City: Minsk
Top Things to do in Minsk
10 Things to do Good for Kids in Minsk That You Shouldn't Miss
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.
Restaurants in Minsk
1. Loshitskiy Park
2. Museum Strana Mini
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 703 reviews
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.
Reviewed By E1445ZPjamess
Museum Strana Mini is a great place to get an overview of many of Belarus' major castles, historical sites and important buildings all in one place! Staff are helpful, the audio guides incredibly informative and the models themselves are really detailed! My one suggestion is that they should consider more signposting outside - we walked past the museum twice as there is only one sign and a cherry-picker was parked in front of it! Other than this, great addition to any itinerary in Minsk!
3. Money Museum Groshi
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 81 reviews
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.
4. Victory Square
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 804 reviews
Reviewed By zich6 - Sagle, United States
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.
5. Minsk-Arena Complex
6. Central Botanical Garden of the National Academy of Sciences of Belarus
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 284 reviews
7. National Library of Belarus
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,599 reviews
Reviewed By Aldhuwaiher - Saham, Oman
Very impressive building; attractive landmark with modernised 8 angles glass shaped; well noticed from tha main road crossing Minsk; touring with some friends visiting the observation deck on the 22 flour as I remembered; then going down one level by stairs there is a very nice and lovely cafe with an amazing view; then visiting the library lobby taking some photos.it is very recommended to have a visit while touring the capital of Belarus.
8. Island of Tears
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 964 reviews
Reviewed By B1714D - Belgrade, Serbia
Island of Tears is an artificial island set in the center on a meander of the Svislach river. It's a memorial to many fallen Belarus during the Afghan war. The island (or at least a part of it) is made of Afghan soil which weeping mothers brought back from their son's graves. The memorial occupies the central island's spot, on a small hill just after crossing the bridge. It's in a form of a chapel with larger than life mourning mothers on all 4 sides. Inside the open air chapel the soldiers names are inscribed. Beside the memorial is a weeping angel crying he couldn't save them, and Afghan provinces stone markers where they died are scaterred around. Apart from the sad side, the island offers best views of Minsk downtown area all around.
9. Belarusian State Museum of the History of the Great Patriotic War
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 912 reviews
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
Reviewed By B1714D - Belgrade, Serbia
I've been in several such museums throughout Europe, including the Moscow's one and Kiev's only few days before and I can tell you - this one in Minsk is by far the best. The musuem is little bit away from other Minsk attractions, but still easy reachable by taxi, bus or even walk-around 30 min from the center. Best layout and panorama of the museum is from a residential block hill diagonal from the musuem (this TA front pic is shot from there). Despite the Sovietish exterior with huge concrete blocks and obelisk rising, the interior is state of the art, very modern. The museum describes the pre WWII years throughout the entire war till its end. There's abundance of artifacts - from personal items, memorabilia, newspapers, weapons, life size original machine guns, big guns, tanks, planes to high tech 3D dioramas, touch screens, etc... Highlight is the ending Victory hall in the dome (this one's again little bit Sovietish, but hey, you're in that part of the world). Entrance fee is cheap (cannot remember exactly, around 5 Euros), I didn't take the audio guide (don't like them as they're very time consuming), and you don't need it as a lot is explained also in English. There're clean restrooms, coats wardrobe and a souvenir shop. Count on around 2 hrs for a visit.
