Jan
10
Minsk Travel & Sightseeing Guide
Filed Under Belarus
A trip to Minsk
Belarus’ capital city, Minsk, was severely set back during WWII when 80 per cent of its infrastructure was destroyed. Stalin rebuilt the city during the 1950s according to his cinderblock tastes and to this day, the city remains an interesting, if not bland, remnant of the former Soviet Union.
Flights to Minsk
Minsk International Airport is about 45kms east of Minsk and offers flights to and from a variety of European, Asian and Middle Eastern countries. Major carriers in and out of this facility are Germany’s Lufthansa along with the national Belarus carrier, Belavia. Much closer to the city, you’ll find Minsk-1, a previously booming airport that’s scheduled to close down soon due to residential noise pollution. Minsk International is expanding to take on the additional traffic. If you are looking for a cheap flight to Minsk try Expedia.
Minsk is Belarus’ only city that boasts an underground metro. Currently, the subway operates two lines across Minsk with a total of 23 stations. Further expansion is underway to add five new stations in the next few years. Minsk is a major transport hub for Belarus and it’s possible to book trains and buses to every other major city in the country.
Minsk
Sightseeing in Minsk
Many of the primary landmarks in Minsk are a throwback to prior Soviet rule. While many of the former Soviet States chose to remove all tributes to the Soviet Union, Belarus has held on to the extent that it has become a sort of hotspot for Soviet history enthusiasts.
Those who have seen their fair share of tributes to Lenin and block-style architecture aren’t completely without opportunity. The Cathedral of the Holy Ghost may have been closed by the Bolsheviks, but it’s open today and is currently undergoing renovations to preserve this 17th century Bernadine convent. In addition to this and a few other churches, the city also has several parks, museums and a botanical garden. The local synagogue still stands, though the current population of devotees is only a shadow of its former self.
Fun by night – eating drinking and partying
Local Belarusian cuisine includes rich potato dishes as well as baked meats and hearty soups. In general, the quality of international fare is variable; and if it’s quality you seek then you’ll fare best by sticking to upscale establishments like Beze and Pechki-Lavochki. When in doubt, stick to the more prominent restaurants in the most popular locations.
Minsk has done its fair share to build up a formidable nightlife scene. The X-Ray club headlines the scene on Internacionalnaya, and it’s not uncommon for aspiring clubbers to be turned away for being underdressed or otherwise undesirable. You’ll find plenty of other establishments that house multipurpose drinking, dancing and cabaret venues all under one roof.
Fun by day - shopping and activities
Shopping isn’t a big draw card for travellers to Belarus. In general, the quality of locally produced goods is a little low; but the prices are at least competitive compared to Western standards. Cosmetics and textiles like linen and wool are very affordable. Hands down, the best local product is Vodka. Brest is a local brand that costs considerably less than its international counterparts, available at almost any shopping centre.
Daytrips
In sharp contrast to the somewhat isolated, imposing city of Minsk, with its Stalinist architecture and communist ambiance, the capitalist and vibrant city of Vilnius, with its Baroque old town, is less than four hours away by train. Inexpensive flights and tours are available through most Minsk travel operators, but you may need longer than a day to experience this charming city.
In nearby Brest, the Brest Fortress has been a memorial complex for 30 years, welcoming visitors touring from Minsk and beyond interested in the WWII history of its starved defenders who held out against superior Nazi forces. Also in Brest, the Museum of Recovered Values offers a unique theme to its exhibits; religious icons and works of art recovered during attempts to smuggle them from Belarus.
About 150kms north of Minsk, the Berezinsky Biosphere Reserve occupies an area larger than 85,000 hectares. The first nature reserve in Belarus, the biosphere was developed to protect a species of beaver thought to have already been extinct. The reserve, composed of forests, marshland, river systems and lakes, now protects more than 230 species of bird, bears, otters, wolves and even European bison.
Must see attractions
Nearly 80 per cent destroyed during WWII and later rebuilt by Stalin, Minsk is composed mostly of landmarks dating back to Soviet occupation. Unlike several former Soviet-ruled states, Belarus has chosen not to remove its effigies to the Soviet Union and has become a destination popular among Soviet history enthusiasts.
While Minsk is the capital city with a population close to two million, the limited attractions here can be seen at a relaxed pace in a couple of days. The centre of the rebuilt city remains the hub of action and attraction. People are friendly and the streets clean and safe, partly due to the obvious military presence
The once closed and recently renovated Cathedral of the Holy Ghost, built in the 17th century as a convent for Bernadine nuns, has been reopened to visitors. Although the Soviet block architecture is predominant, and bland and monotonous at best, a number of scenic parks, like Chelyuskinites Park, exist around the city, along with several churches, the Museum of the Great Patriotic War and even a synagogue.
Best time to go
The summer season, between May and September, is the best time to visit Minsk. During the summer the streets are less deserted and cafés and bistros open their patio doors. Unfortunately, the warmer months are also the rainiest ones, so unless your vacation plans include freezing temperatures and icy winds, pack appropriate wet weather gear along with sun block or make a plan to visit another time.
Rainy day suggestions
The National Museum of Culture and History offers one interesting rainy day possibility. Chronicling the history of Belarus from as far back as 40,000 BC to present day, exhibits include archaeological discoveries and ancient manuscripts from the region’s most primitive origins.
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