Sights of Minsk: Top 30

Minsk is a modern European city with a rich history. This city has many attractions, but a three-day weekend is enough to get to know the main ones. In 3 days in the city you can get acquainted with its history and see how the capital of the Republic of Belarus really lives.

A journey around Minsk begins with its calling card - the “Minsk Gate”. This is the first thing that tourists see when arriving in the city by train or bus.

Photo: © Tatiana Dudarenko

The first day. Historical Center

The best way to explore Minsk is from its historical center - the Upper Town and the Trinity Suburb. The main architectural monuments are concentrated there.

It is worth visiting the Peter and Paul Cathedral , the oldest church in the city. It is also called the Cathedral of the Holy Apostles Peter and Paul or the Catherine Church. The temple was built at the beginning of the 17th century in the Baroque architectural style. Throughout its existence, the church has been restored and rebuilt many times. Only in 1991, after re-consecration, the temple resumed services. In 1997, it was rebuilt for the last time - the towers were completed with tents, and the facade was cleared of extensions.

The Cathedral of the Virgin Mary is the main Catholic church in Minsk, built in the architectural style of the Vilna Baroque. The church began to be built in the 17th century, and was repeatedly completed over the course of 20 years. During Soviet times, the church was closed and the two towers that adorned the central façade were demolished, turning the cathedral into a sports hall. In the 90s, the temple was returned to the Catholic Church. After restoration work, the cathedral regained its original appearance.

The Cathedral of the Descent of the Holy Spirit dates back to the 17th century. With the arrival of the Bolsheviks, the cathedral was closed, and it resumed its work only 20 years later during the German occupation of the country. Today, inside the cathedral Orthodox church there are many relics, including the miraculous icon of the Mother of God (Minsk Icon) and the incorruptible relics of Sophia of Slutsk.

The Vankovich House Museum is a mansion in which the Belarusian artist Valentiy Vankovich once lived. The house, now a museum, was built at the turn of the 18th–19th centuries in the architectural style of classicism. Unfortunately, neither the fence with the gate nor the tiled stoves from the interior of the house have survived to this day. Also on the territory of the estate there is a permanent exhibition of Vankovich’s works and a monument to the artist himself.

Musical Street is one of the oldest streets in the city. The maximum number of ancient buildings of the 16th–18th centuries is concentrated on it. The street is interesting primarily because of the “Dwelling House” of the 18th century, as well as the “House of Masons”. The latter was erected at the beginning of the 19th century and is one of the most beautiful buildings in this place. “House of Masons” is made in the style of classicism.

The Bolshoi Theater of Minsk is not only the largest, but also the only opera house in the republic. It was built in 1933 in the style of Soviet pre-war constructivism. It was destroyed and looted during the German occupation. After the liberation of Minsk, the Bolshoi Theater was carefully restored and a park was built around it.

The Island of Tears is a memorial dedicated to Belarusian soldiers who died in the war in Afghanistan. The memorial complex was built on a small artificial island in the middle of the Svisloch River in the historical center of Minsk near the Trinity Suburb. A chapel was erected on the island, a bronze icon of the Mother of God was installed, embedded in stone, as well as a sculpture of a weeping angel.

You can read about a more eventful walk around the city in the material What to see in Minsk in 1 day

Photo: © KarinNA

Minsk city: sights and symbols

Church of St. Simeon and St. Helena

The grandiose architectural ensemble is located at the address: Sovetskaya Street 15. Residents of the city call it the Red Church, thanks to the bright color of the building. The building is considered the most famous Catholic church in Minsk. Its construction began back in 1905, and the shrine acquired its modern appearance in 1970 after perestroika. The main architectural features of the temple are its asymmetrical shape and 50-meter tower. In front of the entrance to the building you can see several sculptural compositions. And its premises are decorated with stained glass and stucco.

You can visit the church for free during opening hours. Today this place is considered one of the iconic places in the city, which is why it is included in sightseeing tours.

Museum of the History of the Great Patriotic War

This exhibition is notable for being the world's first collection dedicated to the bloodiest war of the 20th century. Museum exhibits began to be collected in the post-war years from all European countries. Since 1942, his collection has reached more than 150,000 rare items, among which you will find military newspapers, letters, orders, weapons, equipment, medals and other attributes. The museum has 11 thematic halls, some of them equipped with modern 3D installations.

The grandiose building in which the exhibition is located impresses with its unique style. It is located on Heroes Square, next to the monument “Minsk - Hero City” and the sculpture “Motherland”. The architectural concept of the building is very original and symbolic. The structure is divided into 4 parts, each of which is dedicated to one military year. Its façade is made in the shape of a salute of 11 rays, which symbolize victory.

Gate of Minsk

The key attraction of the capital of Belarus can be seen at the very first acquaintance with the city. It is located on the station square and is considered the main entrance to Minsk. Don’t forget to take a symbolic photo against the backdrop of the gate, where your journey around the city will begin.

The attraction consists of two identical towers located opposite each other. The buildings were erected in 1953 in the style of the Stalinist Empire style. On one of the towers you will see a coat of arms. And the second is decorated with a valuable trophy from the Great Patriotic War. This is a huge watch with a dial diameter of up to 3.5 meters. Small arched windows, stucco moldings, and sculptures placed on the sides give the towers a solemn appearance.

Palace of Culture of Trade Unions

Walking along October Revolution Square, it is difficult not to notice the exquisite building, reminiscent of an ancient Greek temple in outline. It is decorated with columns, sculptural compositions and stucco moldings. This is one of the symbols of Minsk - the palace of culture of trade unions. It was built back in 1956 and has become an important cultural center of the city. Today the building houses the Theater Hall, where you can go with the whole family. The palace also hosts other entertainment: theater evenings, performances by dance groups and artists.

Nesvizh Castle

Cult sights are located not only in the center of Minsk, but also in its surroundings. Nesvizh Castle is considered one of the most visited places. This is a large palace and park complex located in the town of the same name in the Minsk region. The building dates back to the 16th-18th centuries and was founded by Prince Radziwill Sirotka. During this time, the castle was rebuilt a large number of times, so its architectural style has notes of Baroque, Classicism, Art Nouveau, Rococo, Renaissance, and Neo-Gothic.

Today Nesvizh Castle is located in a picturesque place. It is surrounded by a well-kept park with a lake. Its interiors are also distinguished by the beauty of its decoration. The castle has 300 chambers and 12 spacious state rooms. The Golden, Royal, Hetman, Marble and Star halls are particularly luxurious. Crystal chandeliers, fireplaces, altars, sculptures and paintings decorate the chambers of Nesvizh Castle.

For those who want to have a good day with the whole family, we recommend booking a 10-hour trip to the sights of the Minsk suburbs of Mir and Nesvizh. During this time, you will visit famous palace and park ensembles, stroll through parks, and visit the main assets of each city. The cost of the trip includes entrance tickets, guide services, transportation costs, and lunch in a restaurant.

Masonic House

The name of this place alone suggests that many secrets are associated with it. It is believed that it was built in 1817 on the initiative of the Masonic lodge. But there is no exact evidence confirming such a relationship. The only argument in favor of this legend is the shape of the building, reminiscent of a Masonic cross.

The exterior design of the building has almost completely retained its authentic appearance, and its interiors have been changed several times since its construction. Today the building houses the collections of the Museum of Theater and Music, which is worth a visit if you find yourself near the architectural complex.

City Hall

The building is located on Freedom Square and is considered one of the iconic architectural monuments. Next to it are the Cathedral and the Church of the Blessed Virgin. The Town Hall is considered a symbol of urban justice and independence, thanks to the historical events that are associated with this place. It is curious that in the 19th century the town hall was completely demolished and then rebuilt. Inside the building there are meeting rooms and exhibitions. The most interesting item in the exhibition is a miniature copy of the central part of Minsk in the 19th century.

Second day. Walk along Independence Avenue

The second day of exploring the capital of the Republic of Belarus can be devoted to the main street of the city - Independence Avenue. This central highway of Minsk stretches for 15 kilometers. An incredible number of attractions are concentrated on it.

You can start a walk along Independence Avenue from the square of the same name , which, before the country left the USSR, bore the name of the main leader of the Bolsheviks, Lenin. Independence Square is quite old; construction work ended in 1933. On the square there are buildings such as the Government House, state universities (BSU and BSPU), the Main Post Office, the Red Church , and a three-story underground shopping center .

Going higher along the avenue, you can look into the State Department Store (GUM), built in 1951. The building is interesting not so much for what it sells, but for its architecture. Large glazed openings, complex decor with many small pediments, stucco moldings, inserts and other elements. The GUM building is made in the style of Stalinist monumental classicism and is an architectural monument of the 20th century.

Next comes Oktyabrskaya Square , which is located in the very center of Minsk. It was built in 1950 and mainly served to allow members of the government of the Byelorussian Soviet Socialist Republic to host parades and demonstrations from special stands. On Oktyabrskaya Square you need to pay attention to two attractions - the Palace of the Republic and the Zero Kilometer. Opposite October Square is Alexander Square and the Cyril and Methodius Church.

A little further from Oktyabrskaya Square is the house-museum of the First Congress of the RSDLP . It is dedicated to the event of the 1st Congress of the Russian Social Democratic Labor Party in 1898. The museum was badly damaged during the Second World War, but was restored to the smallest detail. Today the museum houses over 400 exhibits, including documents and materials, household items, photographs and much more related to the activities of the RSDLP.

Next to the house of the RSDLP Museum is Victory Square . In the center of the square there is a Victory Monument and an eternal flame. Construction of the square began in the 30s of the last century, and until 1958 it was called Round. Then it was renamed Victory Square, further legitimizing its status with pedestals with capsules with the land of hero cities (Moscow, Leningrad, Kyiv, Odessa, etc.) in 1984.

You can end your second day in Minsk with a visit to the National Library . This rhombicuboctahedral (diamond) building amazes with its size and appearance. Every day at sunset the library lights turn on until midnight. In addition, there is an observation deck on the upper floors of the library, which offers incredible views of the city. Between the National Library and the Eastern Cemetery there is the All Saints Church-Monument and the Church of the Holy Trinity, which should definitely be included in the program of exploring Minsk.

You can find more ideas for a sightseeing walking tour of the city in the material What to see in Minsk in 2 days

Photo: © Yura Lepesa

Top 20 sights of Minsk

1. Upper town
2. Red Church
3. National Library
4. Gorky Park
5. Red courtyard
6. Oktyabrskaya street
7. City Gate
8. Opera and Ballet Theatre
9. National Art Museum
10. Zybitskaya street
11. Loshitsky Park
12. Trinity/Rakovskoe suburb
13. Botanical Garden
14. Museum of the History of the Great Patriotic War
15. Oktyabrskaya Square
16. Money Museum
17. Independence Avenue
18. Square of victory
19. Komarovsky market
20. Country Mini

Upper town

The first answer to the question “What to see in Minsk?” there will be an Upper City. The historical center, the heart of the city's architectural ensemble and a place from which you can get to any point in the capital - this is all about the Upper Town. When you find yourself in Nemiga, you will first of all see Freedom Square (under which, by the way, according to legend there are underground passages connecting all the monasteries of Minsk), the city hall, the Church of St. Cyril of Turov and much more. In addition to history buffs, the Upper Town also attracts young people: cultural festivals of Belarus and other countries of the world are regularly held here.

Red Church

The red church is actually called the Church of Saints Simeon and Helen (the building received its local nickname due to the color of the facade). The legend of the most famous Catholic church in Minsk is very touching, and you will definitely be told in more detail about it on an excursion to the Mini Country Museum. Now the temple holds masses in Belarusian and Polish and can be visited as part of a tour. On Independence Square, where the Red Church is located, you can also stroll through the underground shopping center.

National Library

The Diamond of Knowledge, as the famous Minsk library was nicknamed for its unusual appearance by local standards, was built in 2006. At the entrance to the building you are greeted by Francis Skaryna, the first book printer in Belarus. Inside the library, 10 million copies in the form of manuscripts, books, newspapers and other paper media are available to readers and ordinary tourists. After relaxing in a cafe, right in the heart of the rhombicuboctahedron

(this is the name of the unusual figure in the form of which the library is made) visit the observation deck at an altitude of 73 meters to see Minsk in full view.

Gorky Park

Don't know where to go with children in Minsk? Gorky Park is the most family-friendly attraction in the city of Minsk. Your attention is presented to 28 hectares of green spaces, water, metal structures (in the form of attractions and the frames of street cafes), stone steps and laughter. Gorky Park has existed since 1805. This is the most comfortable vacation spot for families and couples, watching sunsets and sunrises and walking along the embankment, for lovers of the smell of barbecue and popcorn.

Red courtyard

If you want to visit interesting places in Minsk for those who are not like everyone else, go to the nook on Komsomolskaya. Just a few years ago, everyone simply passed by this alley: behind the wrought-iron gates there was an ordinary courtyard-well, more typical of St. Petersburg than of Minsk. But today the Red Courtyard has become the object of attention of graffiti artists, and then of hunters for interesting photographs and lovers of non-standard pastimes. There are a couple of cafes with very specific names here (how about “ Blue Goat”

"?), film and music evenings, creative meetings and other events “not for everyone” are held.

Oktyabrskaya street

What would be so original and unusual to see in Minsk? « Vulica Brazil

" - a festival of graffiti culture - gave the city not only a couple of memorable evenings of music and South American culture.
He left the residents a souvenir of an entire street, dotted with incredibly bright drawings: images of historical figures, animals, mysterious landscapes. In addition to a chic backdrop for selfie lovers, Oktyabrskaya Street offers street food, listening to music in a local cafe and visiting a contemporary art gallery called simply and succinctly - “ Ў
”.

Gate of Minsk

The Twin Towers, another iconic landmark of Minsk, can be seen as soon as you step out of the main entrance of the train station onto the street. These are two symmetrical buildings of 11 floors, built in 1952 in the style of Stalinist architecture, decorated with trophy clocks, the coat of arms of the BSSR and marble statues. This is where Independence Avenue was supposed to start. As a rule, this is the first attraction that all visitors take pictures of.

Opera and Ballet Theatre

Do you want to know where to go with your family in Minsk and have a cultural holiday? This theater is a kind of monopolist from the world of art: the only opera house in Belarus and also the largest in the country. Founded in 1933, it takes pride of place as an architectural monument and every day impresses passers-by with its snow-white domes and columns, and visitors with a symphony orchestra, a children's choir, and performances by an opera and ballet troupe.

National Art Museum

A classic landmark of Minsk, where you will definitely linger for several hours. Since 1939, the museum’s halls have been replenished with works by Aivazovsky, Repin, Khrutsky, Levitan and other art classics. Separate rooms are dedicated to the ancient history and mythology of different countries, each decorated in its own style, and the total collection of the museum is more than 27,000 exhibits.

Zybitskaya street

If you ask a Minsk resident where you can have a great rest and drink nearby, he will send you to Zybitskaya (even if you are at the other end of the city at that moment). « Zyba

", as the locals call it, is famous for its bars for every taste and color. They serve everything here: from the simplest shots to signature cocktails with Tabasco sauce. Each bar has its own atmosphere, music and menu, so one evening you will definitely not close the column of studying the drinking culture of Minsk.

Loshitsky Park

Where to go for a walk and where to get inspiration in Minsk? There is only one answer: Loshitsky Park! This island of greenery on the city map is loved by everyone without exception: families with children for its wide benches and beautiful views, athletes for its convenient trails and bicycle rentals. History buffs come to the Lyubansky estate with its centuries-long transformation from an ordinary house into the conventional center of the park. Photographers here are looking for sunsets and landscapes. A quiet and cozy neighborhood attracts tourists and city residents for a relaxing holiday.

Trinity and Rakovskoe suburbs

Let's return to the historical center of the city - Nemiga. The Trinity and Rakovskoe suburbs are known to everyone from postcards of the city and textbooks: even in elementary grades, on their pages, children of Belarusian schools encounter images of this area. Besides the architectural style (some of the houses' foundations are already 400 years old) and obvious attractions like the Peter and Paul Church, an art museum and a literary center, there are plenty of authentic cafes and souvenir shops. And from here there is a beautiful view of the Svisloch embankment, along which you can take a boat and catamaran ride.

Botanical Garden

Another interesting attraction and the greenest point of Minsk is not a park at all: the garden of the National Academy of Sciences is proud of its collection of ornamental and economically useful plants. 15,000 species thrive in the created climatic conditions and have been delighting visitors for many years. There are regular excursions for children and adults, who can observe the flora of different climatic zones: from taiga to subtropics.

Museum of the History of the Great Patriotic War

What to see in Minsk to plunge into history? Of course, a museum! The building has an extremely unusual shape for a museum—a domed structure with “sunrays” along the edge—opened in 2014 and has already managed to impress more than one tourist. 143 thousand exhibits, 10 halls dedicated to different periods of the war, and a real memory square under a glass roof, where the names of battle heroes are inscribed in gold letters. The museum's modern approach to excursions and multimedia equipment is perfectly combined with military memorabilia and relics found. At the entrance to the museum you can see the stele “ Minsk - Hero City”

", and right behind it is Victory Park and Bird Island.

Oktyabrskaya Square

If the street of the same name wins the hearts of modern youth, then the views of this square in Minsk are more traditional in terms of attractions. Oktyabrskaya Square is the largest in the country, and its history is also connected with a lot of mysterious events: for example, there once stood a monument to Joseph Stalin, which was not just sawn, but walled up right under the square. The Zero Kilometer, the Palaces of the Republic and Trade Unions are also located here, and for the New Year the main Christmas tree of Minsk is placed here.

Money Museum

Tourists love good excursions and money (in terms of savings, of course). Well, why not combine these two points? Museum " Groshi"

", of course, is not the largest in the world, but the collection of coins, bonds, banknotes and bills here is truly impressive. It is not even necessary to study the history of Belarus separately: everything can be learned through the prism of money changing over centuries. And do not refuse to be accompanied by a guide: experienced and inspired people work here who will tell you a whole bunch of interesting stories.

Independence Avenue

Do you want to have lunch, take a walk, listen to music and shop at the same time? You should walk along Independence Avenue. The longest street in Belarus is a real treasure trove of everything travelers love: history and modernity are literally inseparable here. Classic Stalinist Empire style in every building and alley, the most important points of the city, such as the Main Post Office, GUM, the Central Book Store and, in contrast, bars, restaurants and cafes for every taste and budget. Start your journey from Independence Square and forward to Victory Square itself. Believe me, there is something to see here.

Square of victory

Minsk is a treasure trove of historical sites and attractions, and in the city center lies another significant site. " The feat of the people is immortal

“- reads the inscription on the houses around Victory Square. It was founded in honor of the valiant defense of Soviet soldiers: now an eternal flame burns here and capsules with the soil of hero cities, including Moscow, Kyiv and many others, are laid. And the houses around the square are famous for other reasons: in addition to a couple of cafes, the apartment of that same Lee Harvey Oswald is located here.

Komarovsky market

Where to go in Minsk in search of healthy food and Belarusian flavor? Definitely to Komarovka. The main market of Minsk was founded in 1979, and since that moment all Minsk residents know: for fresh food - only here. On all days except Monday, of course. Although at the beginning of the week you can see something interesting here. There is a whole collection of bronze statues: a lady with a dog, a grandmother with seeds, a photographer and others. By the way, before the market, the building housed a mobile menagerie until the Minsk Zoo had a permanent location.

Country Mini

So, we went through the main attractions of Minsk, but what if we told you that all this can be seen in less than 2 hours? The Museum of Miniatures is a unique place for Belarus, which contains exact copies of the most famous places in the country, reduced by tens and hundreds of times. As part of an unusual excursion through a non-standard museum, you will get acquainted with the history of the Brest Fortress, the Bolshoi Theater, unravel the secrets of castles and palaces of Belarus and much more. Ready to find out everything in one visit?

Day three

The third day of your stay in the capital of the Republic of Belarus can be left for a walk through museums or go to explore the outskirts of the city. If you decide to stay in the city and devote this day to exploring museums, then you should pay attention to the Museum of the Great Patriotic War , National Art Museum , National Historical Museum , Museum of the History of Belarusian Cinema , Museum of Miniatures “Mini Country” , etc. You can also take a walk along the street with graffiti and murals (Oktyabrskaya Street) and look into the gallery of modern art (Gallery “Ў”).

For more details, see the article Museums of Minsk

Getting to know the area

By going outside the city, you can become much more deeply immersed in the history of the republic, look at other beauties of the country and get closer to its great architecture and various attractions.

A sacred place for every Belarusian is the Khatyn memorial complex , located in the northeast, 60 km from Minsk. The infamous village, which was burned with all its inhabitants (149 people) in retaliation for the murder of several German soldiers, demonstrates the tragedy of the Belarusian people. Also on the territory of the memorial complex is the “Village Cemetery”.

The monument "Mound of Glory" , dedicated to the largest offensive operation "Bagration" in July 1944, is located 35 km from Minsk. The height of the memorial is just over 70 meters. In 2004, the monument was inaugurated again after reconstruction work.

to get to the largest Berezinsky Nature Reserve , but this natural complex more than compensates for the long journey. Part of the global network of UNESCO biosphere reserves and spread over 85 hectares, it surprises with its ecosystem. Dense forests, clean meadows, ponds and swamps with many animals and plants allow you to see the pristine nature of the Republic of Belarus.

Dukorsky Maentak , located 30 km from Minsk, is a great place for a family holiday. On the territory of the estate and park complex you can see the estate’s workshops, visit the museum, see the upside-down house, visit the stables, touch the 400-year-old oak tree, make a wish at the “wishing tree” and visit the meadow of fairy tales.

Almost 100 km from Minsk there is a castle and park complex “Mir” , which is also a defensive fortification and residence in the city village of the same name. On its territory there is the Mir Castle itself, dating from the 16th century, ramparts built in the 17th century, and a chapel from the early 20th century.

Nesvizh Castle can be visited on the same day as Mir Castle, as they are located relatively close to each other. This palace and castle complex was built at the end of the 16th century by Prince Radziwill with the participation of the Italian architect G. Bernardoni. On the territory of this castle complex there is the castle itself, its fortifications and a large landscape park.

What else to see in 3 days can be found in the material Sights of Minsk

Photo: © Daria In Tourism

For more information, see the Minsk Guide

Central squares of the city

We recommend starting your sightseeing trip by visiting the main squares. There are 4 of them in the city:

• Independence Square
  . Its territory occupies more than 7 hectares. Therefore, the area is considered one of the largest in Europe. As a rule, sightseeing tours begin from this part of the city. Many of the attractions located here are included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. These include the Government House, Minsk City Hall, the “Architect” statue, the Church of Saints Simon and Helen, apartment buildings of the 20th century, and the metro building. Walking along Independence Avenue, you will also see the National Library, the Palace of the Republic, the Minsk Theater and GUM.

• Square of victory . The assets of this part of the city are dedicated to the victory in the Great Patriotic War. Its central part is decorated with a monumental monument to soldiers of the Red Army. And nearby stands the Victory Obelisk. Below it is a memorial hall dedicated to fallen heroes. On Victory Square there is also an entrance to Gorky Park, a popular area for family recreation.
• Oktyabrskaya Square
  . Located in the center of the capital of Belarus, next to Independence Avenue. City concerts and fairs are often held here, and in winter you can go ice skating on the square. Its main attractions are the Palace of Culture of Trade Unions, as well as a complex of fountains.
• Yakub Kolos Square
  . A small block located next to the street of the same name. On its territory you can see the building of the State Belarusian Philharmonic, the National Olympic Committee, and a monument dedicated to Yakub Kolas.

You can see the central squares and their assets during an individual sightseeing tour. It lasts 3 hours and includes a visit to Pobediteley Avenue, Independence Avenue and Freedom Square. On the tour page you can read the program description, find out the schedule, route and cost. The tour is conducted in Russian.

What to see in 3 days in winter

Winter in Minsk is no harsher than in most cities in the European part of Russia. It’s quite possible to go on a sightseeing tour, sometimes stopping at cafes and restaurants along the way to warm up and have a snack.

Also at this time of year you can visit, for example, the Belarusian State Circus . Performances for every taste - from water extravaganzas to aerial acts - will appeal to both adults and young spectators. The Star Hall of the Minsk Planetarium invites you to immerse yourself in the eternity of space thanks to the domed screen and the Planetarium apparatus, produced back in the days of the GDR by Carl Zeiss. Also in winter, you can get to know Minsk better by visiting theatrical performances and museums, of which there are many in the city.

An excellent solution could be a holiday in the vicinity of Minsk at a ski resort - in Logoisk or in Silichi . Both are located about 30 km from the capital and offer a wide variety of activities, in addition to skiing or snowboarding from the peaks.

Photo: © Alexander Goncharov

What to see in 3 days in summer

Minsk is especially beautiful in summer. In the warm season, you should definitely visit the central botanical garden . This natural monument of republican significance has over 10 thousand plant names.

You can take a break from the bustle of the city in parks and squares. There are really a lot of these green areas in the city: Park named after. M. Gorky , Starostinskaya Sloboda square, park named after. Yanka Kupala , Chelyuskintsev Park , Park named after. Hugo Chavez, Victory Park , etc.

By the way, one of the attractions of Victory Park is a boat trip along the Svisloch River. If you want to have a blast, you can do it on a boat. The park is also worth a visit to Bird Island, the territory of which has become the habitat of 30 different species of birds. The island can be reached via a pedestrian bridge. Continuing the theme of nature, you can stop by for an hour or two at the Minsk Zoo , where more than 2 thousand animals live.

Read more: Parks and zoos in Minsk

You can relax more actively in the capital in the summer at the Lebyazhy water park , located on the shore of the Drozdy reservoir on the border with the Moscow Ring Road. This is a large and modern aquatic complex, which is considered the fifth largest in Europe.

Read more: Amusement parks in Minsk

Photo: © Natalia Konnova

Sights of Minsk: what else to visit in Minsk?

We told you briefly about the main attractions of Minsk. Reviews from tourists indicate them as the most fascinating and significant objects of the capital. If your trip is long enough, also explore cultural treasures such as:

Memorial complex Khatyn

Statue of the Khatyn complex - The Unconquered Man
We are talking about a modest village that was burned by the German invaders, and on the territory of which there is now a complex with a monument to the “Unconquered Man”. In addition to the “Smoke of Khatyn” memorial itself, there is a “Wall of Memory”, “Village of Life” and “Village Cemetery”.

Official website: https://www.khatyn.by/

House-museum of the 1st Congress of the RSDLP

A small wooden building is the house-museum of the 1st Congress of the RSDLP.
A small house in which the first meeting of future Bolsheviks was held in 1898. During the Great Patriotic War, the building was destroyed, but later, on the orders of Stalin, it was reconstructed. The museum contains party archives, newspapers and documents. The interior quite accurately conveys the atmosphere of the 19th century.

Official website: https://domusmuseum.histmuseum

Chelyuskintsev Park

Chelyuskintsev Park is a city park for walking and recreation.
A public park with a dance floor, a summer stage, recreational areas, playgrounds for children and attractions. The last reconstruction was carried out in 2000: the previous attractions and entertainment facilities were completely replaced with new and modern ones.

Official website: https://parki.by/All-parks/2

Central Children's Park named after. Maxim Gorky

Educational observatory in the Central Children's Park named after.
Maxim Gorky Public park area, the founding date of which is considered to be 1805. Initially, the park was the governor’s garden, and only “noble citizens” could visit it. Later, a stadium, croquet lawns and tennis courts were built here. Today the park is open to everyone, and has been refurbished to entertain children of all ages.

Official website: https://parki.by/All-parks

Minsk Zoo

Entrance to the Minsk Zoo
Guides in Minsk recommend that tourists with children visit the local zoo. You can observe the life of animals in spacious enclosures and cages with maximum convenience. There are restrooms and a cafe on site, and there are several recreation areas. Lectures and excursions are available for guests of all ages. It is possible to visit on various children's holidays. The area includes a monkey bar, stone “palaces” for lions, and a dolphinarium. The number of inhabitants exceeds 2,500 units from the orders of reptiles, primates, mammals, vivariums, birds, etc.

Official website: https://minskzoo.by/

Loshitsky Park

View of the Loshitsa manor and park complex
. A cultural and architectural monument spread over an area of ​​97 hectares. The manor and park complex is open to the public: here you can visit museums with interiors from the 18th and 19th centuries, the Gatekeeper's House and a children's playground. City festivals and celebrations are organized on the territory.

Official website: https://www.ctv.by/node

Boulder Museum

Open-air park-museum of stones on the eastern outskirts of Minsk
This open-air museum boasts rather unusual collection items. Its exhibits include more than 2,000 stones of various types and shapes (collected over 5 years). A local stone map provides invaluable knowledge of the geography of the state: settlements and cities are represented as giant boulders, and, for example, the borders of the country are represented by bushes and river paths.

Trinity Suburb

Trinity Suburb is a picturesque old quarter on the banks of the Svisloch River.
Development of the territory began in the 12th century. Modest houses with roofs of different colors were erected around the shopping area. The modern suburb has quiet streets lined with antique shops, art galleries, small shops and the Opera House on Trinity Hill.

Ethnographic Museum of Dudutki

Museum of Ancient Folk Crafts and Technologies - Dudutki
The object tells about the rural heritage and culture of the state. On the territory of the museum complex, the atmosphere of a 19th century village is recreated: there is a barnyard, several cars from past centuries, moonshine brewing machines, handicrafts, a kitchen, workshops for the production of cheeses and pottery, and wooden houses. Guests are invited to taste moonshine brewed according to an old recipe, try themselves as an apprentice blacksmith and bake bread. The inhabitants of Dudutka are not only people, but also all kinds of living creatures of the modest zoo: ostriches, ponies and roe deer. Ducks and geese, peacocks and pheasants also stroll through the farms. As well as more familiar animals, such as pigs and sheep.

Official website: https://www.dudutki

Routes and reviews from tourists

To travel independently through an unfamiliar city, each of us draws up, perhaps not a detailed, but an approximate route with the sights that he would like to see. Today, all the necessary information can be found on the Internet, and at the same time a large number of reviews and proven routes.

Such reviews are filled with interesting and lively photos, with clear descriptions of routes, tips and, possibly, small life hacks. In addition, there are reviews about the city for every season: summer, autumn, winter and spring. So it will be much easier to choose when to go sightseeing in Minsk.

Stories about Minsk and its surroundings from Anna Kudryavtseva:

• "Minsk: Independence Avenue"
• "Minsk: Upper City"
• "Minsk: a walk through the Trinity Suburb"
• "Two weeks in Belarus"

You can read about Minsk and Vitebsk in Masha Malinovskaya’s material:

"Belarus: Minsk and Vitebsk"

Material about the weekend in Minsk from Maria Shcherbakova:

“Weekend in Minsk. June 2019"

Read more: All reviews about holidays in Minsk

See also: Weather in Minsk for 3 days or more

Photo: © Natalia Brooklyna

Where to stay in Minsk

In Minsk, as a large metropolitan city, tourists have a choice of hotels, apartments and hostels. Hotels without category and up to 5 stars are located mainly in the center, as well as on the outskirts of major highways. The range of prices for rooms is significant, by Russian standards from below average to high, which is quite logical for the Marriott and DoubleTree by Hilton chains. A larger assortment, both in variety and in prices, is always in the apartments' offers. They also vary in level of comfort, size and price - from very small to the level of local 5-star hotels.

• Minsk Hotels
• Hostels for Budget Travelers
• Flats and apartments

A way to save on travel is to book accommodation on Booking.com with cashback Cashback promotion on Tourist. RU