Best Travel Guide Minsk | ArrivalGuides.com

MinskGuide was updated: 2023-10-27

Built anew after the war, the capital of Belarus is a city embracing its own unique brand of modernity. A metropolis of nearly 2 million, Minsk is where nostalgia of Stalinist buildings and Soviet parks meets contemporary art galleries, stylish bars and excellent local eateries.

Do & See

With its grand boulevards and big squares, Minsk is all about monumental excess, but its Old Town is tiny and not particularly old at all - most of the city had been rebuilt following the demolition in WWII. The best place to start exploring Minsk is at the Independence Square with its statue of Lenin and the Belorussian University building. Some of the best views over the city unfold from atop the futuristic structure of Belarus' National Library.

Old Town

The Old Town sits on the eastern side of the Svislach River, bordered by Vul Maxima Bahdanovicha. Known as Troitskoe Predmestiye, or “Trinity Suburb”, the Old Town is not really that old. The original 17th and 18th century houses were recreated in the 1980’s. However, it’s a delightful place to walk around in. You can relax in quaint cafés or browse through the souvenir shops.

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Mound of Glory

The memorial sits on the Minsk-Moscow highway, a 30 minute car ride from Minsk. The monument itself was built in 1969, 25 years after the liberation of Belarus from the Germans, to honour the soldiers that fought against the Nazis in World War II and those who lost their lives. The view from the top of the hill makes the climb worthwhile.

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Island of Tears

Down from the Old Town by the riverbanks is the evocative Ostrov Slyoz, or “Island of Tears”. This is a memorial to Belarusians who lost their lives in battle, but particularly in remembrance of those that died in the Soviet Union’s war in Afghanistan in the 1980’s.

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Holy Spirit Cathedral

Standing defiantly on a small hill is the Holy Spirit Cathedral, one of the most instantly recognisable landmarks of Minsk. This two-towered Orthodox cathedral is situated in the Upper Town. It was once part of a Polish Bernadine convent. The monastery buildings nearby are now a music academy.

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Kastrychnitskaya Street & ok16

The trendy space and "cultural incubator," as the creators have aptly referred to it, ok16 regularly hosts art markets showcasing artwork by contemporary Belarusian creators, among other events like exhibitions, theatrical performances, lectures, and more. The entire street is a showcase for Minsk's alternative art scene, with murals and graffiti adorning the walls of Soviet-era block buildings and trendy coffee outlets neighbouring on (fully operational!) factories with "Emplyees of the Month" billboards out front.

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Gorky Park

Gorky Park is the city’s oldest park, at its loveliest in the summer. It is very popular with locals who often stroll along the well-tended paths. Gorky Park is a big draw to guests of all ages because of its enormous Ferris Wheel. Another reason to come here is the great view of the city.

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Population:	2 million
Currency:	1 Belarusian Ruble (BYR) = 100 Kopeks
Emergency Numbers:	112
Website:	www.belarus.by/en/travel/belarus-life/minsk-attractions »
Opening Hours:	Most shops are open 10.00–19.00, Mon-Fri and 10.00–17.00 on Sat. Banks are open 09.30–17.30 Mon-Fri.
Tourist Information:	13-119 Revolutsionnaya Street, Minsk Mon-Thu 08.45-13.00, 14.00-18.00, Fri - 08.45-13.00, 14.00-16.45, Closed Saturday and Sunday +375 17 203 3995