←Belarus travel guide
Minsk Region, Belarus
Minsk
Soviet grandeur and leafy boulevards in a city rebuilt from the ashes
ArchitectureCultureHistory & Heritage
Minsk, the capital of Belarus, is a city of wide tree-lined avenues, imposing Stalinist-era architecture, and a compact riverside neighbourhood of 19th-century buildings known as the Trinity Suburb. The National Library, shaped like a faceted rhombicuboctahedron, the towering Gates of Minsk, and a two-line metro system make it one of the most distinctive capitals in Eastern Europe.
Check Belarus visa requirements →
Best time to visit
May to September
Region
Minsk Region
Main airport
Minsk MSQ (MSQ)
Beyond the City
Day Trips from Minsk
UNESCO World HeritageHistory
Mir Castle Complex
Built from 1520 and enlarged through the Renaissance period by the powerful Radziwill family, Mir Castle is one of Belarus's most recognisable landmarks and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Its five towers blend Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque elements in a combination that reflects the centuries of change the fortress survived. Today the restored complex houses a hotel, exhibition halls, and a restaurant, and hosts historical festivals with knightly tournaments.
UNESCO World Heritage
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Plan Your Trip
Getting Around Minsk
Tours, stays, transfers, and flights — curated partner options are on the way.
Tours & Activities
Skip-the-line tickets, guided tours, and day experiences — curated partner options are on the way.
Coming soonWhere to Stay
Hotels, apartments, and guesthouses across every neighbourhood — booking options are on the way.
Coming soonAirport Transfers
Private and shared rides between the airport and the city centre — partner options are on the way.
Coming soonFlights
Compare fares from hundreds of airlines to find the best route in — search options are on the way.
Coming soonTravel Guide
Frequently Asked Questions About Visiting Belarus
Entry requirements vary by passport. Check the requirements for your specific passport on the Belarus page at Yoogo.
The official currency is the Belarusian ruble (BYN). Cards from Visa and Mastercard are accepted in hotels, larger restaurants, and shops in Minsk and other cities, though cash remains more practical in smaller towns and rural areas. ATMs are widely available in major cities, but it is worth carrying some local currency for markets, minibuses, and out-of-town destinations.
Belarus has a low rate of petty crime, and cities such as Minsk are generally considered safe for walking day and night. Travellers should monitor their government's official travel advisories before and during their trip, as the political situation has affected travel recommendations from several countries since 2020. Exercise standard caution with your belongings and be aware of your surroundings.
Minsk has a reliable metro system with two lines, supplemented by buses, trams, and trolleybuses covering the wider city. Inter-city rail connects Minsk with Brest, Grodno, Vitebsk, and other regional centres at reasonable fares. Taxis and ride-hailing apps are available in cities, and minibuses (marshrutka) run along popular routes between towns.
The most comfortable period to visit is from late May to early September, when temperatures range from 20 to 25 degrees Celsius and daylight hours are long. Summer also coincides with the Slavianski Bazaar festival in Vitebsk each July, which is one of the country's most popular cultural events. Spring and early autumn offer fewer crowds and pleasant conditions, while winters are cold and snowy, with short days from November through February.
Both Belarusian and Russian are official languages, and Russian is the most widely spoken in everyday life. English is understood in tourist-oriented hotels, restaurants, and attractions in Minsk, but less commonly outside the capital. Learning a few words of Russian or downloading a translation app is helpful for navigating smaller towns and reading signs, which are typically in Belarusian or Russian only.
No vaccination certificate is required to enter Belarus, but travellers are generally advised to ensure routine immunisations are up to date and to consider hepatitis A, hepatitis B, and tick-borne encephalitis vaccinations. Medical insurance is required by Belarusian law, and proof of cover may be checked at the border. Consult a travel health clinic at least six weeks before your trip for personalised advice.