Sightseeing and Attractions In Minsk

Historically sightseeing Minsk is the home to the National Art Museum of Belarus which has many examples of Belarussian Art over the last five hundred years. For those interested in ethnology and archealogy the Ancient Belarussian Cultural Museum will be of interest, as will the Raubichi Arts and Crafts Museum which features national costumes from Belarus and neighbouring regions. A walk around The Botanical Gardens, which is sponsored by The Belarussian Academy of Sciences has a distinctly international air about it - with trees and shrubbery from all over the world.

Attractions & Sightseeing Close To Minsk

Another place worth visting is the nearby town of Nesvizh which apart from a 16th family century castle also is the home of a similarly dated Catholic Church which is beautifully decorated inside. Also within travelling distance is The Khatyn Memorial and Glory Mound. Until March 1943 Khatyn was a small village with about 150 residents, half of whom were children. The residents were murdered when the Nazis burnt the village to the ground. This memorial is dedicated to those villagers and the villagers of another 150 villages who suffered a similar fate.

Public Transport In Minsk

Local services operate from the Central Bus Station, which also covers Minsk Airport. No website and prone to long queues. Go to: The Central Bus Station Bobruyskaya 6, or phone +375 17 227 37 25. Reportedly open from 5am - 1am weekdays & 5am -23.00 Saturdays & Sundays.

Inter City Coach Services Minsk And Within Belarus

Tickets to and from other cities in Belraus and Russian destinations can be purchased from the Eastern Bus Station in Minsk. (Please also see rail travel advice in the country profile above.)

The Office is on the first floor and as there is no website purchasing tickets can be a time consuming process. Go to: The Eastern Bus Station Vaneyeva 34. Tel : +375 17 248 58 21 Normally open from 05.30 -22.30.

International Coach & Bus Services To Europe

Generally, but not entirely, these operate from the Eastern Bus Station (address as in above pargagrah). Tickets are sold from Window 11 on the first floor. It has the sign Mizhnarodnaya Kasa above it.

Eurolines International Service & Routes

Thes are served by the Central Bus Station. (see top paragraph for details). Tickets can be purchased on the third floor which is open from 9am - 9pm . As English is not widely spoken International departures depart from gates 14 -18.

Crime and Personal Safety and Security in Minsk

Pickpocketing and occasionally mugging can occur. Theft from hotel rooms and cars is a problem. Travelling by train especially international night sleepers exposes you to a greater risk of theft.

Minsk City Guide - Directory / Index

Belarus Country Profile

Minsk Overview

It is has long been thought that Minsks origins date back to the 8th or 9th century when migrating Slavs from the south arrived. Recent archeological findings have confirmed this. By 980 it was part of the Principality of Polatsk which also included Kiev. The earliest documentary evidence cites that it was known as Mensk in 1067.

From the 13th century Minsk was for the most part ruled by the Polish Lithuanian Empire except when for periods when it fell twice to Russia and once to Sweden. From 1793 it was governed by Russia except when it was once occupied in 1813 by France and twice in the 20th century occupied by Germany. In 16th it became the home to tradesmen dealing in animal skins glass metals and wood. Several spin offs of these trades dominate it and the Belarus economy. today.

Minsk was used by the Nazis as a Jewish Ghetto in WW2 and was rebuilt after war as a 'new city'. Its architecture is 'sour' but it is very clean. Politically it has been the Kremlin's closest ally and energy permitting will remain so.

Latest Flight Information From Minsk International Airport

Flight Arrival & Flight Departures: This information is not 'online' at present.

Airport Information: No Main Switchboard no available ?

Airport Facilities.

The Belarus Authorities have invested heavily in the last five years developing this airport which has a quite impressive mother and child area. It also has a visa section for visitors who arrive without the required documentation. (Advice on the latter is available from our Consular page.

Travel From Minsk Airport To Central / Downtown Minsk

This takes just under an hour by road. There is a regular coach service from the airport direct to Minsk Central Bus Station. This service is not as frequent in the winter months.