One day in Minsk: where to walk and what to see?

Modern Minsk has spacious streets, Stalinist Empire and Constructivist architecture, a large number of public gardens, green alleys, and parks. This is one of the ancient cities of Europe with rich culture and national traditions. Once here, you should definitely immerse yourself in its atmosphere and stroll through the main attractions of the city.

You will have to spend at least 1–2 days getting to know the city, and even then, this is not the limit. The main task in this matter will only be to plan the route in advance in order to cover the full list of interesting places.

What to see on your own in 1 day on foot

The material presents a selection of Minsk attractions that you can see in just 1 day. The main emphasis in such an express tour is on places and objects located in the central part of the city.

"Gates of Minsk"

You can start your journey of a tourist walk through the sights of the city from this architectural complex. “The Gates of Minsk” are included in the list of historical and cultural values ​​of the Republic of Belarus and are one of the symbols of this ancient city. The architect of the building is B. Rubanenko.

The building is located on Station Square. Two symmetrical towers, the height of an 11-story building, are located at the corners of 5-story buildings. There is a clock on one tower, and the coat of arms of the Belarusian SSR on the other.

From the “Gate” you can go up to Independence Square through Mikhailovsky Square. There are several sculptures installed in the park: “Lighting a Cigarette”, “Stranger”, “Girl with an Umbrella”.

Photo: © albygan

Independence Square

The main square of the Republic of Belarus and the calling card of Minsk. “Spacious and modern” - this is how city residents and tourists characterize it. The only underground shopping center in the city is also located here.

From this place there is a view of historical buildings, the facades of which overlook the main square of the city. Here it is worth paying attention to the Government House, in front of which there is a monument to Lenin, the buildings of the BSU (Belarusian State University) and BSPU (Belarusian State Pedagogical University), and the Red Church.

Photo: © Yura Lepesa

Church of St. Simeon and St. Helena (Red Church)

The church is an object of cultural heritage of the country. The building of this Catholic church was built in 1910 from red brick, so this is where the second name of the building comes from - Red Church . The temple is active. Services and cultural events take place here: concerts, excursions, holidays.

The construction of the temple was financed by local merchant Edward Voinilovich. The church received the names of saints in memory of the deceased children of the entrepreneur - Helen and Simon. The architect of the building was Tomasz Poyazderski. The exterior of the church combines Neo-Gothic and Art Nouveau.

Next to the church there is a monument to Archangel Michael. In 2000, another sculpture was installed near the Catholic church - the Nagasaki bell. The monument is dedicated to the victims of atomic wars and is a double of the “Angel Bell” sculpture. Behind the Catholic church there is a small square named after Edward Voinilovich. In the park there is a museum of the history of Belarusian cinema.

Photo: © Anna Kudryavtseva

Upper town

The next stop on the route for 1 day is the Upper Town. When heading there, we advise you to adjust your route so as to pass by Pishchalovsky Castle . This is one of the historical buildings in the city, dating back to the 19th century. Today there is a functioning pre-trial detention center on the territory of the castle.

Upper Town is a historical district of Minsk. Here you can spend the whole day walking along the streets, looking at the sculptures, churches and architecture of this place. This quarter is also called the High Market. The Upper Town is a popular place among tourists; it is included in the obligatory express route around Minsk.

The Upper Town is the territory of Freedom Square and neighboring streets. The area was formed in the 16th century. There are buildings dating from the 16th to 18th centuries. While in this quarter, you should pay attention to the city hall , the Cathedral of the Blessed Virgin Mary , the Cathedral of the Descent of the Holy Spirit , the Church of St. Joseph (former Bernardine monastery), and the Church of the Holy Spirit. Next to the Cathedral of the Descent of the Holy Spirit there is an observation deck, which offers a magnificent view of the central part of the city and the Svisloch River.

In the Upper Town area there is a large concentration of various museums. Some of them: carriage museum , money museum, Minsk history museum, Theater Museum, Vankovich house museum .

Photo: © Anna Kudryavtseva

Trinity Suburb

From the Upper Town you can go to the Trinity Suburb (Trinity Mountain), which is located on the opposite bank of the Svisloch River. This is also one of the historical districts of the city, and at the same time a very picturesque place.

The suburb is also included in the list of historical and cultural values ​​of the Republic of Belarus. The buildings and structures in this area are made in an eclectic style. The development of the Trinity Suburb began in the 17th century, and the first mentions of this area date back to the 10th–11th centuries. In the Middle Ages there was an old town with a trading area here.

In 2004, the protected area of ​​the Trinity Suburb in the western part of this area was approved. The quarter underwent restoration work, after which today it is a kind of open-air museum with examples of 19th-century architecture.

This is a popular tourist area in Minsk. Interesting sculptures and monuments are installed here (“To Belarusians Abroad”, Y. Drozdovich, “Girl with an Owl” and others). Among the buildings, it is worth highlighting the house of Vigdorchik, Pinsukhovich, and the Tsitver factory. Museums include V. Golubka’s living room, the Museum of Belarusian Literature, the M. Bogdanovich Museum, the Museum of Nature and Ecology. There are also many restaurants, cozy cafes and souvenir shops.

Photo: © Anna Kudryavtseva

Grand Theatre

From the Trinity Suburb you should turn towards the Place de Paris Commune. The Bolshoi Opera and Ballet Theater is located here . This is the only and largest opera house in the Republic of Belarus. The theater opened in 1933.

The Bolshoi Theater has been given the status of a national architectural monument, so it is definitely worth seeing. The monumental building was made in the style of pre-war constructivism by the architect I. Langbard.

Photo: © Anna Kudryavtseva

Island of Courage and Sorrow ("Island of Tears")

From the Trinity Suburb, across the Gorbaty Bridge, connecting the mainland and the island, you can get to the territory of the open-air memorial complex. “Island of Tears” was created in memory of the internationalist soldiers who fell in Afghanistan. Construction of the bridge took place from 1988 to 1996.

The complex stands on an artificial island in the center of the Svisloch River. There is a small chapel on the island, on the walls of which the names of all the fallen Belarusian soldiers are carved. Inside the chapel there are bells, from which strings are stretched to the ground. With the ringing of bells, the sounds of these strings are heard.

In addition to the chapel, there is a monument to the Weeping Angel on the island. At the entrance to the island there is an icon of the Mother of God carved into stone.

Photo: © Anna Kudryavtseva

National Library in Minsk

If you still have energy after a walk in the historical center of Minsk, you can finish your sightseeing route by going to Writers Park, where the National Library of the Republic of Belarus . This is the main scientific library of the republic and the largest repository of books in the country. You can get to the park from the center by metro. You need to get off at Vostok station. You can also go to Writers Park on foot, walking along the longest street in the country - Independence Avenue.

The building itself is an architectural pride. It is made in the shape of a diamond (rhombocubooctahedron). The building turned out to be the height of a 23-story building. Construction of the new complex took place from 2002 to 2006. When the sun sets, the building's LED lights turn on, with designs and patterns constantly changing.

The building has 2 observation platforms. One is closed in the form of a gallery on the 22nd floor, the other is open on the 23rd floor. A ticket to the observation deck can be purchased in advance on the library’s official website. Before visiting, it is best to check the opening hours on the website.

A book museum is opened on the library platform . This location occupies an area of ​​300 sq. meters. The museum was opened in 2006.

Read more in the material - “Sights of Minsk”

Also, more useful information can be found in the “Guide to Minsk”

Photo: © albygan

National Library

It is difficult to imagine a tourist who has been to Minsk and not visited the National Library. The building is presented in the form of a rhombicuboctahedron and was built in 2006. At the entrance to the library, tourists are greeted by Francis Skorina; inside there are more than 10 million copies of books and newspapers.

Note!

Tourists can not only visit the library, but also go up to the observation deck. It is located at an altitude of 73 meters, from here the entire city is visible at a glance.

Minsk museums in 1 day

The museum program in Minsk can be so rich and varied that one day is definitely not enough. As always, when choosing a museum, it is best to be guided by your preferences and interests.

If you only have a day for the museum program, then it is better to choose several options that are in close proximity to each other. Tickets to the museum can be purchased on the official website of the selected institution. Fortunately, today almost every museum has its own website.

It is worth visiting the Belarusian Museum of the History of the Great Patriotic War , which is located on Pobediteley Avenue. This is the world's first museum about the history of the Second World War. Within the walls of the building there is a huge collection of artifacts and exhibits from the war. The museum opened in 1944.

The Historical Museum of the Republic houses within its walls more than 500 thousand exhibits related to the history, politics and culture of the country. The exhibition features displays about the formation of the history of the region - from the settlements of the first people to the present. Also in the exhibition halls you can find collections of coins, uniforms, weapons, antique musical instruments and many other interesting exhibits. Several branches operate on the basis of the Historical Museum, some of which are the Museum of Belarusian Cinema , the house-museum of the 1st Congress of the RSDLP and the Theater Museum.

The National Art Museum of the Republic of Belarus is one of the most visited in the capital. The museum houses a large collection of paintings and sculptures. The museum was opened in 1939. Today, one of the branches of the Art Museum has become the Vankovich House-Museum. In the building of a former noble estate, a museum dedicated to the work of Valentiy Vankovich has been opened.

You can also pay attention to the unusual cat museum or visit the carriage museum. The Mini Country Museum contains iconic landmarks of the republic in miniature format. Children and adults will enjoy visiting the Quantum Science Museum .

You don’t have to do a quick tour of the capital’s museums, but go beyond its borders and plunge into the culture and national life at the ethnographic museum in Ozertsy . It is quite possible to see the main attractions of this complex in 1 day. Other interesting museums in the vicinity of the capital: Dudutki museum complex , Dukorsky Maentak , museum of boulders .

More information in the material “Museums of Minsk”

Photo: © albygan

Trinity Suburb

There is an ancient district in Minsk. There are houses in pastel colors and tiled roofs. The suburb is located on the banks of the Svisloch. In the 12th century there were wooden buildings here and it was the main place of trade in the city. During its existence, the area was severely damaged. At the beginning of the 19th century there was a fire here, in the middle of the 20th century the building was destroyed again. Already in the 80s, the suburb was reconstructed.

Today the area resembles an ancient city. There are antique shops and coffee shops here. If you want to take a break from the hustle and bustle, then Trinity Suburb is exactly what you need.

Stories, routes and tips from tourists with photos

To create a “maximum program” for one day in Minsk, you can find ideas in the materials of users of the Tourister website. RU. In addition to interesting routes, such reports contain a lot of useful information, tips and recommendations. In addition, such reviews are always filled with bright and “live” photographs.

Three reviews from Albert about a walking tour of the capital of the Republic of Belarus:

• “Minsk is pedestrian. Unexpected discoveries. Upper City"
• “Minsk is pedestrian. Independence Avenue - post-war neoclassicism"
• “Minsk is pedestrian. From the Minsk Gate to the Red Church"

Article about one day in Minsk from Sergei Arkhipkin:

“On your own to Belarus - one day in Minsk”

You can read about walking around the city in the article by Svetlana Appolonova:

“Walking around Minsk, Independence Avenue”

All reviews about holidays in Minsk on Tourist. RU

Also, if after reading all kinds of materials and viewing information on the Internet you still have questions, we suggest using the “Questions and Answers” . Here you can get useful and informative answers to your questions from experts.

Photo: © KatrynLion

Upper town

If you want to plunge into the festive atmosphere and at the same time find yourself in a picturesque corner of the capital, you should go to the Upper Town. Arriving at Nemiga (a street in Minsk), you will be able to see Freedom Square, the city hall, and the Cyril of Turovsky Temple.

In addition to history buffs, the Upper Town is of interest to young people. This is where cultural festivals of Belarus and other countries are held. At such holidays you can get to know the traditions of different peoples better, learn about their customs and habits.

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

Photo: © Natalia Konnova

Independence Square

One of the largest areas in Europe, occupies approximately 7 hectares. But once in the center, tourists do not have the feeling that there is a huge space here. There is an architectural ensemble around, the Red Church.

The square was founded in 1934. From here begins Independence Avenue, which is 15 km long. This is one of the longest highways in Europe.

During its existence, the square was modified many times. Today it is a wonderful place for walking and relaxing. There is a shopping center nearby where you can not only shop, but also have a snack in a cafe.

Sightseeing tours

Minsk is a city in which all the main attractions are located in its central part. It is impossible to get lost in it. Many local residents know Russian well and you can always ask them for directions. In addition, most of the signs and directions here are also in Russian. However, there is another option - choose a thematic excursion, where the route is already planned in advance, and an experienced guide will tell you interesting facts from the history of a particular attraction.

Standard city sightseeing tours can be filled with unusual places with interesting history. Minsk can appear to tourists not only in daylight, but also in evening lights. The guides also offer to see how the era changes in the capital of the republic from medieval to Soviet, and from there to modern.

City tours on the Experts project. Tourist. RU

Photo: © KatrynLion

Red Church

The temple was erected in 1910. Its main feature is a tetrahedral tower 50 meters high. The building was built of red brick, which was delivered from Poland. The best craftsmen in Europe worked on the project.

The church survived the war, and in 1990 it was transferred to the Catholic Church. Today the building adorns Independence Square and looks quite modern.

Excursions from Minsk for 1 day

You can go on a full-day trip from Minsk to historical and memorable places in the region. One option is to visit the Belovezhskaya Pushcha National Park .

Grodno as a city for a 1-day trip . This is an ancient city with a rich culture. You can visit here either independently or on a guided tour.

In one day you can see architectural monuments included in the UNESCO World Heritage List - Mir and Nesvizh castles. If possible, it is worth going to Brest to visit the Brest Fortress and see other attractions of the city.

All excursions from Minsk to Experts. Tourist. RU

Pishchalovsky Castle

Address

: st. Volodarsky 2.

The castle was founded in 1825 and is one of the oldest surviving buildings. Refers to neoclassicism. From the very beginning it was intended to hold political prisoners: thick stone walls are surrounded by an equally powerful fence. Famous poets, revolutionaries, writers and artists served their sentences here. During the Soviet era, executions took place. Nowadays, there is a pre-trial detention center here, so inspection is only accessible from the outside.

City Hall. Photo: Allerdings69

Loshitsky Park

If you want to gain inspiration, you should definitely visit Loshitsky Park. This is a green island that is loved by locals and visitors. Couples in love, mothers with children, and friendly families often walk here. The park has beautiful benches and colorful flower beds.

History buffs can visit the Lyubansky estate. Athletes are not averse to riding bicycles and scooters. Moreover, the rental is located within the park. Photographers here are looking for beautiful landscapes.

This quiet and cozy area attracts thousands of people. If you want to take a break from the bustle of the city and enjoy the silence, you won’t find a better place in the capital.

Take a photo at the tower crane graveyard

Few people can boast of taking a selfie from the cemetery of tower cranes. That is why this rare place, even for large cities, cannot be missed in Minsk. The urban landscape with the atmosphere of a post-industrial apocalypse attracts stalkers of all ages. There is no point in sneaking into an area surrounded by a fence with barbed wire and studded with cameras. You can take some cool photos from the outside as the tower cranes look best from a distance. And the exhibition is constantly updated!

The most unusual cemeteries in the world

Find the cheapest tickets to Minsk

Rent a car in Minsk

State Circus

The building is traditionally round in shape with classical columns at the entrance. The building is crowned with a dome.

Circus building.

In front of the circus building are several bronze sculptures. One of them is a 3-story structure made of a turtle, a cat and an elephant.

Turtle, cat and elephant.

The other 2 are more fun. One shows a magician with a winged donkey peeking out of his hat and a trumpeter climbing out of a large chimney. On the other there is a clown with a large drum behind his back, accompanied by a rooster and a small pig.

And in front of all this brethren on a high column is a circus rider on a horse.

The figures literally put you in a cheerful mood right from the start.

From the circus building, in 10 minutes you can walk to Victory Square and see the Victory Monument with the Eternal Flame.

Finally, I suggest you visit the Lakomka coffee shop on Nezavisimosti Avenue, 19. In the confectionery you can not only drink aromatic coffee, but also buy sweets. Chocolate from the Kommunarka factory is popular here. It is very tasty! I recommend it to everyone with a sweet tooth.

And see you again in Minsk!

Olga Anatolyevna, engineer, 46 years old

Entertainment

Waterpark Lebyazhiy

Address: Pobediteley Ave., 120 Phone: (+37517) 279-84-45 Website: https://waterpark.by/ru/ Opening hours: 11.00-23.00 Mon-Fri, 09.00-23.00 Sat-Sun Cost: 35 bel . rub.

Lebyazhy can simultaneously accommodate 2 thousand people: the territory of the fifth largest water park in Europe occupies 32 thousand square meters. m. In “Lebyazhye” they work:

• water slides for adults and children;
• a town for children under 7 years old;
• surfing simulators;
• bicycle paths and sports grounds;
• 7 bars;
• SPA complex.

There is a healing underground spring on the territory of the water park.

Minsk Zoo

Address: st. Tashkentskaya, 40 Phone: (+37517) 345-32-65 Website: https://minskzoo.by/ Opening hours: 10.00-18.00 Mon-Sun Cost: 9 bel. rub.

The zoo opened in 1984. Until 1997, only a few species of mammals lived here. With the advent of the 21st century, the complex was supplemented with a dolphinarium, a petting zoo, a stone castle for lions, and a dino park.

2.5 thousand animals are distributed over separate territories:

• mammals: yaks, Cameroon sheep;
• invertebrates: giant forest cockroach, tarantula spider;
• birds: black stork, pink flamingo;
• fish: piranha, black pacu;
• reptiles: turtles, iguanas;
• predatory mammals: Bengal tigers, lions.

Animals in captivity reproduce well: small bison, tiger cubs, and goat kids live in enclosures.

Minsk Dolphinarium "Nemo"

Address: st. Tashkentskaya, 40 Phone: (+37517) 340-00-04 Website: https://nemominsk.com/ Opening hours: 09.00-18.00 Mon-Sun Cost: 15 bel. rub. (with free entry to the zoo)

Shows featuring dolphins, fur seals and a sea lion are held at Nemo from Tuesday to Sunday at 12, 15 and 18 hours. The performance lasts one hour.

Dolphinarium services:

• swimming with animals under the supervision of an instructor;
• training in the peculiarities of feeding and training mammals;
• diving with dolphins;
• photography with animals.

Alivari Brewing Museum

Address: st. Kiseleva, 30 Phone: (+37529) 500-17-55 Website: https://alivaria.by/ Opening hours: 08.30-17.30 Mon-Thu, 08.30-16.30 Fri; Sat, Sun - days off Cost: 14 bel. rub.

A brewery appeared on the site of the museum in 1864. Then the bourgeois Rokhlya Frumkinova decided to open a small production of the foamy drink. Since the end of the 19th century, the factory has changed three owners; after the revolution, the plant was nationalized.

The museum's exhibits are dedicated to the history of brewing, including:

• archival documents of the plant;
• vintage bottles and labels;
• equipment for preparing the drink from the late 19th century.

Visitors are taught how to brew beer according to ancient recipes, and participants receive certificates for completing the course.

The museum hosts a tasting of 10 beers from.

Try potato pancakes and krambambuli

Belarusian cuisine is hearty, thorough and original. Don’t even try to have a snack on the run, just like having lunch alone. It is better to go to restaurants of Belarusian cuisine with the whole family or a large group to share a portion of pancakes with caviar or sorcerers with meat, sliced ​​yandlina and home-made sausages among two or three. Be sure to try the rich verashchaka, machanka with pancakes and smoked ribs, and pork baked in pots with vegetables, mushrooms and herbs.

The best restaurants of Belarusian cuisine in Minsk:

• "Cornflowers"
• "Tavern on Parkovaya"
• "Kuhmistr"
• "Kamyanitsa"
• "Gostiny Dvor"

Be sure to pay tribute to the strong “Krambambula” made with honey and spices, the “Belorussky” balsam and the “Zubrovka” tincture. And for dessert, try the Belarusian prismaki: chocolates from Kommunarka and Spartak, Cranberries in Sugar and Bobruisk marshmallows from a factory with the nostalgic name “Red Pishevik”.

I already want to go to Minsk!

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