Things to do & places to visit in Minsk, Belarus

Serving as both the capital of Belarus and the headquarters of the Commonwealth of Independent States, Minsk is a hub of business and government. Although few older buildings survived WWII bombings and Stalinist construction projects, Belarusians are proud of their capital's long history and its continued cultural importance. The city boasts 16 museums, 11 theaters, and 139 libraries, including the National Library of Belarus, with collections housed in a towering glass geometric ball.

Minsk #1 destination in Belarus 2023. The average rating score is 4.55 based on 12.7k traveler reviews, of 30 attractions. Timezone: Europe/Minsk, current date and time: Sunday, May 12, 2024, 8:26.

Minsk Weather Statistics view more »

Top things to do (23)

• Neighborhoods
• Amusement & Theme Parks
• Architectural Buildings
• Art Museums
• Gardens
• Points of Interest & Landmarks
• Parks
• Breweries
• Monuments & Statues
• Farmers Markets
• Historic Walking Areas
• Casinos
• Speciality Museums
• Libraries
• Art Galleries
• Military Museums
• History Museums
• Public Transportation Systems
• Churches & Cathedrals
• Shopping Malls
• Arenas & Stadiums
• Theaters
• Religious Sites

Top places to visit (30 attractions) view more »

1. 5.0 Museum Strana Mini (1.022 reviews)
   - This was super cool!
   Sunday: 11:00 AM - 8:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Speciality Museums • History Museums
   
   
   Museum of architectural miniatures «Strana mini» is an excellent choice for tourists. What expects you in «Strana mini»: ❶ Sightseeing exposure of 22 key Belarussian attractions, trip to which you're able to take directly from the museum; ❷ Souvenir shop with a large range of souvenirs and presents from Belarus, made by more than 100 Belarusian craftsmen; ❸ English-speaking tour-guides; ❹ «Strana mini» mobile app is an audio-guide in the Russian and English languages. You can download this app absolutely gratis; ❺ Virtual Reality zone, where you can see sights outside and inside; ❻ 2 photo zones «Traditional Belarusian house» and «Belarusian bison-swing»; ❼ Free high-speed wi-fi; ❽ Rest zone; ❾ Each ticket includes photos & audio-guide. Museum “Strana mini” is a perfect place for getting acquainted with Belarus. See more..
   
2. 5.0 Farba Gallery (141 reviews)
   - Interesting
   Sunday: 12:00 PM - 8:00 PM Spent 2-3 hours Art Galleries
   
   
   I visited Rene Magritte exhibition. Although there's quite little space, I found a lot of new information. Also they add fun to your visit by providing small "quest" related to the current exhibition :) See more..
   
3. 5.0 Loshitskiy Park (128 reviews)
   - Nice for jogging and bike
   Historic Walking Areas • Parks
   
   
   Great landscape. Near the river. A lot of routes and small roads. Nice for family and friends picnic See more..
   
4. 5.0 Money Museum Groshi (108 reviews)
   - Definitely worth the visit.
   Sunday: 10:00 AM - 7:00 PM Spent < 1 hour Speciality Museums • History Museums
   
   
   The Groshi Museum of money is a new project in the Republic of Belarus dedicated to the history of money circulation on its territory. The exhibition represents only original coins and banknotes that have been used in Belarus since the II century AD (The Roman Empire), The Great Duchy of Lithuania, Rzech Pospolita, The Russian Empire and the Soviet Union ending with the present. Our gides are always pleased to put you through the history of our country using exciting stories about money. In the Museum you can buy commemorative coins and souvenirs as a valuable memory about Belarus for you, your family and friends. See more..
   
5. 5.0 Nevada Casino (34 reviews)
   - Super
   Sunday: 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM Spent More than 3 hours Casinos
   
   
   The mission of Casino Nevada is to take care of the guest! We create an atmosphere of comfort and coziness for everyone. You can contact the manager for any question and he will do everything possible to make you satisfied. A wide range of card games will please our guests! Large selection of pokers: Russian, oasis, split, ultimate, as well as Texas. Of course, black jack and baccarat (punto banco). American roulette and more than 80 modern slot machines. Our bartenders will delight you with signature cocktails, and a delicious, smoky hookah will allow you to relax and enjoy the evening. Our chefs will make sure you don't go hungry. And of course, we will organize your transfer. Nevada invites you to visit, we are glad to see you! See more..
   
6. 5.0 Museum Strana Mini (1.022 reviews)
   - This was super cool!
   Sunday: 11:00 AM - 8:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Speciality Museums • History Museums
   
   
   Museum of architectural miniatures «Strana mini» is an excellent choice for tourists. What expects you in «Strana mini»: ❶ Sightseeing exposure of 22 key Belarussian attractions, trip to which you're able to take directly from the museum; ❷ Souvenir shop with a large range of souvenirs and presents from Belarus, made by more than 100 Belarusian craftsmen; ❸ English-speaking tour-guides; ❹ «Strana mini» mobile app is an audio-guide in the Russian and English languages. You can download this app absolutely gratis; ❺ Virtual Reality zone, where you can see sights outside and inside; ❻ 2 photo zones «Traditional Belarusian house» and «Belarusian bison-swing»; ❼ Free high-speed wi-fi; ❽ Rest zone; ❾ Each ticket includes photos & audio-guide. Museum “Strana mini” is a perfect place for getting acquainted with Belarus. See more..
   
7. 4.5 National Library of Belarus (1.608 reviews)
   - Modern, futuristic building
   Libraries
   
   
   The Belarusian National Library is a great piece of architecture set in well maintained grounds. It is set a little way out of the city centre so we used the metro to get there. We enjoyed a drink in the cafe on the 22nd floor which offered great views out over Minsk. There is an observation deck on the 23rd floor but the lift experience was anxiety-inducing enough for me so we didn’t venture up there. See more..
   
8. 4.5 Church of Saints Simon and Helena (1.077 reviews)
   - Great interior architecture
   Churches & Cathedrals
   
   
   The outside surface, brick is visually very pleasing but like most churches, it's the inside that really inspires. The main door is a massive, heavy affair with beautiful stained glass. The alter is sublime in its structure and materials. See more..
   
9. 4.5 Island of Tears (975 reviews)
   - Sobering monument to war dead
   Spent < 1 hour Monuments & Statues
   
   
   The monument is to those fallen as a result of the Afghanistan war. It's very peaceful with benches that have a good view of downtown Minsk across the water. See more..
   
10. 4.5 Belarusian State Museum of the History of the Great Patriotic War (936 reviews)
    - Living old history in a modern world
    Sunday: 10:00 AM - 5:30 PM Spent 1-2 hours Military Museums • History Museums
    
    
    The Belarusian State Museum of the History of the Great Patriotic War is the greatest national depository of material and spiritual monuments of the 1941-1945 war history. Open: 10.00 – 18.00. Day off: Monday See more..
    
11. 4.5 Victory Square (813 reviews)
    - A relic of the Soviet era
    Points of Interest & Landmarks
    
    
    While it is now under construction and can't be accessed due to retaining walls, the monument dominates the skyline and reminds all of the historic Belarusian victories. See more..
    
12. 4.5 Independence Square, Minsk (593 reviews)
    - Interesting square
    Spent < 1 hour Points of Interest & Landmarks
    
    
    Interesting square like many not has good has some main squares but the independence square to me is still worth 4 stars See more..
    
13. 4.5 Minsk-Arena Complex (478 reviews)
    - New world-class multifunctional arena complex
    Arenas & Stadiums
    
    
    It is extremely modern arena. It was built for 2014 Ice Hockey World Championship. I visited the Ice Hockey World Championships in 2014 and Continental Hockey League (KHL) matches. Also I was there for Elton John, Scorpions, Sting concerts. The arena is multi functional high quality place. Great sound, huge screens. Arena is popular place with great attendance up to 15300 spectators. Nice atmosphere. Huge free parking area available. Good city bus transportation. See more..
    
14. 4.5 Minsk Metropolitan (405 reviews)
    - Buried Treasures
    Spent < 1 hour Public Transportation Systems
    
    
    I spent two days of my Belarus vacation visiting all 29 stations of the Minsk underground and it was well worth the effort. The trains are clean and efficient, running on time every time and the station platforms' interiors range from simple minimalistic Communist architecture all the way up to opulent regalia which would satisfy even the most decadent and hedonistic amongst us. My favorite stops are, Pushkinskaya, Kastrycnickaja, Malinauka, Instytut Kultury, Frunzienskaja, Plosca Jakuba Kolasa and Piatrouscyna. See more..
    
15. 4.5 National Opera and Ballet Theatre of Belarus (400 reviews)
    - Beautiful building and cheap tickets for good seats compared to Europe.
    Spent 2-3 hours Theaters
    
    
    We booked our tickets the previous day because that evening's performance was sold out. The ticket office is on the same side of the water fountain. Push the door as it's not easy to see it's open. English wasn't spoken but it was easy to understand with context - we were there to buy tickets to a performance. We watch Rigoletto in Italian with Russian Subtitles. But read the synopsis of whichever Opera you see first and you'll be fine. Gorgeous inside the theatre. Definitely, recommend attending a performance! You don't have to dress up for the event as it's very accessible, but it's nice to make a little bit of an effort. See more..
    
16. 4.5 Holy Spirit Cathedral (386 reviews)
    - Enjoy!!! And not only visiting it!
    Spent < 1 hour Religious Sites • Churches & Cathedrals
    
    
    This cathedral is a wonderful decoration of the Upper Town! Visited it not once and admired it inside and outside. It's the main orthodox centre. One tip.You can also walk around this area and see what ancient Minsk looked like. See more..
    
17. 4.5 Minsk Gates (345 reviews)
    - Stunning
    Spent < 1 hour Points of Interest & Landmarks
    
    
    Wow so lovely. Classic Soviet building like a wedding cake.. must see at night very pretty.must see .. See more..
    
18. 4.5 The National Art Museum of the Republic of Belarus (332 reviews)
    - A splendid collection
    Art Museums
    
    
    A wonderful art gallery in the heart of Minsk showcasing Belarusian art from the past few centuries. One pays around £3 to enter, a little more if you wish to take photos. The old stone building is attached to a grand and impressive modern extension. This holds yet more art. I was greatly impressed by the breadth of the collection and recommended spending an hour or so browsing. It's centrally located on vulica Lienina and there is a cafe which looked pleasant. See more..
    
19. 4.5 Victory Park (310 reviews)
    - Modest But Significant War Memorial
    Parks
    
    
    No country suffered more than Belarus during World War 2. Almost all European countries have war memorials but this memorial is less grandiose than many others. It is linked to a park that runs along the Svislach River that has been developed and decorated with fountains, greenery, and clever lighting. I could not see any tourists but unlike any European capital city, young couples were walking arm in arm. The memorial is attractive day and night. It is clean and safe. Views of the park and from it are great. See more..
    
20. 4.5 Upper City (296 reviews)
    - A small area, but very interesting and plenty to see
    Spent 1-2 hours Neighborhoods • Historic Walking Areas • Architectural Buildings
    
    
    The old town / upper city is a must-see in Minsk, it is a relatively small area but contains many cafes, restaurants and bars. Plus of course the old buildings like the Town Hall and Monastery. Make sure you also cross the bridge to Trinity Hill. See more..
    
21. 4.5 Central Botanical Garden of the National Academy of Sciences of Belarus (288 reviews)
    - Pleasant place for walking
    Sunday: 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM Spent More than 3 hours Points of Interest & Landmarks • Gardens
    
    
    In any season you can find beauty here, make a picnic, feed birds and make a lot of photos. Garden is very diversified, interesting to explore. See more..
    
22. 4.5 Monument to Fallen Jewish People on March 2, 1942 (274 reviews)
    - Very well designed
    Monuments & Statues
    
    
    We took the time to stop by this iconic and historical monument. The design is flawless, and really takes you back in time. The artist did a great job, and we felt something there that made you realize how bad these times were. See more..
    
23. 4.5 Minsk Railway station (267 reviews)
    - Nice train station
    Points of Interest & Landmarks • Architectural Buildings
    
    
    Easy to reach, a bit tricky to find correct track if you don’t know Russian or have a Russian speaking person with you. But we found the track See more..
    
24. 4.5 Svislach River Embankment (241 reviews)
    - Surprisingly Gorgeous
    Points of Interest & Landmarks
    
    
    I was not expecting Minsk to be such an attractive city. It is not a popular tourist destination, with few Western tourists, The Svislach River Embankment is gorgeous. The river is plenty of water fowl. There are many young couples walking along the embankment or on paddle boats on the river. Most of the river in central Minsk is either concrete or park. Further back from the river are many banks and casinos. The embankment is clean, quiet, uncrowded, and safe. See more..
    
25. 4.5 Minskiy Komarovskiy Market (231 reviews)
    - Producer's or first level seller's market
    Farmers Markets
    
    
    You can buy hand made socks, home made pickles, vegetables, fruits, meats, fresh water fishes, dried/salty fishes and caviars in this huge open market. See more..
    
26. 4.5 Chelyuskinites Park (213 reviews)
    - Worlds best park?
    Parks
    
    
    I’ve visited many parks around the world including Hyde park in London and Tara S park in Kyiv however I rate this park number 1 in the world! Go on a summer day and see everyone happy! If there is one place in Eastern Europe that destroys all the negative myths it’s here! Fairground rides. Food. Flowers animals there’s nothing this park hasn’t got! Allot is free however the garden part costs 8BR well under £3 to visit it properly you need a full day. Go in the garden area which should be renamed selfie park has there must be more selfies taken here than anywhere in the world so crazy! People dress up are happy many children’s young grandmas it’s like the most happy place I’ve ever been... don’t come to Minsk without coming here that’s the bottom line!! See more..
    
27. 4.5 Archcathedral Holy Name of the Blessed Virgin Mary (163 reviews)
    - Beautiful church
    Churches & Cathedrals
    
    
    This is a delightful church located close to city hall, there are many high quality statues inside plus many good paintings, this is a must see sight when you are in Minsk See more..
    
28. 4.5 Belarusian Folk Museum of Architecture and Rural Life (162 reviews)
    - Well worth a visit
    Speciality Museums
    
    
    This place is a short drive from the centre of Minsk . Its very quiet and peaceful with plenty of old house and churchs. I brought my camera and took plenty of pictures. It was close to closing time when i got there but the people working there still left us in and reopened any house we wanted to look inside. See more..
    
29. 4.5 Alivaria Brewery Museum (133 reviews)
    - Beer world
    Sunday: 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Speciality Museums • Breweries
    
    
    In order to take part in our excursions you should sign up for a tour at our web-page and make a note in the "for groups" section, that you'd like to have a guided excursion in English. To organise a guided tour English we require a minimum of 4 participants. We're open from Wednesday till Sunday and factory tours and tastings are starting at 18.00 usually. IT IS ONLY POSSIBLE to visit our museum if you sign up for excursion in advance. If for some reason tour on that date is not possible, our tour guides will contact you. See more..
    
30. 4.5 Zamok Mall (106 reviews)
    - One of the best Minsk shopping malls
    Sunday: 9:00 AM - 11:00 PM Shopping Malls
    
    
    Zamok Shopping Center is the largest shopping center in the country with a total area of 167 550 sq.m., where shopping and entertainment come together! You can find here over 150 trendy shops, a skating rink, a cinema, a large food hypermarket, restaurants, and cafes. See more..