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1. Minsk Airport Transfer & Tours

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Minsk City Tour

Overview of the tour in Minsk

The mixture of old, soviet and new architecture makes Minsk city tour a unique experience. We'll visit the historical centre of Minsk as well as the Soviet part of the city and modern districts. First, we'll get acquainted with the historical centre of Minsk - Freedom Square (or as it is called by people Upper Town), where we'll have a walk to see the charming historical buildings of XVII-XIX centuries and remarkable statues and monuments. Next we'll drive along Winners Avenue to take a look at the new districts of Minsk with its impressive modern constructions. After seeing the modern part of the city we'll get back to the history to visit the moving Ireland of Tears and to explore the Trinity Suburb, walking around its cozy yards and corners. Then we'll drive to Independence Square and Avenue to admire the magnificent soviet architecture left from 1940s-1950s. And finally, we'll see the outstanding building of the National Library which is considered to be one of the symbols of Belarus. Feel free to ask questions and let me know your interests, we'll include them in the tour. I'll do my best to make your stay in Belarus as comfortable as possible.

This activity includes:

• Minsk City Hall
• Trinity Suburb

Meeting point

Pick up from your accomodation

You can be picked up from any city location. Please, contact us after booking to agree meeting point details.

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Free Cancellation up to 24 hours before the activity starts. Late cancellation or your non-arrival is not refundable.

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Minsk City Tour

Description

You will get an unforgettable immersion in the history of the city. Minsk was first mentioned in chronicles of the 11th century, and 950 years later, it’s still keeping its secrets and mysteries. Our experienced guides will tell you interesting facts and stories about Minsk and Belarus, will reveal the connection of times, and will move you to the era of the Minsk "Babylon". Minsk City Tour includes:

A visit the Freedom Square - the historical center and the heart of the city. Here you can see the Cathedral of the Holy Spirit, the Church of the Blessed Virgin Mary, the Town Hall, the Gostiny Dvor, a complex of former Uniat monasteries, beautiful sculptural compositions. In the cathedral of the Holy Spirit you will have the opportunity to see the most valuable Orthodox shrine of Belarus - the oldest icon of the Minsk Mother of God.

On Independence Square you will visit one of the most beautiful churches of Belarus - the Church of Saints Simeon and Helena, you will see the Government House with Lenin's sculpture at the main entrance, former tenement houses, the Minsk City Hall, a fountain with three storks, and two universities.

The main and the most beautiful street of the city Independence Avenue , will amaze you by its many sights. Planned 215 years ago as a bypass road along the city, today it starts from the very center. Independence Avenue is an excellent example of a single architectural ensemble built in the Stalin Era style. Each building here fascinates Minsk citizens and guests alike. You will see the buildings of the KGB, the Central Post Office located in Nezavisimosty Avenue which remains one of the first achievements of post-war architects that rose above the ruins of the destroyed post-war city. Also included on Independence Avenue are the Minsk Hotel and the Minsk City Executive Committee buildings that appeared later and were constructed with the understanding that their height could not be taller than that of the Central Post Office, the the National Bank, and the famous GUM Department Store.

In October Square you will see two palaces - the Palace of the Republic and the Palace of Culture of Trade Unions, as well as the magnificent Alexander Square and the House of Officers.

The Trinity Suburb will take us to the beginning of the 19th century. Today, it is a kind of open-air museum – colorful small houses and cozy courtyards. Trinity suburb is one of the recommended visit for the city of Minsk. Very close to the suburbs is the Island of Courage and Sorrow - a monument to the Belarusian soldiers who perished in Afghanistan at the end of the last century.

By choosing a combined pedestrian and car tour, you will have the opportunity to see the Winners Avenue - the second most important avenue of the capital. Here is located the Independence Palace - the working residence of the President of the Republic of Belarus, well known as the place where peace agreements were signed to settle the conflict on the territory of the Ukraine. In addition, you will have the opportunity to see the magnificent Museum of the History of the Great Patriotic War, the largest park of the capital - Victory Park, numerous sports facilities, including Minsk Arena, Belarusian Rublyovka, and the residence of the President of the Republic of Belarus. You will drive along the Independence Avenue and will see Victory Square with the majestic monument, Yakub Kolas Square, Children's Railway, Botanical Garden, Academy of Sciences, National Library, and the biggest temple of the country - the Church of All Saints.

What prevented Einstein from moving to Minsk? How much did people need to pay to get into the city? How did the German trophy become the "highlight" of the capital? What was and how was it? Where, when and why? You will find answers to these and many other questions during our trips. The adventure begins!

3 hours (180 minutes)

Private professional guide Interesting stories about the city that 99% of locals do not know Transport services (driving and walking tour)

Freedom square (walking tour) At your hotel or any other location in Minsk (driving and walking tour)

Independence square (walking tour) At your hotel or any other location in Minsk (driving and walking tour)

Recommended tours

Mir castle and nesvizh palace, "dudutki" museum complex of ancient crafts, khatyn memorial, brest city tour. brest fortress.

Minsk City Tour

Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

Individual tour

The age of Minsk, according to historical documents, approaches 954 years. There were rising and falling in its past, shattering destructions passing from century to century, and decades of the persistent reconstruction of the lost and creation of the new... What this city is now and what it remembers about its the past, that is a question that the excursion answers.

TOUR PROGRAM

You will learn about the wide historical past of the city during the excursion. The Polotsk principality, Grand Duchy of Lithuania, Rech Pospolita (The Polish–Lithuanian Commonwealth), the Russian Empire, the Soviet Belarus and the Republic of Belarus, that is a way passed by Minsk over the centuries… You will see St.Peter and Paul Church of the beginning of the XVII century and "Red" Church of the beginning of the XX century; the most ancient Nyamiha Street that began from the Minsk Castle, and the picturesque Upper Town connected with the life of Minsk throughout five centuries. Monuments of architecture of the XVII-XIX centuries that remained in Upper Town. On its main Liberty Square, you will see a Town Hall, Guest Yard, malls, several monastic complexes (Bernardines, Basilian, Jesuits). Here you will see the most valuable architectural city monuments such as Orthodox and Catholic Cathedrals of the XVII century; you learn about life of pre-revolutionary Minsk, city magistrate functioning, traditions of the Magdebourg right. You can take fine pictures against numerous street sculptures of Liberty Square such as horse carriage, city scales, Voight…

Further majestic ensembles of the squares and avenues of Minsk will appear before your look, monumental buildings of constructivism era, the famous ensemble of the main street of Minsk which is also a constructivism monument, modern public and sports constructions such as original National library and grandiose Minsk arena… The tragedy of residents in days of the Second World War; modern, dynamically developing Minsk of a turn of the XX-XXI centuries, all this will find reflection in an excursion too.

City history, its great people wonderfully will recover in the guide's story and will continue the narration during pedestrian walk across the picturesque Trinity Suburb which was bustling with life a century before and where museums, souvenir shops, cozy cafes, taverns and many other things attract guests today. This walk will finish a travel across Belarusian capital in time and in space.

The age of Minsk, according to historical documents, approaches 950 years. There were rising and falling in its past, shattering destructions passing from century to century, and decades of the persistent reconstruction of the lost and creation of the new... What this city is now and what it remembers about its the past, that is a question that the excursion answers.

Acquaintance to the founding place of stone Minsk: Liberty Square, ensembles of Jesuit, Bernardine and Basilian monasteries, the Minsk Town Hall which is a symbol of self-government of the city, Peter and Paul Cathedral (Ekaterina's or Yellow Church) of 1612 which is the oldest of the remained cult constructions of the city.

Visiting the Cathedral Church of Pure Virgin Mary, the former church at the Jesuit Collegium built at the beginning of the XVIII century in Baroque style or Red Church of Saints Simeon and Elena built in Neogothic style in 1905-1910 at the expense of the largest landowner from Slutsk Edward Voynilovich in memory of his lost children. The main shrine of the temple is the copy of the Turin shroud.

Visiting Holy Spirit Cathedral in iconostasis of which there is a few remarkable icons of the Moscow academic school are kept. The most valuable relic among them is a miraculous icon of the Mother of God called Minskaia . According to the legend, this image has been written by Luke the Evangelist, and his copy was brought by the Kiev Prince Vladimir from Byzantium to the Kiev Church. In the XIV century Kiev was attacked by the Crimean Tatars, the icon was thrown into the Dniepr. Contrary to all laws of physics, the icon wonderfully floated not downstream, but up, and on August 26, 1500 Minskers saw unusual shine in the Svisloch River and found the icon on the coast. Since then on August 26 holiday of an icon of the Minsk Mother of God is celebrated. She is considered the patroness of the city. From the cherished temple shrines blessed Sofia Slutskaya's relics, defenders of Orthodoxy on the Belarusian lands especially stand out.

Saint Elisabeth Convent, one of the largest in Belarus today, named in honor of the Saint Martyr Grand Duchess Elisabeth. The orthodox Sisterhood which renders the spiritual and social help to the sufferers became a basis for the monastery. The tour around the monastery is guided by the nun or the novice. Acquaintance to the history of creation of the monastery, visiting icon-painting, gold-embroidering, ceramic and other workshops. You can buy vestments, church utensils, ceramic or stone products, precious metals, spiritual literature, icons and other in a monastery shop.

Museum complex of ancient crafts and technologies Dudutki

Dudutki (an excursion with dinner

This excursion allows to plunge into the atmosphere of culture and life of Belarusian nobility farmstead with traditional crafts and entertainments.

Remarkable travel waits you including a serious excursion with light adventures, such as home-made vodka tasting, horse riding, the miller's treat. Dudutki is one of the most visited museums of Belarus, folk museum. Created in 1995 by efforts of the enthusiasts led by E. Budinas, this ethnographic museum is one of the most visited in Belarus nowadays! Monuments of folk life, the operating workshops of the Belarusian farmhouse of the XIX century wait for you during this excursion. You will see the only operating windmill in Belarus and you will try the miller's treat; you will visit a potter's workshop who will show you his art at the potter's wheel; you will visit an ancient smithy of the XIX century and you will be able to forge a lucky horseshoe for yourself… And traditional workshop of joiner's art with wonderful tools of old masters as well; picturesque bakery with bread baking history; vintage cars exhibition… And ethnographic surroundings and interactive action everywhere. Besides, there is also a stable with the Orlov trotters, and ostriches, and wild boars, and other living creatures. Also, you will be given a ride with ancient carriages and SURREYS, you will visit a picturesque picnic meadow, you will be able to plunge into the atmosphere of nobility farmstead. You will have 3 tastings during the excursion:

• at the hooch still (hooch, bread, pickle, honey);
• bakery (fresh homemade bread, 3 kinds of cheese, oil, tea);
• mill (peasant bread with pork fat).

Monuments of Mir and Nesvizh

Mir - Nesvizh

The most valuable monuments to Belarus are Mir Castle and a palace and park complex in Nesvizh, that you will see during this excursion. Both objects are included into the cultural heritage list of UNESCO…

You will see the most valuable monuments in Belarus included into the cultural heritage list of UNESCO: Mir Castle and Nesvizh Palace and Park Ensemble, restored in 2011. Majestic MIR CASTLE COMPLEX www.mirzamak.by constructed in the first quarter of the XVI century. Its bright architectural look, strong walls and towers, a courtyard paved with stone give you unforgettable impression completed by visiting MUSEUM EXPOSITION. Immersion into the atmosphere of its owners’ life begins with cellars with food supplies and wine, and ends with the Ballroom sunk in rococo luxury… There's a church tomb of the princes Svyatopolk-Mirsky, last titled owners of the castle. It was built in the modern style near the castle. The historical part of the settlement of Mir has wonderfully kept color of the former cozy town where throughout centuries Belarusians, Poles, Jews, Roma, Tatars lived together… Orthodox church, Catholic church, Synagogues, Yeshiva, handicraftsmen and merchants’ houses form the ensemble of its Market Square. DINNER. Half-hour moving to NESVIZH, the former capital of Radziwills’ ordination www.niasvizh.by . The Town Hall, ancient malls, handicraftsmen houses remained on the Market Square of this picturesque town; the Slutsk Brama (city gate of the XVII century) nearby. Visiting PALACE and PARK COMPLEX of the XVI-XVIII centuries constructed by Prince Mikołaj Krzysztof Radziwiłł nicknamed "the Orphan" (architect G.M. Bernardoni), surrounded by high earthworks and vast ponds. Elements of the Renaissance, Baroque and Classicism intertwine in its architecture. The majestic palace represents the system of the buildings connected in united ensemble forming the graceful ceremonial yard. Seeing impressive expositions in a Palace Complex: ceremonial palace halls (Hunting, Ball, Portrait, Chimney, Gold, etc.), living and administrative rooms. Walk through the picturesque PARKS adjoining the Palace. Acquaintance with the FARNY CHURCH (1593, architect G.M. Bernardoni): magnificent frescos of the temple in the CRYPT vault, the family tomb of the Radziwill, put this shrine among the most valuable in Belarus. The excursion shows the history of Radziwill dynasty, one of the most influential families of Grand Duchy of Lithuania and Recz Pospolita (Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth, who left a deep track in cultural heritage of the Belarusian people and all European civilization… Return to Minsk around 7.30 pm.

Ancient town of Zaslavl... It's here where proud Polotsk Princess Rogneda with the son Izyaslav has been banished for attempt of murder of her spouse, Kiev Prince Vladimir, she adopted Christianity there and founded Christian monastery, the first in Eastern Europe.

The first chronical mention of Zaslavl concerns to the XII century, however data provided by archeologists confirm that the city was founded several centuries earlier, at the end of the X century. You will visit the ancient settlement "Zamechek" where hundreds centuries ago the ancient Zaslavl's settlement surrounded by marshy hollows and floodplain of the Chernitsa River was situated.

You will see the historic centre of Zaslavl, the centre of the ancient city with the remained monuments of architecture and archeology of the X-XIX centuries and museum objects. During this excursion you will see the Calvinist temple of the beginning of the XVII century where the humanist, the Protestant preacher Symon Budny read the sermons, and which is The Transfiguration Church nowadays located in the centre of the ancient settlement "Val", you will visit the restored baroque church of Virgin Mary built at the expense of counts Pshezdetsky in 1774.

For an additional fee you can visit Mlyn ethnocomplex which is an open-air museum, Zaslavl museum exhibition complex and the children's Museum of mythology and forest. Fans of military subject will be interested in the Foxhole Museum (a long-term firing point). All of them are included into one big historical and cultural park-museum.

The excursion around Stalin's Line historical and cultural complex will bring you to the time of the Second World War and the events that happened there during the first summer days of the war in 1941.

The historical basis of the museum is made by foxholes of Minsk region. The company location is recreated and equipped in the museum. Military engineers have restored two machine-gun foxholes, an artillery semi-caponier, the command observation post. Each tourist will have an opportunity to visit the foxhole where the wartime interior is very well recreated, to feel cold steel of weapon in your hands, to feel Defender of the Fatherland. The engineering equipment of the location is recreated according to pre-war drawings. Exhibition includes all types of trenches and anti-tank ditches of several types, firing positions, blindajes for the shelter of the staff, trenches for tools, metal, wire barriers.

At historical and cultural complex, you will see the fullest in Belarus exhibition of military equipment, artillery, tanks, aircraft, small arms that were in the arsenal in various years since times of war; a unique exhibition of Russian, Polish and German armored covers which have remained even from World War I. All exhibits are real and you can touch them. Dents of shells, bullets and splinters, gun grease of those years have remained on many of them. Guides are in the uniform of fighters and commanders of the Red Army.

You can make a boat trip on the artificial lake on the territory of a complex; to try real "soldier's porridge" at a café; children and teenagers will be able to become "Voroshilov shooters" at a pneumatic shooting gallery, and adults can test the real weapon of the World War II times (firing from weapon PPSh, MP-40/41 submachine gun, MP-44 assault rifle, Mosin's rifle, Mauser, Maxim gun). The most fearless can drive armored machinery and tanks of the World War II times (BTR-40, PT-76, MTLB, T-34, T-44). Historical reconstruction of fighting scenes is possible: One day in army, Hitler Kaput, etc.

The memorial complex 'Khatyn'

Khatyn – The Mound of Glory

No one stays indifferent towards the world-famous memorial which represents a symbol of the sufferings of the Belarusian people during the World War II...

The excursion is dedicated to the events of the World War II, long years of occupation and struggle of the Belarusian people against the invaders. The tragedy happened on March 22, 1943, on the day of the vernal equinox, and became a symbol of the civilian population's suffering during the World War II. The lost in the woods village Khatyn was burned along with its 149 residents. In 1968, at the site of the tragedy, the architects Y. Gradov, V. Zankovich, L. Levin and sculptor S. Selikhanov created an impressive memorial, which is now famous throughout the world. The complex was created in commemoration of hundreds of Belarusian villages that were destroyed by the Nazis during the World War II, as well as in memory of the huge contribution of the Belarusian people, which entailed innumerable sacrifices. Every third inhabitant of Belarus died during the World War II... The memorial architectural and sculptural complex occupies an area of about 50 hectares. It has received the planning layout of the former village Khatyn and it is shaped from separate fragments. There is a six-meter bronze sculpture "Unbowed Man" carrying a dead child, which towers in the centre of the composition. Nearby there are also located closed granite slabs, symbolizing the roof of the barn, in which the villagers were burnt. The former street of the village is laid out with gray, ash-colored slabs. 26 obelisks, which have the form of burned chimneys, were raised in those places where houses stood. You can see there bronze tablets with the names of those who were born and lived in the village, and hear sadly ringing bells that hang above from all of it. There is also located the only one village cemetery in the world, as well as the Eternal Flame which burns in commemoration of the victims of Nazi terror. At the end of the tour you will visit and climb on the peak of the Mound of Glory, a monument dedicated to the liberators of Minsk

The tour of Polotsk city includes visiting the territory of the Upper and Lower Castles, the site of the ancient settlement and Ivan the Terrible's defensive earthworks. You will cross the Palata River passing through the famous Red Bridge, and see the monuments of Euphrosyne of Polotsk and the Prince Vseslav Charodey. In the course of the further excursion you will take a walk along Francysk Skaryna Avenue, where you will observe the Heroes of the War of 1812 and Warriors-liberators monument, learn interesting facts from the life of Symeon of Polotsk and Francysk Skaryna, and see the monument of the letter "ў" ('u neskladovae', in Russian - 'u with a breve'), as well as visit the geographical centre of Europe. We will continue our excursion by walking along the Western Dvina's Riverside front in Nizhne-Pokrovskaya Street, where you will catch sight of the children's museum building and the Belarusian book printing museum, visit the Epiphany Cathedral, and see the monument of 23 soldiers-guardsmen.

During the further excursion you will attend the territory of the former Jesuit Collegium, in which the building of the Polotsk State University is located today. In the courtyard of the collegium you can hear the students' anthem Gaudeamus. You will also can't but notice the figures of Francysk Skaryna, Euphrosyne of Polotsk, the first rector of the Polotsk Jesuit Collegium Piotr Skarga, the figures of a teacher and a student which are moving to the music. During the further tour of Polotsk you will visit the Convent of the Saviour and St. Euphrosyne women's monastery of the 12th century, the ancient Cathedral of the Transfiguration of the Saviour, decorated with a unique fresco painting from the inside. There is also located a recreated Euphrosyne's Cross containing many Christian shrine. In the Cathedral of the Elevation of the Holy Cross, you will be able to bow down to the relics of venerable Euphrosyne. The tour of the Cathedral of St. Sophia will show you one of the most ancient Christian shrines in Belarus. Initially, the cathedral was made of wood, and under the Prince Vseslav of Polotsk rule in 1044-1066 the building took the form of a stone church and has become the fourth temple of St. Sophia in the world. The cathedral was a part of the Upper Castle, a wooden town fort with princely chambers, a monastery and a square. Constructed as the strongest building of that time (wall thickness - 1.45 m), the temple was used to be a fortress, that in times of danger, should have protected the prince and his bodyguard. This sacred site represented the embodiment of the national identity, political and economic power of the Polotsk principality (paid additionally).

The concert of organ music in the Cathedral of St. Sophia (for an additional fee).

Acquaintance with the city of Slonim and Zhyrovichy Monastery, visit to the most ancient defensive temple on the territory of Belarus in Synkavichy.

A sightseeing tour across Slonim visiting an architectural complex of the former monastery of Bernardines which includes buildings of Baroque church and monastery, the Benedictine monastery, Town hall constructed in the middle of the XVIII century, osteria (inn), the only remaining construction of one of the most interesting palace ensembles of Belarus, Mikhail Kazimir Oginsky's Palace; the monumental construction built by the Jewish community of the city; Slonim synagogue; Saint Andrew’s Church which is outstanding work of late Baroque in Belarus.

An excursion across Zhyrovichy, the spiritual centre of the country, visiting the largest Belarusian Orthodox men's Zhyrovichy Monastery where believers gather from all corners of the country and abroad. A miraculous icon of the Zhyrovichy God Mother, the smallest of miraculous Icons of the Zhyrovichy God Mother is kept in the iconostasis of the Cathedral; there is the Cross with holy saints’ relics. Unique thing of the monastery is a high ladder imitating rising to Calvary. The complex of a shrine includes the Saint Assumption Monastery, Monastery of the Epiphany, Holy Cross Monastery and St. George Church. Architecture of the monastery ensemble combines Baroque, Rococo, Classicism styles. On the territory of the monastery there's a font where you can take a dip, a small chapel where you can take some holy water, monastic shops where you can buy candles, an icon or a cross, and also eat some food prepared by monks. Excursions are guided by novices of shrines who will tell you about monks' life, about miracles of an icon of the Zhyrovichy God Mother.

In Synkavichy which is near Zhyrovichy, there's fortress church of the XVI century, unique monument of Gothic architecture, the most ancient defensive temple on the territory of Belarus keeping many secrets of the origin even today. There is a legend that the Synkavichy church was founded by the grand duke Vitaut in gratitude for escaping from Yagaylo's pursuit.

Questions remained?

Places to see in 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    

Belarus city tours

• Minsk city tour
• Minsk City Private Tour

Booked with another tour the same day, Minsk city tour comes with a 50 per cent discount! (July -August special offer)

I promise, there will be no boring lectures about styles and ancient columns and arches!  My private Minsk city tour embraces all the major city sights and is tailored to match your interests (Soviet architecture / modern ways / Jewish and general history of Minsk, top Minsk highlights). It is a non-trivial introduction to an almost 1000-year-old city which makes one of the safest capital cities in Europe!

Minsk city tour by car normally begins with a walk in Independence Square, where the monuments of the Soviet architecture overlook the buildings dating back to the early 1900s. This square apart from being three times as large as Red Square in Moscow, Russia, is a perfect reflection of our current life. We may have a quick walk to the Central Post Office and the KGB building if you are interested in the Soviet ways of the city design.

You can't tour Minsk without some sweet highlights - between Independence Square and the Old Town we will definitely visit the famous October aka Brazil Street with the colourful murals and graffiti on the walls!

Tour in Minsk Old Town - today's Freedom Square - will be our next stage. One of the top Minsk tourist attractions, this area today features a number of significant historic buildings. Restored and renovated churches, cathedrals and secular buildings (Minsk Town Hall among them) will help you to delve in the country’s past,  learning the most fascinating facts and myths.

The second part of our Minsk tour will take us through the rest of Independence Avenue, its old and modern buildings, parks and monuments to Victory Square (Mr. Lee Harvey Osvald lived in that area for two years). The rest sights covered in my Minsk city tour include Yakub Kolas Square, the Graffiti Street and the National Library of Belarus (Minsk Library) - the treasury of Belarus culture and written knowledge.  Minsk at night is definitely safer than many European capitals, so we can schedule a private Minsk tour for the post-office hours. Tour duration: 3.0 hours, around 50 km round way. Tour price: USD 80  (private Minsk city tour, per car, 1-3 pax)*

April-May offer: -$30 off the price if booked with another tour on the same day! Note: the price quoted for the present Minsk tour is for reference purposes and is confirmed upon request. It covers transportation by car (the standard option for 1-3 pax is Volkswagen Touareg), an English-speaking guide-driver, travel services and taxes. The tour is available round the week and round the clock.

• Night Minsk city tour

All filelds are mandatory!

Questions are welcome!

Applying at their local Belarus Consulate, the citizens of migration-secure states (e.g. the USA, Canada, Japan and others) can obtain a short-term...

The form of application for a visa to Belarus has become digital and you can save and send it as a PDF file. It is only a 2-page document that is available...

Quite a number of things, as a matter of fact. Let’s examine a typical case from my travel agent’s past with a traveler landing in Minsk Airport (MSQ) and applying for a visa...

People, who want to travel to Belarus to see a friend, take care of the grave of a relative, take part in the court hearings, etc. need to apply for a private visa... 

This article covers field family research in Belarus that in most cases comes after dealing with the State archives of Belarus and genealogical research.

A plastic card is a fine thing, no doubt, but there have been a number of cases when the ATM displayed ERROR, or required a PIN code...

While most tourists agree that Belarus is not the country for grand shopping, there are still some things that can be brought back as souvenirs...

• Grodno city tour
• Pinsk city tour
• Soviet Minsk tour
• Minsk walking tour
• Mogilev city tour
• Brest City Tour
• Khatyn - Glory Mound tour
• The Jerusalem partisan camp
• Stalin Line tour
• Minsk Jewish ghetto tour
• Nesvizh and Mir Castle tour
• Belarus package tour
• Jewish Heritage Package Tour
• One-day Jewish Heritage tour
• Monster trucks factory BELAZ
• Tour all UNESCO sights of Belarus!
• Ozertso Village Museum tour
• Dudutki Folk Crafts Museum tour
• Belarus National Library tour
• A tour to a real village
• Spotting animals and birds in Belarus
• Berezinsky Biosphere Reserve
• Bison (zubr) tour in the wild
• A day in the marshlands
• A trip to Naliboki - The Hodyl family roots
• The Filipowicz/ Phillips family from Zalesye guta, Ilia
• Pliskin from Plisa (Plissa)
• Belarus family tree research
• Tour Belarus for family research
• Family history research near Mogilev
• Jewish family roots in Mstibovo
• Tynevichy - a place under the lindens
• Special tours
• About Belarus
• immigration
• transportation
• accommodation
• Video address

Minsk City Tour

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Minsk City Tour - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)

• Tours in Belarus
• Shared Tours

Tours in Minsk and Belarus

We offer you to familiarize yourself with the tours in Belarus, presented on our website. All tours are conducted by professional tour guides. You can read reviews from our customers on TripAdvisor, find out prices for tours in Minsk and Belarus, and you can book the one you like right now!

Minsk City Tour

On this interesting 3-hrs sightseeing tour of Minsk you will learn about our city , and see many buildings and monuments that remain as reminders of Soviet time. You will get an unforgettable immersion in the history of the city. Minsk was first mentioned in chronicles of the 11th century, and 950 years later, it’s still keeping its secrets and mysteries.

Minsk by Night Tour

Benefit from personalized attention and a flexible itinerary on this private tour of Minsk under the moonlight. This nighttime tour leaves the day free for other activities and lets you see the city's top landmarks lit up for the night. This tour is delivered by certified local professionals whose language level is excellent or close.

Nesvizh Palace and Mir Castle Tour

During the excursion you’ll get acquainted with the masterpieces of Belarus. Medieval castle in Mir and palace complex in Nesvizh are included in the UNESCO World Heritage. Belorussians, Polish, Jewish, Tatars, Gypsies always lived in chime in the small town Mir which is known more than six centuries. The buildings are included in the architectural ensemble of the former Market Square.

Brest Fortress, Mir Castle, Nesvizh Palace

The memorial complex "Brest Hero Fortress" is one of the visit cards of Belarus. On the night of June 22, 1941, the Brest Fortress was one of the first to take on an enemy strike by German troops. This was the beginning of the Great Patriotic War on the territory of modern Belarus. The further heroic defense of the Brest Fortress, although it had no significant effect on the general course of the war.

Brest City, Belovezhskaya Pushcha National Park

Brest - is a city, the administrative center of Belarus. The city of Brest has a special place among the cultural and historical heritage of Belarus. In Brest, a lot of attractions. The city of Brest and its attractions is not about one single site. During the tour you will visit one of the most comfortable and beautiful pedestrian streets of Belarus - Sovetskaya Street.

Grodno City Tour

We invite you to visit the ancient city of Grodno, walk along its narrow paved streets and admire its valuable sights. Grodno is a truly unique Belarusian city, founded in 1128. The city has preserved its historical buildings and today the center of Grodno, like the center of Minsk, is included in the first category of historical and cultural values of Belarus. Grodno is very appreciated by travelers. Here you may see two castles: the old one, and the new one.

Pearl of Belarus

Kosava Castle, Palace complex of Sapiehas in Ruzhany, Nesvizh Castle of Radziwills, Mir Castle. Castles in Belarus are the eyewitnesses of a bygone era, symbols of history and architectural monuments. Dozens of castles were built all over of our country, but only few of them were saved. Many of them have already been reconstructed.

Polotsk City Tour

Polotsk is the most ancient city of Belarus, the capital of the Polotsk land - the first Belarusian state. It is located at the confluence of the Polota River into Zapadnaya Dvina, right at the confluence of these rivers, on the hill where the fortress was located at the time, which gave rise to Polotsk. The first prince of the Polotsk land was Rogvolod, whose name was preserved by history thanks to his daughter Rogneda.

Brest City and Brest Fortress Tour

Visit Brest city and Brest Fortress. Brest is one of the oldest cities in Belarus. Brest fortress is the main attraction for travelers visiting Brest. Built in 1836, it went down in history thanks to the heroic defence of the Red Army against the Nazis in 1941 year. During the tour you will visit one of the most comfortable and beautiful pedestrian streets of Belarus - Sovetskaya Street, where are concentrated many cafes, restaurants and shops, as well as numerous monuments and sculptures.

Dudutki Folk Crafts Museum

Dudutki is a picturesque museum located in 40 kilometers from Minsk. The guests of the complex will familiarize with the way of life of the 19th and the beginning of the 20th century, visit craft workshops (bakery, pottery, woodworking, straw and willow weaving, distillery, blacksmith shop, cheese factory, etc.), learn the culinary secrets of the best recipes of our ancestors.

Historical and Cultural Complex Stalin Line

Stalin Line is one of the most grandiose fortification ensembles in Belarus. It was opened on the 30th of July 2005. It was founded in order to immortalize a grandiose system of defensive regions “Stalin Line” and to become a symbol of Soviet people heroic struggle against Nazi invaders. Historical and Cultural complex “Stalin Line” is represented by a military-historical museum in the open air.

Stalin Line, Khatyn Memorial Complex

Stalin Line is an informal name applied to a defense line that was built by the Soviets along the new western border in the 1930s. The site is divided into a number of sections that include restored bunkers with authentic interiors, exhibition areas with military vehicles (mostly post WWII) and equipment and a reenactment battlefield. Walk past the bunkers, trenches, tank obstacles.

BELAZ trucks factory tour

We believe that the real must for industrial tourism fans is to see first-hand how the world’s biggest dump trucks (neither more nor less than 450 tonnes!) are assembled. It’s really impressive. On a tour you’ll be told about the production process of Belarusian giants, given away a few secrets and also there’s a chance you’ll be let to have a test drive.

Minsk City Tour, Stalin Line, Nesvizh Palace, Mir Castle

During this 2 days sightseeing tour you will get an unforgettable immersion in the history of Minsk, the Historical and Cultural Complex Stalin Line and visit the magnificent castles of Belarus - Mir and Nesvizh - are the most significant sights of the country, appreciated and recognized all over the world. It’s proved by their honorable placement into the UNESCO World Heritage.

Minsk City Tour, Dudutki Folk Crafts Museum, Nesvizh Palace, Mir Castle

During this 2 days sightseeing tour you will get an unforgettable immersion in the history of Minsk, Dudutki Folk Crafts Museum and visit the magnificent castles of Belarus - Mir and Nesvizh - are the most significant sights of the country, appreciated and recognized all over the world. It’s proved by their honorable placement into the UNESCO World Heritage.

Minsk, Nesvizh Palace, Mir Castle, Brest, Belovezhskaya Pushcha

During this 3 days sightseeing tour you will get an unforgettable immersion in the history of Minsk, the Belovezhskaya Pushcha national park and visit the magnificent castles of Belarus - Mir and Nesvizh - are the most significant sights of the country, appreciated and recognized all over the world. It’s proved by their honorable placement into the UNESCO World Heritage.

Belarus is the country that worth for traveling. Someone would like to visit the western regions and visit the city of Brest and the Brest Fortress. Someone is interested for medieval UNESCO castles in Mir and Nesvizh, while others just want to explore the city of Minsk. Prices for excursions and tours in Belarus in 2024 also vary from the places you have to go.

What are the best tours in Belarus

• Minsk sightseeing tour 
• Evening tour in Minsk 
• Nesvizh and Mir castles tour (UNESCO castles) 
• Brest and Brest Fortress tour from Minsk 
• Stalin Line tour 
• BELAZ factory tour 

Take a private Belarus tour and gain a better understanding of this nation of kind and courageous people with a friendly guide.

The main cultural center of the country

Unesco castles and popular attractions in belarus, where to purchase the best tours in belarus.

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