The Best Travel Guide to Minsk

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Minsk

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Europe Belarus Minsk

Overview

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Minsk The guide 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.

Facts

Population:	2 million
Currency:	1 Belarusian Ruble (BYR) = 100 Kopeks
Search Accommodation:	Hotels »
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

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Section in Minsk

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

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.

Mound of Glory

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.

Island of Tears

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.

Holy Spirit Cathedral

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.

Kastrychnitskaya Street & ok16

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.

Gorky Park

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.

Church of St. Simon and Helena

Church of St. Simon and Helena

Better known as the “Red Church”, the Church of St. Simon and Helena was built in 1910 by a Polish noble to commemorate the death of his two children – the tower’s three bells are named after him and the dead children.

Victory Square

Victory Square

At the junction of Nezavisimosti and Zakharava is this huge square, with a giant victory obelisk emerging from the centre. The monument has an eternal flame at its feet, which has been burning since 1954, and is accessible from an underground passageway.

Museum of the Great Patriotic War

Museum of the Great Patriotic War

Next to the classical-style Trade Union’s Culture Palace lies the Museum of the Great Patriotic War. This museum tells of Belarus during World War II. It also tells the story of Minsk’s Jewish population following the Nazi invasion of the Soviet Union in 1941. Behind the building is a park filled with vintage tanks and planes.

Pieramohi Park

Pieramohi Park

Across the road from the Museum of the Great Patriotic War lies a delightful little park that stands on the site of a 19th century marketplace. You often see people playing music here.

KGB Building

KGB Building

North-west of Independence Square is a yellow neo-classical block, which houses the KGB building. On the other side of the street is a park, where you can find a bust of Felix Dzerzhinsky, founder of "Cheka" (the pre-KGB establishment of the Soviet Union).

Palace of Art (Palats Mastatsva)

Palace of Art (Palats Mastatsva)

The Palats Mastatsva is a stylish and trendy hangout – well compared to the dour museums that tend to make up Minsk’s cultural scene. Palats Mastatsva is an arts institute where you will find galleries and book stalls.

Central Botanical Garden

Central Botanical Garden

This is one of the most beautiful places in Minsk. The Botanical Garden is a leading scientific institution and home to more than 1,000 different plants. It is a tranquil place with a beautiful lake and the perfect spot to have a picnic at on a sunny day.

National Library of Belarus

National Library of Belarus

National Library of Belarus is one of the most iconic buildings in the city, and it is easy to see why. Other than a vast selection of world literature, there is also an art gallery, cafe and an observation deck with a beautiful view over the city.

Minsk Arena

Minsk Arena

Minsk Arena is a great place to visit for concerts or fun-filled hockey games. Check out their website while you are there to see what is on. You will also find 7 cafes and 3 different restaurants in the building.

Dreamland Park

Dreamland Park

Dreamland Park is one of the main amusement parks in Minsk. It is a park for all ages but children will probably find some things more exciting. There are lush walking paths, a zoological area with exotic birds and live entertainment.

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