Minsk

Minsk (Belarusian: Мінск, Russian: Минск) is the capital and largest city of the Republic of Belarus, its population is about two million people.

Minsk and Belarus, in general, had a reputation of a Soviet experience park. However, this stereotype is not accurate; Minsk offers reliable and affordable public transport, plentiful hotels, convenient banking, as well as shopping and dining experience that international tourists will find familiar. The quality and number of sightseeing opportunities is plentiful. Those who want to see the Soviet past in action should venture further afield in Belarus and consider specialist tours.

Average temperatures are maximum 24°C, minimum 12°C in summer and maximum 3°C, minimum -7°C in winter. The best time to visit Minsk is from May to September when it is full of greenery. Summers are often hot and dry. Winters are mild and wet, mostly around 0°C, snow does not stay for long.

The largest religious community in Minsk - as in the whole country - is the Belarusian Orthodox Church, part of the Russian Orthodox Church. A significant proportion of the population belong to the Roman Catholic Church and various Protestant communities. Other religions have a much less significant presence in the city. Over the centuries, other religions like Greek Catholics (Uniates) and Muslims (who mostly were Belarusian Tatars, also known as Polish–Lithuanian or Lipka Tatars) have left a strong imprint on the city too. According to the 1897 census, 52% of the Minsk population were Jews;there were over 100 synagogues in Minsk then. During the Soviet Union time, many religious buildings were closed, demolished or used for other purposes. Since Belarus regained its independence in 1991, some religious buildings were returned to their communities; many others remain in use by various state institutions.

• Holy Spirit Cathedral, Belarusian:Кафедральны сабор Сашэсця Святога Духа, Russian: Кафедральный собор Сошествия Святого Духа.
• Sts Peter and Paul Church (Russian Orthodox), Vuliсa Rakauskaja 4 (Niamiha metro station. Built in 1613 and restored in 1871, it is the oldest church in Minsk. It is worthwhile to go inside.
• St Mary Magdalene Church, Vulica Kisialiova (вуліца Кісялёва) 42 (Buses 39, 18, 26, 44, 136, 29, 29н or Trams 3, 4, 5; all to stop Teatralnaja, Тэатральная. It was built in 1847 in the Russian Revival style, with a pointed octagonal bell tower over the entrance.
• Church of All Saints.
• Church of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross, Kaĺvaryjskaja vulica (Calvary cemetery - Metro 'Маладзёжная' 0.5 km.
• Church of St. Yevfrosinya of Polotsk.
• Church of St Elizabeth Convent.
• Church of St Sophia of Slutsk.

Holy Spirit Cathedral, Belarusian:Кафедральны сабор Сашэсця Святога Духа, Russian: Кафедральный собор Сошествия Святого Духа.

Sts Peter and Paul Church (Russian Orthodox), Vuliсa Rakauskaja 4 (Niamiha metro station. Built in 1613 and restored in 1871, it is the oldest church in Minsk. It is worthwhile to go inside.

St Mary Magdalene Church, Vulica Kisialiova (вуліца Кісялёва) 42 (Buses 39, 18, 26, 44, 136, 29, 29н or Trams 3, 4, 5; all to stop Teatralnaja, Тэатральная. It was built in 1847 in the Russian Revival style, with a pointed octagonal bell tower over the entrance.

Church of All Saints.

Church of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross, Kaĺvaryjskaja vulica (Calvary cemetery - Metro 'Маладзёжная' 0.5 km.

Church of St. Yevfrosinya of Polotsk.

Church of St Elizabeth Convent.

Church of St Sophia of Slutsk.

Timetable of Catholic Masses in Minsk

• Saint Simon and Saint Helena Church, vulica Savieckaja, 15 (M Plošča Lienina 0.1km, +375 17 200-44-15. The best known Roman Catholic church in the city, commonly known as the Red Church, built between 1908 and 1910 in Romanesque Revival style. It is a home to a large and active community maintaining a library, choir and many other ministries. It is also used for services by a Greek-Catholic community.
• Church of Saint Joseph.
• Catholic St. Mary church.
• Church of Holy Trinity (Saint Rochus), Čyrvanazornaja vulica 44/А (M Plošča Pieramohi 'Плошча Перамогi'.

Saint Simon and Saint Helena Church, vulica Savieckaja, 15 (M Plošča Lienina 0.1km, +375 17 200-44-15. The best known Roman Catholic church in the city, commonly known as the Red Church, built between 1908 and 1910 in Romanesque Revival style. It is a home to a large and active community maintaining a library, choir and many other ministries. It is also used for services by a Greek-Catholic community.

Church of Saint Joseph.

Catholic St. Mary church.

Church of Holy Trinity (Saint Rochus), Čyrvanazornaja vulica 44/А (M Plošča Pieramohi 'Плошча Перамогi'.

• Belarusian National Arts Museum, Vulitsa Lenina 20 (Kastryčnickaja metro station Кастрычніцкая 0.4 km; Kupalaǔskaja metro station Купалаўская 0.3 km. W-M 11:00-19:00. This one of the most popular tourist destinations in Minsk offers an excellent overview of fine arts in Belarus. Many art description tags are in English. The main collection is spread across two buildings. The first building visitors come to houses a significant collection of the 19-century Russian art. The back building houses masterpieces of the Belarusian art from the Medieval times to the present, as well as temporary exhibitions. Audio guides (3 rubles, December 2018) are available from the bookshop at the entry, however they only cover a small number of the key exhibits in the permanent collection. 8 rubles.
• Belarusian National History Museum, vul. Karla Marksa (вулiца Карла Маркса) 12 (Kastryčnickaja metro station Кастрычніцкая 0.6 km Kupalaǔskaja metro station Купалаўская, Plošča Lienina metro station Плошча Леніна 0.6 km, +375 17 327-3665. 11:00-19:00 (last entry 18:30). The largest collection of material and spiritual culture of Belarus from the ancient times to our days. The museum has a good souvenir shop. Permanent exhibition - 7 rubles. Optional guided tour - 7 rubles; discounted entry for students and children. Additional charge for temporary exhibitions..
• Belarusian Great Patriotic War Museum, praspiekt Pieramožcaŭ, 8, +375-017-327-11-66. Tu Th-Su 10:00-18:00, W 12:00-20:00, closed M. A large collection of exhibits about WWII in Belarus. Adults 8. rubles, students 4 rubles, free on 1st Tuesday of a month.
• Maksim Bahdanovič Literary Museum, (вул. М. Багдановіча), 7a, +375 017 3340761. 10:00–17:00. It is dedicated to the writer Maksim Bahdanovič (1891–1917).
• Art Palace, Vulitsa Kazlova 3. Tu-Su 10:00-19:00. Several exhibition spaces showing modern art, second hand books and antiques stalls. Admission Free.
• Mastatsky Salon, Praspekt Nezalezhnasti 12. M-Sa 10:00-20:00. An art gallery with local artists exhibitions and some overpriced souvenirs.
• Ў Gallery, Praspekt Nezalezhnasti (Проспект Независимости) 37a. (Metro Station «Площадь Победы». contemporary art space, a bar, a bookstore and a souvenir shop with Belarusian design.
• National Library of Belarus, Prospekt Nezalezhnasti (Проспект Независимости) 116 (Metro station Восток 0.5 km. Observation deck is accessed via a lift, entrance to it from outside on the other side of the building.. Huge, glass and concrete rhombicuboctahedron houses a collection of over 8 million items. On 22 floors it features conference halls, 20 reading rooms and a Book Museum, on the roof there is an observation deck with good views of the city and surrounding area. 3.50 rubles.
• Contemporary Fine Arts Museum, Praspiekt Niezaležnasci, 47 (Plošča Jakuba Kolasa metro station, 0.1 km, +375 (17)399 09 79. Tu-Su 11:00-19:00. A small venue housing several exhibitions simultaneously. 7 rubles.

Belarusian National Arts Museum, Vulitsa Lenina 20 (Kastryčnickaja metro station Кастрычніцкая 0.4 km; Kupalaǔskaja metro station Купалаўская 0.3 km. W-M 11:00-19:00. This one of the most popular tourist destinations in Minsk offers an excellent overview of fine arts in Belarus. Many art description tags are in English. The main collection is spread across two buildings. The first building visitors come to houses a significant collection of the 19-century Russian art. The back building houses masterpieces of the Belarusian art from the Medieval times to the present, as well as temporary exhibitions. Audio guides (3 rubles, December 2018) are available from the bookshop at the entry, however they only cover a small number of the key exhibits in the permanent collection. 8 rubles.

Belarusian National History Museum, vul. Karla Marksa (вулiца Карла Маркса) 12 (Kastryčnickaja metro station Кастрычніцкая 0.6 km Kupalaǔskaja metro station Купалаўская, Plošča Lienina metro station Плошча Леніна 0.6 km, +375 17 327-3665. 11:00-19:00 (last entry 18:30). The largest collection of material and spiritual culture of Belarus from the ancient times to our days. The museum has a good souvenir shop. Permanent exhibition - 7 rubles. Optional guided tour - 7 rubles; discounted entry for students and children. Additional charge for temporary exhibitions..

Belarusian Great Patriotic War Museum, praspiekt Pieramožcaŭ, 8, +375-017-327-11-66. Tu Th-Su 10:00-18:00, W 12:00-20:00, closed M. A large collection of exhibits about WWII in Belarus. Adults 8. rubles, students 4 rubles, free on 1st Tuesday of a month.

Maksim Bahdanovič Literary Museum, (вул. М. Багдановіча), 7a, +375 017 3340761. 10:00–17:00. It is dedicated to the writer Maksim Bahdanovič (1891–1917).

Art Palace, Vulitsa Kazlova 3. Tu-Su 10:00-19:00. Several exhibition spaces showing modern art, second hand books and antiques stalls. Admission Free.

Mastatsky Salon, Praspekt Nezalezhnasti 12. M-Sa 10:00-20:00. An art gallery with local artists exhibitions and some overpriced souvenirs.

Ў Gallery, Praspekt Nezalezhnasti (Проспект Независимости) 37a. (Metro Station «Площадь Победы». contemporary art space, a bar, a bookstore and a souvenir shop with Belarusian design.

National Library of Belarus, Prospekt Nezalezhnasti (Проспект Независимости) 116 (Metro station Восток 0.5 km. Observation deck is accessed via a lift, entrance to it from outside on the other side of the building.. Huge, glass and concrete rhombicuboctahedron houses a collection of over 8 million items. On 22 floors it features conference halls, 20 reading rooms and a Book Museum, on the roof there is an observation deck with good views of the city and surrounding area. 3.50 rubles.

Contemporary Fine Arts Museum, Praspiekt Niezaležnasci, 47 (Plošča Jakuba Kolasa metro station, 0.1 km, +375 (17)399 09 79. Tu-Su 11:00-19:00. A small venue housing several exhibitions simultaneously. 7 rubles.

• Former Residence of Lee Harvey Oswald, Vulitsa Kamunistychnaja 4 (the bottom left apartment). Lee arrived in the Soviet Union in December 1959 willing to denounce his US citizenship and was sent to Minsk. He changed his name to Alek and married a native woman, Marina Prusakova, with whom he had a child. The young family left for the United States in June 1962.
• KGB Headquarters, Praspekt Nezalezhnasti (Проспект Независимости) 17 (Metro 'Купаловская' 0.5 km; or Metro 'Октябрьская' 0.6 km or Bus 100 to Stop «Ленина ул.». This impressive building, on the main street of Minsk has a façade that belies what's found within.

You might be willing to hire a private guide when staying in Minsk or another major Belarusian city. Private guides are licensed by the National Tourism Agency - and you can check the list of their names on the official website of the Agency List of private guides in Russian . A licensed guide must always wear a special Badge of a licensed guide in Belarus.

Former Residence of Lee Harvey Oswald, Vulitsa Kamunistychnaja 4 (the bottom left apartment). Lee arrived in the Soviet Union in December 1959 willing to denounce his US citizenship and was sent to Minsk. He changed his name to Alek and married a native woman, Marina Prusakova, with whom he had a child. The young family left for the [[United States]] in June 1962.

KGB Headquarters, Praspekt Nezalezhnasti (Проспект Независимости) 17 (Metro 'Купаловская' 0.5 km; or Metro 'Октябрьская' 0.6 km or Bus 100 to Stop «Ленина ул.». This impressive building, on the main street of Minsk has a façade that belies what's found within.

• Minsk Sea. This is an artificial reservoir. There's a free public beach, and pedal-boat and catamaran rental.
• Ozertso - Open Air Museum of Rural Architecture and Life, Aźjarco (The 203 bus from “Paŭdniova-zachodniaja” coach station goes directly to the museum. Timetable to the museum: 09:15, 12:00, 13:15, 15:50. Or the 402, 363, 277, 325, 357 buses from “Paŭdniova-zachodniaja” coach station to the bus stop “Pavarot na muzej”. These buses go in the direction of “Haradzišča” – 277, “Dubiancy” – 357, “kalchoz Kalinina” – 363, “Zachodnija mohilki” – 402, “Bohušava” - 325. - Timetable to the museum: 9:40, 10:00, 10:28, 11:35, 12:20, 13:10; 14:14; 14:40; 15:50; 16:30. W-Su 10:00-18:20. 4 km west.
• Stalin's Line, +375 0175032020. A reconstructed line of defences on what once was the state border of the USSR. 14 rubles.
• Mound of Glory. 70-m-high mound from 1969 commemorating Soviet soldiers who died during World War II.
• Khatyn Memorial Complex. A place where a village, savagely massacred in 1943 by Nazi forces, once stood.

Minsk Sea. This is an artificial reservoir. There's a free public beach, and pedal-boat and catamaran rental.

Ozertso - Open Air Museum of Rural Architecture and Life, Aźjarco (The 203 bus from “Paŭdniova-zachodniaja” coach station goes directly to the museum. Timetable to the museum: 09:15, 12:00, 13:15, 15:50. Or the 402, 363, 277, 325, 357 buses from “Paŭdniova-zachodniaja” coach station to the bus stop “Pavarot na muzej”. These buses go in the direction of “Haradzišča” – 277, “Dubiancy” – 357, “kalchoz Kalinina” – 363, “Zachodnija mohilki” – 402, “Bohušava” - 325. - Timetable to the museum: 9:40, 10:00, 10:28, 11:35, 12:20, 13:10; 14:14; 14:40; 15:50; 16:30. W-Su 10:00-18:20. 4 km west.

Stalin's Line, +375 0175032020. A reconstructed line of defences on what once was the state border of the USSR. 14 rubles.

Mound of Glory. 70-m-high mound from 1969 commemorating Soviet soldiers who died during World War II.

Khatyn Memorial Complex. A place where a village, savagely massacred in 1943 by Nazi forces, once stood.

• Children's Railroad, prospekt Nezavisimosti, ~84a (Chelyuskinites Park - M Station Chelyuskinites Park. This is a 750-mm (2 ft 5½ in) narrow gauge railway loop passing through the Chelyuskinites Park. The railway line counts 3 stations (listed from north to south): Zaslonovo, Pionerskaya (or Pionerskaja) and Sosnovy Bor (or Sosnovyj Bor); and a pair of rail loops after the end stops.

• Alivaria Brewery Tour, Vulica Kisialiova Кісялёва, 30 (Niamiha Няміга metro station 1.2 km along Vulica Bahdanoviča вул.Багдановіча, + 375295001755. Wednesday to Sunday. The oldest Minsk brewery - and the largest in Belarus - can be visited with a tour which also includes beer tasting. This compact brewery located not far from the Minsk centre has preserved some of its original buildings from the 19th century. English tours are run if eight or more people get together, so inviting others to join makes it more likely to happen. Contact the brewery museum by email or online form in advance specifying the desired day and time, and the English language of the tour (it's Russian by default). Most likely, the tour will take place at 14:00. 14 rubles, card payment available.

• Botanical Garden, Vulica Surhanava вул.Сурганава, 2v (M: Park Čaliuskincaǔ station (Парк Чалюскінцаў), +375 17 292-69-15. 10:00-20:00 Tue - Sun. A popular destination for a relaxed day in central Minsk. It is compact and mostly accessible, it has several outdoor and indoor cafes. An amusement park in Park Čaliuskincaǔ is next door. BYN8/BYN4.
• Park Čaliuskincaǔ, Praspekt Niezaliežnasci, ~91 (M: Park Čaliuskincaǔ station (Парк Чалюскінцаў). An urban forest park. The park's area is . The park contains an amusement park. Other attractions include a Children's Railway, operated exclusively by teenagers, and a cinema Raduga (Russian: Радуга). There is a Minsk Metro station "Park Čaliuskincaǔ" next to the park. The park is adjacent to the Botanical Garden.
• Park Horkaha, Vuliсa Frunze вул.Фрунзэ, 2 (M Pločša Pieramohi station 100 m. A public park established in 1800 under the name Governor's Garden. During the Soviet times it was renamed "парк культуры і адпачынку імя Максіма Горкага" (Park of culture and recreation after A.M.Gorky) after the famous Russian/Soviet writer Maksim Gorky. Parks with this name have been established in many cities of the Soviet Union. A part of the park's territory is occupied by an amusement park with a 56-metre-high Ferris wheel. It also has an educational observatory with a planetarium. The Ice Palace (indoors skating rink) is also located in Gorky Park. President Lukashenko, known for his hobby of ice hockey, frequents this place, at which times the access to this part of the park is closed for general public.
• Park Janki Kupaly.

Botanical Garden, Vulica Surhanava вул.Сурганава, 2v (M: Park Čaliuskincaǔ station (Парк Чалюскінцаў), +375 17 292-69-15. 10:00-20:00 Tue - Sun. A popular destination for a relaxed day in central Minsk. It is compact and mostly accessible, it has several outdoor and indoor cafes. An amusement park in Park Čaliuskincaǔ is next door. BYN8/BYN4.

Park Čaliuskincaǔ, Praspekt Niezaliežnasci, ~91 (M: Park Čaliuskincaǔ station (Парк Чалюскінцаў). An urban forest park. The park's area is . The park contains an amusement park. Other attractions include a Children's Railway, operated exclusively by teenagers, and a cinema Raduga (Russian: Радуга). There is a Minsk Metro station "Park Čaliuskincaǔ" next to the park. The park is adjacent to the Botanical Garden.

Park Horkaha, Vuliсa Frunze вул.Фрунзэ, 2 (M Pločša Pieramohi station 100 m. A public park established in 1800 under the name Governor's Garden. During the Soviet times it was renamed "парк культуры і адпачынку імя Максіма Горкага" (Park of culture and recreation after A.M.Gorky) after the famous Russian/Soviet writer Maksim Gorky. Parks with this name have been established in many cities of the Soviet Union. A part of the park's territory is occupied by an amusement park with a 56-metre-high Ferris wheel. It also has an educational observatory with a planetarium. The Ice Palace (indoors skating rink) is also located in Gorky Park. President Lukashenko, known for his hobby of ice hockey, frequents this place, at which times the access to this part of the park is closed for general public.

Park Janki Kupaly.

• National Academic Bolshoi Opera and Ballet Theatre, Plošča Paryžskaj Kamuny пл.Парыжскай Камуны, 1, 220029 (M Niamiha Няміга station 0.7 km. The most sought-after Minsk theatre. It has an excellent reputation for quality of the experience and variety of performances, incl. for children. For regular performances, tickets are readily available online and from various ticket vendors across the city. For the most exclusive shows, e.g. Christmas gala concerts, tickets - if sold out - are occasionally made available from the theatre box office at short notice, a day before or so. 4.50-80.00 rubles and more for special events.
• Janka Kupala National Theatre, Vulica Enhielsa вул.Энгельса, 7, 220030 (M Kupalaǔskaja, Kastryčnickaja stations, +375 (17) 327-60-81. 19:00 performances. The oldest and, arguably, the best Belarusian drama theatre. All performances are in Belarusian, some are dubbed into English (see the What's On section on the theatre website). Occasional music concerts take place here too. The theatre has two stages. Tickets can be purchased online from major ticket selling companies and in person - from several box offices, see the Box Office page on the theatre website. A pleasant cafe at the rear of its building is particularly good on warm sunny days. 6-22 rubles.
• Film Actors' Studio Theatre, Praspiekt Pieramozcau пр.Пераможцаў, 13 (M Niamiha Няміга station 0.6 km. A small theatre well-regarded for its high-quality performances. Most of the plays are in Russian. Inexpensive tickets and unpretentious facilities. The threatre shares the building with once the most prestigious Minsk cinema, Moskva; it is a listed building from the time of the Soviet Union.
• Republican Theatre of Belarusian Drama, Krapotkina 44.

National Academic Bolshoi Opera and Ballet Theatre, Plošča Paryžskaj Kamuny пл.Парыжскай Камуны, 1, 220029 (M Niamiha Няміга station 0.7 km. The most sought-after Minsk theatre. It has an excellent reputation for quality of the experience and variety of performances, incl. for children. For regular performances, tickets are readily available online and from various ticket vendors across the city. For the most exclusive shows, e.g. Christmas gala concerts, tickets - if sold out - are occasionally made available from the theatre box office at short notice, a day before or so. 4.50-80.00 rubles and more for special events.

Janka Kupala National Theatre, Vulica Enhielsa вул.Энгельса, 7, 220030 (M Kupalaǔskaja, Kastryčnickaja stations, +375 (17) 327-60-81. 19:00 performances. The oldest and, arguably, the best Belarusian drama theatre. All performances are in Belarusian, some are dubbed into English (see the What's On section on the theatre website). Occasional music concerts take place here too. The theatre has two stages. Tickets can be purchased online from major ticket selling companies and in person - from several box offices, see the Box Office page on the theatre website. A pleasant cafe at the rear of its building is particularly good on warm sunny days. 6-22 rubles.

Film Actors' Studio Theatre, Praspiekt Pieramozcau пр.Пераможцаў, 13 (M Niamiha Няміга station 0.6 km. A small theatre well-regarded for its high-quality performances. Most of the plays are in Russian. Inexpensive tickets and unpretentious facilities. The threatre shares the building with once the most prestigious Minsk cinema, Moskva; it is a listed building from the time of the [[Soviet Union]].

Republican Theatre of Belarusian Drama, Krapotkina 44.

Children's Railroad, prospekt Nezavisimosti, ~84a (Chelyuskinites Park - M Station Chelyuskinites Park. This is a 750-mm (2 ft 5½ in) narrow gauge railway loop passing through the Chelyuskinites Park. The railway line counts 3 stations (listed from north to south): Zaslonovo, Pionerskaya (or Pionerskaja) and Sosnovy Bor (or Sosnovyj Bor); and a pair of rail loops after the end stops.

Alivaria Brewery Tour, Vulica Kisialiova Кісялёва, 30 (Niamiha Няміга metro station 1.2 km along Vulica Bahdanoviča вул.Багдановіча, + 375295001755. Wednesday to Sunday. The oldest Minsk brewery - and the largest in Belarus - can be visited with a tour which also includes beer tasting. This compact brewery located not far from the Minsk centre has preserved some of its original buildings from the 19th century. English tours are run if eight or more people get together, so inviting others to join makes it more likely to happen. Contact the brewery museum by email or online form in advance specifying the desired day and time, and the English language of the tour (it's Russian by default). Most likely, the tour will take place at 14:00. 14 rubles, card payment available.

Traditionally, tourists bring from Belarus linen goods, embroidery, souvenirs made of straw and leather, glass, ceramics and other artisanal items. Belarusian vodka has an excellent reputation; it can be purchased from airport duty-free shops. Zubroǔka (a Polish equivalent of Żubrówka) is a popular spirit originally created in Belarusian Brest. Sugar-coated cranberries, flat crisps (čypsy, чыпсы), zefir (a soft baked confectionery of apple puree and sugar), chocolate-glazed curd deserts (hlazuravany syrok, глазураваны сырок) and rye bread are treated as Belarusian specialties; they are loved by locals and are widely available, also from airport shops.

Shopping malls mainly feature foreign brands. Local department stores – GUM, TSUM, Na Nemige, Univermag Belaruś etc. – stock a vider variety of the goods produced locally.

• Symbal.by, Praspiekt Mašerava пр.Машэрава, 18 (M Plošča Pieramohi station 0.5 km, +375 (33) 651-18-18, +375 (29) 651-18-18. 10:00-20:00. A popular store with a good selection of souvenirs, books, music and trendy patriotic print t-shirts. It is aimed at the locals in the first place; some tourists may find it either incomprehensible or fascinating. Purchases can be made online and collected from the store.
• Vialiki Dziakuj, vul. Kastryčnickaja, 23A (M Pieršamajskaja, 0.5 km, +375 29 690 20 74. 12:00 - 22:00. A well-curated collection of souvenirs, bags, inexpensive jewellery, t-shirts, games, snacks and drinks reflecting the latest trends in the Belarusian youth culture.
• Lianok, pr. Niezaliežnasci, 46 (M Jakuba Kolasa, 0.1km, +375 (17) 224-81-44, +375 (17) 263-71-58. Mon-Fri 10:00-20:00, Sat 10:00-19:00. The prime destination for Belarusian linen - fabrics, bedding, table clothes and souvenirs

Symbal.by, Praspiekt Mašerava пр.Машэрава, 18 (M Plošča Pieramohi station 0.5 km, +375 (33) 651-18-18, +375 (29) 651-18-18. 10:00-20:00. A popular store with a good selection of souvenirs, books, music and trendy patriotic print t-shirts. It is aimed at the locals in the first place; some tourists may find it either incomprehensible or fascinating. Purchases can be made online and collected from the store.

Vialiki Dziakuj, vul. Kastryčnickaja, 23A (M Pieršamajskaja, 0.5 km, +375 29 690 20 74. 12:00 - 22:00. A well-curated collection of souvenirs, bags, inexpensive jewellery, t-shirts, games, snacks and drinks reflecting the latest trends in the Belarusian youth culture.

Lianok, pr. Niezaliežnasci, 46 (M Jakuba Kolasa, 0.1km, +375 (17) 224-81-44, +375 (17) 263-71-58. Mon-Fri 10:00-20:00, Sat 10:00-19:00. The prime destination for Belarusian linen - fabrics, bedding, table clothes and souvenirs

• Art House Ugrinovich, vulica Internacyjanaĺnaja 13, +375 29 877 7301. 10:00 - 20:00. The Belarusian tradition of porcelain is centuries-old. Olga Ugrinovich exemplifies the best of this tradition - originality and high quality. She uses dry herbs to make imprints on her porcelain items which are them beautifully decorated. Herbs get destroyed during the production process making each item - mugs, plates and even coffee tables - absolutely unique. The shop stocks also the artist's paintings and souvenirs.

Art House Ugrinovich, vulica Internacyjanaĺnaja 13, +375 29 877 7301. 10:00 - 20:00. The Belarusian tradition of porcelain is centuries-old. Olga Ugrinovich exemplifies the best of this tradition - originality and high quality. She uses dry herbs to make imprints on her porcelain items which are them beautifully decorated. Herbs get destroyed during the production process making each item - mugs, plates and even coffee tables - absolutely unique. The shop stocks also the artist's paintings and souvenirs.

• Stolitsa, Nezalezhnasti pl (centrally located.
• GUM department store, Praspekt Nezalezhnasti 23. Built in the 1950s, Socialist Realist classic.
• TSUM department store, Praspekt Nezalezhnasti 54.

Stolitsa, Nezalezhnasti pl (centrally located.

GUM department store, Praspekt Nezalezhnasti 23. Built in the 1950s, Socialist Realist classic.

TSUM department store, Praspekt Nezalezhnasti 54.

• Podzemka Bookshop, Praspekt Nezalezhnasti 43. An underground bookshop-cum-art gallery.
• Suvenirnaja Lavka, Vulitsa Maxima Bahdanovicha 9. A souvenir type shop with straw crafts, wooden boxes, embroidered linen & Belarusian alcohol.
• Central Bookshop, Praspekt Nezalezhnasti 19. The largest bookshop in the city, some English language novels, guidebooks and stationary. Also posters of Belarusian president Alexander Lukashenko.

Podzemka Bookshop, Praspekt Nezalezhnasti 43. An underground bookshop-cum-art gallery.

Suvenirnaja Lavka, Vulitsa Maxima Bahdanovicha 9. A souvenir type shop with straw crafts, wooden boxes, embroidered linen & Belarusian alcohol.

Central Bookshop, Praspekt Nezalezhnasti 19. The largest bookshop in the city, some English language novels, guidebooks and stationary. Also posters of Belarusian president Alexander Lukashenko.

Due to the common history, traditional Belarusian cuisine is similar to that of the rest of Eastern Europe but particularly Polish and Lithuanian. Soups, dumplings, baked potato, mushroom and meat dishes, pickled vegetables and salads are often on the menu. Beer and naliŭki (berries, fruits and various spices liquors) are traditional here. Minsk has a good selection of Belarusian traditional restaurants. Among others, Georgian and Central Asian restaurants have a good reputation.

While meat has always been an integral part of traditional Belarusian meals, vegetarians and vegans are increasingly well served in Minsk. Belarus is a landlocked country; seawater fish is expensive.

Most, if not all venues in Minsk accept bank cards even for small amounts. Tipping up to 10% for table service is common, but not compulsory. Many cafes and bars have tip cups; leaving tips there is not compulsory either.

• Draniki, Plošča Svabody, 4 (M Niamiha 0.2km; M Kastryčnickaja or Kupalaǔskaja 0.3km. 11:00-00:00. Belarusian cuisine: draniki, cepelinai, salads, liquors (naliŭki) and beer. It is good for a quick meal. Large groups will feel particularly at home in the basement with more seating. English menu. BYN6-14 mains.
• Pesochnica, vul. Kujbyšava 45 / pr. Mašerava 11 (M Plošcča Pieramohi o.5km, +375 25 904 2009. 12:00 - 23:00. Streetfood, beer, ice cream, live music and films BYN7.00 - 10.00 for set.

Draniki, Plošča Svabody, 4 (M Niamiha 0.2km; M Kastryčnickaja or Kupalaǔskaja 0.3km. 11:00-00:00. Belarusian cuisine: draniki, cepelinai, salads, liquors (naliŭki) and beer. It is good for a quick meal. Large groups will feel particularly at home in the basement with more seating. English menu. BYN6-14 mains.

Pesochnica, vul. Kujbyšava 45 / pr. Mašerava 11 (M Plošcča Pieramohi o.5km, +375 25 904 2009. 12:00 - 23:00. Streetfood, beer, ice cream, live music and films BYN7.00 - 10.00 for set.

• Kuchmistr, Vulica Karla Marksa, 40 (Kastryčnickaja & Kupalaŭskaja metro stations 0.1 km, +375 17 327-48-48. 12:00-23:00. One of the most authentic restaurants of the Belarusian and Litvin (former Grand Duchy of Lithuania) cuisine. This venue regularly brings back well-forgotten receipies and produces its own naliŭki (traditional liquors). 15-35 rubles mains.
• Tiflis, vul. Talbuchina 3 (M Čaliuskincaŭ 0.2km; M Akademija Navuk 0.3km, +375 44 555 5050. 11- 23. A popular Georgian restaurant with a large selection of meat, fish and vegetarian dishes, as well as traditional Georgian wines. BYN12-30 mains.
• ENZO, vulica Kastryčnickaja, 23, +375 29 177-00-88. 11:00-24:00 Sun - Thu, 11:00-01:00 Fri-Sat. A two-floor steak and burger restaurant in the heart of the trendy hang-out quarter. Quality food, a good wine selection and the ambience of distressed walls. BYN15 to BYN50 dinner mains; up to BYN10 lunch courses.

• Vasiĺki, pr. Niezaležnasci (M Pieršamajskaja 0.3km, +375 29 706-44-52. 08:00–23:00. A large chain of casual dining restaurants serving traditional Belarusian cuisine. Bucolic style and good local fare. Suitable for breakfast, lunch and dinners. More restaurants can be found around the city and in shopping malls.

Vasiĺki, pr. Niezaležnasci (M Pieršamajskaja 0.3km, +375 29 706-44-52. 08:00–23:00. A large chain of casual dining restaurants serving traditional Belarusian cuisine. Bucolic style and good local fare. Suitable for breakfast, lunch and dinners. More restaurants can be found around the city and in shopping malls.

Kuchmistr, Vulica Karla Marksa, 40 (Kastryčnickaja & Kupalaŭskaja metro stations 0.1 km, +375 17 327-48-48. 12:00-23:00. One of the most authentic restaurants of the Belarusian and Litvin (former Grand Duchy of Lithuania) cuisine. This venue regularly brings back well-forgotten receipies and produces its own naliŭki (traditional liquors). 15-35 rubles mains.

Tiflis, vul. Talbuchina 3 (M Čaliuskincaŭ 0.2km; M Akademija Navuk 0.3km, +375 44 555 5050. 11- 23. A popular Georgian restaurant with a large selection of meat, fish and vegetarian dishes, as well as traditional Georgian wines. BYN12-30 mains.

ENZO, vulica Kastryčnickaja, 23, +375 29 177-00-88. 11:00-24:00 Sun - Thu, 11:00-01:00 Fri-Sat. A two-floor steak and burger restaurant in the heart of the trendy hang-out quarter. Quality food, a good wine selection and the ambience of distressed walls. BYN15 to BYN50 dinner mains; up to BYN10 lunch courses.

• Beze Cafe, Praspekt Nezalezhnasti. Viennese style café with a great bakery and light snacks.
• Grand Cafe, Vulitsa Lenina 2, +375 44 7031111. 12:00-00:00. A high end restaurant on Lenin Street. Try the roasted duck or salmon with asparagus. They offer a no-smoking section, menus in English and most of the servers speak good English, too. Making a reservation is recommended, especially on weekends.
• London, Pr. Nezalezhnasti (close to KGB headquarters, on the other side of the street. This friendly little café, in the shadow of the KGB headquarters, offers a wide range of teas, free Wi-Fi, seating outdoors (with heaters) and a small cozy room upstairs where it's possible to sit and talk in a relatively private setting.
• Golden Coffee, Pr. Nezalezhnasti 18, +375 17 237 41 87. 07:00-02:00. This cafe is on the main strip and one of the few that has both an outside and inside patio. And it is the place to see and be seen. The food is exquisite and they provide free Wi-Fi (till 18:00 when it automatically goes off for some reason). Also two other locations.

Beze Cafe, Praspekt Nezalezhnasti. Viennese style café with a great bakery and light snacks.

Grand Cafe, Vulitsa Lenina 2, +375 44 7031111. 12:00-00:00. A high end restaurant on Lenin Street. Try the roasted duck or salmon with asparagus. They offer a no-smoking section, menus in English and most of the servers speak good English, too. Making a reservation is recommended, especially on weekends.

London, Pr. Nezalezhnasti (close to KGB headquarters, on the other side of the street. This friendly little café, in the shadow of the KGB headquarters, offers a wide range of teas, free Wi-Fi, seating outdoors (with heaters) and a small cozy room upstairs where it's possible to sit and talk in a relatively private setting.

Golden Coffee, Pr. Nezalezhnasti 18, +375 17 237 41 87. 07:00-02:00. This cafe is on the main strip and one of the few that has both an outside and inside patio. And it is the place to see and be seen. The food is exquisite and they provide free Wi-Fi (till 18:00 when it automatically goes off for some reason). Also two other locations.

Nowadays, beer and vodka are the most common traditional alcoholic drinks in Belarus. Samahonka (moonshine) is occasionally served in trendy bars, as well as in all venues with decent Belarusian cuisine. Some places may have naliŭki - liquors infused with local berries, fruits or spices like horseradish. Zubroǔka (Żubrówka in Poland) is native to Belarus too. Good wines are expensive in Belarus, but due to geopolitical reasons, the country is a good place to explore Georgian and Moldovan wines, as well as Armenian cognacs. Most, if not all venues in Minsk accept bank cards even for small amounts. Many cafes and bars without table service have tip cups; leaving tips there is not compulsory.

• Huligan, vulica Kastryčnickaja, 16 (M Pieršamajskaja 0.3km, +375 17 327-10-45. 17:00-24:00 Mon-Thu; 17:00-04:00 Fri; 08:00-04:00 Sat; 08:00-24:00 Sun. A trendy hipster hangout with well-curated music, dance parties at weekends, wifi, full bar, a long cocktail menu, a selection of naliǔki (Belarusian liquors) and snacks of the humous, falafels and quesadilla kind. BYN5 beer, BYN12 cocktails, BYN7 snacks.

Huligan, vulica Kastryčnickaja, 16 (M Pieršamajskaja 0.3km, +375 17 327-10-45. 17:00-24:00 Mon-Thu; 17:00-04:00 Fri; 08:00-04:00 Sat; 08:00-24:00 Sun. A trendy hipster hangout with well-curated music, dance parties at weekends, wifi, full bar, a long cocktail menu, a selection of naliǔki (Belarusian liquors) and snacks of the humous, falafels and quesadilla kind. BYN5 beer, BYN12 cocktails, BYN7 snacks.

• Casino Royal
• Carat Casino

Minsk is a safe and clean city. If you are in need of assistance, there is a strong police presence in the downtown area. Emergency medical help can be accessed 24/7, either in designated hospitals or by phone.

All Minsk Metro stations are equipped with security scanners and police are always present there. Passengers with large bags and, particularly, backpacks, are routinely asked to submit their belongings for scanning. The procedure is quick and the police are usually polite. Both the police and Metro staff keep an eye on not letting drunk passengers in, particularly in the evening. Even if you are tipsy, be prepared to answer about your destination station and address. Alternatively, use taxi, buses, trolleybuses and trams.

The Belarusian law prohibits taking photographs of the government buildings. Locals tell stories of tourists approached by officials after attempting to photograph the monumental KGB headquarters on Praspiekt Niezaliežnasci.

Attending political and any protests may not be safe for tourists. Even bystanders may be detained by uniformed and plain cloth police. The judge is likely to accept the police story later on.

Belarus is safe for LGBT travelers most of the time. Belarusian law neither recognises nor bans same-sex relationships; it has some provision for transgender people. Homophobic and transphobic abuse is not recognised as a specific hate crime; any such incidents would be treated as generic hooliganism. This has its impact on the society: most of the people would not mind having LGBT people around, but would regard any explicit signs of affection as unacceptable. This may also lead to violence. Gay and lesbian club nights, if held, are not advertised openly; a Russian euphemism "zakrytaya vecherinka" (closed-door party) is often used. In the past, there were reports of vigilante groups using dating apps; the police challenged those crimes. Taking reasonable precautions should be enough to stay safe.

The Belarusian law prohibits distribution of pornography. While it is not used to routinely police people's belongings and video streaming habits, there were odd cases of prosecuting Belarusian citizens for posting explicit content on social media and even in password-protected profiles.

The enforcement of road safety for pedestrians and drivers by the traffic police is often ruthless, so observing traffic lights and crossings are well-engraved in Belarusians' behavior. As a rule, drivers always give the way to pedestrians crossing the road in the designated places.

Language may be a barrier for tourists to a certain extent. Virtually all Belarusians speak or understand both Belarusian and Russian; the latter remains the default means of communication. Increasingly more young people speak English and many of them will be eager to practice it. The older generation is unlikely to understand English. It is wise for visitors to learn some key phrases in Russian or Belarusian. Also, being familiar with the Cyrillic alphabet used both by Belarusian and Russian is essential for traveling without a guide. Many street signs and notices in public transport in Minsk are transliterated into the Latin alphabet. A confusion may arise from the fact that the names of landmarks, objects etc. may be transliterated either from Belarusian (as the current official practice requires, however it is not strictly enforced) or Russian; to add to the confusion, the old practice of translating geographical names still has a place. As the result, Плошча Перамогі (Площадь Победы in Russian) may be referred to in publications as Plošča Pieramohi (or Pieramohi Square - transliteration from Belarusian), Pobedy Square (transliteration from Russian) or Victory Square (direct translation). There is no an easy way to avoid this confusion completely right now, however, being aware of the possibility of the same object being referred to differently depending on the original language used by the speaker should help. Please see also the official standard used for transliteration of Belarusian geographical names into the Latin alphabet .

• Armenia Armenia, 50 Bumažkova St, +375 17 2979257, +375 17 2979267, +375 17 2979299, +375 17 2970308.
• Georgia Georgia, Freedom sq. N4, +375 17 2276219.
• India India, 63 Sobinova St, +375 17 2629399.
• Japan Japan, Pr. Pobediteley 23/1, 8F, +375 17 2236233.
• United Kingdom United Kingdom, 37 Karl Marx St, +375 17 2298200.
• United States United States, 46 Starovilenskaya St, +375 17 2101283, +375 17 2177347, +375 17 2177348.

Armenia Armenia, 50 Bumažkova St, +375 17 2979257, +375 17 2979267, +375 17 2979299, +375 17 2970308.

Georgia Georgia, Freedom sq. N4, +375 17 2276219.

India India, 63 Sobinova St, +375 17 2629399.

Japan Japan, Pr. Pobediteley 23/1, 8F, +375 17 2236233.

United Kingdom United Kingdom, 37 Karl Marx St, +375 17 2298200.

United States United States, 46 Starovilenskaya St, +375 17 2101283, +375 17 2177347, +375 17 2177348.

You may rent a car to travel around the country. Rates depend on period of hire and start from US$20 a day. There are offices of Europcar, Avis, Sixt and other rental companies.

Regional trains are also cheap. A trip from Minsk to Gomel (5 hr) and the train is almost never full.

• Brest is a regional capital on the border with Poland and is rich with history from both the Soviet times and before. You can see a Brest Hero Fortress, perhaps the most impressive Soviet monument ever built. You can get there by train (~20 daily trains running from Minsk) at US$5–20. It takes 3-4 hr by train.
• Gomel
• Grodno is a border town in north-west Belarus, near Kuźnica-Białostocka in Poland.
• Mir is a medieval castle about 85 km from Minsk. Formerly owned by the Radziwill family, one of the great families of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania. During the Second World War it was used by the Nazis as a Ghetto. Inside the castle is a museum showing artefacts from the castle's past, including exhibits from the Jewish community who lived in nearby Mir village until their destruction in the war.
• Lake Narach is the largest lake in Belarus, located about 160 km north of Minsk.
• Zaslavl

Lake Narach is the largest lake in Belarus, located about 160 km north of Minsk.