Minsk
Temperature
5°
Time
7:31 AM
Minsk
Built anew after the war, the capital of Belarus is a city embracing its own unique brand of modernity. A metropolis of nearly 2 million, Minsk is where nostalgia of Stalinist buildings and Soviet parks meets contemporary art galleries, stylish bars and excellent local eateries.Find your trip
The Old Town sits on the eastern side of the Svislach River, bordered by Vul Maxima Bahdanovicha. Known as Troitskoe Predmestiye, or “Trinity Suburb”, the Old Town is not really that old. The original 17th and 18th century houses were recreated in the 1980’s. However, it’s a delightful place to walk around in. You can relax in quaint cafés or browse through the souvenir shops.
The memorial sits on the Minsk-Moscow highway, a 30 minute car ride from Minsk. The monument itself was built in 1969, 25 years after the liberation of Belarus from the Germans, to honour the soldiers that fought against the Nazis in World War II and those who lost their lives. The view from the top of the hill makes the climb worthwhile.
Down from the Old Town by the riverbanks is the evocative Ostrov Slyoz, or “Island of Tears”. This is a memorial to Belarusians who lost their lives in battle, but particularly in remembrance of those that died in the Soviet Union’s war in Afghanistan in the 1980’s.
Standing defiantly on a small hill is the Holy Spirit Cathedral, one of the most instantly recognisable landmarks of Minsk. This two-towered Orthodox cathedral is situated in the Upper Town. It was once part of a Polish Bernadine convent. The monastery buildings nearby are now a music academy.
The trendy space and "cultural incubator," as the creators have aptly referred to it, ok16 regularly hosts art markets showcasing artwork by contemporary Belarusian creators, among other events like exhibitions, theatrical performances, lectures, and more. The entire street is a showcase for Minsk's alternative art scene, with murals and graffiti adorning the walls of Soviet-era block buildings and trendy coffee outlets neighbouring on (fully operational!) factories with "Emplyees of the Month" billboards out front.
Gorky Park is the city’s oldest park, at its loveliest in the summer. It is very popular with locals who often stroll along the well-tended paths. Gorky Park is a big draw to guests of all ages because of its enormous Ferris Wheel. Another reason to come here is the great view of the city.
Better known as the “Red Church”, the Church of St. Simon and Helena was built in 1910 by a Polish noble to commemorate the death of his two children – the tower’s three bells are named after him and the dead children.
At the junction of Nezavisimosti and Zakharava is this huge square, with a giant victory obelisk emerging from the centre. The monument has an eternal flame at its feet, which has been burning since 1954, and is accessible from an underground passageway.
The Old Town sits on the eastern side of the Svislach River, bordered by Vul Maxima Bahdanovicha. Known as Troitskoe Predmestiye, or “Trinity Suburb”, the Old Town is not really that old. The original 17th and 18th century houses were recreated in the 1980’s. However, it’s a delightful place to walk around in. You can relax in quaint cafés or browse through the souvenir shops.
The memorial sits on the Minsk-Moscow highway, a 30 minute car ride from Minsk. The monument itself was built in 1969, 25 years after the liberation of Belarus from the Germans, to honour the soldiers that fought against the Nazis in World War II and those who lost their lives. The view from the top of the hill makes the climb worthwhile.
Pan Khmelyu is one of the most popular upscale restaurants in town, often visited by locals to celebrate special occasions. Here you can enjoy giant portions of traditional Belarusian dishes complemented by live bands and other entertainment. Open until 4am.
If cheap local eats are what you're after, try one of this establishment's locations across town. The menu is extensive and features great value deals on traditional Belarusian and Eastern European dishes. Serves soups, mains, snacks, and even dessert.
Straunya Talaka occupies a basement cellar space and entices with an unusual décor featuring stuffed animals and tables made from re-purposed old beds. Here, guests are welcome to indulge in generous portions of traditional dishes of the Belarusian cuisine.
Lido is an inexpensive self-service eatery located right next to the TSUM department store. Dish variety is impressive, with mostly Eastern and Central European cuisines on offer. Lido will certainly not break the bank, food is of high quality and service fast and efficient.
Westfalia offers fresh, healthy food in simple, elegant surroundings. The cuisine is primarily German and central European, with a large variety of Belarusian specialties. There is live jazz here every Friday. Vegetarian dishes and a children's menu available.
Planeta Sushi is a Japanese restaurant, part of a well-established international chain. The menu features classics of Japanese and Asian cuisine, with a large chunk of it dedicated to different varieties of sushi. If in doubt, go for a Philadelphia or California roll.
This is a good café to sit and sink a few beers and watch the world pass by. The café offers local snacks like draniki and tasty potato pancakes.
The upscale Italian restaurant has consistently enjoyed great reviews, and is one of the finest restaurants in Minsk specialising in Italian cuisine. Live music is played as dinner accompaniment on most nights, and the service is attentive yet unobtrusive.
Pan Khmelyu is one of the most popular upscale restaurants in town, often visited by locals to celebrate special occasions. Here you can enjoy giant portions of traditional Belarusian dishes complemented by live bands and other entertainment. Open until 4am.
If cheap local eats are what you're after, try one of this establishment's locations across town. The menu is extensive and features great value deals on traditional Belarusian and Eastern European dishes. Serves soups, mains, snacks, and even dessert.
Minsk's largest food market, Komarovskiy is where locals head to stock up on fresh, locally-sourced produce. It's an experience even if you don't plan to buy, although prepare to be tempted - what better place to try the infamous local specialty called "salo" (cured animal fat), or purchase excellent quality honey.
Minsk's largest food market, Komarovskiy is where locals head to stock up on fresh, locally-sourced produce. It's an experience even if you don't plan to buy, although prepare to be tempted - what better place to try the infamous local specialty called "salo" (cured animal fat), or purchase excellent quality honey.
The country's main international airport is located at a distance of 42 km from the city. Reaching the city centre is possible via public transport - buses 300Э and 173Э and shuttles 400-ТК and 1430-ТК all circulate between the city center and the airport. Tickets may be purchased at vending machines and/or from the driver directly. Journey time is estimated at 1 hour approximately. You can also easily get a taxi from outside the arrivals hall.
As of 2017, visa-free entry via the Minsk National Airport has been introduced for citizens of multiple world countries. The visa-free period has recently been extended from 5 days to 30; if your stay will last longer than 5 working days, you will also need to register with local authorities and pay a small registration fee. In order to make use of visa-free entry, travelers must arrive and exit solely through the Minsk National Airport (no border crossing by car or train allowed). This does not apply to flights to and from Russia: those crossing the border from or into Russia will need to obtain a visa in advance. Those eligible for the 30-days visa include all nationals of the European Union and further European countries, as well as the United States, Canada, Australia, Japan, and many others. For longer stays a visa will most definitely be required. To learn more about different types of visas and supporting documents for each type, visit: http://mfa.gov.by/en/visa/typesofvisa
Belarus' continental climate, with warm summers and cold winters, makes late spring through early fall the best times to visit the country weather-wise. The months of June, July and August are normally very warm but not uncomfortably so, and these also see the Belarusian capital come alive with outdoor events and festivals, residents pouring out into the city's parks and outdoor cafes.
You can get around Minsk by using the bus, tram, or the metro. All three are cheap and reliable. The two-line metro is an interesting way of getting around as each station's decor is dedicated to a specific theme (the October Square station commemorates the 1917 revolution, for example). Public transport operates from about 05.30 to 01.00 daily and serves all parts of the city. Trolleybuses 1, 2 and 18 pass through Minsk’s main street, Pr Francysk Skaryna The metro closes at 24.30 every night. Remember to validate your ticket on board buses and trams by punching it on one of the red punching machines. Ten-day or monthly passes are available for all modes of transport.
Yellow cabs are the state run taxis that are best used. Prices depend on distance. Taxis can be hired at short numbers 152, 135, 157 and 107 (upper-range).
Pharmacies in Minsk are marked by a green cross and there are many of them in the city. Some addresses include: Kirava 3, Minsk (24/7) +375 17 328 47 05 Karla Marksa 20, Minsk (24/7) +375 17 220 28 44
The country's main international airport is located at a distance of 42 km from the city. Reaching the city centre is possible via public transport - buses 300Э and 173Э and shuttles 400-ТК and 1430-ТК all circulate between the city center and the airport. Tickets may be purchased at vending machines and/or from the driver directly. Journey time is estimated at 1 hour approximately. You can also easily get a taxi from outside the arrivals hall.
As of 2017, visa-free entry via the Minsk National Airport has been introduced for citizens of multiple world countries. The visa-free period has recently been extended from 5 days to 30; if your stay will last longer than 5 working days, you will also need to register with local authorities and pay a small registration fee. In order to make use of visa-free entry, travelers must arrive and exit solely through the Minsk National Airport (no border crossing by car or train allowed). This does not apply to flights to and from Russia: those crossing the border from or into Russia will need to obtain a visa in advance. Those eligible for the 30-days visa include all nationals of the European Union and further European countries, as well as the United States, Canada, Australia, Japan, and many others. For longer stays a visa will most definitely be required. To learn more about different types of visas and supporting documents for each type, visit: http://mfa.gov.by/en/visa/typesofvisa
