Belarus 2 Day Itinerary

Day 1: Exploring Minsk

Morning:

  • Start your day with a hearty breakfast at a local café. Try “Kupalishche” or “Tochka” for a taste of Belarusian cuisine.
  • Visit the National Library of Belarus, an architectural marvel designed by Norman Foster. The panoramic elevator offers stunning views of Minsk.
  • Head to the Independence Square (Ploshcha Nezaleжnasci), the city’s central square, and learn about the history of Belarus at the Museum of the Great Patriotic War.

Afternoon:

  • Visit the Trinity Suburb (Troyitskie Predmestye) - a historical neighborhood with well-preserved wooden houses from the 16th to 20th centuries.
  • Explore the Holy Spirit Cathedral and the nearby St. Simon and Helena Church, both beautiful examples of Orthodox architecture.

Evening:

  • Enjoy dinner at “Gastrobar Kvartal” or “Stary Omkert” for a wide variety of Belarusian dishes.
  • Take a leisurely stroll along the Svislach River Embankment, enjoy the city lights, and perhaps catch a street performance.

Day 2: Discovering Beyond Minsk

Morning:

  • Depart early for Mir Castle Complex (~1.5 hours drive from Minsk). This UNESCO World Heritage Site offers a glimpse into the grandeur of Belarusian aristocracy.
  • Explore the castle’s interior, walk through the park, and don’t miss the beautiful mirror lakes.

Afternoon:

  • Head to Nesvizh Castle (~1 hour drive from Mir). Another UNESCO site, Nesvizh is a stunning example of Renaissance architecture.
  • Visit the Church of Saints Michael and Constantine, located within the castle complex, and the nearby St. Catherine’s Church.

Evening:

  • Return to Minsk and enjoy dinner at a local restaurant. “Pilmeny” is a must-try Belarusian dish made from potatoes and meat.
  • Wind down your day with a traditional Belarusian folk show at the “Yubileyny” concert hall or a performance by the State Circus of Belarus.

Things to Know:

  1. Belarus uses the Belarusian Ruble (BYN). Credit cards are widely accepted in Minsk, but it’s useful to have cash for smaller shops and restaurants outside the city.
  2. English is not as widely spoken as in other European capitals, so learning a few phrases in Russian or Belarusian could be helpful.
  3. Wi-Fi is widely available in cafés, hotels, and public places.
  4. Tap water in Belarus is safe to drink.
  5. The electrical socket type used in Belarus is Type C and F.
  6. Belarus has a visa-free regime for up to 30 days for citizens of many countries, including the United States, Canada, Japan, Australia, and most European countries. However, always check the latest requirements on the official website of the Belarus Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
  7. Minsk International Airport (MSQ) is well-connected with numerous European cities. Domestic flights are also available to other cities in Belarus.
  8. Taxis and car rental services are available, but public transportation in Minsk is reliable and affordable. The city has an extensive network of buses, trams, and the Metro (subway).
  9. Belarus offers a rich cultural scene with numerous museums, art galleries, and theaters. Check out the schedules for events during your visit.
  10. Belarus is known for its beautiful nature reserves, including the Bialowieza Forest, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and home to Europe’s last remaining bison herd. If you have more time, consider planning a trip to this incredible destination.