City: Minsk
Top Things to do in Minsk
The 10 Best Free Things to do 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.
Restaurants in Minsk
1. Loshitskiy Park
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. Church of Saints Simon and Helena
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,066 reviews
Reviewed By zich6 - Sagle, United States
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.
5. Holy Spirit Cathedral
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 377 reviews
Reviewed By michaeldS1905JJ - London, United Kingdom
The main. Belarus Orthodox Church is located on a hill in the Upper town area. Its a classic design surrounded by a square & a garden. Beautiful building clean Even standing outside it’s possible to hear choir music Worth a visit & easy to get to for its central location
6. Monument to Fallen Jewish People on March 2, 1942
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 266 reviews
Reviewed By TKNgaio - Palmerston North, New Zealand
This is one of the saddest and most poignant places I have ever visited. In a quiet neighbourhood quite near the main Pobeditily highway and central Minsk, this memorial commemorates the death, on 2 March 1942, of near 5000 Jewish people taken from the nearby huge Minsk ghetto. Shot by automatic weapons, on one day, by the Nazi extermination troupe, overseen personally by Nazi General Commissar of Belarus Wilhelm Kube and Obersturmbanführer SS Adolf Eichmann. The place is silent, a deep pit with a roughly hewn statue of a line of poor hapless people on their last journey of life. This place leaves me with such sadness and also questioning. Who were these people who could shoot 5000 people in one day? What went through their minds? How could they live their lives after doing such an act. What did they tell their children? This is a profound memorial that reminds us of the inhumanity of humans.
7. Zamok Mall
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 104 reviews
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.
8. Independence Square, Minsk
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 583 reviews
Reviewed By 485rafalj - Warsaw, Poland
If you want to see a monument of Lenin in the center, having polish Catholic Church with JPII monument on one side and KGB headquarter on the other - go there. Just an example of mix of different cultural influences in the middle of nowhere...
9. Archcathedral Holy Name of the Blessed Virgin Mary
10. Chelyuskinites Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 210 reviews
Reviewed By runnin_crazy82 - South Hamilton, United States
This park is a must see! It's right on the metro line, so it's very convenient. The stop is even called park chaluskincau. There are beautiful tall trees lining the paths, benches for resting or people watching, a playground for the kids, and a small amusement park at the back. In the center there are two restaurants, a coffee shop, and ice cream shop. The children's railroad is right next to the park.
