feel at home there as soon as you get to any of these countries, as there are of Americans living there who think like you.

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Things to do in Minsk: A travel guide to the capital of Belarus

Belarus is one of the fascinating countries in Europe. Secluded for decades, it only recently started to open up to foreign visitors. Minsk, the capital of Belarus, is a vibrant city with many attractions. The city unfolded in front of me like a lost melody from the past: from Independence Square or the Ballet Theatre to spots like the Cat Museum or the Saints Simon and Helena red church. Therefore, in this travel guide, I cover the best things to do in Minsk to give you some wanderlust for your upcoming journey.

Minsk significantly impacted me (I wrote my impressions in my travelogue ), and I had a wonderful time there. So, in this travel guide to Minsk , you’ll find everything you need to know for your visit. Specifically, I’ll share how you can get to Belarus, the visa regulations, and where you can stay in Minsk. Moreover, you’ll read, of course, the best things to do in Minsk and find recommendations about the nicest places to eat. Last but not least, at the bottom of this post, you’ll find some selected tours in Minsk and beyond.

So, let’s start with the best things to do in Minsk and my travel guide to one of the most attractive European capitals. Make sure to watch my Minsk travel video below for a first impression.

Table of Contents

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A travel guide to Minsk, Belarus

How you can travel to Minsk

You can reach Minsk by plane from many European cities. Most of the flights are operated by the Belarusian carrier Belavia and all flights land at the city’s international airport . As a foreigner, you might need a visa on arrival. However, it’s a straightforward process, and you’ll find more info right below.

Oddly enough, if you start checking for tickets to Minsk, you’ll realize that prices tend to be high. Since there aren’t many carriers operating flights to Belarus, I strongly recommend booking your flights in advance. For example, I booked my journey to Belarus six weeks in advance. Despite having a certain degree of flexibility, I paid almost 180 euros for a return flight from Berlin to Minsk. Sure, it might not sound that pricey; however, if I were about to book a flight to nearby Krakow six weeks in advance, I would have paid 19 euros.

As for Belavia’s fleet, it’s relatively small. However, I flew with the Embraer 175, and I was overall satisfied by the quality of their services. Belavia’s Embraer 175 is a 78-seat airplane, serving some international routes not more than two hours away from Minsk. The cabin was clean, the staff polite, and the food decent.

You can find the best flights to the Belarusian capital at Kiwi .

From the Minsk Airport to the city center

The Minsk International Airport is approximately 42 km away from the city center. Depending on traffic and transportation, you’ll need anything between 40 minutes and 1 hour to reach the city center. You have two options to travel from and to the airport.

There are regular buses from and to the airport. Specifically, you can ride No. 300Э and 173Э and shuttle buses No. 1400-TK and 1430-TK. The service is reliable, and the buses are in good condition.

The easiest and safest option is to pre-book a private transfer. It will cost you approximately 25 euros/dollars, and they’ll bring you straight to your hotel. However, rip-offs do happen with regular taxis, so it’s better to be on the safe side. You can pre-book your transfer here .

How to issue a visa for Belarus & the obligatory health insurance

As I wrote, Belarus remained secluded for years, and you must expect some regulations that you won’t find in other European countries. Apart from getting a visa on arrival (if you need one), you’ll also have to buy health insurance for your stay. It might sound like a bureaucratic nightmare; however, the process is easy and won’t take more than a couple of minutes.

So, here’s what you need to know about getting a visa for Belarus and health insurance.

• You must buy health insurance at Minsk airport when you land in Belarus. No worries, it costs just one euro per day and covers you for several accidents. For my one-week visit, I paid seven euros.
• The State of Belarus obliges you to have a minimum of 25 euros per day in your pocket. Therefore, you should have 175 euros minimum for a seven-day visit with you. None asked me to prove that I had this amount of money with me, but it’s better to be on the safe side. So do the maths and have some extra cash with you.
• Credit cards also come in handy; you can pay everywhere with them.
• It is also important to check beforehand if you need a visa for your stay. The Belarusian state is lately opening up to tourism: they started with a 5-day visa-free regulation which is now expanded to 30 days. If you come from an EU country or the USA, you don’t need a visa . For all other countries, please check the regulations at the Belarussian Ministry of Foreign Affairs .

As I wrote, it’s a standard process, and there’s nothing to worry about. The whole thing won’t take that long, and the ground personnel is extremely friendly. After a few quick questions at Minsk’s International Airport, you’ll have all the needed documents in hand, and you can start exploring Belarus.

Where to stay in Minsk Belarus

While some of the hotels in Minsk might remind you of former times, you’ll also find many modern options. Surprisingly enough, the prices are close to West Europe’s range, even though the services are nowhere near. However, downtown Minsk is a paradise for walking and sightseeing, and you should book a room there. Below, you’ll find the best hotels in Minsk together with the hotel I booked for myself.

Where I stayed in Minsk

I stayed at the Victoria Hotel Na Zamkovoy , located in a quiet spot downtown, next to a big parking lot. The single room was spacious and clean, although the interior looked slightly outdated. There is also breakfast included in the price, and the variety of warm and cold dishes was impressive. Although you should not think of it as a luxurious stay, I highly recommend the hotel. It totally serves its purpose, and I was happy to stay there.

The best hotels in Minsk

I have a thing for hotels, and while walking downtown Minsk, I visited a couple of them. Apart from my interest in their retro interiors, I also wanted to expand my recommendations. After checking them closely and seeing their rooms, I can recommend the following:

Imperial Palace Hotel . The Imperial is located in the city’s heart, just a kilometer away from the Palace of the Republic. The hotel offers luxurious rooms and a nice bar for Minsk’s standards. The facilities also include a restaurant, a 24-hour front desk, and free WiFi throughout the property. See prices and availability for Imperial Hotel here .

Hotel Polonez . Located in downtown Minsk, Hotel Polonez is just 350 m away from National Opera and Ballet Theater. Even though the building’s exterior seems outdated, the rooms are modern and feel more contemporary. In addition, hotel Polonez is close to several places of interest, like the Belarusian Great Patriotic War Museum or Victory Square. Book your room at Hotel Polonez here .

DoubleTree by Hilton Minsk . If you are a Hilton Hotels fan, you can also find one in Minsk. The hotel offers rooms with tremendous city views besides the standard Hilton services. The Sky Lounge Bar, located on the 21st floor, offers a great selection of champagne and signature cocktails. See prices and availability for DoubleTree here .

Europe Hotel . That’s one of the few 5-star hotels in Minsk and probably the most luxurious one. For a hotel of such standards, the prices seem relatively reasonable. In addition, the Holy Spirit Cathedral is just around the corner, and the hotel has an indoor pool, fitness center, hammam, and sauna. So if you’re after some luxury, look no further and book a room at Europe Hotel here .

Hotel Monastyrski . Lastly, one of the most charming yet affordable options in Minsk is the Hotel Monastyrski. The building was a former Bernardine monastery, and its styling is both unique and mysterious. It’s definitely one of the most original places to stay in Belarus, and its strategic location is helpful for visiting the city center. Book your room at Hotel Monastyrski here .

You can see more options for your accommodation in the capital of Belarus here or use the interactive map below.

Where to eat and drink in Minsk

Minsk is a capital city of almost two million inhabitants , and as such, it has a significant number of eateries. The Belarusian food is delicious, and if you enjoy Eastern European cuisine, you’ll find your paradise in Minsk.

During my stay in Minsk tried to eat and drink in as many places as possible. However, one can never write an exhaustive list of recommendations for a one-week visit. Therefore, in this short section, you’ll find the places I enjoyed the most.

• Tapas Bar . This is a Spanish restaurant and not just a tapas bar. That said, you can order tapas, of course, but there are several main dishes on the menu. I tried the Fajitas flambée, and I found the food really tasty. I paid 13 euros together with a glass of wine.
• Kali Laska . This seems to be a new restaurant on Rakowska Street. I stumbled upon it accidentally and couldn’t find anything about it online. Delicious food -dumplings plus Beef Stroganoff-and very reasonable prices. If you like Eastern European cuisine, this is a good option. I paid 13,5 euros, with a glass of wine included.
• Bar Svobody 4 . That bar at Svobody Avenue became my daily stop at lunchtime. It serves breakfast all day long, as well as main dishes. Great desserts, great coffee, and a wide selection of cocktails. It has reasonable prices and an outdoor terrace — my personal favorite in Minsk.
• L’ Angolo Italiano . Cozy Italian restaurant with decent prices. I thought dinner would cost me more than twenty euros, but I paid twelve for a Foccacia and Ravioli, plus a glass of Montepulciano red wine. The atmosphere is relaxed and the service extremely polite, like everywhere in Minsk.
• Hooligan . A nice bar/club in a lively neighborhood of Minsk. There are often parties, but you’ll have to pay an entry fee.
• TNT Rock bar . Another option for a late-night drink. It’s all about rock music here and getting a glimpse of the Minsk nightlife.

The best things to do in Minsk, Belarus

The capital of Belarus is a historic city, and therefore there are plenty of things to do in Minsk . First of all, you should enjoy the walks: there is so much open space here that you won’t be able to resist strolling around for hours. The architecture is fantastic in Minsk, and it impacted several architectural design schools.

If you’re visiting Minsk for the first time, there are a couple of places you can’t miss. So, here you’ll find 10 things to do in Minsk . These are:

The National Library of Minsk

Despite being a relatively new building, it is widely regarded as an iconic piece of architecture all around Eastern Europe. It has the most extensive collection of Belarusian printed materials and the third largest collection of books written in Russian. The library’s construction finished in 2006 and has the shape (take a breath) of a rhombicuboctahedron. The building’s height is 73.6 meters (241.5 feet) and has 23 floors. There’s a cafe on the twenty-first floor, and the building has an observation deck.

You can access it by metro, and the metro station is also called National Library.

The Island of Tears

You can access the Island of Tears from a small footbridge in the city’s heart. The famous Island of Tears memorial commemorates Belarusian soldiers who lost their lives during the USSR’s War in Afghanistan (1979-1988). Apart from a small chapel, there’s also a heartbreaking statue of grieving women. This small memorial complex is located on a small island in the river Svislach, and you can access it from Ulitsa Starovilenskaya. A peaceful yet haunting place.

The Palace of the Republic

Not to be confused with the Palace of the Parliament in Bucharest , and definitely not of the same significance. However, the Palace of the Republic is one of the most impressive buildings in town and is home to the official government. It features a 2,700-seat auditorium and a 500-seat indoor amphitheater.

The KGB building in Minsk

Yes, it might sound odd, but the secret services of Minsk are still hosted under the name KGB. While it might sound like a relic of the Cold War, the State Security Committee of the Republic of Belarus is the intelligence agency of Belarus. It’s one of the few remaining KGBs in the world, the other two being in Transnistria and South Ossetia. You can see the KGB headquarters on Independence Avenue, the main boulevard of Minsk, at the corner of Komsomolskaya Street. The building is a mixture of Stalinist architecture and neoclassicism.

The Great Patriotic War Museum

World War II is known as the Great Patriotic War in former Eastern Europe. That said, the museum commemorates the Great Patriotic War, and it first opened shortly after the liberation of Minsk from the Nazis on October 25th, 1944. It was actually the first museum to open about WW II, and it happened even before the official end of the War. It has 24 exhibition halls, and you can find more info about it here .

The house of Lee Harvey Oswald

Did you know that Lee Harvey Oswald, the man who allegedly killed JFK, spent a few years in the city? While strolling around Minsk, make sure to see the place where Oswald lived. I wrote a separate post about the days of Lee Harvey Oswald in Minsk . Check it out and find everything you need to know.

The Victory Square

You can also see the impressive Victory Square close to Oswald’s house. You can find it at the crossing of Independence Avenue and Zakharau Street. In the middle, you can see the obelisk commemorating the soldiers that lost their lives in the Great Patriotic War (WWII).

The Holy Spirit Cathedral

The Holy Spirit Cathedral is the most famous church in Minsk. Located at the city’s heart, on Cyril and Methodius Street, it dates back to the 17th century. That’s the central Cathedral of the Belarusian Orthodox Church, and it has two impressive towers. Today, the Holy Spirit Cathedral is one of the most recognizable Minsk sights (you can see it on the cover photo of this article).

The Cat Museum in Minsk

As the name suggests, this is the cat museum of Minsk. It’s one of the oddest places in town, and that’s practically a building that hosts cats. So, if you like cats, don’t miss the chance to visit and play with some noisy kittens. See more info about the cat museum here .

The Gorky Park

Here’s all about strolling around and enjoying nature. Minsk has many beautiful parks, and the most beautiful one is Gorky. Honestly, visiting Gorky Park is one of the best things to do in Minsk: apart from being a very local thing, you’ll also get a glimpse of the majestic Belarusian nature.

Selected tours and activities in Minsk and beyond

If you would like to make the most out of your stay, you have the option to book some sightseeing tours. Apart from the usual walking tours, you can also book day trips outside Minsk. Belarus has a long history, and leaving Minsk behind for at least one day is something that you should consider. In this small section, you’ll find a list of selected tours offered by locals in English.

• 3-hour Guided Minsk City Tour (Private Driving & Walking Tour) . This tour will teach you more about the city and its Soviet past. Apart from that, you will also visit some local landmarks and observe Minsk’s architecture. Check the prices of the 3-hours tour here .
• Minsk City Tour . Another city tour offers a stroll around the city. A wealth of information and several historical facts about Minsk. Check the prices for the Minsk City Tour here .
• Ancient Castles of Belarus . If you want to feel the atmosphere of the Middle Ages, then this half-day tour is for you. You will visit Medieval Castles and feel the atmosphere of the era. Expect some local myths and a verbal parade of local heroes. Check the prices for the Ancient Castles of Belarus here .
• Private sightseeing tour from Minsk to Mir Castle and Nesvizh Castle . The Mir Castle complex is a Unesco World Heritage Site and a gorgeous spot. The driver will pick you up from your Minsk accommodation and drive you there. You will also have the option to stop in between for coffee or lunch. Check the Mir Castle tour here .

FAQ about Minsk

So, here you can find a short section with the most Frequently Asked Questions about Minsk.

Is Minsk safe?

Yes. Despite bad publicity about its internal politics, Minsk is a perfectly safe city for travelers. It’s actually one of the safest cities in Europe.

Is Minsk worth visiting?

Minsk is definitely worth a visit. After being secluded for decades, the city recently opened to tourists. It’s one of the most original capitals you can see in Europe, and its atmosphere will remind you of former times.

How many days will be enough in Minsk?

Minsk is a capital city and, as such, deserves some of your time. I recommend staying at least 3 days in Minsk before heading to another city or back home. There are plenty of things to do in Minsk, and it’s always nice to immerse in another culture.

When it’s the best time to visit Minsk?

During wintertime, Minsk tends to be extremely cold. That said, if you are not a fan of polar temperatures, it’s better to skip visiting Minsk in winter. The summertime is a more pleasant period, but to be honest, early autumn is probably the best time to visit Minsk. I traveled to Minsk at the beginning of October, and the days were sunny and mild.

Is Uber available in Minsk?

Yes, Uber is available in Minsk, and it’s a much better option than taxis.

Shall I take a taxi while in Minsk?

Unfortunately, I cannot recommend the taxis at all. If you are a foreigner, they will most likely try to scam you. For example, for a ride between my hotel and the train station, I paid 4 rubles with Uber; for the ride back to the hotel, all the taxi drivers asked me for 20. I rejected their offers, of course, and booked an Uber again.

Can I photograph whatever I want in Minsk?

You should avoid taking photos of public buildings . There are guards usually around them, and they might ask you to delete the images. You can recognize the public buildings by the Belarusian flag on the top. I didn’t have any issues, but it’s better to be safe than sorry. Keep your camera down if you see a flag on a building’s top.

Do people in Minsk speak English?

The older generation doesn’t speak English at all. However, people under 40 speak English and y oungsters are fluent .

How to budget for Minsk, Belarus

Minsk is a reasonably cheap city, and your main expense will be the flights and accommodation. I suggest you stay somewhere downtown: it will save you lots of trouble in terms of transportation. For a single room , I paid 42 euros per night, taking advantage of the “early-bird” offer of the hotel. For your food, you should calculate in the lower 10s, and a drink is equally cheap (3-5 euros).

Moreover, the transportation is ridiculously cheap, and you’ll pay just a couple of cents for a metro or bus ride. I exchanged 110 euros for my whole journey * the day I arrived at the airport in Minsk and spent another 45 euros on my credit card. A couple of times, I used Uber, too: within the city, I didn’t pay anywhere more than 3-4 euros.

Overall, Minsk is a relatively cheap city , but the prices are more elevated than in other Eastern European capitals.

*As I wrote initially, Belarus advises having at least 25 euros for every day of your stay. I had, of course, almost 200 euros with me in case I was controlled. However, I decided not to exchange all 200 euros.

So, that’s it with my travel guide to Minsk. Let me know in the comments if you’ve already visited the capital of Belarus or if you need more info about this beautiful city.

More about Minsk & Belarus : A rocket man in Minsk &  The heroes of Brest

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Last Updated on July 11, 2022 by George Pavlopoulos

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23 Reasons Why Minsk Is Magical and You Should Visit

May 8, 2018 by Silvia 35 Comments

My obsession with visiting Minsk eventually became a bit of a joke amongst my friends. If anyone ever suggested a weekend away somewhere I’d beg them to go to Minsk with me, but they always found a reason to choose somewhere else instead.

Dan finally did agree to include Minsk in our backpacking trip in 2015, but something about not being able to get visas in our home countries later, I found myself on a bus bound for Ukraine instead. And so I decided to visit Minsk solo in December of last year. But then other trips came up and I realized that Minsk simply wasn’t meant to be.

Until, that is, one night at dinner my phone lit up with a Facebook message from Danielle asking if we couldn’t maybe squeeze in a trip to Minsk at the end of our journey from Japan to Russia .

And guys, Minsk did not disappoint. Some of my friends may be disappointed, however, if they thought this Minsk trip would be the end of my pestering them to go to Belarus with me. Sorry guys, but Belarus is amazing and I simply can’t bear the thought of you not getting to experience it, so we are definitely going together.

Here’s a little video sneak preview, before I get into the reasons you need to visit Minsk, and things to do in Minsk once you’re there:

If you’re wondering why I was so eager to visit Minsk, the answer is the people. Every Belarusian I’ve met has been the nicest person I’ve ever met, so spending a vacation surrounded by Belarusians seemed like it would have to be the best thing ever. If you’ve ever met any Belarusians before you’ll know exactly what I’m talking about.

Danielle and I ended up meeting up with a bunch of different people through Couchsurfing (if you read what I said about Couchsurfing being alive and well in Russia , know that the same applies in Minsk). In fact, we ended up not having enough time to meet up with everyone who reached out to us through Couchsurfing – is this what being popular is like?

Seriously, I cannot get over everyone’s hospitality in Minsk. There was the couple who drove us around to all their favorite spots in town while telling us about the country’s history and funny anecdotes from life in Minsk, and then there was the guy who randomly offered to pick us up from the airport because he enjoys the drive. Uh,  what?

So we actually rocked up at Minsk International Airport to be met by our new friend, who took us to our Couchsurfing host whom, oh funny, it turned out he totally knew from going to the same music gigs around town.

And it only got better from there.

In fact, I’d go so far as to say if someone visits Minsk and doesn’t love it, they must not have met the right people – basically, anyone at all.

If you  are staying in Minsk for a while and want a place of your own, check out this bright apartment or this centrally located apartment . Or you could take advantage of the low accommodation prices and live it up at the DoubleTree by Hilton or the President Hotel .

Youth Culture

From cute hipster cafés to indie film screenings to underground music shows, there’s a lot going on in Minsk to keep young people entertained. Now, before you start packing up your home to move to Minsk I should probably acknowledge that there’s a lot to make life there a real pain, but Belarusians seem to be quite practiced in finding humor and joy in life’s pains.

Belarusians might well hold the key to world peace

When I was younger I would try to read Norwegian news sites for a more neutral perspective on world events than US media was providing, but then I moved to Asia and realized that oh wait, Norwegian media is also totally biased. Of course, it is.

But while it will always be impossible for any one perspective on world politics to be truly unbiased, if anyone can get close I think it’s Belarus. With one shoulder reclining against Russia and the other brushing Europe, Belarus is friendly with both, but also very much an outsider. I hadn’t realized the significance of this until my first (of very, very many) late-night talks with my Belarusian friends about the state of the world.

I honestly think that if a path to world peace exists, it’s going to be a Belarusian who finds it.

Minsk isn’t just concrete

About 80% of Minsk was destroyed in World War II, which meant that the city was rebuilt in the 1950s with the towering Soviet-bloc buildings that Stalin loved. This has made Minsk famous for its Soviet architecture, with big concrete buildings and wide avenues, and many hail Minsk as the most perfect example of a Soviet city, even claiming that the isolated dictatorship is frozen in time.

Except Minsk hasn’t frozen in time, and I was surprised by how much of the old Belarusian architecture was intact in downtown Minsk, as well as how many new buildings have popped up around the city. Minsk is definitely more than its brief Soviet past.

If you want a more guided tour around the city’s architecture, try this private 3-hour walking tour around the Minsk’s major landmarks or this driven private tour .

But there’s also a lot of cool concrete

Then again, if concrete is your thing, you’ll find a lot to love about Minsk. And if you  are interested in Minsk’s Soviet history, check out this tour .

Visit one of the “ugliest” buildings in the world

I thought the National Library of Kosovo would forever be the most bizarre library I’ve ever seen, but leave it to Minsk to go one step farther.

Not only has the National Library of Minsk been built as a baffling rhombicuboctahedron sitting on top of, I don’t know, wings? , but it’s even fitted with LED lights that project colorful patterns at night.

And a mere three years after its completion in 2006, the library was named one of the world’s ugliest buildings (a title which, a decade later, it still retains ).

But personally I really love the library, and the inside is super cozy!

Plus, if you go around to the back of the library you’ll see an entrance to a sky deck, which is one of the only places you can see Minsk from above. The sky deck offers views of the Minsk suburbs, which aren’t exactly the most beautiful parts of the city, but it’s still fun to see Minsk from a new perspective.

Okay, if there’s a downside to visiting Minsk it’s that you’re pretty much guaranteed to leave a few pounds heavier than when you arrived. At least that’s what happened to me.

Everything I ate in Minsk was  so so good. It turns out I’m a huge fan of traditional Belarusian food, but really everything I ate there was amazing. I’m still daydreaming about that salad and pancake from DEPO …

And now bear with me while I proceed to go on and on about the food and restaurants in Minsk.

the starters for a meal our Couchsurfing host cooked us 

I’m a big fan of anything featuring potato, and Belarusians really know how to wield a potato. In fact, Belarus is said to be home to the original latke, and their draniki really are the best potato pancakes I’ve ever had. Like ugh, I need to buy a cheese grater because I’ve been craving these potato pancakes like nothing else.

You can keep your vodka, Russia, Belarusian samagon has you beat. It’s essentially moonshine, but like, very pleasant moonshine, if you can imagine such a thing.

Probably the best meal I had in Minsk was at Talaka , a traditional Belarusian restaurant in the city center. Our friends said this is a favorite amongst tourists, as the food is delicious with traditional decor and live music. I would have happily eaten here every night.

We stopped at Grai Cafe with a lovely couple we met (through Couchsurfing, of course!) to sample some nastoiki , which are fruit infused alcohols. Most of them weren’t too strong, so they’re a nice option if you’re not really a fan of the taste of alcohol.

And again there was live music here, and folk dancing!

Our Belarusian friends made fun of us for loving Grunwald so much because apparently, it’s really touristy, but Danielle and I were tourists and we  loved Grunwald. With big leather chairs and a smoky bar, it’s the sort of place I imagine Wooster going when he tells Jeeves he’s headed to “the club.”

I also credit Grunwald with curing the cold that had plagued me since Moscow , with their horseradish-infused nastoika shot. If only I could fly to Minsk for one every time I was feeling under the weather.

Stolovaya at the Palace of the Republic

Okay, it might be a bit hard to get in here, but if you can find a local to take you, try and see if you can have lunch at the cafeteria inside the Palace of the Republic. Technically it’s only for people working in the building and surrounding area, but our friend sweet talked us in.

I mean, it’s just standard cafeteria food, but I happen to be a big fan of cafeteria food, especially when served in such an interesting setting (you can see a clip from inside in the video at the start of this post).

Centralny Snack Bar

Lol I feel like if any locals are reading this they will think some of my favorite things to do in Minsk are totally weird – like, eating at the Palace of the Republic cafeteria and visiting Centralny, really? But I guess tourists are often excited by odd things.

At any rate, I really loved the Centralny Snack Bar ! The interior is gorgeous, and as they sell pastries and snacks, as well as alcohol, I saw an interesting mix of people here, from students to old ladies to diplomats to drunken men. Apparently late at night, the mix becomes even more interesting.

Oh and I can recommend ordering a “Coffee Oskar,” which is coffee, cognac, and egg white. I also had some cake and one of their famous hotdogs topped with grated carrot.

Belarusians really appreciate travel

Belarusians need a visa for most international travel, which means that they have a real appreciation for travel – and travelers. I had the best conversations about travel with my new Belarusian friends, and everyone also seemed to really appreciate that I had made my way to Belarus.

You can now visit Belarus visa-free

Belarus recently started allowing many nationalities (including Americans and Norwegians) to visit for up to five days visa-free if you fly in and out of Minsk. I believe the Grodno region near the Polish border is also visa-free, and I’ve heard rumors that soon they’ll extend the period to ten days, which would be  amazing as five days in Belarus was far too short!

Belarusians will make you feel special

I think the first thing everyone I met in Minsk asked me was “why are you here?” followed by, “what do you think of Belarus?” So if you want to feel like people care what you think and your opinion matters, go to Belarus.

It’s easy to get to

Minsk is a super short and cheap flight from Vilnius – I think my ticket cost $35 – and thanks to AirBaltic, Vilnius is a cheap flight away from lots of European cities.

You won’t break your budget

While prices in Minsk are alarmingly high compared to the average wage, most other Europeans will find Minsk quite budget friendly. It’s not as cheap as Ukraine and Albania, but definitely easier on the budget than a lot of Europe.

The Minsk metro

It might not be as grand as the Moscow Metro (is any metro in the world as grand?) but there was something I really loved about the Minsk Metro. I felt sort of like I was on a movie set whenever I went down into the stations.

Amazing parks

I’ll admit, there were many things I expected to love in Minsk. But I hadn’t anticipated all the amazing parks! And now I can’t wait to return in the summer, because I imagine they’re even more beautiful and lively when it’s not below freezing out.

Do your Finnish shopping

I randomly stumbled on this Finnish clothing shop in downtown Minsk? I don’t really understand, but something about it seemed worthy of this list.

The rest of the country

With only five days in the country I only had time to visit Minsk on this trip, but next time I definitely want to see more of Belarus!

For now, I had to make do with visiting the Mini Belarus museum , where I could see miniature replications of some of Belarus’ most famous attractions. While some are no longer standing, I was surprised by how many beautiful castles and World Heritage Sites can still be visited around Belarus, and I hope to see some of them soon.

So, are you convinced? When should we go to Minsk?

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May 9, 2018 at 1:32 pm

I does look like a very worthwhile destination! Although this post hasn’t bumped Minsk up into my bucket list, i would probably join a friend if they asked me to come with them ;). The potato pancakes, on the other hand… they sound extremely appealing. Do be prepared for lengthy grating! You may want to share the workload with Dan: when we went for dinner with a friend and her Polish boyfriend, he apparently spent hours grating enough potatoes for (delicious) potato pancakes to serve four.

Silvia says

May 11, 2018 at 3:10 pm

Haha oh wow, I’ll definitely be putting Dan to work then! They are seriously so worth it (if I can figure out how to make them properly).

carole chapman says

March 5, 2022 at 5:32 pm

Easy recipe; 2 potatoes to one onion, 1 egg and 1 tablespoon of plain flour. Pinch of salt. Grate potatoes and onion and mix all ingredients together into a batter. Fry in a little oil on a medium heat till golden each side. You can cook in advance and reheat in the oven or even freeze after cooking and the reheat from frozen. Variations can include using courgette or carrot instead of some of the potato or adding spices.

Joanne | Travel Visa Australia says

May 10, 2018 at 4:25 am

This is such an exceptional read which brought so many wonderful memories, Silvia! We’ve been to Minsk for 5 days last year and we loved it! I share most of your impressions and the architecture there was amazing!

May 11, 2018 at 3:08 pm

Ah I’m so happy you loved it as well!

Colleen Welsch says

May 10, 2018 at 4:39 pm

Wow, before this all I knew about Minsk was that it was a punchline to a joke on “Friends”. It actually looks pretty cool though…I can’t believe those were just your starters!

Haha yeah, I think that’s how a lot of us first heard about Minsk!

Valentine says

May 11, 2018 at 1:53 pm

Great review! Sure, come in summer – the best time for Belarus. Moreover, you haven’t seen Zamki yet. I mean Nesvizh and Mir castles which are 100km far from Minsk. I’m also a carriyng couchsurfer, so I can take that mission! 😀

May 11, 2018 at 3:07 pm

Yes I really want to see some of the castles! And I imagine Belarus will be extra magical in the summer.

Dzmitry says

May 16, 2018 at 3:39 pm

The summer came early this year 70-75F till the end of May. Nice to see, that you enjoyed our city 🙂 Come back for more, there’ll be plenty of outdoor events this summer.

Natallia says

May 14, 2018 at 11:35 am

Lovely to see such a positive review of my hometown. I live in New Zealand now and it’s always a pleasure to go back for a visit, especially in summer. I always forget how wide the streets are in the centre of the city!

May 17, 2018 at 12:52 am

I was amazed by how wide they are – definitely different than Norway! And now I really want to see it in the summer someday.

May 29, 2018 at 5:32 pm

Hi! I’m a Minsker and I cried when I was reading this. It’s the best thing a foreigner wrote about my city so far.

May 30, 2018 at 5:51 pm

Aaaah your comment makes me so happy

Hazel Joy says

June 20, 2018 at 8:39 pm

Hi Silva, An acquaintance who visited some time ago didn’t enjoy Minsk but you’ve really sold the place to me in this post! Your photos are fantastic as per usual but the architecture of Minsk looks varied and interesting. The city is now on my to-do list. Thanks for the insight.

Patrick (Complete City Guides) says

September 10, 2018 at 2:30 pm

I visited Minsk a little while ago (I also went after they relaxed the visa rules). Its a very different capital compared to almost every other European one! I think people should go if they want to see a capital that really does feel a bit undiscovered by tourists. But I think one 5-day visit is enough there! (I did a little guide up on https://completecityguides.com/minsk/city-guide ). I saw barely any tourists there though, heard almost zero english. But they aren’t the most welcoming of countries (I don’t mean the people themselves but the government) – was only recently that they did actually make it easier for tourists to come and visit (the 5 day visa free thing).

March 8, 2020 at 6:17 pm

FYI 30 days Visa free now!

Nastia_Kh says

September 11, 2018 at 2:35 am

I am a Belarusian, I was more than happy to read such revew about Belarus! I live abroad, and I miss my country so much, you brought up a lot of memories for me. I agree with everything you said here, and especially that other foreigners are likely to go any other place, but not to go to Belarus. Well, they miss a lot. I am glad you discovered that place for yourself. Welcome back again!

iLuvMogilev says

September 27, 2018 at 3:55 am

A great place is now much, much better: since August visa-free travel is up to 30 days! I don’t know if Belarus can solve world peace, but my Belarusian GF may help bring peace to two warring ex-spouses!

iluvmogilev says

September 27, 2018 at 4:02 am

October 1, 2018 at 4:27 pm

No way, that’s amazing!

October 8, 2018 at 4:00 pm

Hi,Silvia, Thanks for the fun to read post. I’m headed to Minsk next week and can’t wait 🙂

Natalia Mumford says

November 16, 2018 at 11:19 pm

Hello Silvia. Thank you for your kind words about Minsk. It’s one of the nicest articles about Belarus I have ever read. I live almost 16th years in England and every year at least twice a year I try to visit Minsk. Please come back on summer for a completely different experience (still a nice one of cause 🙂 ). Brilliant water parks, Park Gorkogo (Gorky Central Park) with a 56 meters high Ferris wheel ,Park Chelyuskintsev and Belarus State Circus are waiting for you!!! Kind Regards Natalia Mumford

Siarhei Minsk says

February 3, 2019 at 11:41 pm

Wonderful photos! You managed to show the beautiful side of Minsk despite the winter and dullness on the street)

February 8, 2019 at 9:54 am

When I first came to Minsk, I wanted to get to know the city better. I found a sightseeing tour in English on the Vetliva portal. Well done, that for foreigners organize such trips.

February 14, 2019 at 9:09 am

It is interesting to be in different countries. I was especially attracted to Belarus. There are many interesting places. I even wanted to learn more about the capital of Belarus and booked an excursion to Vetliva. Informative and interesting

John Pilkington says

July 21, 2019 at 1:16 pm

I’m looking for somewhere to go for 5 days in late October and Belarus is is now a strong contender thanks to your passionate enthusiasm! Nothing else I’ve read has had me as excited at the prospect of seeing Minsk.

Heather says

July 23, 2019 at 10:53 am

Wondering if you know the answer to a VISA question about Belarus. We’re US Citizens and plan to fly to Minsk where I know we can get a 30 day Visa free visit, but it looks like we also have to exit via the Minsk airport. Any clue if we could exit via a land border crossing into Poland? I know its a random question, but thought maybe you had a similar experience. THANKS!

August 13, 2019 at 4:04 am

No, you can’t. The visa free travel to Belarus requires entry and exit of the country through Minsk Airport.

January 22, 2020 at 12:34 pm

I do believe if you have a visa in your passport you can leave Minsk to Poland, Lithuania, or Ukraine by train, BUT NOT TO RUSSIA as Belarus has open borders with Russia. I am an American going on living in Minsk for 2 years now and travel by train to Vilnius all the time, but I do have resident visa, however, the US Embassy said that we are not even allowed to travel to Russia by train.

Marylja says

November 21, 2019 at 8:10 pm

Wow such a soulful guide! As a Belarusian, I was happy read these nice things about Belarusians and our city! Dzjakuj! (“thank you” in Belarusian language)

November 28, 2019 at 6:42 am

Why do u say not to move to Minsk exactly?

December 5, 2019 at 10:59 am

I’m actually heading to minsk tomorrow but am concerned about the weather. It looks quite cold when you went. Do you know how cold was it? I am debating on wearing a parka or just a long wool coat. I hear the humidity is high which makes you awfully cold. Some help would be great! I’m from Toronto Canada so I have similar weather but I will be walking around more and scared that I will be under dressed. Thanks in advance!

Maurice says

March 11, 2020 at 10:18 am

Hey I would like to agree with you regarding the Belarus people. I have the most beautiful woman in the would and she is Belarus not only is she beautiful she is kind. I also agree is world peace could even be found Minsk would be the place to start looking.

Vincent Earle says

July 10, 2020 at 6:00 pm

Hello, I was surprised you did not visit the War Museum or the insides of churches plus the indoor market and (I think) three story supermarket in the centre. Minsk is amazing and like Maurice I also have a most beautiful woman and her children (now adults) as a part of my family. My wife I like to think as the matriarch of the family. I have been to Minsk many a time and unfortunately last time because I thought the President allowed you to go there without a visa for 30 days I did not register where I was staying. Okay it took my wife and I about an hour (after rigorous discussion) to get through the control but I look at it as a learning curb for the next time after all I did register previous times. Do not be put off the place is still great to visit.

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11 great things to do in Minsk, Belarus

Last Updated on 04/01/2024 by kami

I recently returned from a long weekend in Minsk, it was my second visit to this still rather unknown city.

The capital of Belarus is a bit of the blank spot on the European tourism map and it doesn’t seem like many people travel there (or visit Belarus really).

I haven’t seen any other tourists during my trip to Minsk but it was the beginning of March so the timing might not have been the best.

While there are not too many things to do in Minsk the city is definitely worth your time and will keep you busy for a day or two (I spent three days in Minsk and still haven’t seen everything I wanted to).

With the recently introduced visa-free procedure, I guess it’s a matter of time Minsk tourism will develop and the city becomes more and more popular among curious tourists who are tired with well-known destinations.

I put together this Minsk guide with the overview of what to see and do in Minsk as well as some tips to help you plan your trip to Minsk, Belarus.

Quick Minsk cheat sheet

Need the transfer from Minsk airport to your hotel? Click here to book the transfer!

Where to stay in Minsk:

• Hostel Tower 31/18 (budget)
• Garni Hotel (mid-range)
• Europe Hotel (luxury)

Best tours in Minsk:

• Minsk 3-Hour City Tour
• Mir and Nesvizh Castles Private Tour from Minsk

Minsk travel tips

Before I start telling you properly about what to do in Minsk here is a bunch of Minsk travel tips that you might find useful.

Best time to visit Minsk

I can certainly tell you when it’s not the best time to visit Minsk and that’s winter.

My recent trip there was at the beginning of March and the weather was so-so.

While it was sunny on one day, two others welcomed me with either a blizzard or heavy rains. Not to mention the cold and strong winds.

It was still doable to do some Minsk sightseeing but I can’t say it was always a pleasant experience.

If you go to Minsk in winter pack some warm clothes and don’t forget gloves – they were life-saving really!

On the contrary, my first Minsk trip happened in mid-May and it was really good: warm, sunny, green. A perfect springtime!

If I can recommend the best time to visit Minsk I would say from early May till late September – your chances for the best weather are the best then and you can enjoy numerous outdoor activities.

spring in Minsk

Is Minsk safe?

If you are asking yourself “is Minsk safe?” I can assure you that yes, it is. In fact, it’s one of the safest capitals in Europe.

While the petty crime, of course, happens here, like everywhere else, it’s not on such a big scale.

You should use the typical precautions, be careful in the crowded spaces like in the metro, but using common sense will be enough to keep you safe and sound. Minsk is a safe city!

How many days in Minsk

I think you should spend at least 2 days in Minsk.

That should give you enough time to see some of the biggest Minsk attractions as well as get a feel of the city, enjoy its cafe scene or alternative culture hubs and wander around parks.

Minsk is a very pleasant city to be in!

Independence Avenue – Praspiekt Niezaliezhnasci

How to get to Minsk

The best way to get to Minsk is flying and that’s what I recommend doing as this way you can visit Belarus visa-free.

There are numerous airlines offering cheap flights to Minsk.

I flew with LOT Polish Airlines from Warsaw, the flight is a bit under one hour and I paid around $100 / €90 for the return ticket.

Other airlines serving Minsk airport are Air Baltic, Austrian Airlines, Turkish Airlines, Lufthansa, UIA, Etihad and of course Belavia – the national carrier of Belarus.

You can also come to Minsk by train or bus from neighboring countries, including Poland and Lithuania, but entering the country through the land border requires a visa.

It’s not very expensive, €25 for Polish citizens, but it requires some paperwork and time so why bother.

Visa-free procedure

In 2017 Belarus changed its visa procedure and now you can visit the country without a visa for up to 30 days.

The only requirement is to fly in and out of Minsk airport (so you can’t fly to Minsk and then take the train back to Poland, for example), afterwards you are free to travel all over the country.

That way, after visiting Minsk you can continue to places like Brest , Grodno , Vitebsk and more!

To enter Belarus you need to have the insurance that covers €10.000 of medical costs – if you don’t have a policy already you can get one at Minsk airport, before the passport control – there is a stand on the left side.

For the 4 days insurance I paid €4, you can see all the prices here .

My passport was checked in-depth, like nowhere before. Not only it was browsed through a few times, but the officer also used a magnifying glass to inspect it closer.

I was asked only how long I intend to stay in Belarus but wasn’t told to show the return ticket.

The whole procedure took maybe 10 minutes, with waiting in two lines, getting the insurance and then going through the passport control.

You can read more about visa-free travel to Belarus at the website of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs .

Minsk gates

How to get from Minsk airport to the city

There are a couple of buses and minibusses traveling between the airport and the city (Central Bus Station, next to the main train station and metro station Ploshcha Lenina).

They depart every 20-30 minutes in each direction. It takes around 40-60 minutes for the journey and the ticket costs 4 BYN ($1,90 / €1,67).

I took the minibus that went through Mahilyowskaya metro station (the first/last station on the red line) while on the way back I took a regular bus that went through Uruchcha metro station (the first/last stop on the blue line). The tickets can be bought from the driver.

At the airport, the bus stop is located on the left side when you leave the terminal.

At the central bus station, the airport buses depart from platform no. 2.

Where to stay in Minsk

Unfortunately, there are still not that many affordable accommodation options in Minsk, especially when you travel with a friend and you need a place to stay with two beds.

During my recent trip to Minsk, together with my friend Paulina , we stayed at Hotel Minsk (8,6/10 on Booking) , right at the corner of Independence Square and Independence Avenue.

We wanted to be near a metro station for efficient getting around the city and this was one of the best options we could find.

For 4 nights we paid $230 / €205 for the double room, breakfast was not included.

I can definitely recommend Hotel Minsk, it’s very good, with clean and spacious rooms and the location is the best you can ask for. Click here to see current deals and book the place.

Hotel Minsk lobby

Other places to stay in Minsk worth considering:

• Hostel Tower 31/18 – great views over Minsk, perfect location next to Victory Square, 9,5/10 on Booking .
• Hostel Urban – modern interior, good location and clean place, 9.3/10 on Booking
• DoubleTree by Hilton Minsk – good location across Svislach river, amazing views and excellent ratings of 9,4/10 on Booking
• President Hotel – fancy interior, very good, central location near the Palace of the Republic, the rating of 9,1/10 on Booking .

Apartments:

• MinskLux Apartments – modern interior, cleaniness, perfect location, 9.2/10 on Booking
• Apartment Exclusive – cosy apartment next to the Victory Square and metro station Ploshcha Pyeramohi, 9,8/10 on Booking
• Aparthotel Gostinyi Dom – great location, modern interior and spectacular view, 9.5/10 on Booking

Money in Belarus

The official currency is Belarusian ruble (BYN).

At the time of writing this article (end of March 2019), 1 ruble is $0,47 and €0,42.

You can easily take money from ATMs (I used one at the airport), pay by card (did that in the hotel) or exchange money in numerous exchange points all over the city.

The exchange rate is similar everywhere, we used the point in Hotel Minsk where we stayed, it’s located a few steps up on the left side when entering the hotel.

The most popular currencies to exchange are US dollars, Euro and Russian rubles.

Speaking of money, Minsk is a very affordable city.

The major cost is accommodation, everything else has very decent prices and visiting Minsk won’t drain your wallet.

How to get around Minsk

Minsk is a huge city and the best way to get around is by metro (it is not as grand as Moscow metro stations but it has its moments).

The token for a single ride costs 0,65 BYN only ($0,30 / €0,27) and can take you to most of Minsk attractions.

There is a ticket office at every station so you don’t need to buy more tokens in advance, you can pay before each ride.

I also walked a lot in Minsk but don’t get yourself fooled, if you are on the Independence Avenue 11 and want to get to number 49 don’t expect a short walk – it’s around 3 km distance!

Ploshcha Pyeramohi metro station

Language in Minsk

If you know Russian – you are all good to go as, together with Belarussian (which is slightly different), this is a default language in Belarus.

But even if you don’t know the local language you will still be fine and can get around with English easily.

Many of the young people can speak excellent English, there are also signs or menus in restaurants in English.

I would only recommend you learning a Cyryllic alphabeth before you go – it makes everything so much easier!

Cinema October, Minsk

Things to do in Minsk

So now, that we are done with the practical side of Minsk travel guide, let’s talk about things to do in Minsk.

There might not seem to be a lot of exciting Minsk sights at first but once you start to dig in it turns out there is plenty to see and do in Minsk!

Bonus points if you like the architecture of the (mid)20th century, then you will fall head over heels in love with Minsk!

At the end of this article, you will find a map with all the mentioned attractions and activities, you can download it to your phone and use when you travel to Minsk!

Admire Minsk Soviet architecture

I could write about each of the interesting buildings separately but then this list of what to see in Minsk would have 50 or more positions, not 11.

So let’s say the absolute no 1 Minsk highlights is the amazing Soviet architecture – even if you are not too much of a fan of this style you will surely appreciate it.

It might not look like this but the city was first mentioned in the year 1067 and over the centuries was part of the Kievan Rus, Grand Duchy of Lithuania, Polish–Lithuanian Commonwealth or Russian Empire.

After WWII Minsk and the territory of Belarus became part of the Soviet Union and eventually regained its independence.

During WWII Minsk was among the most damaged places in Europe, some 80-90% of the city was in pieces.

There were two ways to repair the city: either rebuilt it the way it used to be (like it happened in Warsaw, Poland) or create a completely new space – and that’s how Minsk got its spectacular, grand Soviet architecture.

To see some of the best examples you need to walk down Independence Avenue – a real showcase of the city.

You will see some of the best buildings here, including Belarusian Government Building, Main Post Office, KGB Headquarters, Victory Square or the National Library, just to name few.

You can find even more great architecture gems beyond the main avenue: National Theater, blacks of flats in the shape of corn or a spectacular Soviet bas-relief above the KFC restaurant.

I had problems with finding the address of some of the less known buildings so I marked them all on the map for you.

This way you won’t waste precious minutes searching online for Minsk Soviet architecture and just set off to admire it.

Palace of the Republic

Soviet bas-relief

Nyamiha shopping center

Detail of the concrete building

National Academic Bolshoi Opera and Ballet Theatre

Ride Minsk metro

The popular belief says that metro stations in post-Soviet countries are spectacular and Moscow metro , Tashkent (Uzbekistan) or Kharkiv (Ukraine) seem to prove that.

Well, the metro in Minsk isn’t that grand but it definitely has its moments.

Some of the prettiest stations to visit are Ploshcha Lenina (with a massive statue of sickle and hammer), Kastrychnitskaya, Ploshcha Pyeramohi or Ploshcha Yakuba Kolasa.

I heard so many times that it is forbidden to take pictures in Minsk metro but I took my fair share of them, twice on different station there was a guard walking past me and clearly seeing what I’m doing and no one said a thing to me.

I don’t know if I was lucky or if things slackened off recently.

Ploshcha Lenina station

Kastrychnitskaya station

Traktarny zavod metro station

When entering Nyamiha station you can see a memorial to the Nyamiha stampede .

In that very place, on May 30th, 1999, 54 people were killed and several hundred injured when the sudden thunderstorm rolled over the city.

Locals, many of which were teenagers attending a rock concert nearby, wanted to hide on the metro station but the stairs became too slippery, the panic arose and people were trampling each other.

Up to this day, this is among the most tragic events in the modern history of Minsk.

Place of Nyamiha stampede

Find as many sickles and hammers as possible (and other Soviet remnants)

You might have heard that Belarus is “the last dictatorship in Europe” or “the last bastion of communism”. Actually, that’s mostly what we hear about Belarus really.

Well, I must disappoint you, when you visit Belarus everything is normal, just like in any other country.

There is just one thing that catches everyone’s attention and that’s sickle and hammer, many of them.

The most popular is of course at the platform of Ploshcha Lenina metro station but you can find so many more of them around the city.

Few of the locations I remember being at the building of the Main Post Office, at the entrance and platform of Kastrychnitskaya metro station, at the Victory Monument, GUM store’s facade or Minsk Gates.

Together with Paulina, we had a competition, who will spot more sickles and hammers.

I won but only by a mere one or two. But it was such a fun game!

Central Post Office

Details on the Great Patriotic War Museum

Speaking of Soviet remnants, you should also acknowledge there are a couple of Lenin statues all over the city.

The most famous one is standing proudly on the Independence Square, guarding the building of Belarusian Government.

It is said that you cannot take pictures of this statue but during my two visits in Minsk no one really minded me and my camera (although there were guards around, one even started walking towards me but he was so slow I could nonchalantly walk away).

Other significant monuments to Lenin are located at the exit from the metro station Ploshcha Lenina and at Kastrychnitskaya street, surrounded by street art and hip bars and cafes.

One place I didn’t manage to visit because it was closed on Sunday and Monday when I was planning to go, was Zair Azgur Memorial Studio.

Zair Azgur was among the most known local artists in the Soviet times and the small museum located in his former house shows some of the best works he created.

You will find a lot of sculptures here, including numerous Lenins, Stalins, Marx and their fellows.

Learning about Zair Azgur reminded me a bit about Zurab Tsereteli (the artists who created the Chronicle of Georgia monument in Tbilisi ) and not visiting this museum is one of my biggest regrets from the trip to Minsk.

Visit small but cute Minsk old town

As mentioned above, Minsk has a long and turbulent history and most of its old buildings are long gone.

There is, however, a small part of the city that serves as Minsk Old Town. It’s located between the Republic Palace and Svislach river.

You can find here the town hall as well as a few old churches and museums. The area is alive until late hours, especially in the summertime.

The Old Town might be tiny but it is really charming.

Few steps further, across the river, you can find the Trinity Suburb with pretty pastel houses and cobbled streets.

What you can see now was actually restored in the 1980s but it is still a pleasant place to stroll and enjoy.

You can visit the Old Town as well as other Minsk attractions with a guide – click here for more details, price and to book the tour.

Shop in the coolest places

In a true post-Soviet manner, Minsk is home to an impressive GUM store (GUM stands for “main department store” in Russian). It was founded in 1951 and is one of the oldest and largest department stores in the city.

On three floors you can find just about everything: cosmetics, clothes, household items, fabrics, souvenirs (like tractor fridge magnets!)… you name it.

But unlike the modern department stores, here many of the items are hidden in the glass case or behind the counter and you need to ask a shopping assistant to hand you what you like.

This place is a great reminder of how shopping used to be 30 and more years ago.

Even if you don’t plan to do any shopping (but remember, tractor magnets!) it is still worth to stop by at GUM.

The interior is really beautiful, in the grand Soviet style. The knowledgeable eye might spot some sickles and hammers here too.

From the left staircase at the top floor, you can admire a nice view of Independence Avenue, it’s actually of the best panoramas of this street you can find.

As you probably know Eastern Europe is known for its great bazaars where you can buy some delicious homemade products and numerous other things.

Minsk, of course, has such a market too – Kamaroŭski market.

In the big hall under the roof, you can shop for the best Belarussian goodies and more.

Again, even if you don’t intend to buy anything it is worth visiting the place, just to see how it is and feel the atmosphere.

And if you are looking for some unique and modern souvenirs the best place to find them is at Kastrychnitskaya street, in Vyaliki Dzyakui.

Enjoy the amazing cafe scene

One of the things I enjoy in the Eastern European cities is the new wave of cool cafes popping up around each corner (I’m talking about you Kyiv or Tbilisi ). Fortunately, Minsk is no exception here.

Since the weather wasn’t all that much on my side during the recent trip I could visit a few cool and hip cafes and I can vouch for each of them, they didn’t disappoint!

My favorite ones were:

• Coffeevarium
• Union Coffee

But there are so many more cafes in Minsk you should try to stop at. Too bad I didn’t have time to check them all!

Fall in love with Minsk street art

One thing that surprised me a lot in Minsk was the exceptionally good street art scene. To be honest I didn’t expect to see so many great murals around.

When I visited Minsk for the first time in May 2014 I could see only neat streets without a single trace of the street art and now so many walls are home to really good art.

While you can find it in the center, even hidden in the yards along the main avenue, the biggest accumulation of murals can be found at Kastrychnitskaya street.

Many of them refer to Belarus – there are bison (beautiful animals living in Belovezhskaya Pushcha National Park) or folk motives and musical instruments. You can see here both local and international artists.

See where local young generation hangs out

Speaking of Kastrychnitskaya street – you should definitely include visiting this area in your Minsk itinerary.

Forget the grand architecture and neat corner of the center of the city. Kastrychnitskaya street is like a completely different world, although technically it is still center of Minsk, rather close to the Independence Avenue.

The former industrial area was transformed into the cultural hub and creative center of the center and one of the favorite Minsk nightlife spots.

You should come here not only for great street art but also visit some cool cafes and bars as well as interesting events.

I was there on Monday, in the early afternoon, when the weather was rather awful (which was a good excuse to get a yummy cheesecake at Enzo) but I still loved the place.

I can only imagine how great it must be in the warm, summer evenings.

Try some local food

To be honest I’m not a big fan of the food in Belarus but that’s mostly because it’s nothing special for me, the local dishes are similar to those we eat in Poland.

But the Belarussian cuisine is good and hearty, will keep you full for big part of the day.

I can only recommend vegetarian dishes as that’s what I ate.

If you want to try the best of the local cuisine you should go for draniki (potato pancakes), regular pancakes with fillings or the soup (vegetable or mushroom).

The best place to try the local food is, just like in Russia , at stolovaya – sort if a canteen where all the food is already prepared and you just tell/point to the lady behind the counter what you would like to eat.

The most popular one, both among locals and tourists, is Lido.

It’s a chain restaurant, two of the most convenient locations are at 49 Independence Avenue, next to the Ploshcha Yakuba Kolasa metro station, and 5 Niamiha str. neat Nyamiha metro station.

The available food is described both in Russian and English, which is very convenient when you don’t speak the language.

If you are looking for a nice place that serves breakfast I can recommend you two: Milano Cafe at Valadarskaha 19 (a bit pricey but good) and Coffeevarium at Miasnikova 29 (we actually went there twice, it was that good and affordable).

There is one more place that is worth mentioning, perfect for the quick bite – Centralny Univiersam Snack-bar at Independence Avenue.

But the food isn’t the main reason why you should stop here, it’s the interior.

The place looks is just stunning with chandeliers and marble columns, it could as well be a fancy restaurant and not a fast food bar where you can also get some alcohol to go with your food, even at 10 AM (true story).

Enjoy amazing green spaces in the city

As a perfect Soviet city, Minsk was designed to a good living space so besides wide streets you can also find numerous green spaces all over the place.

These green oases are a real bliss, especially in the warm days when you seek asylum in the shadow.

But no matter what time of the year Minsk parks are just pleasant to walk around and escape the hustle and bustle of the city.

Some of the most popular ones, located in the center, include Park Pieramohi, Yanka Kupala Park or Gorky Park.

Go for a day trip to Mir and Nesvizh Castles

Unfortunately, there are not too many possible day trips from Minsk and the most popular choice are Mir and Nesvizh castles .

I haven’t been there myself (yet) but my friend Ewa was and that’s what she said about these places:

There are many reasons to plan one day out of Minsk, visiting two of the most beautiful castles in Belarus, since they are located not very far from the capital city. The majestic Nesvizh castle, one of the Belarussian UNESCO World Heritage sites, built at the end of the 17th century, is situated in a beautiful, spacious park and features a large collection of the Radziwiłł family fortune and assets. Located nearby the Mir castle, also on the UNESCO World Heritage List, is approximately one century older than Nesvizh and looks much more fortified. It has a very interesting history, being owned by many different families, and during the WWII it briefly served as a Jewish ghetto. Both castles are interesting not only to history amateurs and offer a nice break from the capital city hustle.

It is not really possible to visit the castles independently as a day trip from Minsk. Your best option is the organized tour – click here to see the details and book the tour.

Is Minsk worth visiting?

The capital of Belarus might not be the most beautiful city you will see or the most interesting one.

It definitely is not charming and you will not see twisting lanes and cute houses. But it is definitely worth to visit Minsk!

This is one of the most unusual cities, a masterpiece of Soviet architecture with modern and hipster add-ons.

There is no other place where Lenin’s bust stands next to the beautiful mural, where on the wall above a cool coffee stand you can see the sickle and hammer painted or where KFC has a massive and magnificent Soviet-times bas-relief on the facade of the restaurant.

I’m already checking flights to go back to Minsk and spend some more time there (after all I still have places I need to visit!) and I definitely recommend you doing the same!

Map of Minsk

Below you can find the map with all the places to visit in Minsk I’ve mentioned in the post, and more!

You can download it to your phone and use it offline with maps.me app.

Just click on the three dots in the left upper corner, download .kml file, send to your email address and open on the phone in maps.me. And enjoy the map when visiting Minsk!

Minsk pictures

If I haven’t convinced you yet to visit Minsk here are few more pictures to inspire you to travel to Minsk.

Travel resources

You can find the best accommodation options at Booking . They have many discounts and excellent customer service. Click here to look for the place to stay in Minsk

Never travel without travel insurance , you never know what might happen and better safe than sorry. You can check the insurance policy for Belarus here.

I recommend joining organized tours to get to know the place better and to visit more places during your trip. You can find a great selection of tours at Get Your Guide – click here .

For the end I left a few announcements that might interest you:

• Sign up to my newsletter or follow me on Bloglovin to get updates about the new posts
• Join my Facebook group about Eastern Europe, the Balkans and former USSR and connect with fellow travellers and enthusiasts of these regions – just click here!
• I’ve included a few handy links of services and products I personally like and use so you can plan your own trip to Belarus too. They are often affiliate links. This means I will get a small commission if you book/purchase anything through my links, at no extra costs for you. Thank you!

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28 Comments

Nawet Gemeos był! :)

tak jest :)

W maju na Białorusi bywa 40 stopni ciepła i więcej :) Ja odwiedziłem Nieświerz i Mir jednego dnia maszrutką z Mińska. Da się w jeden dzień zrobić trip. Według mnie nie warto je zwiedzać. Wszystko jest w Warszawie w Muzeum Narodowym.

Dziekuje za komentarz, przydatny :) bylam kiedys w maju i bylo przyjemne 20 stopni, najlepsza pogoda na zwiedzanie.

Thank you for all the information and the interesting blog. On which KFC can one find the Soviet bas-relief?

Best regards,

Thank you. It’s next to Niemiha metro station in Minsk, close to the old town

Hello Kami Great piece. Thank you. And great photos, so sharp. Which camera did you use? Regards. Zeki

Thank you! I use Fujifilmxt10, definitely can recommend it!

What a great piece of journalism Kami! Thank you very much for the really helpful information and excellent photography!

Thank you Jackie!

Anne Nalder

Hi there, I am heading to Minsk in October. I am 64 and travel alone and am adventurous. I loved your blog and am really looking forward to sering Minsk. Anne

Thank you! I’m sure you will have a great trip, Anne! Happy travels!

Georgette Lynch

Kami, I wonderful Blog. so full of information and pictures to show me the places you are talking about. I really want the visit Minsk now. Thank you!

Thank you, Georgette! I really hope you will have a chance to visit Minsk one day, it’s so interesting. All the best!

Kami, Great pictures, and thanks for the detailed descriptions of Minsk. The Soviet style architecture and history is amazing. I’m getting my plans together to visit in 2020. I always enjoy your posts, and appreciate your insight

Thank you so much for your kind words, Thomas. I hope you will enjoy Minsk as much as I did!

Walt Tremer

As an archaeologist, /American, i soent ten years digging south of Minsk, in the Pripyat Marshes. Also seven years directing high school student exchanges with BR schools. I know Minsk. And you piece on Minsk was wonderful! Right on the nose! Insightful. extensive, a true feel for the wonderful city. Brought back memories that no one had ever hit upon before. Two things to add.. the Mound of Glory outside Minsk, and the memorial site of Khatyn, in memeory of 2,000 villages burned down by the Nazis. Incredibly moving place. Go to the Circus if possible. And the ballet (Minsk ballet company is second only to Bolshoi). Thanks for a wonderful description of Minsk.

Thank you for your kind comment, Walt. It means a lot to me! I was hoping to go to the Mound of Glory but didn’t have time after all, I only saw it on the way back to the airport. I read about Khatyn too, would love to visit it one day, it must be such a moving place.

It has been a real pleasure to go through your blog Kami, the description of the places and the highlights are just to the point. Thank you for sharing it. I wish you the best in your future journeys. I could recommend you visit Mexico my homeland, in particular San Luis Potosi and Oaxaca.

Thank you! I would definitely love to visit Mexico one day, hopefully soon! :)

Thank you for unbiased story about Minsk and Belarus Appreciate it

Thanks a lot for the nice way of displaying the details, I visited Minsk on 2018 my plans to return back again to study the language as soon as possible ???

I’m glad you liked the article. I hope you will have a chance to return to Minsk soon.

Chris Rayton

Hello Kami, I love your Blog, last year when London was in Lockdown I flew to Minsk and back 16 times. I ended up marrying a Belarusian lady and have now secured my second visa. Hand on heart I can honestly say Minsk is one of the nicest and safest places to live.

I’m glad to hear that :) All the best!

This looks lovely. My usual vacations have me flying into one city and going city to city until my final destination, which in this case would hopefully be Minsk. Is it possible to get to Minsk via bus/train and leave via plane? I know you said if you fly there, you have to fly from there.

I’m honestly not sure right now. It’s best to check on the embassy on MFA website for this specific information.

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Places to see in Minsk

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8 Must See Sights for the First Time Visitors of Minsk

The capital of Belarus is a big city with 2 million inhabitants and lots of things to see. Everyone is talking about the cleanliness of Minsk. It’s also very green, with many parks around the Svislotch River.

The architecture of the city was greatly affected by the devastating Second World War. In fact, the city was built from scratch after that, with wide streets and Stalin style buildings. If you start your journey from the Central Railway Station, you can make the first part of it on foot. Here is my plan for you.

1) Visit Sts. Simon and Helena Church, or Red Church

The Red Church is a symbol of Minsk. The official name of the church is quite rare and, probably, can’t be found elsewhere in the world: Sts. Simon and Helena Church. It’s because the church was built to commemorate the premature death of two young children, Simon and Helena Wojnilowicz, of a Belarusian aristocratic family. It is known as the ‘Red’ Church because of its red brick walls. This neo-Gothic church was designed by Polish architect Tomasz Pajzderski and consecrated in 1910.

In 1923, almost all of its treasures were expropriated, and the church was finally closed in 1932. Later it housed the BSSR State Polish Theatre, and then it was converted into a cinema studio. In 1990, the Church of Saints Simon and Helena was returned to the Roman Catholic Church. The interior has been fully restored, and it’s now an important centre of religious, cultural and social life in Minsk.

After visiting the church, continue your walk.

2) Walk the central part of Nezavisimosti Avenue

Minsk suffered a lot in the Second World War, with 80% of the buildings destroyed. A new city had to be built afterwards. It was rebuilt in grand Stalin’s empire style: wide boulevards are lined with ornate imperial grandeur buildings. Some researchers consider it a variation of art deco. This architectural style was apparently derived from the French empire style of Napoleon Bonaparte. Begin walking Nezavisimosti Avenue from the Red Church to Pobedy (Victory) Square and see the Government House, City Council, KGB Headquarters, Post Office, ‘GUM’ the department store, Palace of the Republic, House of Officers, and the Residence of the President, among the others. The main Post Office can be found at the beginning of Nezavisimosti Avenue. Notice the unusual sculptures and the clock on the building.

The secret police in Belarus is still named KGB. The headquarters occupy a very prominent location in the centre of Minsk.

The Trade Unions Palace of Culture is a nicely decorated classical style building from 1954. It now houses two nightclubs.

After seeing all those grand buildings, make your way to the Upper town.

3) Visit the Upper Town

The rich and famous inhabitants of the city had their houses in the Upper town since the middle of the 16th century. It’s the central part of Minsk with so much to see. I’ll just bring a few highlights to your attention. Minsk City Hall Minsk City Hall was initially wooden. After the fire in the middle of the 17th century, it was rebuilt in stone and was the symbol of independence. In the middle of the 19th century, the tsar of Russia Nikolay I ordered destroying the building. After the independent Belarusian state was established, the City hall was rebuilt from scratch and opened its doors to visitors in 2004.

When you cross the bridge over the river, have a look at the Trinity suburb and continue to Bolshoi.

4) See the grandeur of Bolshoi Opera and Ballet Theatre of Belarus

The theatre was designed by architect Iosif Langbard and opened in 1939, its grandiose style inspired by Roman amphitheatres. The building suffered from bombing in the Second World War and was opened again after reconstruction in 1947.

The facade of the theatre is adorned by the sculpture of Apollo and two flying nymphs. In the park in front of the theatre, you can admire a light cascade fountain that resembles the silhouette of the theatre.

If you have more time, you can visit an opera or a ballet performance. Swan Lake ballet is one of the most popular ones. You have to book tickets a few months in advance. The next part of your visit might require using the convenient and cheap Minsk public transportation.

6) Read books or admire the architecture of the National Library of Belarus

Viktor Kramarenko and Michael Vinogradov designed the 23-storey National Library of Belarus as a gigantic diamond. It’s a symbol of the precious knowledge stored in the books within. It was completed in 2006.

There are different opinions about the architectural value of the building, but it’s worth visiting at least for two reasons. Firstly, it hosts a museum of rare books, e.g. original books of Francysk Skaryna, an outstanding personality in the Belarusian history. His sculpture is placed next to the library building. The exposition hosts 10 originals of the Bibles published in the early 16th century. The second reason for visiting the library is the viewing platform on top of the building offering great views of Minsk.

7) Visit Minsk arena, the venue of 2014 World Ice Hockey Championship

It is one of Europe’s biggest cultural and sports facilities, a great example of Belarusian contemporary architecture. The multipurpose centre is comprised of the arena, a velodrome, a skating stadium, and a multilevel car park. The official opening ceremony of the venue took place in January 2010 as part of the Second KHL All-Star Game, featuring the teams of Jaromir Jagr and Alexei Yashin. In May 2014 Minsk Arena hosted the 2014 IIHF World Championship.

Various concerts, shows, big exhibitions, and forums also take place there. These walls have heard live music of Rammstein, Sting, Joe Cocker, Jennifer Lopez, Depeche Mode, Scorpions, Linkin Park, Elton John, Jose Carreras, and Shakira.

If you have more time, you can continue your journey from Minsk Arena to the recreation area Drozdy to walk in the woods or take a swim in the summertime. There are several bicycle and Segway rent facilities in the area and nice bicycle paths.

For swimming in any weather, go to the nearby waterpark “Lebyazhy” on the bank of the reservoir “Drozdy”. The entertainment complex can welcome up to 2 thousand people at a time. It is the first real waterpark in Belarus, the fifth largest by size in Europe. Different forms of entertainment are combined with the latest technology and high-quality service.

Getting there: Minsk Arena is located at 111 Pobeditelei Avenue. The easiest way to get there is by bus No.1 from Central Railway station.

8) Visit Temple-monument of All Saints

Address: Vulica Kalinoŭskaha 121

See even more things to do in Minsk advised by  inspiredbymaps clicking this link .

Interested in street art? Minsk is a perfect place to explore it! Learn more about it clicking this link .

Want to explore more? Go and see other cities of Belarus   or take a road trip to Brest .

• Updated by Anita on February 02, 2020

Author: Anita Sāne

About the author Anita is a part-time traveller, passionate photographer and a retired career woman from Latvia,  travelling mostly solo for more than 15 years.  She is a skilled travel planner who plans and executes her travels by herself. Anita wants to show you how to travel the world and open your mind to new  experiences. Follow her on Facebook ,  Instagram ,  Pinterest ,  Twitter  and Bloglovin .

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Vul Kastrychnitskaya

Vul Kastrychnitskaya – still known by its Soviet name, ulitsa Oktyabrskaya – has blossomed into Minsk's unofficial arts district. Brazilian street artists…

Pr Nezalezhnastsi

The capital's main thoroughfare impresses with its sheer size. Formerly pr Francyska Skaryny, it runs from what travel writer Colin Thubron dubbed the …

Museum of Folk Architecture & Rural Lifestyle

Several dozen traditional wood houses, a school, a church and an old windmill have been transplanted to this open-air folk museum in Azyartso, 15km…

Belarusian State Art Museum

This excellent museum in one of Minsk's iconic buildings (built in 1939) includes definitive works by Soviet social realists and Russian masters,…

Ў Gallery of Contemporary Art

This well-established gallery and cultural centre heralded a shift in the artistic landscape when it relocated to vul Kastrychnitskaya in 2018. It is…

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Zaslavsky Jewish Monument

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• The Best Things To See...

The Best Things to Do in Minsk, Belarus

Soviet-era architecture, world-renowned arts venues such as the Bolshoi Opera and Ballet Theatre, as well as quirky sights like the Cat Museum draw visitors to the capital city of Belarus. Despite being almost obliterated during World War II, Minsk has transformed itself into one of the country’s most progressive and vibrant cities over recent decades. This often-dismissed destination is well worth a weekend break – here’s our selection of Minsk’s top attractions.

Visit the cat museum.

This temple for feline fans is located just over the river from Gorky Park, and serves as both a museum and a shelter. In addition to art exhibitions adhering to the cat theme, there are also dozens of furry creatures wandering about, saved from the streets by the museum’s volunteers. You can pet these resident felines – or even adopt one. After your visit, drink a “cat coffee” or “cat tea” in the cat cafe.

Ponder masterpieces in the Museum of Contemporary Art

The Museum of Contemporary Art is the biggest state institution in Belarus and concentrates solely on works produced in the 20th and 21st centuries. Its permanent collection is spread throughout low-ceilinged, whitewashed rooms, and consists of surrealist and abstract paintings, sculptures and photography – mainly by Belarusian and Russian artists. The museum also runs a busy calendar of competitions, masterclasses, kids’ activities and events at its in-house theatre, such as poetry recitals and experimental performances.

Get active in the Falcon Club

Sports Center

Situated just north of Victory Park, this gigantic leisure complex looks like a landed UFO, illuminating everything around it with powerful galactic lighting. Its ultra-modern amenities include a sports arena that also serves as a conference centre and concert venue, tennis and squash courts, a high-tech gym, eight cinemas and a spa with a thermal pool. There are also several places to eat and drink, as well as outdoor and heated indoor parking spaces.

Stroll around Independence Square

Architectural Landmark

This 70,000sqm square is one of the largest in Europe. Designed to host military parades and formerly referred to as Lenin Square, it’s home to many of Minsk’s most important buildings. These include the somewhat bleak-looking City Hall and the early 20th-century Church of Saints Simon and Helena, a neo-gothic building that was used as a cinema during the Soviet era. It’s known as the Red Church after the colour of its bricks – not, as you might expect, the politics of its architects.

Catch a show at the National Academic Bolshoi Opera and Ballet Theatre

The white, circular building that houses Minsk’s renowned opera and and ballet companies was opened in 1939 and designed by Iosif Langbard, the Belarusian architect also responsible for Independence Square. Its resident musicians are on stage several times a week, performing legendary ballets and operas in a hall richly decorated in gold, white and red. Whatever time of year you’re visiting Minsk, there will almost certainly be scheduled performances of classics such as Tchaikovsky’s Swan Lake and Bizet’s Carmen .

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Tour the Belarusian State Museum of the History of the Great Patriotic War

The Belarusian Great Patriotic War Museum was opened in 1944, during World War II. Belarus was hugely affected by the war, losing millions of its population – a fate the country suffered again during Stalin’s reign over the Soviet Union. The museum was moved and enlarged throughout its history, and it’s now housed in a splendid building in Heroes Square. Learn what life was like for Minsk’s residents during the conflict, and marvel at the glass dome in the Hall of Victory.

Walk through leafy Gorky Park

Gorky Park doesn’t only exist in Moscow – Belarus boasts one of its own. This park was established in 1800 as a simple garden, and was later named after Maxim Gorky , the famous Soviet writer. Currently, Gorky Park has an amusement park, an ice skating rink and an observatory. The amusement park features a 56-metre-high Ferris wheel, and there is a planetarium in the observatory.

Peek inside the Cathedral of the Holy Spirit

Despite being banned during Communist times, religion has survived in the country and continues to play a part in Belarusian life today. The striking Cathedral of the Holy Spirit is the centre of the Belarusian Orthodox Church. It dates back to 1633-1642 and also has an adjoining monastery. Inside, gaze up at the glittering chandeliers and gilded ornamentation – keep your eyes peeled for the Minsk Icon, dating from around 1500.

Watch football at Dinamo Stadium

Belarus may not have set the world alight in the football stakes just yet, but the city has a highly impressive national football stadium. Dinamo Stadium has a long history: it was first opened in 1934, but was sadly destroyed during the World War II. It was used for the 1980 Summer Olympics and the 1985 under-20s World Cup – Belarus was part of the former Soviet Union on both occasions. Local teams Dinamo Minsk and FC Minsk have played here throughout the years, and today it is the main home for the Belarus national team.

Cross onto the Island of Tears

Natural Feature

The symbolic Island of Tears is certainly worth a visit. Enter the island via a small footbridge, where you’ll find a memorial commemorating the Soviet Union’s nine-year war with Afghanistan – which occurred between 1979 and 1988. On the island, there is also a sacred statue of a young boy with angel wings. His private parts are more golden than the rest of the sculpture, as many Belarusian girls touch them on their wedding day in a superstition that means they will be certain to have children.

Jonny Blair contributed additional reporting to this article.

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13 Things to Do in Minsk, Belarus During Your Visa-Free Visit

Recently, I was looking for cheap flights to Tbilisi, Georgia.  As luck would have it, the cheapest flights that I could find all made a stop in Minsk, Belarus.  This Eastern European capital definitely piqued my interest, but I wasn’t sure about actually booking a trip there… would I really find any interesting things to do in Minsk?

Having already traveled through much of Eastern Europe, including visiting Chernobyl and other cities across Ukraine , riding the Trans-Siberian Express and exploring rural Romania , the opportunity to explore another Eastern European country was very appealing.  But… Belarus?

As luck would have it, my visit to Belarus took place shortly before the government opened the borders even further than they had already.  When I was in Minsk, travelers were restricted to five days of visa-free travel. However, in the middle of 2018, the laws were changed to give most travelers thirty days of visa-free travel in Belarus.  As long as you fly in and out of the Minsk International Airport, don’t connect through an airport in Russia and come from one of the eligible countries, travelers are now free to spend an entire month exploring this fascinating country.

It’s no wonder that Belarus was recognized by Lonely Planet as one of the Top 10 Countries to Visit in 2019! 

Because my time in Minsk was very short, I had to make the most of every minute in the city.  Luckily, I followed my own advice for making friends while traveling and connected with another cool traveler on the bus from the airport into the city.

(Note: Keep reading for information about how we got from the Minsk airport to the city center!) 

We were staying in the same hostel and spent the next four days exploring Minsk together.  Although we spent a ton of time just wandering around and taking in typical daily life in Minsk, we also found all sorts of cool things to do in Minsk, from scenic walking routes to stunning architecture to more than one crazy, vodka-fueled night on the town.

Keep reading to discover some of my favorite experiences from my five days in Minsk!

#1 – Walk Along the Minsk Waterfront

On my first morning in Minsk, I set out to explore the area around my hostel.  The hostel scene in Minsk is booming, and there are now great options right in the city center, like Trinity Hostel & Tours (which is only about one hundred meters from where I snapped this photo) and Loft Hostel (slightly further afield, but really close to some excellent coffee shops and restaurants).

For me, a walk along the river was the perfect way to get acquainted with Minsk.  I quickly discovered that this was not a city of leisurely strollers… despite the picture-perfect weather, there was almost nobody else to be found.  It was so quiet that it was almost otherworldly.

Location: Access via the Niamiha metro station.

Hours: No closing time.

Price: Free.

#2 – Pause at the Isle of Tears

On the northeast bank of the river, about five or ten minutes by foot from the bridge in the city center, The Isle of Tears is one of the most striking and solemn monuments in Minsk.  Sometimes called The Island of Courage and Grief, this memorial pays tribute to the Belarusian soldiers who were killed in the Afghan War.

It’s possible to walk inside the monument, as the interior displays the names of the almost 800 soldiers who were killed between 1979 and 1989.  On a windy day, the bells inside the altar catch in the breeze, making melodies of remembrance.  If you’re in Minsk on February 15th, an annual ceremony is held here, to mark the day that Soviet troops withdrew from Afghanistan.

Location: Access via the footbridge on Ulitsa Starovilenskaya.

#4 – Cozy Up with Kittens at the Cat Museum

I don’t think you can understand how excited I was to see a sign for Minsk’s Cat Museum.

I think it was my third or fourth day in the city, and I had already had my fill of Soviet architecture, orthodox churches and cheap vodka (more on all of those topics to come).  I was ready for some things to do in Minsk that were a little bit more out of the ordinary.

That’s when I saw this sign.

In my imagination, the Cat Museum was going to contain a large number of intricate, elaborate dioramas, showing everything from the first moon landing to the pyramids of Ancient Egypt, and inside every exhibit there would be well-trained cats – in costumes, of course – acting out these famous historical scenes.

Alas, this was not the case.

The Cat Museum in Minsk is actually more like a cat cafe.  It is located in a converted apartment that has a few rooms, each with different decorations and lots of free-roaming cats.  I learned that the owners rescue cats from the streets of Minsk and care for them with the funds raised through the operation of the Cat Museum and its attached bakery-cafe.

So, if you’re an animal-lover looking for a way to make a difference during your time in Minsk, consider spending an hour or two at the city’s Cat Museum – and making a generous donation too!  It’s definitely one of the top things to do in Minsk for anyone who is cat crazy!

Location: Beside U litsa Internacyjanalnaja 25 .

Hours: Tuesday to Sunday, 11:00 to 20:00

Price: 9 BYN

#5 -Marvel at the Holy Spirit Cathedral

One of the most iconic buildings in Minsk, the Holy Spirit Cathedral is in the very heart of Minsk.  The church, built in the 1600s and recently renovated, is the home of the Belarusian Orthodox Church.

The interior is typical of Orthodox churches, with little seating but many ornate decorations.  Many visitors come to see the Mother of God Icon (sometimes called the Minsk Icon), which was supposed thrown into the river in Kiev by Tatar invaders, and then miraculously found downstream in Minsk.

The public squares around the Cathedral are busy with concerts, festivals, street vendors and other entertainment, and this is one of the best places to take panoramic shots of the city and river.

Location: Cyril and Methodius Street, 3

Hours: Service times vary.

#6 – Experience Authentic Belarusian Nightlife at U Ratushy Restaurant and Pub

Of all the things to do in Minsk, an evening visit to the U Ratushy Restaurant is perhaps the most unforgettable.

Located in central Minsk, within a block or two of the Cathedral, U Ratushy is a large, multi-level restaurant and bar.  Decked out like Grandpa’s ancient cabin in the woods, this place recalls simpler times, when beer was cheap, food was greasy and music was of the live, accordian-tinged kind.

I stumbled across U Ratushy on my first evening in Kiev, on my way back from one of the trendier restaurants down by the river.  I could hear loud music coming from inside, and I wasn’t quite ready to go to bed, so I decided to check it out.

I couldn’t stop smiling from the moment I walked through the doors. Jam-packed with locals, everyone inside was having a great time.  I took a seat at the bar and ordered a beer – although lots of people tried to welcome me and engage in small talk, nobody spoke more English than “What is your name?” and “Where are you from?”

That was fine, because it meant I got to enjoy the ear-shattering traditional music being played by the live band (accompanied by 100+ drunk Belorussians singing along, and occasionally dancing!), and I also got to watch the locals go from surly (over their first post-work drink of the evening) to elated (three or four drinks later).

The next night I dragged my new travel friend back to U Ratushy , and he fell in love right away.  We ended up going back for at least one or two drinks every night of our visit.  We didn’t stay for dinner, but it looks like they have a great menu of traditional Eastern European foods (though I’d guess that the vegetarian options are limited!).

Location: Ulitsa Hiercena, 1

Hours: Daily from 12:00 to 02:00.

Price: Drinks are cheap!

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#7 – Climb the Stairs to All Saints Cathedral

The tallest church in the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS), Minsk’s Church of All Saints is a new construction that was opened to the public in 2010.  The church was actually closed for renovations during my visit, so I didn’t get to go inside.  However, I was able to visit the adjacent Trinity Church , a traditional wooden church (similar to those I saw all over the Maramures region of Romania ) that was built by hand by six carpenters.  The carpenters used traditional techniques, like cutting the wood with an axe rather than sawing it down to size.

Location: Ulitsa Kalinoŭskaha, 121.

Hours: Daily 10:00 to 15:00, with earlier and later hours varying throughout the week.

#8 – Tea Time at My English Granny Cafe and Restaurant

Confession: I hate blueberries.

I’ve actually always hated all berries, which I’ve heard makes me a bad vegetarian.

However, a breakfast at My English Granny in Minsk changed all of that… and, bizarrely, it wasn’t because of anything on their menu.

My English Granny was recommended in many guidebooks as an interesting place to eat in Minsk – decorated like a traditional English tea house, it was known for having trendy breakfast and brunch options beyond the Belorussian standards.

Because it was a nice day, we took a seat on the covered terrace on the sidewalk in front of the restaurant.  We ordered our breakfasts (I think I had an omelet and my friend had syrniki – cottage cheese pancakes) and sipped coffee while waiting for our food to arrive.

As we were waiting, a teeny, tiny old woman, looking like the perfect babushka in her ankle-length floral skirt and kerchiefed hair, walked past our tables carrying a bucket of blueberries.  The guys at the table beside us obviously wanted to help her, so they bought the entire bucket from her.  The grateful woman hobbled off, and the guys started munching on their berries.

When they offered the berries to us, I was tempted to decline because I hate berries… but I also didn’t want to be rude to these men who had kindly bought the berries and were now kindly offering some to us.  So, I took a couple of berries in the palm of my hand.  I noticed they were much smaller than the kind we can buy in the supermarket in Canada… maybe half the size.

Gingerly, I put a few berries in my mouth and let them pop against my tongue.  Was this a trick?

These little berries bore almost no similarity to North American supermarket blueberries.  The texture, the flavor… they were absolutely delicious!

Sure, my breakfast at My English Granny was good, but it will always be memorable for introducing me to wild berries – the local, organic, hand-picked, fresh-picked, babushka-picked kind that are related to supermarket berries only in name.

That breakfast reminded me to give things – not just blueberries, but people, ideas and activities too – another shot, as they could be completely different when experienced in a new or different context, and it served as another reminder that one of the best things to do in Minsk is simply to live life among the locals.

Location: Ulitsa Karla Marksa, 36

Hours: Daily 9:00 to midnight.

Price: As per menu.

#9 – Marvel at the Minsk Hero City Memorial and Monument

It’s hard to describe exactly how little money I spent in Minsk.  Most of the things to do in Minsk are free, as they are mainly attractions that you can see from outside.  By the morning of my fourth day in the city, I realized I had spent less than $75 USD since I’d arrived, and felt that I’d earned a little splurge.  So, I checked into the Victoria Hotel & Spa , a four-star hotel that was close to the city center and just across from Victory Park, and spent an hour in their sauna later that night.

The Victoria Hotel & Spa put me in a great location for exploring Victory Park, and my first stop was at the Minsk Hero City monument .  In most of the former USSR, World War Two is known as The Great Patriotic War, and cities whose people demonstrated exemplary heroism received the Hero City designation.  In the 1970s, Minsk was given this honor in memory of those who fought and died during the city’s 1,100-day Nazi occupation.

The Hero City Obelisk stands forty-five meters tall, with a gold star on its top.  In front of the obelisk, a feminine statue representing the Motherland stands proud, and the gold and silver panels around the obelisk hide the entrances to the Belarusian Great Patriotic War Museum.

I’ve been to a lot of war museums and have never left feeling more optimistic about our future (especially today…) so I decided to opt out of visiting the museum. However, it does top many lists of the best things to do in Minsk, so if you’re interested in visiting, check the current opening hours on Google Maps.

Location: Prospekte Pobeditelei, 8

Hours: Tuesday to Sunday, 10:00 to 18:00 (museum hours)

Price: BYN 9

#10 – Spot the Stunning Soviet Mosaics and Murals

All along Praspyekt Nyezalyezhnastsi, or Minsk’s most important thoroughfare, you’ll find typical Eastern European apartment blocks decorated with massive mosaics created by Soviet artist Alexander Kishchenko and other artists.

Kischenko is best-known for the tapestry-like designs that showcase the city’s cultural, militaristic and scientific history, including this detail from his “City Builder” design.

We took the metro from the city center up to the Maskoŭskija Cemetery (just in front of All Saints Cathedral) and then walked back to the city along Praspyekt Nyezalyezhnastsi.  This is a great seven-kilometer walking route , as it takes you past some of the city’s prettiest parks and most interesting buildings, including the mosaics shown above, and should place you close to one of my favorite restaurants in Minsk – the self-service cafeteria Lido – and Loft Hostel in time for lunch or dinner.   Plus, the entire walk is downhill!

Location: Praspyekt Nyezalyezhnastsi

#11 – Snap a Photo of the World’s Coolest KFC

I saved the second-best for third-last!  (The last one is obviously the best.)

Everyone who visits Minsk tops in their tracks when they see the city’s bizarre KFC restaurant, a landmark of capitalism installed underneath one of the city’s most famous Communist monuments.

This building used to be the city’s House of Fashion, or central clothing department store, and the Soviet Realist relief on top is called “Solidarity”.

Most locals walk past without giving the building a second glance, but it seems to stick in the mind of every traveler who visits Minsk.

Location: Prospekte Pobeditelei, 1

Hours: The restaurant is open from 8:00 am to midnight (or later) every day, but you can always view the building from outside.

Price: Free to view.

#12 – Shoot to the Top of the Futuristic National Library of Belarus

As a die-hard lover of crazy Soviet architecture (I actually keep a copy of CCCP – Crazy Communist Constructions Photographed – beside my favorite armchair) I wasn’t going to miss out on the chance to check out the new National Library of Belarus in Minsk .

A trip to the National Library of Belarus is absolutely one of the most iconic things to do in Minsk, as the city proudly plasters its image all over their promotional materials.  Built in 2006, the library technically takes the shape of a rhombicuboctahedron (a three-dimensional shape made from eight triangular panels and eighteen square panels).

The interior of the library is not particularly interesting and is not well-equipped to welcome visitors.  However, at the very back of the building there is an elevators that whisks travelers up to the open-air viewing platform on the twenty-third floor of the building.  From here, you get stunning views over the river and city below.  Downstairs, on the twenty-second floor, there is a small cafe.

A ride on the elevator cost 3.5 BYN, which is less than €1.50, at the time of my visit.

Location: Prospect Niezalieznasci, 116

Hours: Opens 10:00 am daily.  Closes at 21:00 on weekdays and 18:00 on weekends.

Price: 3.5 BYN

#13 – Drink Vodka.  Full Stop.

Speaking of BYN, or the Belarusian Ruble, check out the prices for vodka at the local supermarkets in Minsk!

At present, one Belarusian ruble is worth about €0.40, meaning most of those bottles of vodka clock in at less than €3.  If Minsk is the last (or only) stop on your trip, consider picking up a few bottles of vodka at the supermarket and hosting a Belarusian vodka tasting night upon your return.

Prices are much better at local supermarkets than at the airport duty-free shops, so shop early and wrap your purchases securely in your checked baggage.

Location: Supermarkets all over Minsk.

Hours: Varies.

Price: See above.

How to Get From the Minsk Airport to the City Center

Since I published this post three days ago, I’ve had several emails asking me how to get from the Minsk Airport to the city center!

Don’t worry – it’s really easy to get from the Minsk airport to the city center!  After you pass through customs and immigration, go to one of the currency exchange offices or ATMs to get some local currency, as you have to pay for your transfer in cash.  Ask for at least a few small bills.

Exit the terminal and walk down to the far left side of the terminals, close to the arrivals area (doors #5 and #6).  Here, you’ll find a clearly-marked bus stop (albeit with no English signage).  Don’t worry about the ticket machine – you can pay cash to your driver once you’re on board.

The route is served by regular buses and private minibuses, and the cost is usually about 5 BYN.  You might have to pay a small surcharge for your luggage.

The bus from the Minsk Airport to the city center will take about one hour, and it will drop you off at the central train station in the city center.  At the time of my visit, buses were departing every hour or so.

If you’ve got a lot of luggage, or would prefer a faster connection, you can also get from the Minsk Airport to the city center in a taxi or rideshare.  There is an official taxi booth inside the airport that will organize a ride for 30 BYN, or you can use the Yandex taxi app to organize an Uber for about the same price.

Have you been to Belarus?  Let me know your favorite Eastern European travel destination in the comments!

Love reading about Eastern Europe?  Make sure to check out my posts about Ukraine , including Kiev, Chernobyl and off-the-beaten-path destinations. 

My Sabbatical Story – Month #3 (September 2019)

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19595 Waterford Place,  Shorewood, MN 55331

Single Family

Kathleen A Murphy

Melissa M Olmscheid

952-283-0644

Last updated:

September 11, 2024, 08:08 PM

About This Home

Welcome to the demand Waterford neighborhood on the Minnetonka/ Shorewood border–minutes to Minnetonka High school to the east and charming Excelsior to the west. This high quality L. Cramer jewel is simply stunning! Fabulous interior spaces radiate with natural light and feature hardwood floors, soaring ceilings, and walls of windows. The large center island kitchen is open to a sunny dining area, vaulted great room, and delightful three season porch. A grand sized main level primary suite boasts a three sided fireplace, sitting area, and spa-like bathroom. Four vaulted, sun filled, and spacious upper level bedrooms brim with appeal. Expansive walkout level with family room, wet bar, sixth bedroom, office, craft room, wine cellar, hot tub/sauna, and more! Gorgeous lot amidst mature trees with picture perfect deck and patio. Award winning Minnetonka School District (Deephaven Elementary, MME, MHS). Idyllic locale on a picturesque street with quick access to major highways, daily conveniences, parks, trails, and Lake Minnetonka. Must see!!

Built in 1988

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$197 per Sq. Ft.

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