Best things to do in Minsk, Belarus
Belarus' capital is a little bit of a blank spot on the European tourist map. It doesn't appear like many people visit there (or actually visit Belarus).
Despite not seeing any tourists on my Minsk trip, it was March at the beginning so timing may have been a problem.
Although there aren't many things to do in Minsk, it is worth the time. I spent three days in Minsk but still haven’t seen everything that I wanted.
Minsk tourism is expected to grow with the introduction of visa-free travel. This will make Minsk more appealing to tourists tired of visiting well-known places.
This Minsk guide contains an overview of Minsk and some tips to help plan your trip to Minsk.
Minsk travel tips
Before I tell you what to do in Minsk, here are some Minsk travel tips you might find helpful.
Minsk's best time to visit
I can tell you when Minsk is not best visited, and it's winter.
I was there in March, and it was sunny.
It was sunny one day and rainy the next. The strong winds and cold were not to be missed.
Although it was possible to still visit Minsk, I cannot say that it was always pleasant.
Winter in Minsk is a great time to bring warm clothes, and gloves. They can save your life!
My first Minsk trip was in May, and it was great: sunny, warm, green. It was perfect springtime!
If I had to recommend the best time for Minsk, it would be from May through September. You have the best weather and can do many outdoor activities.
Is Minsk safe?
You may be asking, "Is Minsk safe?". It's actually one of the most secure capitals in Europe.
Although petty crimes are common in this area, they're not as widespread.
Be aware of the dangers in crowded areas like the metro. However, common sense is enough to keep you safe. Minsk is safe!
How many days are in Minsk?
Minsk is worth at least two days.
This should allow you to visit the most important Minsk attractions, as well as explore the city's cafe scene and alternative culture hubs. You can also wander around the parks.
Minsk is a pleasant place to live in!
How to get from Minsk
Flying is the best way to reach Minsk. This will allow you to visit Belarus visa-free.
Many airlines offer low-cost flights from Minsk.
I flew with LOT Polish Airlines to Warsaw. The flight took just under an hour. I paid about $100 / EUR90 for my return ticket.
Air Baltic, Austrian Airlines and Turkish Airlines are some of the other airlines that serve Minsk airport.
You can also travel to Minsk via train or bus from neighbouring countries like Poland and Lithuania. However, a visa is required for entry through the country's land border.
Although it is not expensive (EUR25 for Polish citizens), it does require some paperwork.
Visa-free Procedure
Belarus has changed its visa procedures in 2017. You can now visit the country for up to 30 day without needing a visa.
Only one requirement: You must fly into and out Minsk airport.
After visiting Minsk, you can go to Grodno and Vitebsk, as well as other places such Brest and Grodno .
You must have insurance that covers EUR10.000 for medical expenses to enter Belarus.
Like no other before, my passport was thoroughly checked. It was not only inspected several times but also magnified by the officer to make it more visible.
Although I was only asked how long I plan to stay in Belarus, I wasn't asked to show my return ticket.
The entire process took about 10 minutes. There were two lines to wait before you could get insurance. After that, you had to go through passport control.
The website of Ministry of Foreign Affairs provides more information about visa-free travel in Belarus.
How do I get from Minsk Airport to the City?
A few buses and minibusses run between the airport (Central Bus Station) and the city (next to the main train station, and metro station Ploshcha Leonina).
They leave every 20-30 minutes for each direction. The journey takes approximately 40-60 minutes and costs 4 BYN (1,90 EUR1,67).
I took the minibus through Mahilyowskaya Metro Station (the first/last station of the red line), while I returned by taking a regular bus through Uruchcha Metro Station (the first/last stop of the blue line). Tickets can be purchased from the driver.
The bus stop can be found on the left side of the terminal when you exit the terminal.
The central bus station is where the airport buses depart from platform number. 2.
Language in Minsk
Russian is an excellent language to learn.
Even if you don’t speak the language, you can still communicate with people in your area using English.
Many young people speak fluent English. There are signs and menus available in English at restaurants.
It is a great idea to learn the Cyryllic alphabeth first before you go.
Things to Do in Minsk
Now that we have covered the practical aspects of Minsk's travel guide, let us talk about what to do in Minsk.
Although Minsk might not appear to have many exciting sights, once you dig deeper, there are plenty of things to do and see in Minsk.
You get bonus points if your favorite architecture is the (mid-)20th century. Then you will fall in love with Minsk!
You will find a map of all the listed attractions and activities at the end. This map can be downloaded to your smartphone and used when you travel to Minsk.
Minsk City Map:
Admire Minsk Soviet architecture
Each of these buildings could be written about separately, but this list of Minsk's top sights would contain 50 positions or more.
Let's just say that the most important Minsk highlight is the incredible Soviet architecture. Even if you don't like this style, you will still enjoy it.
Although it may not appear like this, the city was first recorded in 1067. Over the centuries, the city was part of the Kievan Rus and Grand Duchy of Lithuania.
After WWII, Minsk and the Belarusian territory became part of Soviet Union. It regained independence in 1991.
Minsk was one of the most severely damaged cities in Europe during WWII. Between 80-90% of the city's buildings were destroyed.
Two options were available to fix the city. One was to rebuild it as it was (as it did in Warsaw, Poland), or to create a new space. That's how Minsk gained its magnificent, Soviet-inspired architecture.
You can see the best examples by walking down Independence Avenue. It is a great way to see the city.
Here you will find some of the most beautiful buildings, such as the Belarusian Government Building and Main Post Office, KGB Headquarters or Victory Square, to name a few.
There are many other architectural gems to be found beyond the main avenue, including the National Theater, blacks-of-flats in corn shapes and a stunning Soviet bas relief above KFC.
It was difficult to find the addresses of some buildings that are not well-known so I put them all on the Google map.
You won't have to waste time searching for Minsk Soviet architecture online. Instead, you can just go and admire it.
Ride Minsk metro
Although get more info the metro in Minsk may not be as grand, it certainly has its moments.
Ploshcha Lenina (with its massive sickle-and-hammer statue), Kastrychnitskaya and Ploshcha Pyeramohi are some of the most beautiful stations.
Although I was told many times not to take photos in Minsk metro, I did so. Once at a station, a guard walked past me clearly observing what I was doing. No one ever said anything to me.
I'm not sure if I was lucky, or if things have slowed down recently.
You will find a monument to the Nyamiha stampede at Nyamiha station.
There, 54 people died and many more were injured by a sudden thunderstorm that swept through the city on May 30, 1999.
Many locals were teens who were attending a nearby rock concert and wanted to hide but the steps became too slippery. People began trampling one another, panic set in, and the metro station was closed.
Get as many hammers and sickles as you can (and any other Soviet leftovers).
Perhaps you've heard that Belarus is either "the last dictatorship of Europe" or "the final bastion for communism". Sadly, this is what most people hear about Belarus.
You will be disappointed, Belarus is just as normal as any other country.
One thing catches everyone's eye is the sickle and hammer. Many of them.
Although the most well-known is at the metro station of Ploshcha Lenina, there are many others around the city.
Few locations are I able to recall being at the Main Post Office building, platform of Kastrychnitskaya Metro station entrance, and Victory Monument facade, or Minsk Gates.
Paulina and I had a competition to see who could spot more sickles or hammers.
But I only won by one or two points. It was a great game!
You should mention that there are several Lenin statues throughout the city, which is another reminder of Soviet remnants.
One of the most well-known is the one that stands proudly on Independence Square and guards the building of the Belarusian Government.
Although it is stated that you can't take photos of this statue, I was able to visit Minsk twice and no one seemed to mind me or my camera. There were even guards who started walking towards me, but he was so slow that I could walk away.
Weitere bedeutende Monumente to Lenin can be found at the Metro Station Ploshcha Lenina exit and Kastrychnitskaya Street, which is surrounded by street art, hip bars and cafés.
Zair Azgur Memorial Studios was one place I couldn't visit, as it was closed on Sundays and Mondays when I planned to visit them.
Zair Azgur was a well-known local artist in Soviet times. The small museum in his former home shows some of his best work.
There are many sculptures to be found here, including those of Marx, Stalins and Lenins.
Knowing more about Zair Azgur made me think about Zurab Tsereteli, the artists who created the Chronicle of Georgia monument at Tbilisi. This museum was one of my greatest regrets on the trip to Minsk.
Visit a charming, but small, Minsk town
Minsk, as mentioned earlier, has a turbulent past and many of its older buildings are long gone.
However, there is a small area of the city that functions as Minsk Old Town. It is located between the Republic Palace, and the Svislach River.
Here you will find the town hall, as well as some old churches and museums. This area is alive and well into the early hours of the morning, especially during summer.
Although it may be small, the Old Town is charming.
Just a few steps further you will find the Trinity Suburb, with its pastel-colored houses and cobbled streets.
The area you see today was actually renovated in 1980s, but it's still pleasant to walk and enjoy.
The coolest places to shop
Minsk has a GUM store, which is Russian for "main department shop" in true post-Soviet style. It was established in 1951, and it is the largest and oldest department store in the city.
You can find everything on three floors: clothes, cosmetics, household items and fabrics. )... You name it.
However, unlike modern department stores where many items are hidden behind the counter or in glass cases, you will need to ask the assistant to show you what you want.
This is a wonderful reminder of what shopping was like 30 years ago.
Even if your plan is not to shop (but remember tractor magnets! It is worth stopping by GUM.
It is a beautiful interior, decorated in a grand Soviet style. You might also find hammers and sickles here if you are a skilled eye.
The left staircase on the top floor offers a great view of Independence Avenue. It's one of the most beautiful panoramas you can see of this street.
You probably already know that Eastern Europe is famous for its wonderful bazaars, where you can find delicious homemade products as well as many other items.
Minsk has a Kamarouski market, which is also a market.
You can shop in the large hall below the roof for the finest Belarussian goods and other items.
Even if you don’t plan to buy anything, it is worthwhile to visit the place just to experience the atmosphere and see the sights.
If you're looking for unique souvenirs, Kastrychnitskaya Street in Vyaliki Dzyakui is the best place.
Take in the incredible cafe scene
One thing I love about Eastern European cities, is the new wave in cool cafes that pop up at every corner. Minsk isn't an exception.
The weather was not great on the last trip so I was able to visit some cool cafes. I can personally vouch that each one of them exceeded my expectations!