43 best attractions in Minsk recommended for visiting

Attractions

By Giggly

24.02.2019

What to see in Minsk in 1-3 days? In this article you will find all the attractions of Minsk: photos, descriptions, map, opening hours, cost, and I will also give tips and recommendations for visiting. This list is enough for a full 3-4 days.

I’ll say right away, yes, Minsk is a relatively small city. Yes, it was all destroyed during the war. But with all this, there is something to see and do, even for an experienced traveler.

And if you came to Belarus for more than 4 days, then God himself simply ordered you to see not only Minsk, but also its surroundings.

Opera and Ballet Theater from a bird's eye view

Sights of Minsk in 1 day

Trinity Suburb

This is a historical district of Minsk. Once upon a time, this was the main shopping area of the city. During a fire in 1809, the historical building was completely burned down.

On the territory of the suburb there is a cafe that was opened more than a hundred years ago. There are several museums and exhibition centers here. This is a favorite walking place for tourists and locals.

Address: Starovilenskaya st., Minsk

Nemiga

Nemiga is the oldest street in Minsk. Today, the largest offices of local business centers are located here. The street is interesting for its buildings.

Here you can see original buildings of modern architecture, visit cafes and restaurants. There are several large shopping centers on the street. The largest multifunctional complex “Nemiga Mall” is one of the main attractions of the city.

In addition to interesting architecture, there is a picturesque lake, where in the warm season you can rent a catamaran or boat.

Address: st. Nemiga (city center), Minsk

Pobediteley Avenue

The avenue is located on the site of an ancient castle from the twelfth century. Now it serves as the city's largest transport artery.

The offices of large Belarusian companies are located on Pobediteley Avenue. There are also many branded stores and shopping centers; There are souvenir shops and tour desks. At the beginning of the avenue there is the world's first museum of the Great Patriotic War, created back in 1943.

Among other things, this is where modern and beautiful buildings are located. Also nearby is the Drozdy reservoir with a park. Also, in the shopping center you can rent a bicycle. There are long bike paths along the embankment with beautiful views.

Address: Pobediteley Avenue, Minsk

National Library

The library building is a unique monument of modern architecture. The structure is built in the shape of a polyhedral cube with a glass design. In the evenings, the lights are turned on here and the place immediately transforms. It is also home to the country's largest scientific center, which maintains a close partnership with Russia.

On the territory of the library there is an observation deck, which offers a beautiful view of the city center and the surrounding area, and in the library itself you can familiarize yourself with rare books and gain access to the Internet.

Address: Independence Avenue, 11B

Opening hours: Mon – Sun, 10:00 – 19:00

Red Church

The Catholic church is located on the main square of Minsk. It was built by Edward Voinilovich and his wife Olympia in memory of their deceased children. The temple has an interesting architecture made of red brick, which gave it such an interesting name.

The church belongs to the Belarusian Catholic Church. Services are regularly held here, and you can also submit notes on the health and repose of close relatives. Near the church there is a sculpture “Bell of Nagasaki” in memory of the victims of nuclear wars.

Address: st. Sovetskaya 15, Minsk

Opening hours: daily, 8:00 – 20:00

Entry: free

Zybitskaya street

Previously, the street had the status of a shopping avenue; now there are a large number of coffee shops and bars. This street is a popular recreation spot among young people. The street is pedestrian and is all paved with stone.

In local cafes and restaurants you can try dishes of Belarusian and European cuisine. Bars and nightclubs offer live entertainment every night featuring local artists.

Address: st. Zybitskaya, Minsk (not far from Nemiga metro station)

Church of St. Roch

The Church of St. Roch or Trinity Church was built in honor of the patron saint of all doctors. It was erected on the site of a wooden church from the 14th century.

The cathedral regularly hosts masses and organ concerts. The interior of the building is decorated with Gothic stained glass windows. The temple contains an electric organ, and the altar is decorated with sculptures of Catholic saints. This place is very popular among both visitors and local residents.

Address: Independence Square, 44A, Minsk

Opening hours: Mon-Sun, 9:00 – 19:00

The entrance is free

Official website: roch.by

Bernardine monastery

On the territory of the former Catholic monastery there is now the Church of St. Joseph. The church was built in a baroque style typical of the 17th century. Now it houses the main archives of the country.

Near the monastery there are ancient shopping arcades. There is the Monastyrsky Hotel, which is very popular among city guests. The church building is a unique architectural monument.

Address: st. Cyril and Methodius, 6, Minsk

Opening hours: Mon-Sun, 10:00 -19:00

The entrance is free

State Circus

The building is traditionally round in shape with classical columns at the entrance. The building is crowned with a dome.

Circus building.

In front of the circus building are several bronze sculptures. One of them is a 3-story structure made of a turtle, a cat and an elephant.

Turtle, cat and elephant.

The other 2 are more fun. One shows a magician with a winged donkey peeking out of his hat and a trumpeter climbing out of a large chimney. On the other there is a clown with a large drum behind his back, accompanied by a rooster and a small pig.

And in front of all this brethren on a high column is a circus rider on a horse.

The figures literally put you in a cheerful mood right from the start.

From the circus building, in 10 minutes you can walk to Victory Square and see the Victory Monument with the Eternal Flame.

Finally, I suggest you visit the Lakomka coffee shop on Nezavisimosti Avenue, 19. In the confectionery you can not only drink aromatic coffee, but also buy sweets. Chocolate from the Kommunarka factory is popular here. It is very tasty! I recommend it to everyone with a sweet tooth.

And see you again in Minsk!

Olga Anatolyevna, engineer, 46 years old

Sights of the surroundings of Minsk

Khatyn

Khatyn is the largest memorial complex, which was erected on the site of a village burned by fascist invaders in 1943. The village was burned along with all its inhabitants. The history of this tragedy is forever etched in the memory of the Belarusian people.

Here you can find out the names of the victims and honor their memory by laying flowers. On memorial days, rallies are held on the territory of the memorial complex.

Address : Village Cemetery, Logoisk district, Minsk region; GPS: 54.33462, 27.94371

Opening hours: Tue.-Sun., 10:00–16:00

Mir Castle

Mir Castle was built in the 16th century by representatives of a Belarusian noble family. On the castle grounds there are chapels, a gatehouse, palace ruins and an English-style park. There is a small lake next to the castle, along which you can walk and enjoy picturesque views of the area.

Inside the castle there is an interesting museum with permanent and temporary exhibitions dedicated to the life and everyday life of the Belarusian nobles. But you need to pay separately for entry.

There is also an interesting service for newlyweds, which you can order if you want to celebrate your wedding in the castle.

Address: Grodno region, Korelichi district, town. Mir, st. Krasnoarmeyskaya, 2; GPS: 53.45118, 26.47292

Opening hours: Mon-Sun, 10:00–18:00

Entrance: 420 rub. - for adults when entering the castle

Minsk Sea

The artificially created Zaslavsky reservoir is called the Minsk Sea. This is a great place for a beach holiday with developed infrastructure.

Here you can relax, without leaving the country, like at a foreign resort. Sandy beaches and a boat station are equipped for visitors. In the summer, people go catamaraning and water skiing here, and also constantly barbecue and celebrate holidays.

Address: Kachino, Minsk region (30 km from Minsk); GPS: 53.98471, 27.38223

Opening hours: daily

The entrance is free

Dudutki

Dudutki is a center for the revival of ancient crafts. Here you can see an old mill and see how people lived in Belarus many years ago, as well as see traditional Belarusian huts.

In Dudutki, tourists can attend folk craft master classes, buy souvenirs and ride horses. There is a mini-zoo with domestic animals.

Address: Minsk region, Pukhovichi district, Ptich village; GPS: 53.59622, 27.68322

Opening hours: Mon., Tue. - weekend; Wed., Thu., Fri., Sun. — from 10:00 to 18:00; Saturday - from 10:00 to 19:00

Entrance: 420 rub. - for adults, 210 - for schoolchildren, preschoolers - free

Narochansky National Park

Narochany is a unique protected area where rare plants for Belarus grow. There are several large lakes in the park. The area is mainly occupied by forest, but there is also swampy terrain.

On Lake Naroch you can relax and go fishing. There is an equestrian center. You can visit an ancient archaeological site with a guide.

Address: Minsk region, Myadel district, kp. Naroch, st. Leninskaya, 11; GPS: 54.90953, 26.70659

Opening hours: Mon.–Fri. from 08:00–17:00 (lunch from 13:00 to 14:00)

Entrance: from 60 rub.

Trinity Suburb

There is an ancient district in Minsk. There are houses in pastel colors and tiled roofs. The suburb is located on the banks of the Svisloch. In the 12th century there were wooden buildings here and it was the main place of trade in the city. During its existence, the area was severely damaged. At the beginning of the 19th century there was a fire here, in the middle of the 20th century the building was destroyed again. Already in the 80s, the suburb was reconstructed.

Today the area resembles an ancient city. There are antique shops and coffee shops here. If you want to take a break from the hustle and bustle, then Trinity Suburb is exactly what you need.

Where to go in Minsk and what else to see

Minsk City Hall

The city administration is located in the town hall. The building was built in the Northern Renaissance style; there is a tower with a clock and a bell.

The town hall has premises for the city administration, a Minsk museum, and a conference room for VIP meetings. The square in front of the town hall often hosts concerts and other public events.

Address: Freedom Square, 2A, Minsk

Opening hours: Wed. – Sun., 11:00 – 19:00

Entrance: 180 rub. - for adults, and there are also discounted tickets for excursions for the whole family

Pishchalovsky Castle

Previously, there was a prison on the castle grounds. The building was built by order of Rudolf Pischallo. The castle was built according to the design of the famous Belarusian architect Vladimir Khrshanovich.

The building has completely preserved the gloomy interiors of ancient prison cells. Now the castle is closed to tourists, it can only be seen from the outside, but the city authorities are planning to open a museum or hotel here.

Address: Volodarskogo Ave., 2, Minsk

Opening hours: Tue – Sun, 10:00 – 18:00

"Gates of Minsk"

The main city gate is a real calling card of the city. These are two eleven-story tall towers built in 1953. The towers are decorated with a large amount of sculptural decoration.

Near the city gates you can take beautiful photos as a souvenir. On the left tower there is the largest clock in Belarus, and on the right there is a bas-relief with the coat of arms of the former Belarusian SSR. The landmark is located directly opposite the main entrance of the train station.

Address: st. Kirova 1, Minsk

Opera and Ballet Theatre

This is the only opera house in the country where the best Belarusian artists sing. The local theater troupe actively tours and regularly updates its repertoire. The building has interesting architecture, and in the evenings it is illuminated with special lighting.

At the Belarusian Opera House you can watch opera and ballet. In total, the repertoire includes more than seventy productions. There are about two hundred performances per season.

Address: Paris Commune Square, 1, Minsk

Opening hours: daily, 10:00 - 20:00

Entrance: depending on production

National Art Museum

The museum is located in a majestic building built in antique style. The exhibition includes paintings, decorative and applied arts, and jewelry.

The museum has permanent and temporary exhibitions. Here you can get acquainted with both the work of Belarusian masters and recognized masterpieces of world art.

Address: Lenina, 20, Minsk

Opening hours: Mon. – Sun., 11:00 – 19:00

Entrance: 240 rub.

Museum of the History of the Great Patriotic War

The museum is dedicated to the life of Belarus during the period of fascist occupation. The museum's collection includes 313 exhibits.

By visiting the exhibition, you can learn about how Soviet citizens lived in Belarus before and during the war. The open funds contain letters from soldiers, samples of weapons, documents and photographs. The exterior of the museum looks very impressive, and there is a park nearby where you can take a walk. The place is interesting for people of all tastes.

Address: Pobediteley Ave., 8, Minsk

Opening hours: Tue.-Sun., 10:00 – 18:00

Entrance: 270 rub. — for adults, for students — 210 rubles, for schoolchildren — 135 rubles.

Country Mini

This is the only museum of architectural miniatures in the country. The exhibition presents almost all the sights of Belarus.

By visiting the exhibition, you can better learn the layout and architecture of the country’s memorable places. In the souvenir shop, tourists can purchase models of interesting buildings and city guides. There is a photo zone in the form of a traditional Belarusian home.

Address: Independence Avenue, 25, Minsk

Opening hours: Mon-Sun, 11:00 – 20:00

Entrance: 570 rub. — for adults, discount — 450 rub.

Cathedral of the Descent of the Holy Spirit

The cathedral was built in the 17th century in the Baroque style typical of that time. The entrance is designed in the form of a picturesque portico with six columns.

Services are held in the cathedral, and you can also submit notes of remembrance for relatives. The most famous icon of the cathedral is the icon of the Mother of God, which has been in Minsk since the beginning of the 16th century. They claim that it was written by the Evangelist Luke himself.

Address: st. Cyril and Methodius, 3, Minsk

Opening hours: Mon-Sun, 9:00 – 19:00

The entrance is free

Official website: sabor.by

GUM

Minsk GUM is a large shopping center opened after the war. Now decorations for shop windows are being made here. On the territory of the department store you can purchase Belarusian products, cosmetics, clothes and shoes; There is a winter garden in the recreation area.

In GUM you can purchase high-quality Belarusian products, manufactured goods, and goods for children. The shopping center regularly hosts industrial exhibitions and fairs. There is a network of souvenir shops.

Address: Independence Avenue, 21, Minsk

Opening hours: Mon-Sun, 08:00 – 20:00

The entrance is free

Official website: gum.by

"Minsk-Arena"

The famous cultural and sports complex was opened in 2006. The building was built in high-tech style. The Ice Arena hosts performances by local artists.

Here you can attend concerts and sporting events, as well as rent sports equipment and go ice skating, play hockey or tennis. There is a cafe and comfortable changing rooms.

Address: Pobediteley Avenue, 11, Minsk

Opening hours: Mon-Sun, 08:00 – 23:00

Entrance: 200 rub.

Dynamo Stadium

This is one of the largest sports arenas in the country. The stadium has two football fields for games and training.

Concerts, football matches and cultural events are also constantly held here. You can attend home matches of the Minsk football team "Dynamo".

Address: Kirova, 8, Minsk

Opening hours: Mon-Sun, 08:00 – 22:00

Entrance: 200 rub.

Oktyabrskaya Street and Gallery “Ў”

On Oktyabrskaya Street there is the only contemporary art gallery in the city. It got its name in honor of a letter that is found only in the Belarusian alphabet.

In the gallery you can visit a technical exhibition and an exhibition of contemporary artists, as well as a book fair. There is a designer items store where tourists can buy original souvenirs.

Address: st. Lenina, 10, Minsk

Opening hours: Tue – Sun, 10:00 – 22:00

Entrance: 100 rub.

"Sandbox"

Locals call the sandbox a large area in the city center where food trucks stand and sell street food. It's always fun and lively here.

Young people like to relax in the sandbox area. Concerts and festivals often take place here, and partygoers also gather here. Street food has a wide variety.

Address: Masherova Avenue, 11, Minsk

Opening hours: Mon-Sun, 11:00 – 23:00

The entrance is free

Official website: sbox.by

Azgur Museum

The Museum of the artist Z. I. Azgur is both the artist’s workshop and the repository of his works. It was opened to the public in 2000. The museum's collection contains 4,000 works of art.

The museum regularly hosts traveling exhibitions and creative events. You can book a tour and learn about the life and work of Z. Azgur, as well as attend a painting master class.

Address: st. Azgura, 8, Minsk

Opening hours: Tue.-Sat., 10:00 – 17:00

Entrance: 200 rub.

Memorial complex "Yama"

The memorial complex is located where the Jewish ghetto was located during the Great Patriotic War. The obelisk is a 17-step descent into a pit along which people walk, doomed to death.

On memorial days, rallies and flower-layings are held here in memory of the victims. On the territory of the complex there is a stele with the names and surnames of the victims.

Address: Alley of the Righteous Among the Nations, Central District, Minsk

Zoo and Dinopark

Now in the Minsk Zoo there are 250 species of animals, and the total number of inhabitants is 2000 animals. Here you can see ostriches, bears, wild goats, tigers, and many other animals. The zoo also has a terrarium with various reptiles and amphibians. There is also a dino park and a dolphinarium on the territory of the complex.

In the Dinopark, children are greeted with life-size models of dinosaurs. They move and make realistic sounds. The guide can tell you more about the life of these animals in prehistoric times.

Address: Tashkentskaya, 40, Minsk

Opening hours: Tue – Sun, 11:00 – 19:00

Entrance: 480 rub. — for 1 person, 660 rub. - for two

Toy railway

The railway for children was opened in 1971 and was named after K. S. Zaslonov, a famous railway worker in the country. The route differs from the real one only in the width of the track and the length of the path.

Here children can try themselves as a conductor or driver, as well as ride a train as a passenger. The train travels through parks, a river and forest parks. The walls of the carriages are decorated with children's drawings.

Address: Independence Avenue, 86, Minsk

Opening hours: Wed-Sun, 11:00 – 17:00

Paid entrance

Planetarium

The country's main planetarium offers visitors an overview of the starry sky and fascinating lectures on astronomy. The planetarium building is shaped like a sphere and resembles a spaceship.

Here you can look at the stars through a telescope, as well as attend interesting master classes and other educational events. There are clubs and sections on astronomy for children and teenagers.

Address: st. Frunze, 2, Minsk

Opening hours: Tue.-Sun., 11:00 – 19:00

Entrance: 100 rub. — for adults, 80 rub. - for children

Water park "Lebyazhiy"

This is the fifth largest European water park. In summer, it is visited daily by 8,000 children and adults. The symbol of the water park is the funny creature Akvik. It brings good luck to visitors.

The water park has entertainment areas for children and adults. The water is illuminated with LEDs, creating a relaxing atmosphere. The Rain Grotto attraction is very popular. The park always plays cheerful and cheerful music, and you also have the opportunity to visit local bars or cafes.

Address: Pobediteley Avenue, 120, Minsk

Opening hours: Mon-Sun, 10:00 – 22:00

Entrance: 1370 rub. aqua zone for an adult for 3 hours, for 4 hours - 1490 rubles, children from 4 to 13 years old - 840 rubles. for 3 hours, children from 14 to 17 years old - 960 rubles. for 3 hours

Dolphinarium

The city dolphinarium "Nemo" is located near the zoo. Dolphinarium employees are engaged in the conservation of marine animals and dissemination of information about them.

In the park you can swim with dolphins and watch entertainment programs involving trained animals. The show features dolphins, seals and sea lions.

Address: Tashkentskaya, 40, Minsk

Opening hours: daily except Monday, sessions at 12:00, 15:00, 18:00

Entrance: 900 rubles, but if you get to the performance on Wednesday, the cost will be 450 rubles.

Independence Square

One of the largest areas in Europe, occupies approximately 7 hectares. But once in the center, tourists do not have the feeling that there is a huge space here. There is an architectural ensemble around, the Red Church.

The square was founded in 1934. From here begins Independence Avenue, which is 15 km long. This is one of the longest highways in Europe.

During its existence, the square was modified many times. Today it is a wonderful place for walking and relaxing. There is a shopping center nearby where you can not only shop, but also have a snack in a cafe.

The best parks in Minsk

Gorky Park

The park was founded in the early 19th century and was previously called the Governor's Garden. Once upon a time it was just a square with several ponds and alleys.

Now the park contains attractions, sports and active recreation areas. There is a separate play area for children to relax. The hallmark of the park was its entrance gate with sculptural decoration.

Address: st. Frunze, 2, Minsk

Opening hours: daily

The entrance is free

Official website: parki.by

Chelyuskintsev Park

The park covers an area of 78 hectares. 12,000 people can relax here at the same time. Species of trees and shrubs rare for Belarus grow here. The park contains a monument in honor of those killed in the Great Patriotic War.

There are also playgrounds, entertainment and sports grounds in the park. There is a dance floor and stage where concerts are held in the summer. In addition to interesting vegetation, you can watch squirrels in the park. The little residents are not averse to refreshment, so don’t forget to grab a treat if necessary.

Address: Independence Avenue, 84, Minsk

Opening hours: daily

The entrance is free

Loshitsky Park

Loshitsa Park is a garden and park ensemble of the 18th century. In Soviet times there was a state farm here, and in 2011 a manor and park complex was opened.

Once upon a time, the border of glacier movement passed through the park. Therefore, this place is distinguished by a unique biological diversity of fauna and flora. A hundred-year-old oak tree grows in the park. It is believed that by touching it, a person will find happiness in family life.

Address: st. Mayakovskogo, 135, Minsk

Opening hours: daily

The entrance is free

Botanical Garden

The botanical garden covers an area of 106 hectares. The city administration's natural resource management department is located here.

In the park you can relax and be in silence, enjoying nature. Rare berries and plants for Belarus grow here. There are also several artificial reservoirs for fishing.

Address: Surganova, 2B, Minsk

Opening hours: Tue.-Sun., 10:00 – 20:00

Entrance: 300 rub.

Victory Park

Another name for the park is Victoria Square. Here is Komsomolskoye Lake - a good place for fishing and relaxation.

There are several illuminated fountains in the park. On Bird Island you can watch rare species of birds. In winter, a ski track is laid through the park. Near the “Sail” fountain there is a sculptural composition “Flourishing”, dedicated to the revival of Belarus.

Overall the place is very picturesque and calm. It is a pleasure to walk along the alleys and paths of the park, watching the local birds.

Address: Minsk, Pobediteley Avenue, 45

Opening hours: daily

The entrance is free

Drozdy Park

This park is the most beautiful in Minsk. It is located on the territory of the reservoir of the same name. Locals love to relax here.

The lake has a beach with changing rooms and a fully equipped children's playground. There is a long path for cyclists along the embankment. There are equipped places for walking and sports games.

Address: ave. Winners, Minsk

Opening hours: daily

The entrance is free

Stone Park and Kurapaty

The Rock Park is a giant map of the Republic of Belarus, made of ice age boulders. All stones are taken from the areas they are used to represent.

You can take interesting photos in the park. There are recreation areas for children and teenagers. Nearby, in Kurapaty, there is a memorial and mass grave of Belarusians executed in 1937-1941. In 2022, an obelisk was erected here in memory of the victims.

Address: Valunov Alley, Minsk

Opening hours: daily

City Gate

Location

: st. Kirova 2.

Operating mode

: around the clock.

The station square greets tourists with two 11-story towers, which are attached to 5-story buildings. They are examined only from the outside. They look especially beautiful in the evening when the lights come on. On each tower there are clocks and sculptures: a partisan, a soldier, an engineer and a collective farmer. The building became a symbol of the new Soviet power, and at the same time adopted traditions: previously wooden towers were installed at the entrance to the city territory.

Church of St. Simeon and St. Helena. Photo: zabyg17

FAQ

Where can you go with children in Minsk? Nemiga, National Library, Mini Country, Zoo and Dinopark, Children's Railway, Planetarium, Lebyazhy Water Park, Dolphinarium, Botanical Garden, Victory Park.

What sights in Minsk should a tourist see first? Trinity Suburb, Nemiga, Pobediteley Avenue, National Library, Red Church, Zybitskaya Street, Church of St. Roch, Bernardine Monastery.

What sights of Minsk can you see on your own? Upper Town, Independence Square, Victory Square, Trinity Suburb, Trinity Suburb, Minsk City Hall, “Minsk Gate”, GUM, “Sandbox”.

Modern sights of Minsk? Pobediteley Avenue, National Library, Minsk Gate, Minsk Arena, Dynamo Stadium.

Pishchalovsky Castle

Address

: st. Volodarsky 2.

The castle was founded in 1825 and is one of the oldest surviving buildings. Refers to neoclassicism. From the very beginning it was intended to hold political prisoners: thick stone walls are surrounded by an equally powerful fence. Famous poets, revolutionaries, writers and artists served their sentences here. During the Soviet era, executions took place. Nowadays, there is a pre-trial detention center here, so inspection is only accessible from the outside.

City Hall. Photo: Allerdings69

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Minsk Zoo

If you manage to come to the capital with a child, it is worth visiting the zoo. More than 400 species of animals are represented here, 226 of them are listed in the Red Book. Time flies at the zoo. Both children and adults will find it very interesting. Guests will see animals in an enclosure, a terrarium, a dolphinarium, and an aquarium. There is also a petting zoo.

It turns out that there are a lot of interesting places in the city that you can see in Minsk in 1 day on your own. These are not only museums and historical buildings, but also modern buildings. Children will enjoy the zoo, water park, and dino park. It is best to come to the capital of Belarus with the whole family. A lot of positive emotions and unforgettable impressions are guaranteed.

Stalin line

The recreated fortification complex Stalin Line is rightfully considered one of the most interesting and visited attractions in Minsk. The place is located 30 km from the city, the opening took place in 2005. All exhibits representing defensive structures and military equipment are real. Many of them had traces of bullets and shell explosions. Visitors’ activities are not limited to inspection; they can go inside the buildings, hold wartime weapons in their hands, and even shoot them at the shooting range.

Try potato pancakes and krambambuli

Belarusian cuisine is hearty, thorough and original. Don’t even try to have a snack on the run, just like having lunch alone. It is better to go to restaurants of Belarusian cuisine with the whole family or a large group to share a portion of pancakes with caviar or sorcerers with meat, sliced yandlina and home-made sausages among two or three. Be sure to try the rich verashchaka, machanka with pancakes and smoked ribs, and pork baked in pots with vegetables, mushrooms and herbs.

The best restaurants of Belarusian cuisine in Minsk:

"Cornflowers"
"Tavern on Parkovaya"
"Kuhmistr"
"Kamyanitsa"
"Gostiny Dvor"

Be sure to pay tribute to the strong “Krambambula” made with honey and spices, the “Belorussky” balsam and the “Zubrovka” tincture. And for dessert, try the Belarusian prismaki: chocolates from Kommunarka and Spartak, Cranberries in Sugar and Bobruisk marshmallows from a factory with the nostalgic name “Red Pishevik”.

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Memorial complex "Khatyn"

During the war, Belarus fiercely resisted the enemy. For this, the people paid a cruel price, losing every third resident. In 1969, a memorial was created in memory not only of Khatyn, but also of all Belarusian villages destroyed by the Nazis. The granite crowns of log houses and chimneys became monuments to the houses that stood in these places before trouble came here. The bronze image “Unconquered” symbolizes fortitude and love for one’s Fatherland.

Admire the Stalinist Empire style

Photo: Hanna Zelenko, CC BY-SA 3.0,
After the war, Minsk was rebuilt almost from scratch, so the architects had room to roam, and the main avenue was made an example of the Stalinist Empire style. It is not surprising: all guests from the West first entered the “city of the Sun” Minsk, and already here they were supposed to be struck on the spot by the greatness of the Soviet empire. Today, Independence Avenue is in line to be included in the UNESCO World Heritage List, and Minsk is the only city of the former socialist camp that can boast such a complete ensemble of a parade avenue.

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7. Island of Tears

In the center of Minsk in 1996, a memorial was opened to Belarusian citizens who died in Afghanistan. The composition is an artificial island on the Svisloch River. Walking across the pedestrian bridge, you can see a bronze icon of the Mother of God mounted in a boulder. Inside the monument, stylized as an ancient temple, are carved the names of 771 soldiers who gave their lives in the performance of military duty. The bronze angel boy cries for all the sons and daughters of Belarus whom he could not save.

Take a photo at the tower crane graveyard

Few people can boast of taking a selfie from the cemetery of tower cranes. That is why this rare place, even for large cities, cannot be missed in Minsk. The urban landscape with the atmosphere of a post-industrial apocalypse attracts stalkers of all ages. There is no point in sneaking into an area surrounded by a fence with barbed wire and studded with cameras. You can take some cool photos from the outside as the tower cranes look best from a distance. And the exhibition is constantly updated!

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