Press releases

MINSK, 7 August (BelTA) – Australia’s travel website Traveller has posted a brief guide to Minsk telling readers what places to see and what food to try at local cafes and bars, BelTA has learned.

The article titled “Tips and things to do in Minsk, Belarus: The three-minute guide” believes that with the introduction of the visa-free entry for citizens of 80 countries (including Australia), it is perfect time to visit Belarus.

The Australian journalist says that Minsk is a clean and modern city with fashionable cafes, bars and galleries. It has preserved much of the Soviet-era architecture but has a progressive edge. As it gears up to host the 2nd European Games 2019 and the World Ice Hockey Championships in 2021 the city is forging ahead, with new hotels, infrastructure, and entertainment options.

The travel writer suggests visiting the Belarusian State Museum of the Great Patriotic War, the National Art Museum and the Miniature Museum that currently holds 18 exhibits, but promises more than 70 models by 2022.

In order to get familiar with the Soviet-era architecture, the journalist suggests taking a stroll along Independence Avenue (Prospekt Nezavisimosti). After feeling hungry, one can go to a cafй to try draniki, or potato pancakes, the national dish served with homemade sausage, scrambled eggs and green onions. The author recommends partygoers to visit lively Zybitskaya Street known for its bars and cafes. Those who want to buy forest berries, smoked meats, spices and nuts need to visit the Komarovka Market.

The author recommends staying at Hotel Monastyrski housed in a former monastery in the most atmospheric part of the old town. “Next door to the Holy Spirit Cathedral and steps away from the Svislach River with its riverside cafes, walking path and museums, you'd be hard pushed to find a better location,” the author says.

The journalist was impressed by Oktyabrskaya Street where old warehouses were converted into a street art quarter.

To see Minsk from above, one should ride the Ferris wheel in Gorky Park.

According to the author, there are two must-dos in Minsk. First, she recommends trying Belarusian liquors, like herb-infused balsams, and visiting a classic Soviet-style bar in the Tsentralny supermarket. Second, she highly recommends spending an evening at the Bolshoi Opera and Ballet Theatre, one of Europe's biggest theatres.