Minsk, the capital of Belarus is becoming more popular with visitors since visa free travel was permitted in 2017 to many visitors including UK, USA, Canada and Australia. The city is compact enough that most of the key sights can be covered in 1 day. However, if you have more time a couple of days will allow you to take your time.
Most of the historical or popular sights are accessible on foot. Everything is so well maintained, its a pleasure to wander the wide boulevards and beautifully manicured gardens. It’s one of the cleanest places I have ever been.
Here are some of my recommendations for how to spend 1 day in Minsk.
Breakfast
I personally like to have a light breakfast to start the day. So the Komarovka market would be my first recommendation. Here you can find a variety of baked goods and fruits to snack on before heading off to explore. If you’re on a budget then this is the place to stock up on local produce to cook up or prepare a picnic.
Komarovka Market has plenty of choice
Walking tour
Whenever in a city I would always recommend starting with a free walking tour as this allows you to get your bearings and provides a good overview of things to see and do. The Free Walking Tour Minsk team give a reasonable insight into the old and new parts of the city.
Lunch
Belarus food can be quite heavy, therefore for lunch I would suggest Vsaliki which has some lighter options.
In the afternoon there’s plenty of options. Maybe explore a museum or two:
- National Arts Museum – also a scientific and educational centre.
- Azgur Museum – look at Lenin, Stalin and other sculptures of their times.
- National History Museum – with a big collection.
- Great Patriotic War Museum – well stocked with, plenty of information in English.
The Great Patriotic War Museum memorial
Alternatively, spend some time just wandering the wide boulevards, shop for souvenirs in GUM and take in local life. I would highly recommend the Street Art in Oktjabrskaja Street, although appreciate this wouldn’t appeal to everyone. However, it’s also a nice area to wander and find a bar for a drink or snack.
Head to Victory Square for sunset or take a ride in the Ferris wheel in Gorky Park.
Dinner
Grab a meal at Grunvald but book ahead as it gets busy. Afterwards head for a performance at the Grand Opera and Ballet Theatre, although you will need to book ahead a few months in advance to get tickets. A lovely way to end the day at a fraction of the price you would pay elsewhere in Europe.
Check out the Opera or Ballet
If you fancy heading to Minsk then do consider the visa free access to Belarus but be mindful of the paperwork needed after the first 5 days.
