Minsk is the capital of Belarus, a city that stands guard over its history, culture and national identity. In order to quickly examine all the sights of the city, 1, 2 or 3 days will be enough, but it takes at least 4-5 days to immerse yourself in a special atmosphere. A bright, picturesque city is always happy to meet guests, but it is better to decide in advance what you want to see in Minsk.
Upper town
You should start your acquaintance with Minsk from the Upper Town, the historical center. This is a place where there is always some movement: street musicians and magicians, private guides, and just city eccentrics gather. It also hosts fairs, cultural festivals, and other interesting city events. Two sights can be seen from Freedom Square - the City Hall and the Church of St. Cyril of Turov.
Red Church
Red Church is a slang name used by local residents, and the official one is the Church of Saints Simeon and Helena. This is the most famous Catholic church in Belarus; guided tours are conducted around it. You should not neglect the services of a guide, behind the Red Church there is an interesting and touching story, which must be listened to while within its walls. She literally gives off goosebumps.
National Library
The National Library of Minsk is one of the most famous buildings in Belarus, and all because of its futuristic appearance. It was built in 2006 and has been attracting both locals and travelers since then. Inside you can read, work at the computer, view exhibits in the form of manuscripts, old books and newspapers. But the main highlight of the library is the observation deck, from where a fantastic view of Minsk opens.
Oktyabrskaya street
Once every few years a graffiti festival "Vulica Brazil" is held in Minsk, and then talented street artists gather on Oktyabrskaya Street to paint their masterpieces, which are subsequently carefully guarded by law enforcement officers. Thinking about what else to see in Minsk, you should look there to be pleasantly surprised. This street is definitely the brightest and loudest in the country, because music always sounds here, and creative personalities gather in institutions, which every traveler can join. Also on Oktyabrskaya Street is the Gallery of Contemporary Art.
Opera and Ballet Theatre
The Opera and Ballet Theater was opened in 1933 and today is deservedly considered an architectural monument. The building is really striking in its beauty: snow-white, majestic, decorated with statues, it keeps the eye of the traveler and beckons to enter. If you plan ahead and buy tickets, you can get to the concert of the symphony orchestra, children's choir, opera and ballet companies. There are no tours of the Opera and Ballet Theater.
Gates of Minsk
The famous Twin Towers are the first thing a traveler sees when arriving in Minsk by train. They were built in 1952 and are an example of classical Stalinist architecture. Considering the buildings, it is worth paying attention to the marble statues, the coat of arms of the BSSR and the trophy clock. The front gate of Minsk is an attraction that must be admired from afar, inside these are ordinary residential buildings, and residents are not happy when tourists wander up the front stairs.
National Art Museum
The National Art Museum was opened back in 1939 and stores in its halls the works of the most talented artists, for example, Levitan, Aivazovsky, Khrutsky and Repin. Pictures are a great way to get to know Belarus, as well as mythology and ancient history of other countries. The collection of the museum has more than twenty-seven thousand exhibits and it is regularly updated with new works. This is the reason why the National Art Museum deserves to be in the plan of “what to see in Minsk”.
Loshitsa park
Loshitsa Park is a favorite resting place for local residents. Unlike the equally popular Gorky Park, where there is a Ferris wheel, barbecue and other familiar entertainment, it is atmospheric and calm. It is customary to organize summer picnics here, play sports, ride bicycles and scooters along new special paths. After long walks, Loshitsa Park will be the perfect place to catch your breath before a new run.
Zybitskaya street
Zybitskaya Street, or simply “Zyba” as the locals say, is the territory of themed bars and restaurants designed for evening relaxation. Each bar has its own atmosphere, whether it be old school with grown-up bearded men at the counter and British rock from speakers, or a fresh “instagram” space where every detail of the interior is verified and designed for photography.
Trinity and Rakovskoe suburb
When making a list of “what to see in Minsk,” you should definitely add the Troitskoye and Rakovskoye suburb. This is a visiting card not only of Minsk, but of Belarus as a whole. They are depicted on postcards, magnets and stamps. On the territory of the suburb, you should definitely look at the Peter and Paul Church, the Literature Center and the Museum of Arts.
The best authentic establishments where you can taste national food are also concentrated here. Small shops sell cool souvenirs. After walking along the Troitsky and Rakovsky suburbs, you can go to the Svisloch embankment to rent a catamaran or take a sightseeing boat.
Museum of the History of the Great Patriotic War
The Museum of the History of the Great Patriotic War is an example of a modern museum where classic exhibits such as soldiers' belongings, weapons and relics are combined with interactive screens. The museum of the history of the Second World War is so interesting that time passes imperceptibly, but information presented in a convenient and easy-to-understand form remains in the mind for a long time. You can safely go to the museum with children too.
Red courtyard
The Red Courtyard is an informal attraction, a favorite place for creative youth. The walls of the courtyard-well, similar to those for which St. Petersburg is famous, though red and talentedly painted with graffiti. Needless to say, you get great photos here? Also in the Red Yard there are small atmospheric coffee shops where you can eat delicious food and relax with a book. And if you follow the schedule, you can get to a creative evening, a concert of a local band or a movie marathon.
Independence Avenue
Historical heritage (architecture in the Stalinist Empire style) and modernity harmoniously coexist on Independence Avenue. Of the sights here you need to pay attention to the Main Post Office, the Central Bookstore and the Central Department Store. All popular establishments are concentrated here - bars, restaurants, cafes. Prices do not bite, the atmosphere is invariably pleasing.
Komarovsky market
The main market of Minsk, which the locals fondly call "Komarovka", opened in 1979. Around the building you can see several bronze statues, with which travelers like to take pictures, and inside there are fresh products for every taste. There you can buy meat, fish, fruits, vegetables, spices, and even ready-made food at reasonable prices.
Museum Country Mini
Country Mini is a museum of miniatures that allows you to see the whole city in just a couple of hours, and at the same time learn many interesting stories and local legends. The museum will be interesting for both adults and children, the main thing is to take an audio guide or a full excursion. Each miniature model has many fascinating details that are interesting to look at for a long time.
The countries of the post-Soviet space are underestimated by tourists, especially foreign ones, and this needs to be corrected. The best way to develop tourism is to start traveling on your own. If you know what to see in Minsk, then the trip will definitely become one of the best in life.
