The Best Places to Visit in Belarus
Note: International Governments advise against travel to Belarus, as the security environment is currently volatile due to Russian Military presence.
Belarus is one of Europe’s larger landlocked countries, home to roughly 9.3 million people. It sits right next to Russia and is heavily influenced by it, from language and media to politics and economics. To be honest, it’s not one of the best places to live in Europe right now. The media is state-controlled, political freedom is limited, and the government has been led by the same president since 1994. For travelers, the appeal lies in its Soviet-era history and the fact that it’s still relatively off the beaten path. While it’s not usually recommended to visit due to political restrictions and limited freedoms, the cities are incredibly clean, the architecture is interesting, and you’ll find a quiet, orderly atmosphere that feels like a step back in time.
Capital: Minsk
Currency: Belarusian Ruble
Languages: Belarusian, Russian
Best time to visit: November to March
1) Minsk
Minsk is the capital and largest city of Belarus, home to about 2 million locals, located right in the geographic center of the country. It is known to be an extremely clean city, which makes it refreshing to see when combined with the abundance of green spaces you’ll find around as well. It has a strong cultural scene, and is a great place to learn about WWII and Soviet History. In fact, during WWII, The modern city was almost completely destroyed. This is why after the post-war reconstruction, the city has an orderly, planned, and spacious feel.
Things to do:
Start in Independence Square, the main square where you’ll spot the Red Church, Government House and the Eternal Flame. Walk along the Svislach River, and you’ll find the Troitskoye Predmestiye (Trinity Suburb), which is a pre-war district filled with 19th century colorful houses. Close to that you’ll find the Island of Tears, featuring a monument to Belarusian Soldiers from the Soviet-Afghan War. My museum recomendation would be the Belarusian State Museum of the Great Patriotic War - it is very big and informative. Lastly, you could check out Yakub Kolas Square, featuring a statue of famous Poet, Yakub Kolas, as well as the beautiful Belarusian State Opera and Ballet Theatre.
How to get there:
Belarus in general is tough to visit. Minsk National Airport (MSQ) has some flights mainly from Russia and Turkey.
Trains can connect Minsk with Moscow and St. Petersburg as well, however options may be limited at the minute.
2) Brest
Brest is a historic border city in southwestern Belarus, right on the border with Poland. It was historically a key trade and military point connecting Western Europe and the East. Brest is home to many important pieces of history and cultural sites, and the city itself feels a bit more western-influenced when you compare it to a place like Minsk.
Things to do:
The main talking point of Brest is Brest Fortress, and its memorial complex.it is massive WWII citadel where Soviet defenders held out for weeks in 1941, making it a truly emotionally powerful site. Inside is the iconic ‘Thirst Statue,’ as well as the Eternal Flame and some museums. More inside the city is Sovetskaya Street, where you can stroll through and get the European vibe with the colorful buildings, as well as check out the shops. You can also walk to the Brest Railway Station and Border Gate, and see the crossing plus the ‘Welcome to Brest’ sign.
How to get there:
You can train from Minsk to Brest, direct.
Otherwise, you can bus from regional towns and cities in Poland, just check your visa requirements.
3) Mir (Mir Castle)
Mir is a small urban settlement in western Belarus, with only just over 2000 people living there. The town is basically built around one thing - Mir Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage Site right in the center of town. The castle is a late 15th century fortified palace with 5 main towers, a moat and a beautiful park and lake area around it. The castles history is complex - It was besieged multiple times, causing damage and later abandonment. In the 19-20th century it was restored, and is now one of Belarus’ most impressive pieces of architecture.
Things to do:
You can of course tour the interiors of the Castle, with the Knight's Hall and ballroom being highlights. You can climb up one of the castles towers, and get some panoramic views from above. There is a big courtyard to explore too, as well as the surrounding Mir Park and Lake.
How to get there:
Take a bus direct or via Baranovichi to Mir, can be done as a day trip.