Minsk On a Budget
Minsk, Bealarus
Sights
Following World War II much of Minsk had been destroyed, and so the city was rebuilt in the 1950s to the liking of Joseph Stalin. As a result, large, Soviet-bloc style buildings now make up a large portion of the heart of the city, making Minsk a popular draw for those interested in the Soviet Union. Other works of architecture can be admired with Saint Mary Magdeline Church (1847), which is in the Russian revivalist style, and Saint Peter & Saint Paul Church (1613), which was restored in 1871 and is the oldest church in Minsk.There are also several museums worth visiting. The National Art Museum of the Republic of Belarus is one, holding over 30,000 items of Belarusian art including works of ancient icon painting, sculpture, woodcarving, textile, paintings from the 19th century, works of decorative and applied arts, and works of arts from the 20th century. The Museum of History of the Great Patriotic War, located in Victory Park, is also popular, as is the National Museum of History and Culture of Belarus.
Other well-visited attractions include Gorky Park sports and recreation facility with an ice rink and open-air theater, Minsk Botanical Garden, Minsk Zoo, Belarusian State Circus, and Park of Stones which features large rocks and stones forming a made-to-scale relief map of Belarus.
Neighborhoods
As far as the main sights go, many of Minsk's museums, theaters, and other cultural attractions are located along Independence Avenue (Praspyekt Nyezalyezhnastsi), a 15-kilometer thoroughfare leading to Independence Square. Within this plaza is the massive KGB Headquarters, as well as the neo-Romanesque Church of Saints Simon and Helena, also known as Red Church. Beneath Independence Square is the "underground city," one of the biggest community and shopping centers with many stores, cafes, restaurants, and a parking area. The historical center of Minsk features grandiose temples and historical landmarks. Trinity Suburb is probably the most picturesque area of the downtown center, located on the banks of the Svislac River with beautifully-colored, tile-roofed 19th century houses. These buildings hold museums, antique shops, souvenir stores, cafes, restaurants, and art galleries. Near the Trinity Suburb is Upper Town, where the second biggest thoroughfare of Minsk (Pobeditelei Avenue) begins. Along the avenue, visitors will find the Minsk Hero City architectural and sculptural complex, Great Patriotic War Museum, and Victory Park, amongst other sights. The city does not prioritize tourism and so English is rarely spoken, making it useful for visitors to learn a few Russian or Belarusian phrases before arrival.Activities
Minsk is a city of historical architecture, parks and gardens, museums, and landmarks, making it a great location for sight-seeing. As English is not generally spoken, taking a guided tour might be the best way to get the most out of a visit. Both walking and bus tours are available with audio guides in Belarusian, Russian, English, German, French, Spanish, Italian, and Chinese.Food and Dining
The staple meals for Belarus largely consist of meat and potatoes. Potato is especially central to Belarusian cuisine and is served in many shapes and forms-incorporated into salads, served as a side, shaped into patties, baked into puddings, and much more. The most popular among the Belarusians is traditional draniki (also known as "latkes"), which are thick pancakes prepared from shredded potatoes usually served with sour cream. As far as meat goes, beef and pork are the most popular, typically served with vegetables like carrot, cabbage, black radish, or peas, and of course, potato. Salted pork fat is also common. Beyond meat and potatoes, Belarusians do eat some fish, preferring dishes like yushka (fish-based soup), galki (fish-balls in broth), and also baked or boiled river-fish. Onions, garlic, parsley, dill, caraway seeds, and pepper are the main seasonings and are used moderately in cooking. Mushrooms (dried, salted, or pickled) are also well-used, as are berries like bilberry, wild strawberries, red whortleberry, raspberries, and cranberries.Transportation
As of February 12, 2017, citizens of 80 countries and territories (including European Union member states, the United States, and others) are allowed to visit Belarus visa-free for up to 5 days, applicable to visitors entering and leaving through the border checkpoint at Minsk National Airport, the main way of entry. The airport is located about 37 kilometers northeast of the city. Service to and from the airport is available by bus or train.Public transit is very good in Minsk itself, making it easy to navigate the city by bus, trolley, tram, or metro. Car rentals are also available.
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.