Minsk, Belarus
Chilly Minsk is a whole new adventure of a city
Being capital not only of Belarus, but of the Commonwealth of Independent States. Belarus has a modern, post-war feel about it with plenty of fascinating Soviet-era architecture from the 40s and 50s, but look between the concrete blocks and you’ll find hidden gems including beautifully restored churches and more.
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Destination overview
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| Language: | Belarusian | |
| Currency: | Rouble | |
| Time zone: | GMT +2 hours (GMT +3 hours in summer) | |
| Flight Time: | 4 hours 50 | |
| Holiday type: | City break | |
| Weather: | Average maximum temperature: 9.6°C Rainfall: 677mm a year |
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Must see:
The church of Saints Peter and Paul on Vulitsa Rakovskaja is Minsk’s oldest, dating from around 1613.
Must eat at:
Taj, on Vulitsa Brilevskaja, specialises in delicious food with a distinctly Northern Indian flavour, with plenty of vegetarian options and even a menu in English (a rarity in these parts).
Must be there for:
Winter in Minsk is, though a touch chilly, a wonderful time to come. The city crisps over and rugs-up, and its legendary outdoor ice rink is open to the public. Come to the Palats Respubliki for a lesson from the locals!
Well-travelled tips:
- A few words of Belarusian or Russian will go a long way in this part of the world. English isn’t widely spoken, except in the most touristy of places.
- Take a trip out of town to the Minskoe More reservoir for its beach and watersports – perfect in summer when the inland heat starts to build.
Visa:
British citizens need a visa to visit Belarus. More information
