Minsk

Understand

History Minsk is one of the oldest Belarusian cities. Its age is counted from 1067, when it was mentioned in a medieval chronicle for the first time. In the 13th century, Minsk peacefully joined the Grand Duchy of Lithuania. By the middle of the 16th century, it was an important economic and cultural centre in the Polish–Lithuanian Commonwealth. It suffered badly during the Russo-Polish War (1654–1667) and the Great Northern War (1700–1721). Minsk was annexed by Russia in 1793. It enjoyed a speedy development throughout the 19th century as one of the provincial centres of the Russian Empire. By the end of the 19th century, the city had over 90,000 inhabitants, with Jews constituting more than half of its population. Other substantial ethnic groups were Russians, Poles and Belarusians. Ethnic Belarusians dominated in rural areas on the country. In the early years of the 20th century, Minsk was a major centre for the worker's movement. The 1st Congress of the Russian Social Democratic Labour Party, the forerunner to the Soviet Communists, was held there in 1898. It was also one of the major centres of the Belarusian national revival, alongside Vilnius. The First World War devastated Minsk. By 1915, it was a battle-front city. The first attempt at an independent Belarusian state, the Belarusian Democratic Republic, was made in Minsk in March 1918. In 1919, Minsk became the capital city of the Belarusian Soviet Socialist Republic, BSSR, one of the founders of the Soviet Union (1922-1991). Minsk was occupied by Nazi Germany from 1941-1944. Before the Second World War, Minsk had a population of 300,000, but this had fallen to around 50,000 by 1944. After the war, Minsk was almost completely rebuilt. The historical centre was replaced in the 1940s and 1950s by Stalinist architecture, which favoured grand buildings, broad avenues and wide squares. Many magnificent and precious buildings, including churches and synagogues, were lost in the post-war decades of disregard to the pre-Socialist past. Minsk is increasingly more confident in being the capital city of a country in the very centre of Europe. It is becoming better connected and more open, both economically and culturally. In return, it makes Minsk more attractive to all kinds of visitors, not only those who are after the quirkiest experiences.

Climate

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 freezing cold, but snow

Getting there

By plane In addition to visa-free entry for Russians and many other citizens, passengers from 74 countries do not need a visa if flying to Minsk National Airport under certain conditions. For more information, see Belarus#Get_in.

1 Minsk National Airport (MSQ IATA , formerly known as Minsk-2) (37 km (23 mi) east of the city border), ☏ +375 17 2791300, fax: +375 17 2791730. All international flights arrive here. After the passport control, before the luggage collection and customs, two duty-free shops selling mostly foreign alcohol to the arriving passengers are available - show your passport and boarding pass used for flying to Minsk. The Arrivals feature a standard selection of cash machines, currency exchange, a taxi call point, 24/7 snacks and beverages shop and mobile phone providers - A1, MTS and life:) - kiosks. The Departures hall has a good selection of cafes, banking facilities, post office, hairdresser and shops with Belarusian specialities, souvenirs, alcohol and newspapers. After passing the passport control, duty-free shops and cafes are available. For all services, see the airport website . For the free airport-wide Wi-Fi, use the AirportMinsk network (roaming for receiving a text message with the password is required). Cafes in the Departures have their own networks which do not require an SMS code. (updated Sep 2019)

Flight connections The only Belarusian airline, Belavia, is based at the Minsk National Airport which had become an increasingly popular transit hub for travel between Ukraine, Russia, Caucasus, Central Asia and formerly also Europe. Also, a number of Russian airlines and few other airlines fly to Minsk daily or near daily. For transfer instructions, see the Airport website (links in the left-hand menu). Due to sanctions, there are no direct flights to or from the European Union - the sole remaining practical connection is via Istanbul.

Getting to the city

Bus

The airport is served by buses №300Э and private minivans №1400-ТК and №1430-ТК running 24/7 every 15 to 45 min (see timetable ) from the central coach terminals (Aŭtavakzal Centraĺny, Аўтавакзал Цэнтральны; also may be spelt Avtovokzal Tsentralnyi, from its Russian name). The bus stop is outside the arrivals sectors 5/6. The timetable is on display at the stop. Free wifi is available on all buses and minivans, however, you will have to be able to receive an SMS with the password. Before boarding bus №300Э, purchase a ticket from a self-service kiosk at the bus stop (most international cards are accepted) or from the driver (Belarusian cash, cards are acc

Getting around

The central area of Minsk is easily manageable on foot. Public transportation comprises buses, trams, trolleybuses, railway city lines and the Minsk metro (underground). Minsk public transport is cheap and reliable. For navigation, Google Maps does a good job.

Public transport

Tickets Single trip tickets and margetic cards for uploading carnets and period passes can be purchased from metro ticket offices, Minsktrans (state public transport company for Minsk) offices in front of most metro station exits and from Minsktrans kiosks at many bus stops. There are a large number of carnet and pass combinations depending on the length of the intended stay and plans for travel. The metro-only magnetic card costs 1 ruble (refundable) plus cost of travel; the Minsktrans magnetic card costs 2.88 rubles (refundable) and is valid for metro, bus, trolleybus, tram and railway city lines (September 2019). For details, see the Minsk metro fairs guide in Belarusian and Russian. A single trip ticket for bus, tram or trolleybus is paper-based and costs 0.60 rubles if purchased from a ticket office or kiosk, 0.65 rubles if purchased from the driver (September 2019). Tickets have to be validated straight away. In metro, a single journey is 0.65 rubles (September 2019) paid by tokens bought at a window or self-service kiosk inside the station. Visa and MasterCard bank cards can be used for contactless pay-as-you-go payments. Magnetic cards with carnets or period passes have to be scanned upon boarding buses, trolleybuses and trams; if successful, the scanner displays Аплочана (Belarusian for paid). There is no need to scan cards at the end of the journey. Validators for paper tickets and scanners for cards are separate machines. In metro, scan a card at the gate to your right and enter the station.

By bus There are a few express buses (their route number is followed by Э - for Belarusian Экспрэс) in Minsk. They are not covered by the majority of available period passes, but can be added for a small payment. Privately-run minivans (their route numbers consist of four digits followed by letters, e.g. 1097-TK, displayed in the front and side windows of vehicles) often serve longer routes than city buses, trolleybuses and trams do. They are of good quality, safe and very quick. Minivans stop on request at regular bus or trolleybus stops and cost 1.00-1.50 rubles depending on the route. Period passes and carnets from Minsktrans are not valid on minivans. To catch one, stand at the edge of a bus stop and make a sign to the driver of the approaching vehicle; then take a seat

See

Museums 1 Belarusian National Arts Museum (Belarusian: Нацыянальны мастацкі музей Рэспублікі Беларусь), Vulitsa Lenina 20 (Kastryčnickaja metro station Кастрычніцкая 0.4 km; Kupalaǔskaja metro station Купалаўская 0.3 km). W-M 11:00-19:00. One of the most popular tourist destinations in Minsk. It 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. 2 Belarusian National History Museum (Belarusian: Нацыянальны гістарычны музей Рэспублікі Беларусь), 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, [email protected]. 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.. (updated Mar 2018) 3 Belarusian Great Patriotic War Museum (Музей ВАВ, Беларускі дзяржаўны музей гісторыі Вялікай Айчыннай вайны), praspiekt Pieramožcaŭ, 8, ☏ +375-017-327-11-66, [email protected]. 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. (updated Jan 2018) Art Palace (Палац мастацтва), Vulitsa Kazlova 3. Tu-Su 10:00-19:00. Several exhibition spaces showing modern art, second hand books and antiques stalls. Admission Free. Contemporary Fine Arts Museum (Музей сучаснага выяўленчага мастацтва), Praspiekt Niezaliežnasci, 47 (M Plošča Jakuba Kolasa, 0.1 km), ☏ +375-17-399-09-79, [email protected]. Tu-Su 11:00-19:00. National Centre for Contemporary Arts has two venues, at praspiekt Niezaliežnasci, 47 and vulica Niakrasava, 3 (tram no. 1, stop Vulica Carnyseuskaha; closed M and Tu) is a short tram ride from each other. Both are comparatively small venues hosting several exhibitions simultaneously. Tickets can be purchased for either g

Do

1 Children's Railroad (K. S. Zaslonov Children's Railroad in Minsk (Belarusian: Дзiцячая чыгунка (Dzitsyachaya chyhunka); Russian: Минская детская железная дорога имени К.С.Заслонова (Minskaya detskaya zheleznaya doroga imeni K.S.Zaslonova)), prospekt Nezavisimosti, ~84a (Park Čaliuskincaǔ - M: Park Čaliuskincaǔ station (Парк Чалюскінцаў)). 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. (updated Apr 2020) Football: several Minsk teams play soccer in the Premier League, the country's top tier. The national team play at Dinamo Stadium, capacity 22,000, about 500 m south of city centre. That's also the home of top-tier club FC Minsk; other big club fixtures also occasionally use it. Other clubs in the city are Dinamo Minsk, Energetik-BGU (formerly Zvezda), and Isloch. The playing season is Mar-Nov. Ice hockey: HC Dinamo Minsk play in KHL, the predominantly Russian league that also has teams from Beijing and Astana.

Parks and gardens 2 Botanical Garden (Belarusian: Цэнтральны батанічны сад. Russian: Центральный ботанический сад), Vulica Surhanava вул.Сурганава, 2v (M: Park Čaliuskincaǔ station (Парк Чалюскінцаў) 100 m (330 ft)), ☏ +375 17 292-69-15. Tu-Su 10:00-20:00. 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. 8/4 rubles. (updated May 2019) 3 Park Čaliuskincaǔ (Belarusian: Парк Чалюскінцаў; Russian: Парк Челюскинцев, IPA: [park tɕeˈlʲʉskʲintsef]), Praspekt Niezaliežnasci, ~91 (M: Park Čaliuskincaǔ station (Парк Чалюскінцаў)). An urban forest park. The park's area is 78 hectares (190 acres). 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. 4 Park Horkaha (Парк Горкага, Цэнтральны дзіцячы парк імя Максіма Горкага, Maksim Gorky Central Children's Park), Vulica Frunze вул.Фрунзэ, 2 (M Plošča 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

Buy

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 that was created in Belarusian Brest. Sugar-coated cranberries, flat crisps (čypsy, чыпсы), zefir (a soft baked confectionery of apple puree and sugar), chocolate-glazed cheesecake desserts (hlazuravany syrok, глазураваны сырок) and rye bread are treated as Belarusian specialities; 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 wider variety of the goods produced locally.

Souvenirs 1 Vialiki Dziakuj (Вялікі дзякуй), vul. Kastryčnickaja, 23A (M Pieršamajskaja, 0.5 km), ☏ +375 29 690 20 74, [email protected]. 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. (updated Sep 2019) 2 Lianok (Лянок, Lyanok), pr. Niezaliežnasci, 46 (M Jakuba Kolasa, 0.1 km), ☏ +375 17 224-81-44, +375 17 263-71-58, [email protected]. M-F 10:00-20:00, Sa 10:00-19:00. The prime destination for Belarusian linen - fabrics, bedding, table clothes and souvenirs (updated Sep 2019)

Arts and traditional crafts 3 Art House Ugrinovich (Мастацкі дом Угрыновіч), vulica Internacyjanaĺnaja 13, ☏ +375 29 877 7301. 10:00 - 20:00. The Belarusian tradition of porcelain is centuries-old. She uses dry herbs for making imprints on her porcelain items which are then hand decorated. Herbs get destroyed by high temperature during the production process making each item (mugs, plates, vases and even coffee tables) unique. The shop also stocks the artist's paintings and souvenirs. From 10 rubles. (updated Dec 2019)

Clothing Honar, vulica Kujbyšava, 22-6-106, ☏ +375 29 628 38 73, +375 29 779 08 58, [email protected]. M-F 12:00-20:00, Sa Su 12:00-17:00. Men's and women's clothes and accessories with delicate ethno accents and embroidery from two designers, Karina Adesenka and Pavel Dounar. (updated Dec 2019) LSTR, vulica Viery Charužaj, 5 (M Jakuba Kolasa), ☏ +375 29 723-20-75, [email protected]. 11:00-20:00. A streetwear brand with a strong loyal following. Many of its lines were created for local cultural campaigns and were promoted by Belarusian celebrities. The exclusive “LSTR x Лідскія” RED train

Eat

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.

Budget 1 Supermarket Centralny Buffet (Універсам "Цэнтральны"), praspeiekt Nieszliežnasci, 23 (M Kastryčnickaja, Kupalaǔskaja), ☏ +375 17 323-88-76. 09:00-22:00. This is one of the oldest supermarkets in Minsk and is well worth of visiting just for its interiors reflecting the Soviet heritage of the city. The buffet on the ground floor has changed very little over the decades. It serves simple hot food, coffee, alcohol and Soviet-style cakes and pastries. Eat them standing by the window watching passers-by on the main Minsk avenue, Praspeiekt Niezaliežnasci. In the summer, an outdoor cafe is available too. This place is always busy, it is hugely popular with locals for reliable food, alcohol and low prices. The central location, just by the exit from two main metro stations, makes it very convenient for tourists. (updated Dec 2019) 2 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. 6-14 rubles mains. (updated Sep 2019) 3 Pesochnica (Песочница), vul. Kujbyšava 45 / pr. Mašerava 11 (M Plošcča Pieramohi 0.5 km), ☏ +375 25 904 2009. 12:00 - 23:00. Streetfood, beer, ice cream, live music and films. This venue is closed for winter, except for the Christmas and New Year period. 7-10 rubles for set. (updated Dec 2019)

Mid-range 4 ENZO, vulica Kastryčnickaja, 23, ☏ +375 29 177-00-88. Su-Th 11:00-24:00, F Sa 11:00-01:00. A two-floor steak and burger restaurant in the heart of the trendy hang-out quarter. Quality food, a good

Drink & nightlife

Cafes Getting decent coffee in Minsk is not difficult. In addition to local and international coffee and bakery chains (Paul, Thierry, Golden Coffee), there are plenty of independent coffee shops and stalls around the city, in shopping malls and museums. Many convenience stores and supermarkets offer coffee too. Most coffee shops close by 23:00.

1801 Coffee (1801 Koфе), Praspiekt Niezaliežnasci, 95 (M Park Čaliuskincaŭ), ☏ +375 29 255-50-05. 08:00-23:00. A trendy coffee destination boasting freshly roasted coffee beans. A watch salon of the local brand, Luch, shares the space. (updated Dec 2019) 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. 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. Zerno (Зерно), Praspiekt Niezaliežnasci, 46 (between M Jakuba Kolasa and M Plošča Pieramohi), ☏ +375 17 271-32-63, [email protected]. 07:00-23:00. Excellent coffee, quiches and cakes, as well as seasonal drinks like mulled wine and zbicień in the winter and iced coffee - in the summer - attract a large number of loyal customers. The small place is always busy. Staff speak English. Pay at the bar and take a seat - your order will be served to your table. Wifi. 5 rubles coffee, 7 rubles cakes. (updated Dec 2019)

Bars 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.

Clubs 1 Berlin, zavulak Turčynski, 2 (M Frunzienskaja 0.4 km Maladziožnaja 0.5 km), ☏ +375 44 560 64 70. 19:00

Sleep

Until 2019, a major advantage of staying in hotels while visiting Belarus was a registration with the local police organised by hotels for their customers. This registration is still mandatory, but can be done online without hotels. Read more in the Belarus article.

Budget Many hostels are just apartment flats with bunk beds in all the rooms. Finding them and checking in many require a phone call and coordination and most apartments only have 1 or 2 bathrooms to be shared by all of the guests.

EasyFlat Hostel, Aeradromnaja str. 40, app. 14 (5 minutes walk from “Nyamiha”, “Kastrychnickaya” and “Kupalauskaya” metro stations), ☏ +375 29 7719833, [email protected]. Calm and cozy atmosphere. In the city center. 14-19 rubles. Smile Minsk Hotel, praspekt Dziaržynskaha, 131, entrance 8. Check-in only on a preliminary call (M Malinaŭka), ☏ +375 29 771 94 14, [email protected]. From 13 rubles in 8-person room. (updated Dec 2019) Hostel Stary Minsk, praspiekt Niezalieznasci, 19 (3-minute walk from Belarusian National Arts Museum), ☏ +375 25 901-91-78. 6-bed dorm: US$11. Trinity Traveler & Riverside Hostel, Starovilenskaya, 12 (5 minutes walk from “Nyamiha”, “Kastrychnickaya” and “Kupalauskaya” metro stations), ☏ +375 29 311 2783, [email protected]. The hostel has a spacious living room, kitchen, dormitories for 4-8 people, and a double. The hostel occupies two floors of a three-floored building. Hostel Viva, Zhukovsky 4/ 1N (600m from main train station), ☏ +375 33 627 1133, [email protected]. Directly in the city center. Only 2 bathrooms for 24 beds. Dorm bed €6-12. Your Hostel Minsk, 1-y pereulok Skoriny 28 ap.7 / Скорины 1-й переулок, дом 28, кв. 7 (Metro and then trolleybus), ☏ +375 33 627 1133, [email protected]. Far from the center, near the MKAD.

Mid-range 40 Let Pobedy (40 Years of Victory), Azgura 3. Check-in: 12:00, check-out: 12:00. Nice rooms, decent location. No internet, few English speaking receptionists. US$45/shared room. Hotel Belarus, vulica Staražoŭskaja, 15-201, ☏ +375 17 209 7537. Check-in: 12:00, check-out: 12:00. Great location, clean Soviet hotel with very old school interior. Great indoor pool, hot tub and a gym, cost $10 extra. Free Wi-Fi in lobby. €35/single. Hotel Orbita, vulica Puškina, 39 (M Puškinskaja Пушкінская). (updated Dec 2019) Planeta, Prospekt Pobediteley 31, ☏ +375 17 203 8587. Check-in: 12:00, check-out: 12:00. They have great services all within the hotel. Internet cafe is open till 20:00. Casino is open 24 hr. Hampton by Hilton Minsk City Centre, Vulica Talstoha 8 (At the mai

Go next

Most Belarusian trains are cheap, comfortable and reliable. Some destinations are served by high-speed services, but slow overnight sleepers are widely available as well. Minibuses (maršrutka in Belarusian, маршрутка) is the most common local and intercity transportation used by Belarusians. They are not always less comfortable, but quick and cheap. You can also rent a car.

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. Homieĺ. Hrodna is a border town in north-west Belarus, the last capital of Rzecz Pospolita, the Polish–Lithuanian Commonwealth in 17-18th centuries. Lake Narač is the largest lake in Belarus, located about 160 km north of Minsk. Zaslaŭje.