How to make the most of your trip to Belarus: Places to see and things to do
"The Land of Castles", "Blue-eyed", "Lungs of Europe"… This is how Belarus is beautifully and figuratively called for its historical heritage and unique natural resources, many of which have survived to this day.
Beautiful residences in Mir and Nesvizh, Belovezhskaya Pushcha, the largest relic forest in Europe, and the points of Struve Arc, the largest earth measurement chain, included in the UNESCO World Heritage List.
But they are not the only ones that can surprise visitors to Belarus. Stunning landscapes of the largest swamps of the continent, untouched landscapes in the valley of the Pripyat River dubbed as “Polesye Amazon”, castles, palaces and estates of different eras and styles, monasteries and temples of three religions – each region has its own treasures.
By the will of fate, Belarus is located at the crossroads of Europe, survived two world wars and many other conflicts of the continent, which left a deep mark and, without exaggeration, turned the whole country into a huge museum of military history. Especially impressive, heroic and tragic is the history of the Great Patriotic War…
For more information about the sights and unique places of Belarus, please visit here.
Belarus has a rich cultural heritage. Should you have a desire to learn more about Belarusian culture and enjoy Belarusian music, you will have ample opportunities for that.
Most cities have museums and art galleries. The capital city and all regional centers also have theaters.
Belarusians carefully preserve folk traditions. Ethnographic centers and open-air museums throughout the country, numerous festivals and holidays always feature amateur groups.
More about cultural attractions in Belarus
Belarusians love nature and outdoors activities. Belarusian cities have plenty of parks and open green spaces. People in Belarus are also passionate about sport, and there are many high-quality sporting facilities throughout the country including:
Every year, lots of outdoor activities and events are arranged throughout the country.
Belarusians cherish their nature. Unique natural complexes are protected by the state: there are two reserves in the country (biosphere and radiation-ecological, closed to the public) and four large national parks, one of which – Belovezhskaya Pushcha – has been recognized as World Heritage Site by UNESCO.
Find out more about nature in Belarus
Belarus has a lively bar and restaurant scene. There are also numerous cafes in smaller towns and communities.
Most restaurants in Minsk will offer menus in English. However, this may not be the case with cafes and restaurants outside the capital.
Good restaurants are popular, so it is advisable to book ahead – your hotel will be happy to do this for you.
There are many excellent restaurants offering authentic Belarusian cuisine as well as plenty of venues offering international cuisine or fast food.
Many Belarus restaurants offer cabaret performances or live music as part of the evening’s enjoyment.
Belarus has a growing nightclub scene and Minsk nightlife is particularly vibrant.
Discos often go on all night
Most clubs play pop music and some venues offer cabaret shows.
Nightclubs in Belarus are popular with all ages, and not dominated by young people.
Casinos in Belarus comply with the requirements established by law. You can visit gambling establishments from the age of 21. Casinos utilize CCTV to monitor their guests and activities within their premises. Belarus is one of the most active gambling jurisdictions in the region, so gambling enthusiasts from abroad come to the country. Business organizers try to offer their customers other services: hotel reservations, excursions around the country, etc. As part of the fight against addiction, casinos run their own "black lists" compiled either through a court order or self-exclusion.