Guida Turistica Di Minsk - Minsk in Your Pocket, 2012, Vol. 2

Vol.
2, 2012
2012
www.inyourpocket.com
Vol 2 2012 Vol 2 2012
MINSK
Hotels Restaurants Cafs Nightlife Sightseeing Events Maps
Inside
A full y updated, impartial scrutiny
of the best things Minsk has to offer
visitors and residents for the next
four months
A walk to remember:
Through the heart of the city.
Part one.
"In Your Pocket: A cheeky, well-
written series of guidebooks."
The New York Times
Vol. 2, 2012 Vol. 2, 2012
3
CONTENTS
E S S E N T I A L C I TY G U I D E S
Vol. 2, 2012 minsk.inyourpocket.com
One of Minsks cafes known for traditional Belarusian food
Arriving in Minsk 5
Are we there yet?
Basics 7
Essential information, from alcohol to visas
History 11
Some useful background information
Mail & phones 12
Keeping in touch
Culture & Events 13
Galleries, theatres, events and more
A walk to remember 15
Where to stay 20
A bed for all budgets
Contents
A new complex in Nemiga Street buil t in the old Minsk style
Dining & Nightlife
Restaurants 24
A roll call of recommended eateries
Cafs 36
Where to find the best espresso
Nightlife 39
Drinking, dancing and other after-dark treats
Sightseeing
What to see 43
Travel Agencies
Unmissable Minsk
Getting around 49
When legs just arent enough
Directory
Shopping 52
Lifestyle 55
Health 57
Business 58
Where to partake and observe
Maps
Street index 61
City centre map 62
City map 64
Country map 66
Minsk In Your Pocket minsk.inyourpocket.com
4
FOREWORD
ARRIVING IN MINSK
5
By car
Dri ving in Belarus is generall y much better than i t used to
be, and certainl y less fraught wi th danger than in some of
i ts EU neighbours. Theres a risk of recei ving on-the-spot
fines from traffic police, so stay wi thin the speed limi ts.
Road signs are in Belarusian onl y wi th the exception of the
M1 (E30) Brest-Minsk highway. At the border i ts necessary
to fill out a declaration on your car and buy Belarusian vehicle
insurance which is cheap, but be sure you have the money
in cash (Russian roubles, US dollars and euros onl y). There
may not be controls at the border coming in from Russia,
but there could be sporadic checks. Youll have to pay a
small toll for using the Brest-Minsk highway, again payable
onl y in Russian roubles, US dollars and euros. In the event
of a breakdown trouble, call tel. 116.
By plane
Minsk has two airports, the tiny and hardl y used Minsk-1 in
the city centre and the larger National Airport Minsk (Minsk-2),
where the majority of international flights arrive and depart.
E S S E N T I A L C I TY G U I D E S
Minsk In Your Pocket
published by LLC TopPRINT/
In Your Pocket.
Belarus, 220040 Minsk,
155, ul. M.Bogdanovicha, 1013
minsk@inyourpocket.com
tel./fax: (+375 17) 331 34 52,
Editorial
Editor Sco
Contributors Andrew Quested,
Tim Orr
Researchers Victor Martynov,
Elena Chudnikova
Photos Anatol y Dribas,
Elena Strashnova
General Manager Vadim Martynov
Layout & Design Elena Pavlova
Distribution (+375 17) 334 87 23

. . 2, 2012

: ,

.. , ..
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31.07.2012. 60x84
1
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. . . . . 3,95.
.-. . 8,7. 20000 . 126.
:

02330/614 07.10.2011.
02330/188 03.04.2009.
. , 155-1013, 220040, .
ISBN 978-985-90160-7-3
Minsk In Your Po
Opened on June 16, 2006 the
Belarusian National Library is well
worth a trip out of the city centre
for a closer inspection. Standing
at 72 metres tall and boasting
an impressi ve 22 fl oors, the ex-
traordinary rhombicuboctahedron
construction houses 20 state-of-
the-art reading rooms.
Read all about it on p. 47.
Cover story
O
B
w
f
a
a
t
c
t
R
Of the many inaccurate stereotypes relating to life behind
the former Iron Curtain, arguably the most perennial and
amusing one is the fantasy that involves everybody walking
around in fur hats all the time. Although Belarusian winters
can be truly Arctic in their ferociousness, the country does
actually have three other seasons, of which the summer
which can feel positively Caribbeanesque at times
provides something truly special for visitors to Minsk.
The city's total reconstruction after the war as a Socialist
Realist paradise brought with it a plethora of wide streets,
public squares and magnificent parks, all ideally suited to
the time-honoured pursuit of doing as little as possible
whilst working on a tan and drinking cold beer. The only real
problem with this utopian vision of Minsk is knowing where
to experience it, a riddle effortlessly solved within the pages
of the marvellous little guidebook you're now holding in your
hands. Minsk In Your Pocket first rattled off the presses
two decades ago. Produced by a team of locals whose only
reason for existing is to share their knowledge about and
passion for one of Europe's least explored masterpieces,
its contents contain all the necessary ingredients for getting
the most out of this unique and thoroughly loveable city.
Enjoy. Minsk In Your Pocket welcomes comments and
suggestions on any subject related to the city. Email us at
minsk@inyourpocket.com or join the conversation online
at minsk.inyourpocket.com.
Arriving in and getting around Minsk are fairl y simple affairs
once you understand the basi cs. Accordingl y, travelling
further afield is relativel y painless if youre prepared to do
your research beforehand and use some sign language
when using buses and trains. Car rental is relativel y cheap
by Western standards.
By bus
Minsk is served by three different international bus stations,
namel y Tsentralny (Central), Vostochny (Eastern) and Mosk-
ovsky (Moscow). Check which one youll be arriving at when
you buy your ticket.
Getting to town Tsentralny is located next to the train sta-
tion. See Arri ving by train for more information. Vostochny
is out in the suburbs. Getting to the ci ty centre from i t
is compli cated for anyone who doesnt speak Russian,
invol ving mul tiple stops and boundless possibili ties to get
seriousl y lost. A taxi is by far the best bet. Moskovsky is
located close to the National Library, a short walk from the
Moskovskaya Metro station.
National Airport Minsk (Minsk-2)
Copyright notice
Text and photos copyright LLC TopPRINT
1992-2011. Maps copyright LLC TopPRINT.
All rights reserved. No part of this publication
may be reproduced in any form, except brief
extracts for the purpose of review, without
written permission from the publisher and
copyright.
Editors note
The editorial content of In Your Pocket guides
is independent from paid-for advertising.
Sponsored listings are clearly marked as
such. We welcome all readers comments
and suggestions. We have made every effort
to ensure the accuracy of the information at
the time of going to press and assume no
responsibility for changes and errors.
, . ,
2012.
.., .., , 2012

, , 2012
Minsk Central Train Station
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ARRIVING IN MINSK
6
BASICS
7
20:00). An ATM is located on the third floor, next to departure
gate N1. For public telephones, long distance calls, Internet
and post, head to the post office on the third floor.
Getting to town Taxis can be found parked outside gates
N5 and 6. If youre quoted more than 25 for a ride into the
city centre youre literall y and metaphoricall y being taken for
a ride. Bus N300 goes to both bus stations in the city. Pay
the driver currentl y about 10,000 BYR. Buses run between
around 04:15 and 01:00.
By train
Minsks gleaming train station is a tribute to the modernity
of Belarus, and proof that no matter how much money you
spend you can still come up with something just as chaotic
as the old train station. It does have the welcoming look of a
shopping mall though, and if you follow the pictographic signs
you shouldnt get lost. Currency exchange can be found at the
top of the escalator. Find public telephones accepting chip
cards on the ground floor and in the basement. The basement
also contains public toilets (currentl y 1500 BYR) and a large,
24 hr left luggage room.
Getting to Town Minsk-Passazhirsky station is in the centre
of city, so walking might be an option. Otherwise, head to the
basement level and follow the underground passage, which
eventuall y leads to the entrance of the Ploschad Lenina
Metro station (see Public transport). Otherwise, take one
of the taxis parked in the immediate area (see Taxis). To
be safe, go for one of the yellow, state-run taxis or a pri vate
one wi th 135, 157, 158 or 181 displayed on the car. Be sure
they turn on the meter.
Alcohol
As one would expect to find in this part of the world, vodka
is essentiall y the Belarusian national drink. Local brands
are inexpensi ve and generall y very good. Three to watch
out for are Minsk Kri stal ( ), Belal co
() and Bulbash (). For men, knocking
back ice-cold shots in one is considered the correct way
to drink. Mi xing vodka is looked on as being somewhat
unmanl y. Belarusian beer comes in all shapes and sizes
from the mass-produced brands such as Krinica ()
to the more interesting ales such as the li ve Beaver Dark
( ) and the light Lidskoye Beloye (
). Minsk has one or two mi crobreweri es wor th
investigating. See the Nightli fe section of this guide for
more information. The choice of imported beers, wines and
spiri ts is fairl y good, al though prices are high, especiall y
so for imported wines.
Nostalgia
Politics and business aside, like its neighbour Russia, Be-
larus is still very much visuall y as it was during Soviet times.
Statues, hammers and sickles and many other remnants of
Soviet art and architecture are in abundance, especiall y so
in the capital. Minsk was almost entirel y destroyed during
WWII and was rebuil t along strict Socialist-Realist lines. Visi-
tors looking for the ul timate Soviet-era ostalgie experience
wont be disappointed.
Crime & Safety
The streets of Minsk are among some of the safest in Eu-
rope, al though that shouldnt stop visi tors from exercising
caution as they would in any other large metropolis. The ci ty
is policed by an armed mili tia who effecti vel y do the work of
an ordinary police force and who, when weve needed them,
have been the epi tome of courtesy. Having said that, people
Population
Belarus 9,503,800 Minsk 1,850,000
Ethnic composition (Belarus, 2009)
Belarusians 83.7%
Russians 8.3%
Poles 3.1%
Ukrainians 1.7%
Others 3.2%
Territory
207,595 square ki l ometres. Predomi nantl y fl at,
l andl ocked country. Ferti l e l owl and wi th around
11,000 lakes. Slightly smaller than Great Britain.
Borders
Latvia 143 km
Lithuania 462 km
Poland 399 km
Russia 990 km
Ukraine 975 km.
Longest river
Dnieper (Belarusian, Dnyapro). One of the longest
ri vers i n Europe, the Dni eper rises i n the Val dai
Hills of Russia and flows south 2,201 km through
Russia, Belarus, and Ukraine before emptying into
the Black Sea.
Largest lake
Naroch 79.6 square kilometres
Highest point
Dzerzhinskaya gora ( ) 345 m
Basic data
Central Train Station ( )
E-3, Privokzalnaya pl. 5 ( ., 5),
tel. (+375 17) 225 70 00, 150. Tickets to domestic
destinations are sold in the two narrow halls that flank the
main entrance. International tickets, for some reason, are
still sold in the old train station building (Open 09:00 - 20:00)
to the right as you face the new building. Call tel. (+375 17)
225 70 00 for information about international trains, or tel.
105 for any train-related enquiries. When looking for your
train, keep in mind that there are platform numbers and
track numbers, so there could be two trains on the same
platform. Check the signs carefully if you dont want to end
up in Izhevsk. The train station is packed with kiosks selling
everything from flowers to instant noodles. People travelling
First Class can take advantage of the VIP lounge. One thing youll notice immediately upon arrival in Minsk
is that theres rather a lot of people wearing uni forms
and carrying guns and sticks. Police and military per-
sonnel seem to be everywhere all the time. This can be
a bit disconcerting at first, but dont worry. The most
exciting authority action that youre likely to experience
is that youll be approached and asked to show your
documents. The police will understand that you may
have left your passport with the hotel for registration
purposes. Unless youve been doing something very
mischievous, the police are only likely to approach you
from utter boredom. Let them have their fun. Theyve
already sorted out all the crime and, well, theres just
not much left to do.
Trains
Militia
Minsk-1
A classic Socialist Realist building not dissimilar to the faade
of the nearby airport in Vilnius, Minsk-1, some 3km south of
the centre, hardl y qualifies as an airport at all. A currency
exchange and caf are the onl y services.
Getting to town Bus N100 goes to the ci ty centre and
runs al ong Nezavi simosti. Buy a ti cket on board for
1500 BYR. Taxis outside may or may not be reliable. See
Taxis for details on how to spot which is which.
National Airport Minsk (Minsk-2)
The citys main international airport, National Airport Minsk
(Minsk-2), is located 42 km north-east of the city. Once you go
through the usual customs torture, you end up at the arrivals
hall on the first floor. The currency exchange, directly opposite,
usuall y operates when flights arrive. Otherwise, head to the
larger one on the second floor (Open 09:00 - 13:00, 13:30 -
-
CB
-
Service Center CLUB SV
(Highly comfortable area)
Open daily
from 07.00 to 23.00
Admission payable
For passengers with SV (First Class) tickets
free stay
at the Service Center
within three hours on the day
of arrival or departure
Privokzalnaya sq., 5, Minsk
The Railway Station Building, second floor
tel. (+375 17) 225-00-52
fax. (+375 17) 225-52-00
e-mail: club_sv@tut.by
Isle of Tears and Trinity Suburb
BASICS
8
BASICS
9
your car if youre arriving by road, we assume). When leaving,
you can take out up to 500 g of gold and 5kg of silver. Anecdotal
evidence also suggests that you should avoid trying to take
out icons, antiques or any works of art without the correct
paperwork. For more information see the State Customs
Committee website at www.gtk.gov.by/en.
Disabled travellers
Theres a long way to go before Minsk and the rest of
Belarus is equipped to deal wi th disabled travellers. All
new and renovated buildings must incorporate wheelchair-
access into their design, and the capi tals newer buses and
trolleybuses have low entries for wheel chair users.
Electricity
Belarusian electrici ty flows out of standard European two-
pin sockets at 220v AC, 50Hz. Adaptors are not easy to
find, and bringing your own is advisable.
Floors
Like the citizens of the United States, the Belarusians con-
sider the floor at street level to be the first floor, and so on.
The people
The residents of Minsk are some of the friendliest people youll
ever come across. All you have to do is stand on a street corner
and look confused and some affable local will probably come to
your aid. Many younger people speak English and will be happy
to give directions, read signs, take photographs, help you use
the Metro and so on. While few restaurant and bar staff speak
English, theyre generally very obliging. If theres a place in town
with grumpy people and bad service, we just couldnt find it.
Even the once infamous border crossing is less hostile. As for
socialising, its very easy in Minsk. Many locals are still delighted
to meet and interested to talk to foreigners.
Language
Belarusian is an East Slavic language similar to Russian, is
written using the Belarusian Cyrillic alphabet and is spoken by
less than 40% of the countrys population. Both Belarusian and
Russian enjoy equal official status in Belarus, although Rus-
sian is by far the dominant of the two. Street signs and metro
stations are almost without exception written in Belarusian.
Outside of Minsk, Belarusian is more widely spoken, with Pol-
ish also used further to the west. Staff in many bars, hotels
and restaurants speak at least a little English, although many
menus in town remain in Russian only.
Local time
At the time of going to press, Belarus is at UTC/GMT +3hrs.
When its 12:00 in Minsk its 04:00 in New York, 09:00 in
London, 10:00 in Warsaw and 13:00 in Moscow. Unlike most
European countries, the Belarusians wont be putting the
clocks forward by an hour at the end of March. Accordingl y,
from then on when its 12:00 in Minsk its going to be 05:00
in New York, 10:00 in London, 11:00 in Warsaw and 13:00 in
Moscow until the last Sunday of October when the first set
of times will again be relevant.
Money & Costs
The Belarusian rouble (BYR) comes in denominations of 10,
20, 50, 100, 500, 1,000, 5,000, 10,000, 20,000, 50,000,
should be careful around any public demonstrations. The
best option in such circumstances is to stay well away.
Customs
The rules governing what you can bring in and out of Be-
larus get increasingly complicated the more people you ask.
To the best of our knowledge, the current situation is that non-
residents can import, tax free and undeclared, a maximum of
US$10,000 in cash, one litre of distilled alcohol, 200 cigarettes
or 200 g of tobacco, five pieces of jewellery, one watch, one
video-recording or video-playing device, three items of leather
or fur clothing and four tyres (surplus to the ones attached to
January 1 New Years Day
January 7 Orthodox Christmas
March 8 International Womens Day
March 15 Constitution Day
April 15 Easter (Orthodox)
May 1 Labour Day
May 9 Victory Day
July 3 Independence Day
October 16 Mothers Day (2011)
November 1-2 Dzyady (Remembrance Day)
November 7 Revolution Day
December 25 Catholic & Protestant Christmas
National holidays
BASICS
10
HISTORY
11
Human history in the region now known as Belarus dates
back to the Stone Age. Belarusian identity began somewhat
later with the migration of the East Slavs between the 6th
and 8th centuries AD.
10th century
980AD Rogvold, Prince of Polotsk, controls a region that now
makes up part of northern Belarus. The first written record
of the Belarusian state.
11th century
1067 The first written record of Minsk () and the ac-
cepted year of the founding of the city. Minsk rapidly develops
into a major regional centre of trade.
12th century
Belarus is incorporated into the Grand Duchy of Lithuania.
16th century
The foundation of the Polish-Li thuanian Commonweal th
(Rzeczpospolita Obojga Narodw) in 1569 effectivel y writes
Belarus out of existence as a national entity.
18th century
Belarus is incorporated into the Russian Empire after the
third partition of Poland in 1795. Minsk becomes a regional
capital.
19th century
Intensified Russification between 1840 and 1850 leads to
Nicholas I banning the Belarusian language and outlawing
the use of the word Belarusia/Belarus. The region becomes
known as the Northwestern Territory.
20th century
In the wake of the signing of the Treaty of Brest-Litovsk on
March 3, 1918 the short-lived Belarusian Peoples Republic
is declared three weeks later on March 25. By February
1919 Belarus finds itself in the middle of the Polish-Soviet War.
The obscure Lithuanian-Belarusian Soviet Socialist Republic
survives for several months in Belarus and eastern Lithuania
before a Polish victory sees the country split in two after the
Riga Peace Treaty of March 18, 1921. The western half
goes to the Poles and, in December 1922, the eastern half
including Minsk becomes a founding member of the Soviet
Union. The German invasion of the Soviet Union that starts
on June 22, 1941 in Belarus and that becomes the Great
Patriotic War leaves over 30% of the population dead and
nine out of 10 buildings in the capital destroyed. The Minsk
Ghetto holds some 100,000 Jews of whom nearly all perish
during the Holocaust. On July 3, 1944 Minsk is liberated by
the Red Army as it begins its slow advance on Berlin. Belarus
becomes a founding member of the United Nations in 1945.
In 1961 Lee Harvey Oswald, alleged assassin of US President
John F. Kennedy, lives in Minsk. At the 1972 Summer Olympics
in Munich, 17-year-old Olga Korbut from Grodno raises several
storms with her revolutionary gymnastic performances that
see her winning a total of one silver and three gold medals.
Minsk is awarded the title of Hero City on June 16, 1974. A
series of explosions and a resulting fire at reactor four at the
Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant in the then Ukrainian Soviet
Socialist Republic send a plume of radioactive smoke into the
atmosphere on April 26, 1986. The worst nuclear accident
ever sees Belarus receive 70% of the radioactivity.
Independence & Beyond
1990
National sovereignty is declared on July 27.
1991
Independence is officiall y declared after the collapse of the
hard-line putsch in Moscow on August 25. On December 8
the leaders of Belarus, Russia and Ukraine sign an agreement
bringing into existence the Commonweal th of Independent
States (CIS). Minsk becomes the administrative centre. The
Soviet Union is officiall y disestablished on December 26.
1992
Belarus introduces its own coupons to replace the Soviet
rouble on May 20, leaving the rouble zone on June 1.
1994
On March 15 the Supreme Soviet adopts a new constitution.
In the first free presidential elections on June 23 Alexander
Lukashenko is elected president, taking office officiall y on
July 20.
1995
In a national referendum on May 14 over 75% of the elector-
ate says Yes to Russian becoming an official state language
alongside Belarusian and the return of the old Belarusian
Soviet insignia including the Soviet-looking flag without the
hammer and sickle.
1996
President Lukashenko and Boris Yel tsin sign a treaty calling
for a political union between Russia and Belarus on April 2.
On May 24 Belarus and Russia sign a new unification deal
ensuring freedom of the press and free activities for political
parties. The treaty goes into effect on June 11, 1997.
2000
On January 26 Belarus ratifies a treaty on the formation of
the Union State of Belarus and Russia
2001
President Lukashenko is el ected for a second term on
September 9.
2006
President Lukashenko is elected for a third term on March
19. The new Belarusian National Library building opens its
doors to the public on June 16.
2010
President Lukashenko is elected for a fourth term on Decem-
ber 19. On December 21 the Belarusian Parliament ratifies
documents forming the legal basis for a single economic
area comprising Belarus, Kazakhstan and Russia.
Isle of Tears
Toilets
Public toilets and those in restaurants, bars etc are getting
better all the time, al though theres still a long way to go in
many establishments. Dont automatically expect toilet paper.
In general, M marks the Gents and the Ladies.
Visas
With the exception of citizens of a small number of countries,
all visitors to Belarus must have a valid visa. Visas can be ob-
tained from any Belarusian consulate abroad or in some cases
through a travel agency. Visas are also available at Minsk-2
airport around the clock, although just whos entitled to one is
unclear. If there was a possibility to acquire a visa before you
travelled you might possibly be refused entry. Visas issued at
Minsk-2 must be paid for in cash. Visitors also require medical
insurance valid for the duration of the time spent in Belarus.
On arriving in Belarus, visitors are given an immigration card,
which must be filled in twice. Half is subsequently taken away
and the other half must be presented when leaving the country.
A Belarusian immigration card is also valid for Russia if travel-
ling onwards. There is no border control between Russia and
Belarus. For more information, see the Belarusian Ministry of
Foreign Affairs website at www.mfa.gov.by.
100,000 and 200,000. Be careful not to confuse them during
cash transactions. Currency exchange offices and ATMs can
be found throughout Minsk. Outside the capital and the larger
towns and cities, cash should al ways be carried. Minsk is far
from being the cheap city it used to be. Choosing where to eat
and drink can save considerable amounts of money, although
finding a budget place to stay is almost impossible. A good
night out for two in Minsk including a meal in a posh restaurant
followed by drinks in a bar and a club to finish off wont leave
you with much change, if any change at all, from 100.
Religion
The majority of believers in Belarus belong to the Russian
Orthodox Church, with smaller communities of Catholics, Prot-
estants, Jews and Muslims also existing. Women should cover
their heads when entering a Russian Orthodox Church.
Service
Belarus doesnt disappoint when i t comes to indi fferent
service, especiall y among public sector workers. As a rule,
privatel y-owned business are much friendlier al though the
sort of polished service one expects to find in the sophis-
ticated capital cities of western Europe is generall y lacking
here. Tipping, if deserved, is fairl y common, wi th 10% or
a rounding up of the bill considered the norm.
Smoking
Smoking is permitted in bars, clubs, restaurants, hotels and
most public spaces although many restaurants provide a no-
smoking section. Locally-produced Western brand cigarettes
are available and are considerably cheaper than in the West.
English Belarusian Russian Russian
pronunciation
To / / v / k
From / / iz / ot
Train i poiezd
Train
Station

zheleznodo
rozhnyi
vokzal
Bus avtobus
Bus Station avtovokzal
Ticket i bilet
Taxi i taksi
Today sevodnia
Tomorrow zaftra
Monday ponedelnik
Tuesday ftornik
Wednesday sreda
Thursday chetverg
Friday i piatnitsa
Saturday subota
Sunday voskresenie
Morning i utro
Evening vecher
Travel talk
View of the Svisloch river from the Cathedral of the Hol y Spirit
MAIL & PHONES
12
CULTURE & EVENTS
13
Like the rest of the world, Belarus has come a long way in
the last decade when it comes to communications. Most
hotels now boast some kind of Internet connection and many
cafs and bars around the city provide free wireless Internet
connections. The postal system and telephones, including
mobile networks, work just fine.
Post
Central Post Off ice D-3, Nezavisimosti pr. 10
(. , 10), tel. (+375) 200 04
06, www.belpost.by. Head straight through to the main
hall in the back to send letters, buy postcards and make pho-
tocopies. For telephone and telegraph services, head to the
Peregovorny Punkt in Hall 1, on the left (Open 07:00 - 23:00). Also
on the left is the Internet centre, where people queue to use 12
terminals. QOpen 08:30 - 17:30, Sat, Sun 10:00 - 17:00.
Express mail
DHL ul. Brestskaya 18 (Head Office) (. ,
18), tel. (+375 17) 278 11 08, www.dhl.by. Also they
have express centres at Pobediteley 5, tel. 289 30 68, and
XXI Vek Business Centre, Nezavisimosti 169, tel. 228 73 60,
both open 09:00 - 13:00, 14:00 - 18:00. Closed Sat, Sun;
and at Central Post Office, Nezavisimosti 10, tel. 227 25 33.
QOpen 08:00 - 19:00. Closed Sun.
EMS D-4, Nezavisimosti pr. 10 (. ,
10), tel. (+375 17) 222 65 11/(+375 17) 227 85 12,
www.belpost.by. QOpen 08:30 - 17:30, Sat, Sun 10:00
- 17:00.
FedEx (M&M Militzer & Mnch) C-3, Pobediteley pr.
19 (. Pobediteley, 19), tel. (+375 17) 226 99 09,
callcenter@mum.by, www.mum.by. QOpen 08:00 -
20:00, Sat 08:00 - 16:00. Closed Sun.
TNT C-6, ul. Platonova 10 (. , 10), tel.
(+375 17) 294 80 00/(+375 17) 284 90 44, info@tnt.by,
www.tnt.by. TNT at Minsk-2 airport tel. 279 11 86. QOpen
09:00 - 19:00. Closed Sun.
UPS C-4, Muzykalny per. 3 ( .3),
tel. (+375 17) 328 55 80, www.ups.com. QOpen 09:00
- 18:00. Closed Sat, Sun.
Mobile phones
BelCel C-5, ul. Zolotaya Gorka 5 (.
, 5), tel. (+375 17) 282 00 18, belcel@belcel.by,
www.belcel.by. Diallog service providers. Also at Neza-
visimosti 18, Nezavisimosti 42, Lenina 4. QOpen 09:00 -
21:00, Sat, Sun 10:00 - 18:00.
Lif e D-4, ul. Krasnoarmeyskaya 24 (. -
, 24), tel. (+375 17) 295 99 99. Turkish
- Belarusian GSM company. Also at Nezavisimosti 18, Pobe-
diteley 1, Yakuba Kolasa 35, National airport Minsk-2.
MTS Nezavisimosti pr. 95 (. , 95),
tel. (+375 17) 237 98 98, info@mts.by, www.mts.by.
Russian-Belarusian GSM company, operating in Belarus and
covering a rather nice part of i t. Also at Revoliutsionnaya
24b, Kal variyskaya 60, Nezavisimosti, 6, Karla Marksa, 26.
QOpen 09:00 - 21:00.
Vel com C- 3, ul . Mel ni kai te 14 (Head off i ce)
(. , 14), tel. (+375 17) 222 49 01,
info@velcom.by, www.velcom.by. The first GSM provider
in Belarus with a very informative website. The information
number is 222 49 01 for all offices, or just 411 from mobiles.
Also at Kal variyskaya 4, Nezavisimosty 60, Nezavisimosty
105, Partizansky 12, Varvasheni 73, Masherova 19, Internat-
sionalnaya 3. QOpen 09:00 - 21:00.
Laptop login
Wireless
Several restaurants, cafs and bars around the city provide free
wireless internet services. Alternatively, there are a number of
paid services, among them one provided by Belarusian tele-
coms provider, Beltelecom (cards available from any Beltelecom
outlet or post office) and another from byfly (www.byfly.by),
the latter being extremely cheap and flexible.
Dialup
The Belarusian telecoms provider Bel telecom also offers a
simple dialup service, useful when no other means of logging
on is available. Using a scratch card system with several dif-
ferent time limits, cards can be bought from any Bel telecom
outlet, Belsoyuzpechat kiosk or post office in the city.
Telephone
Beltelecom D-4, ul. Engelsa 6, (. , 6),
tel. (+375 17) 217 10 05, www.beltelecom.by. National
telecoms provider Bel telecom are the people to contact if
you need a telephone line. They also provide a number of
Internet services.
The Minsk
telephone code is +375 17
Belarusian Telephone Codes
Baranovichi (+375) 163
Bobruysk (+375) 225
Borisov (+375) 1777
Braslav (+375) 2153
Brest (+375) 162
Gomel (+375) 232
Grodno (+375) 152
Kobrin (+375) 1642
Lida (+375) 1561
Minsk (+375) 17
Miory (+375) 2152
Mogilev (+375) 222
Molodechno (+375) 176
Mozyr (+375) 2351
Myadel (+375) 1797
Naroch (+375) 1797
Nesvizh (+375) 1770
Novogrudok (+375) 1597
Novopolotsk (+375) 214
Orsha (+375) 216
Pinsk (+375) 165
Polotsk (+375) 214
Shklov (+375) 2239
Slonim (+375) 1562
Soligorsk (+375) 17
Vitebsk (+375) 212
Zhlobin (+375) 2334
Zhodino (+375) 1775
101 Fire and Rescue Service
102 Militia (Police)
103 Ambulance Service
104 Gas Network Emergency Service
Free Emergency Calls Much more than screaming cocktail bars, nostalgic Soviet
sights and girls in miniskirts, Minsk is also remarkabl y well
endowed in the cul ture department. Concerts are of an
exceptionall y high quality and cost next to nothing to attend,
cinemas screen everything from underground classics to
the latest Holl ywood blockbuster and theres a number of
very good galleries around too. If youre in town and you
need a dose of serious cul ture, you wont be disappointed.
Also check the Sightseeing section of this guide for more
museums and galleries.
Cinemas
Autocinema ( ) ul. Menkovsky
Tract 2, Ozertso (. , 2, ).
The onl y dri ve-in cinema in Minsk, complete wi th a 144
square-meter screen.
Belarus () C-3, ul. Romanovskaya Sloboda
28 (. , 29), MFrunzenskaya
(), tel. (+375 17) 209 40 34. Minsks first
mul tiplex. Five halls.
Moskva () -3, Pobediteley pr. 13 (.
, 13), tel. (+375 17) 203 14 48.
Oktyabr () B-6, Nezavisimosti pr. 73 (.
, 73), MAkademiya Nauk (
), tel. (+375 17) 292 94 26.
Pobeda () D-4, ul. Internatsionalnaya 20
(. , 20), tel. (+375 17) 203 77 66.
One of the citys oldest surviving cinemas specialising in seri-
ous cinema. Seasons include screenings of works by interna-
tional directors as well as films from one specific country.
Tsentralny () D-4, Nezavisimosti pr. 13
(. , 13), tel. (+375 17) 200 34 16.
Video Complex Centre (-) E-3,
Ploschad Nezavisimosti, Shopping Centre Stolitsa
( ), MPloschad Lenina
( ), tel. (+375 17) 327 01 75. Films in
3D, plus shaking seats etc.
Concert halls
Belarusian State Music Theatre (
-
) D-3, ul. Myasnikova 44 (. ,
44), tel. (+375 17) 200 81 26. Established in 1970, the
extensive repertoire includes operettas, musicals, comic opera
and more from home and abroad.
Belarusian State Philharmonic (
) B-5, Nezavisi-
mosti pr. 50 (. , 50), MPloschad
Yakuba Kolasa ( ), tel. (+375
17) 333 16 17. Comprising three separate concert halls,
the Belarusian State Philharmonic hosts international festivals
and contests alongside its own repertoire.
Minsk-Arena (-) Pobediteley pr. 111
(. , 111), tel. (+375 17) 254 77 36.
When its not putting on major sporting events the 15,000-
capacity Minsk-Arena hosts live music concerts.
Minsk Concert Hall ( )
E-4, ul. Oktyabrskaya 5 (. , 5), tel.
(+375 17) 328 66 38. A large, 1,300-seater for mostl y pop
and rock music concerts.
Palace of the Republic ( )
D-4, Oktyabrskaya pl. 1 ( ., 1),
MOktyabrskaya (), tel. (+375 17) 216
22 44, www.palace.by. A wide range of concerts and
performances. Other facilities include cafs, bars, billiards
and a restaurant that puts on shows during the evenings.
Q JLK
Cul tural centres
Goethe Institut Minsk (
) B-4, ul. Very Khoruzhey 25/3 (.
, 25/3), (+375 17) 237 71 19, (+375 17)
237 46 79, www.goethe.de/minsk. In Belarus since 1993,
the Goethe Institut in Minsk offers the same educational and
cultural services they do in cities all over the world. QOpen
09.00 - 21.00.
Galleries
Galereya Mastatstva ( ) D-3,
Nezavisimosti pr. 12 (. , 12),
MPloschad Lenina ( ), tel. (+375
17) 327 83 63. A range of art and artsy souvenirs. QOpen
10:00 - 20:00, Sat 10:00 - 18:00. Closed Sun. A
Modern Arts Gallery Y (
) C-5, Nezavisimosti pr. 37a (.
, 37), tel. (+375 17) 284 53 99.
A small space inside the same building as the former Moloko
bar, exhibitions are temporary and very contemporary. De-
spite the address, find this place hidden away through a gap
in the buildings well away from the main street.
Verkhny Gorod ( ) C-4, Svobody pl.
5 (. , 5), tel. (+375 17) 203 45 47. The
"Upper Town" Gallery exhibition paintings and sculptures
by modern Belarusian artists. Q Open 10:00 - 19:00, Sat
10:00 - 18:00. Closed Sun.
City Art Gallery of L. Shemelevs Artworks (-

. ) Rokossovskogo pr., 49 (.
, 49), tel. (+375 17) 291 16 76. In one
of the two Art Gallery halls there are changeable art exhibi-
tions, in the other hall the constant exhibition of Peoples
Artist of Belarus Leonid Shchemelev. QOpen Tue Sat
11:00 - 19:00.
Bel arusi an Na-
tional Opera &
Bal l et Theatr e
(

)
C- 4, Par i zhskoy
Kommuny pl . 1
(. , 1), tel. (+375 17)
334 10 41, www.belarusopera.by. The Belarusian
Opera & Ballet Theatre began performances in 1933
al though this building dates from considerabl y later. The
repertoire is extensi ve and includes many classics.
Opera & Ballet
CULTURE & EVENTS
14
A WALK TO REMEMBER
15
Kontseptsiya () D-4, ul. Karla Marxa
20/9, (. , 20/9), tel. (+375 17)
327 17 96. Gallery of Modern Art and young talentscreative
workshop. QOpen 10.00 - 19.00. Closed Sun.
Minsk In Your Pocket minsk inyourpocket com
D-4, ul. Lenina 20 (. , 20), MOktyabrskaya
(), tel. (+375 17) 328 68 44/(+375 17)
327 71 63, www.artmuseum.by.
Minsks fabulous National Art Museum, or the National
Art Museum of the Republic of Belarus to gi ve i t i ts full
ti tl e, holds the largest singl e coll ection of Belarusian
and international art in the country and is a must-see
sight for anyone visi ting the ci ty. Holding indi vidual col-
l ections of Belarusian Art from the 12th to the 20th
Century, Russian Art from the 18th to the 20th Century,
Western European Art from the 16th to the 20th Century
and Oriental Art from the 15th to the 20th Century, the
museums origins date back to before the war and a
Resolution of the Council of Peopl es Commissars of
the Belarusian Sovi et Socialist Republi c, passed on
January 24, 1939, i ts official founding date. Starting li fe
in the humble surroundings of Minsks Upper Communist
Agricul tural School, by 1941 the museums collection
numbered 2,711 works of art, most of them donated by
galleries in ci ties in Russia and Belarus. The coming of
the Great Patriotic War however saw the collection looted
by the occupying Nazis and spread far and wide, wi th not
one i tem remaining and almost nothing recovered at the
end of hostili ties.
Starting from new, like the city in which it was housed, the
collection was rebuil t from scratch with the notable work
of the museums Director, Elena Aladova (1907-1986) who
ran operations for 33 years from 1944 until her retirement.
After the war the museum moved from home to home as
the collection slowl y grew. Greatl y extended in 2006 and
possessing over 30,000 paintings, sculptures, drawings,
porcelain and other works of art in total in its contemporary
collection, the museums current home dates from 1957
and was designed by the Belarusian architect Mikhail Bak-
lanov (1914-1990). The museum manages to exhibit only a
small fraction of its entire collection, none of it the work of a
household name in the West (the absence of Marc Chagall
continues to cause mild embarrassment for a few, but the
museum reall y isnt any worse off without him), al though
much of it trul y outstanding all the same.
Notabl e among the many great works on display are
several landscapes by the French painter Huber Robert
(1733-1808), some trul y exquisite Chinese woodcarvings
and Japanese ceramics, one or two outstanding pieces by
the Jewish-Belarusian artist and Chagalls teacher Yehuda
(Yuri) Pen (1854-1937) and a particular favourite, Mikhail
Savi tskis (1922-2010) extraordinary painting, Partisan
Madonna, dating from 1967. Even the least cul tured visitor
with onl y a passing interest in art should give the museum
at least an hour. More serious connoisseurs might like to
give up half a day or so to the work on display. A floor plan
of the 19 halls that make up the entire exhibition can be
purchased inside the museum. QOpen 11:00 - 19:00.
Closed Tues.
National Art Museum
Kontseptsiya () D-4 ul Karla Marxa
D-4, Nezavisimosti pr. 32 (. ,
32, tl. (+375 17) 327 88 23
The ori gi ns of the
Minsk State Circus
date to 1930 and the
construction of a tent
in whats now Gorky
Park. Todays build-
ing took four years
to complete and was
opened to the public
on February 11, 1959. Completely renovated in 2010,
the circus now also boasts a hotel for visiting performers
and a museum.
Minsk State Circus
Theatres
Belarusian Republican Young Spectator Theatre
(
) D-4, ul. Engelsa 26 (. , 26), tel.
(+375 17) 327 09 34, www.beltuz.by. With its origins in
the earl y 1930s, this recommended theatre gives a space
to young writers and performers. The theatre company also
travels extensivel y.
Belarusian State Puppet Theatre (
) D-4, ul. Engelsa 20
(. , 20), MKupalovskaya (),
tel. (+375 17) 327 05 32. A marvellous institution staging
performances of all kinds for children and adul ts alike.
Yanka Kupala National Academic Theatre
( .
) D-4, ul. Engelsa 7 (. ,
7), MKupalovskaya (), tel. (+375 17)
327 60 81. An established theatre company staging classics
from home and abroad. Language: Belarusian. The building
is closed for renovation now.
A walk to remember:
Through the heart of the city
Part one.
Belarus has been called a transit country for good reason.
Since ancient times the road connecting Europe and Russia
has run right through its middle. Here, on Belarusian land, the
Tatar-Mongol hordes were stopped in their tracks on their way
to Central Europe. Most invaders Napoleon Bonaparte and
Adolf Hitler among them suffered their final defeat here.
And all of them have passed through Minsk. Destroyed sev-
eral times, Minsk is forever being reborn like a phoenix from
the ashes, each time with a totally new appearance. In Soviet
times Minsk became the gateway to Stalins vast empire, an
idea reflected in the city's contemporary architecture and
urban design. The city's main street, of which the central
segment is known as Nezavisimosti (Independence)
Avenue, forms part of the BrestMinskMoscow highway.
The city's main attractions are threaded along it or all easil y
found within its grasp. Strolling its length is as good a way as
any to understand how today's Minsk reall y ticks.
Back in 1952, Privokzalnaya Square (Railway Station
Square) was referred to as the 'main lobby (or antechamber) of
the capital' by M. Osmolovsky, one of the creators of the massive
restoration project to rebuild a war-ravaged, almost completely
destroyed Minsk. Right after you exit the glass doors of the
city's new Central Train
Station, straight in front
of you on the other side of
the square is the so-called
Minsk Gate, t wo vast
1950s housing complexes
complete with towers, the
work of architects B. Ru-
banenko, L. Golubovsky
and A. Korabelnikov and
topped by four Socialist Re-
alist sculptures represent-
ing the Warrior, the Parti-
san, the Peasant woman
and the Engineer. In one
of the twin towers, at Kirov
Street 1, a huge 3.5-metre
clock (one of the largest in
the country) is mounted.
After navigating the under-
pass and entering the city through its 'gate', continue along
Kirova Street and in a little more than five minutes you will find
yourself in the shadows spread by the trees of Mikhailovsky
Park. The park is decorated with a series of sculptures cast in
bronze and representing miscellaneous urban characters. The
work of sculptor V. Zhbanov and completed between 1998
and 2000, the life-size monuments are there to be touched
and photographed. In the late 1990s a series of sculptures
such as these began to spring up all over the city. Eschewing
the former pompous practice of placing historical figures on
pedestals, these new works of art live 'on an equal footing' with
their audience. Those who prefer their public art the old fashion
way however, fear not, for a classic Socialist Realist monument
to Lenin complete with imposing pedestal can be found nearby
at Nezavisimosti (Independence) Square, a square that also
bore Vladimir Ilyich's name before 1991.
Minsk Central Train Station
Girl with Umbrella
in Mikhailovsky Park
magnificent Stalin-era tower at Privokzalnaya Square
A WALK TO REMEMBER
16
A WALK TO REMEMBER
17
the right-hand wing of the monumental building of the KGB,
the State Security Committee of Belarus (M. Parusni-
kov, G. Badanov, 19451948). Known in the vernacular as
Tsanavas Pinnacle after the former Stalin-era chief of the
Belarusian KGB Lavrentiy Fomich Tsanava, the tower, which
was buil t on a whim and that never appeared in the original
architects' drawings, is a popular feature in many informal
tours of the ci ty. The story goes that when the building's
designs were ready, the head of the department of architec-
ture Vladimir Korol went in person to show them to his client.
Tsanava meticulousl y questioned the architect about why
the building should have just four columns and whether just
one person could open its massive front door. Pointing at the
plans with a pencil, Tsanava continued, And here, my friend,
should be the pinnacle. To which a timid Korol replied, But it's
impossible, Comrade Tsanava. If we build it, there should be
two towers. The project is subject to the laws of symmetry.
You know what, Comrade Korol, continued Tsanava, in
Belarus everything is subject to the same law. And this isn't
a law of symmetry, it's the law of Tsanava! Make sure the
tower turns out beautiful. With these words the chief KGB
officer let the chief architect go.
Approaching Oktyabrskaya (October) Square is the
impressi ve National Bank of Belarus (M. Parusnikov,
19471952), a building combining both Classical and Renais-
sance elements. Opposite is GUM (R. Gegart and L. Melegi),
the State Department Store which is also worth a visit. The
store was opened (the old one was badly damaged during the
war) on November 5, 1951. The interior was a veritable palace
of precious woods, panels of polished oak, silk curtains on the
windows, mirrors, cast bronze ornaments and even machines
that sprayed cologne. Many of these items, considered the
height of chic at the time, remain to this day. In 1969, GUM
became one of the first stores in the Soviet Union to adopt
the self-service method.
Around Nezavisimosti Square are to be found the most impor-
tant buildings and institutions of national importance including
the main building of the Belarusian State, the building of the
Minsk City Council (also topped by a tower containing a
giant clock!), corps of Engineers of the Minsk Metro and
the buildings of the Belarusian State University and State
Pedagogical University. The red brick Church of Sts. Si-
mon & Helena and the two houses to the right of it offer a rare
reminder of pre-revolutionary Minsk. The dominant feature of
the area however is the grandiose House of Government
(architect I. Langbard, 1935), a textbook example of the
achievements of Soviet urban planning of the 1930s.
Here visi tors to the ci ty can reall y feel the elements that
make the city so special and unique. Minsk was the embodi-
ment of a project extremel y rare in world practice, name that
building an ideal city of the Great Communist Utopia. Minsk
reflects the grandiosity of the dreams of a bright communist
future and of a Paradise on Earth in the scale of the House
of Government, the first of four iconic buildings mentioned
here by the architect I. Langbard (the other three, as we'll
see further along the tour, being the former House of the
Red Army (now the House of Officers), the National Opera
& Ballet Theatre and the National Academy of Sciences
of Belarus). The House of Government remains one of the
largest public buildings in Belarus. Nezavisimosti Square
'matured' to i ts current size (a whopping seven hectares
and one of the largest squares in Europe) in 1964 when it
acquired i ts present-day rectangular shape. I t was again
modified at the start of the 21st century with the addition of
a new subterranean shopping centre.
The wide and majestic Nezavisimosti Avenue starts its
journey here like a river flowing from its source, a full 17 km
in distance. After examining Privokzalnaya Square and
Nezavisimosti Square, which can be regarded as a prelude
to or more precisely an operatic overture to the Avenue,
we recommend a walk along its so-called central part as far
as Oktyabrskaya (October) Square. All along this leg of
the journey you'll see a number of grand buildings, each of
them implicated in a series of urban myths and real stories
that exist predominantly in the oral tradition. The Post Office
(A. Dukhan, V. King, 19491953) is on the right 'shore' of
the river-avenue. Immediatel y in front is the Minsk hotel
(G. Sysoev, S. Musinsky, D. Kudryavtsev, 19571967).
Further along on the left at number 17 is the tower on top of
House of Government
Tsanavas Pinnacle
Minsk Central Post Office
Church of Sts. Simon & Helena at Nezavisimosti
(Independence) Square
National Bank of Belarus
A WALK TO REMEMBER
18
A WALK TO REMEMBER
19
for the Soviet Union. In terms of decoration the House of
Officers surpassed even the House of Government. During
the war most of the interior including paintings, chandeliers,
furni ture and even the seats in the theatre hall were taken
to Germany by the occupying Nazi regime. After the war,
the ruined House of Officers was restored to i ts former
splendour and became the focus of social and cul tural li fe
in the ci ty. Wi thin i ts walls all major public events were held,
including Party Congresses, the premire performances of
the Belarusian Theatre and children's matinees. Here, on
December 1, 1944, the second restaurant in the liberated
ci ty was opened.
On the same side of the avenue are the Yanka Kupala Theatre,
a former Municipal Theatre from the late 19th century and the
Residence of the President of the Republic of Belarus, the
former building of the Communist Party of Belarus (A. Voinov
and V. Varaksin, 19411948). Begun in 1941, it survived the
war and was completed after liberation. Almost exactly as it
was, only the huge busts of Marx and Lenin that once graced its
entrance like lions guarding the entrance to a Buddhist temple
are missing. These can now be found inside the city's recom-
mended Zair Azgur Museum, an extraordinary testament to the
work of the country's leading sculptor of official monuments, the
Vitebsk-born Zair Isaakovich Azgur (19081995).
was known as the House of the Red Army, faces the trees
of Al exander Park. Wi th i ts four above ground and four
underground floors, 100 rooms and halls wi th a total area
equal to three football pi tches, the best stage equipment in
the country and i ts first indoor swimming pool the building
was at the time unique not onl y for pre-war Minsk but also
Theres one more building on the left worth further ex-
amination before reaching Oktyabrskaya Square, the deli
and grocery store Tsentralny (Central). Don't miss the
opportunity. Find a cafeteria on the first floor and enjoy the
beautiful painted reliefs depicting the abundant happiness of
a socialist paradise. To the right of Oktyabrskaya Square
are the crowns of the oldest trees in the city in Alexander
Park, with the remarkable sculpture Boy with a Swan (by
the Italian sculptor L. Bernini, 1874).
The boy and his swan remind Minsk of the 19th century, and
together they not only survived the revolution and war, but
also outlasted a monument to Stalin which stood in front
of them across the avenue between 1952 and 1961. It's
said that post-war fate of the almost completely destroyed
Belarusian capital was decided by Stalin after a cursory glance
as he passed through the city on his personal train on the
way to the Potsdam conference. It was here, in the middle of
this square, that there was a monument to him, Father of the
Peoples, a vast 17-metre likeness that was one of the largest of
him throughout the entire USSR and far bigger than the one of
Lenin mentioned earlier. The monument was finally demolished
in 1961 following Nikita Khrushchevs secret denouncement
of Stalin at the 20th Party Congress in 1956. The monument
literally disappearing overnight, its final fate remains a mystery.
The place where it once stood, right in front of the Palace of
the Republic, is now where the city's annual New Year tree
stands and where every December a large outdoor ice rink is
poured straight onto the ground.
Before the construction of the Palace of the Republic,
which was buil t in sporadic bursts between 1985 and 2001,
the most notable building of the ensemble of Oktyabrskaya
Square was the cathedral-like Palace of Culture of Trade
Unions (L. Melegi, V. Ershov, L. Pavlov, M. Parusnikov,
19491954), buil t in a neo-Classical style and richl y deco-
rated with sculptures on the faade, its peasants and workers
replacing the traditional angels.
The square is bordered with granite parapets (E. Zaslavsky,
1957), platforms for the former communist leaders and
bigwigs who oversaw the vast parades and demonstrations
that the Soviet Union did so well. The faade of the House
of Officers (I. Langbard, 19341939), which until 1946
Palace of the Republic
Boy with a Swan
GUM the State Department Store
House of Officers
WHERE TO STAY
20
WHERE TO STAY
21
P Air conditioning A Credit cards accepted
O Casino H Conference facilities
T Child friendl y U Facilities for the disabled
F Fitness centre L Guarded parking
R LAN connection G Non-smoking rooms
K Restaurant J Central location
D Sauna C Swimming pool
I Fireplace W Wireless Internet access
X Smoking section
Symbol key
Accommodation is usuall y the biggest expense in whats
otherwise a relati vel y good value ci ty. Luckil y things are
changing, and if you shop around a bit you can often find a
reasonable deal on a decent room. The cheaper places tend
to be out of the centre, al though taxis remain cheap. Almost
without exception, Minsks hotels are state run. Registration
is included in the price of the room.
Cream of the crop
Crowne Plaza Minsk ( ) D-4,
ul. Kirova 13 (. , 13), MPloschad Lenina
( ), tel. (+375 17) 218 34 00, fax
(+375 17) 200 80 60, www.cpminsk.com. Minsks
first international chain hotel sets new standards which will
have some of i ts ri vals seething wi th envy. The two-floor
Presidential Suite, with its private lift and sauna, is the last
word in luxury and will no doubt put up many a visiting head
of state and megalomaniacal pop star. Standard rooms are
also well furnished and equipped and come quite reasonabl y
priced by Western standards. The Crowne Plazas convenient
central location and outstanding facilities, which include a
swimming pool, fi tness centre, spa, business centre and
gli tzy nightclub, should ensure i ts regularl y booked out.
Q POJHAFLKCWhhhhh
Europe () D-4, ul. Internatsionalnaya 28
(. , 28), MOktyabrskaya
(), tel. (+375 17) 229 83 39, fax (+375 17)
229 83 34, info@hoteleurope.by, www.hoteleurope.by.
The superbl y located fi ve-star Europe is one of Minsks
finest hotels. The lovel y, atrium-like lobby includes a tower-
ing painting of Minsk in a quasi-historic style. The level of
service is excellent, while the impressi ve facili ties include
a well equipped fi tness centre and swimming pool, busi-
ness centre, underground parking and five bars in which to
unwind. The Europe also boasts some of the best views to
be had in Minsk. Q 67 rooms: 13 singles 265, 11 doubles
310, 7 twins 353, 25 deluxe rooms 465, 9 sui tes
526, 1 apartment 588, 1 presedential sui te 1150.
PJHAFLKCWhhhhh
Upmarket
Mi nsk( ) D- 3, Nezavi si most i pr . 11
(. , 11), MPloschad Lenina
( ), tel. (+375 17) 209 90 78,
fax (+375 17) 209 91 11, hotelminsk@pmrb.gov.by,
www.hotelminsk.by. Are we still in Minsk? This grand
hotel wi th stylish subdued marble in the foyer and classy
coffee-and-cream decor in all the rooms could have you
believing that you are in any western ci ty. Until you step out
the door. Some rooms have views of the adjacent Indepen-
dence Square, but all have satelli te television, minibar, air
condi tioning and nice firm beds. The superior rooms are
worth considering for having even larger beds. Other facili-
ties include a fi tness and sauna centre (weights, cardio,
green bubbling vat and both Turkish and Finnish style sau-
nas), business centre and a helpful English-speaking guest
relations person who will help you wi th just about anything.
Breakfast included, and i ts edible. Q 252 rooms (singles
US$183, doubl es US$209-255, tripl es US$432, sui tes
US$300-1120). JHARFLGKDhhhh
Victoria () B-2, Pobediteley pr. 59
(. , 59), tel. (+375 17) 204 88 44,
fax (+375 17) 204 88 33. I t might onl y have opened in the
21st century but i t proudl y glistens wi th exci ting, late-60s
dcor. Very time-trippy, but also very opulent. Youll be happy
wi th flat-screen televisions, minibar, brand-spanking new
furni ture and swish bathrooms. Q 169 rooms (115 singles
US$145-165, 45 doubles US$185, 8 sui tes US$225-570).
PHAFLGKDCWhhhh
Mid-range
40 Let Pobedy (40 ) D-5, ul. Azgura 3
(. , 3), MPloschad Pobedy (
), tel. (+375 17) 294 79 63. Tucked away in a
quiet housing district not far from the centre i ts qui te easy
to mistake 40 Let Pobedy for just another tower block, es-
peciall y after dark. The fact that they have over 100 rooms,
all recentl y renovated and brought up to a good standard,
means youre qui te likel y to get one. Everything is clean and
all rooms have en sui te facili ties. Ask for one at the back,
as the view over the small park is far superior to that of the
road at the front of the building. Q 50 rooms (20 singles
US$75, 30 doubles US$120). PJAKhhh
IBB Gazety Pravda pr. 11 (. ,
11), tel. (+375 17) 270 39 94, fax (+375 17)
270 39 95. As i f to demonstrate that Germany has more
to offer than BMWs wi th blacked-out windows, the German
Association for International Education and Exchange set up
this marvellous hotel and conference centre. The rooms are
clean, bright and somehow both stylish and austere, wi th
a few having a very modern-art-minimalist theme to them.
I t can feel a bi t 1980s, but thats futuristic in Minsk. The
attached Westfalia restaurant is a big plus, but the sleeping
district location isnt. Q 35 rooms (singles US$79, doubles
US $109). HAUKDhhh
Juravinka () C-4, ul. Yanki Kupaly 25
(. , 25), tel. (+375 17) 328 69 00,
fax (+375 17) 327 55 42, contacts@juravinka.by,
www.juravinka.by. Spoiled, decadent Westerners wel-
come! For luxury and comfort, this small but smart central
hotel attached to the Juravinka business and recreation
complex is a tough one to beat. I ts single and double rooms
are comfortable affairs, and even come wi th adjustable
climate control. I f youve got money to burn you can dip
into the realm of the surreal by booking the Presidential
Sui te, which has i ts own glass-covered swimming pool. Q
18 rooms (13 singles US$190, 4 doubles US$270, 1 sui te
US$1200). PJAFLKhhh
Orbita () C-1, Pushkina pr. 39 (. ,
39), MPushkinskaya (), tel. (+375 17)
252 39 33/(+375 17) 257 14 20. I ts a bi t trippy and will
require a journey on the Metro to get there, but i t offers a
range of rooms from fair-value, clean and tidy basic business
rooms to the most expensi ve hotel room in the country wi th
its own gym and sauna. Theres also a sauna and conference
facili ties for up to 50 persons. Q200 rooms (41 singles
US$76-91, 140 doubles US$85-137, 24 sui tes US$190-
200, 2 apartments US$500). OHALKChhh
Planeta () -3, Pobediteley pr. 31 (.
, 31), tel. (+375 17) 226 78 55/
(+375 17) 203 85 87, fax (+375 17) 226 77 80,
booking@hotelplaneta.by, www.hotelplaneta.by. An
absolutel y mar vell ous hotel featuring the ver y best in
what most hotels behind the former Iron Curtain gave up
years ago. Still slightl y struggling to come to terms wi th
the 21st century, the staff are at least very friendl y and
most of them now speak good English. The rooms come
in a number of di fferent classes to sui t all tastes and
pockets, wi th the ones high up in the building boasting
beauti ful views of the ri ver and ci ty spread out below.
Wireless Internet is available throughout the building and
the breakfast, served inside a gorgeous room complete
wi th bri ghtl y col oured Socialist Realist cerami c ar t, is
ample. Recommended. Q306 rooms (306 Total rooms ).
OHAFLKDChhh
Sputnik () ul. Brilevskaya 2 (. -
, 2), tel. (+375 17) 220 36 19. Judging by the lobby,
some remodelling may have been done in the last fi ve years,
and the place seems to be popular wi th budget tourists
from Russia. Q 162 rooms (singles US$ 66 - 128, doubles
US$ 94 - 125, sui te rooms US$160). ADhhh
Tourist () Partizansky pr. 81 (. -
, 81), MPartizanskaya (), tel.
(+375 17) 295 40 31, fax (+375 17) 295 44 94. Not
too far from the ci ty centre in Minsks south-eastern sub-
Unlike most other travel guides, we publish full contact
details of the hotels we list alongside our impartial re-
views, both in this print guide and online. I f you havent
booked a place to stay yet and would like to do so via the
internet, simpl y go to minsk.inyourpocket.com, click
on Hotels and use the links on the left according to what
class of accommodation you need. Read the reviews,
check on the map to see i f the location is sui table then
click on the email address on the right to contact the
hotel directl y. I t couldnt be simpler.
Book online
WHERE TO STAY
22
WHERE TO STAY
23
arrange a transfer i f necessary, will provide an interpreter,
any information needed, and all the documents for reports
and accounts as proof of your stay in Minsk. The list of
mandatory services also includes cleaning and changing
linen every three days (or you can ask for dail y cleaning), the
high speed Internet (Wi-Fi), cable and satelli te TV, check-in
wi th the express deli very of the keys to the apartment. The
apartment from VIP-KVARTIRA.BY the house in which
you are the master.
Apartment Rental Service C-5, Nezavisimosti pr.
40 (. , 40), MPloschad Pobedy
( ), tel. (+375 29) 655 05 88, eu-
rokvartira@yandex.ru, www.eurokvartira.narod.ru/
english.html. They have a good choice of centrall y located
apartments for rent, full y furnished and equipped wi th all
appliances you might need for a comfortable stay. They also
provide visa support, registration, airport transfer and custom
tours around Minsk and Belarus.
Gostinny Dom /Guests house/ (
) tel. (+375 29) 652 00 51, (+375 29) 850 55 55,
www.RentMinsk.by, e-mail: info@rentminsk.by. To those
tired of staying in standard hotels Minsks company Gostinny
Dom (Guests house) offers accommodation for rent mod-
ern and well-maintained flats in the city centre, one-roomed
to four-roomed, and suiting all budgets. The flats being in the
ownership of the company with no mediators neededmedia-
tion invol ved, you have a winner in terms of price and quality.
I ts totall y reliable and comes along wi th the paperwork
confirming the fact of the lease and the payment, as well as
with additional services provided by Gostiny Dom, such as a
transfer from the arrival spot, booking, registration formalities
for foreign citizens, and other.
even a slob wi th a beer gut or an In Your Pocket edi tor is
welcome here, and will defini tel y appreciate the sparkling,
high-quali ty rooms, relati vel y central location and spa bath.
Q 18 rooms (2 singles 46, 14 doubles 66-82, 2 sui tes
119). PAULGKDXWhhh
Yubileynaya () -3, Pobediteley pr. 19
(. , 19), tel. (+375 17) 226 90 24,
fax (+375 17) 226 91 71. Currentl y undergoing renova-
tion work on a couple of floors, everything is comfortable
and the hotel comes wi th a good range of services. I ts a
good compromise between not-very-central location and
not-very-expensi ve price. Tattoos and other professional
services available in the lobby. Q 230 rooms (119 singles
US$59-92, 83 doubles US$79-118, 19 sui tes US$153-
243). OJHALKhhh
Budget
Zvezda () Gazety Pravda pr. 47 (.
, 47), tel. (+375 17) 272 85 42/
(+375 17) 270 74 85. Zvezda is a bi t far from things on
the southwestern edge of the ci ty, and the building looks
like i t was plucked right out of downtown Mogadishu. But
the rooms are clean and well maintained, and guests can
use a spa bath, sauna, solarium and massage. Apparentl y
theres some kind of pri vatisation going on too, wi th small
dental clinics now crowding the lower floors. Q Singles,
doubl es 20-70, 3 lux rooms 70-100. No breakfast.
HADhh
Motels
KADM () ul. Uborevicha 128/2 (. ,
128/2), tel. (+375 44) 757 75 57. The recentl y opened
mini-hotel Kadm is one of the budget-line hotels whi ch
Minsk so obviousl y falls short of. Housed in a modern five-
story building, it offers 27 comfortable rooms, ranging from
economy class to spacious semi-suites. The rooms come
with double beds and orthopedic mattresses, upholstered
furniture, LCD TVs and free wi-fi. The hotel benefits from its
location in a rapidl y developing part of Minsk with excellent
infrastructure: not far youll find a hypermarket, a mini-
market, the ci tys zoo and dolphinarium, the Chizhovskoie
reservoir, and a major sports and entertainment complex,
the Chizhovka Arena, presentl y under construction. Despite
its young age, the mini-hotel can boast of having won regular
customers and a good reputation among the guests ofvisi-
tors to the capital.
Apartments
VI P- KVARTIRA. BY ul . Leni ngr adskaya 5/6
(. , 5/6), MPloschad Lenina
( ), tel. (+375 29) 111 22 22/
(+375 29) 554 54 54, fax (+375 17) 200 76 46,
vipkvar tira.by@gmail.com, www.vip-kvar tira.by.
Many of those who come to visi t the Belarusian capi tal
prefer to stay in apartments which are speciall y designed
for a short-term rent and provide services similar to those
of a hotel. The choice of apartments for rent is wide by far,
the number of rooms ranges from one to four, the ki tchens
are well-equipped, the decoration is al ways at the high level;
besides, the apartments wi th exclusi ve interior design are
al ways available, the location of apartments caters for all
tastes, you can al ways find an apartment in the ci ty centre.
Whats more, VIP-KVARTIRA.BY will register a foreign visi-
tor at the visa and registration office free of charge (!), will
www.minskhouse.net
Luxurious apartments in the historical
center of Minsk
Tel: +375 29 614 54 01
www minskhouse net
center of Minsk
TTT l Tel Tel Tel Tel Tel Tel:::: 37 37 37 +37 +37 +37 +37 +37 +37 +37 +375 2 5 2 5 2 5 2 5 2 5 2 5 2 5 2 5 2999999999 61 61 61 61 61 661 61 614444444444 54 54 54 54 54 54 54 54 54 54 54 54 000000000000111111111111
urbs, Tourist fuses timeless Soviet style and moderni ty to
create an entirel y unique effect. Offering excellent value for
money in a ci ty where finding a room for a good price isnt
easy, the rooms are clean and comfortable wi th communal
extras galore including a massi ve restaurant that serves a
not inedible buffet breakfast and a bar complete wi th two
pool tables and si x more for Russian billiards. Wireless
internet needs to be paid for, but the price is so cheap i ts
almost free anyway. Good public transport connections
too. Defini tel y one worth considering. Q Single Standard
- 40-51, Double Standard - 55-73, Triple Standard - 67,
Single Hal f Sui te - 43-57, Double Hal f Sui te - 75-92.
OALGKXWhhh
U Fontana ( ) C-2, ul. Amuratorskaya 4
(. , 4), tel. (+375 17) 203 58 18/
(+375 17) 203 14 00, fax (+375 17) 203 14 74. At
last, a heal thy refuge in this vodka and potato pancake
cul ture. Opened in 2005, this tiny hotel attached to a
fi tness centre is perfect for aerobics bunnies and muscle-
heads. I t even has i ts own sports restaurant. That said,
Hostel Jazz ( ) ul. Mozyrskaya
37a (. , 37), tel. (+375 33) 33 616 33,
hostel.jazz@gmail.com, www.hosteljazz.by/eng.
At long last! The first hostel has finall y made i ts ap-
pearance in Minsk, a brilliant al ternati ve to inexpensi ve
hotels that Minsk falls short of. Jazz Hostel, located
in the cottage-like building in a quiet and ecologicall y-
friendl y neighbourhood in the ci ty centre, is a lot more
than just an overnight stay at a reasonable price. Jazz
gi ves an opportuni ty to hold a conference, offers i ts
guests ei ther full board or a well-equipped ki tchen for
cooking their own meals, as well as a chance to make
a BBQ in the cottage yard. A parking place for the car
is also availabl e. The impressi ve list of servi ces is
continued by the swimming pool and the Russian sauna
(banya); at your disposal are pin-pong tables, billiards
and table football. But whats to be valued at Jazz is the
face-to-face contact wi th young people, students from
various parts of the world, and wi th the young, friendl y
and enthusiastic staff who are eager to help ful fill your
every wish. Theres just one snag to i t, however. Jazz
Hostel is not the place for those who love strong drinks;
yes, a prohibi tion on drinking alcohol is imposed here!!!
Q The hostel can accommodate up to 43 guests at a
time, the beds are from 10 to 17.5 per day.L
Hostel VIVA ( ) ul. Zhuk-
ovskogo 4 (. , 4), MInstitut Kultury
( ), tel. (+375 33) 627 11 33,
info@hostelviva.by, www.hostelviva.by. Another great
hostel in Minsk! VIVA is a brand new hostel designed
to meet the requirements of advanced contemporary
travelers interested in both savings and comfortable
accommodation. Located right in the centre of Minsk it
boasts of well equipped rooms for 4 and 6 persons sup-
plied with irons, hair dryers, fridges, microwaves, kettles
and crockery and what not. They have Wi-Fi Internet
here, TV-sets in every room, X-Boxes and board games
to keep you busy and they also rent out bicycles if you
are in a sporting mood. To complete the picture, VIVA is
located in the close proximity to the metro station which
will make you feel right in the middle of Minsks urban life!
QOpen 24 hours. ALW
Hostels
MINSKHOUSE D-6, Nezavisimosti pr. 18 (.
, 18), MOktyabrskaya ()/
Kukal ovskaya (), tel . (+375 29)
614 54 01, minskhouse@rambler.ru, www.minskhouse.
net/apartment_in_minsk.html. MINSKHOUSE offers
Minsks guests a relaxed leisure at luxurious apartments
in the historical center of the ci ty. The agency provides the
choice of nine beauti ful apartments, all originall y designed
and full y-equipped wi th brand new appliances and designer
furni ture. Prices for the apartments start from 45 euros per
day - not too much for a studio apartment of the fi ve-star
level. All apartments are located in close proximi ty to Neza-
visimosti Ave., providing customers wi th a wide choice of the
ci tys best restaurants, clubs and other attractions wi thin a
short walk. Thanks to the high level of services the agency
has already got a number of regular customers among the
guests of the ci ty, so book your apartment online http://
minskhouse.net/ in advance.
New blocks of flats in Nekrasova Street
RESTAURANTS
24
RESTAURANTS
25
P Air conditioning A Credit cards accepted
E Live music S Take away
T Child friendl y U Facilities for the disabled
G Non-smoking W WirelessInternet access
X Smoking place B Outside seating
I Fireplace J Old town location
Symbol key Eating out in Minsk continues to improve on an almost dail y
basis. Theres still a handful of places that fail to impress with
either food or service, but these are thankfully few and far be-
tween. If its awful, we generally dont write about it. Likewise,
the diversity of cuisine in Minsk is far from all-encompasing,
with what international food there is thankfull y getting better
all the time. Be aware that many restaurants list garnishes
such as French fries, vegetables, rice and, butter and tomato
ketchup as separate items.
Belarusian
There are essentiall y two types of Belarusian restaurant in
Belarus. The first and most obvious variety features pigtailed
waitresses in national dress serving plates of potatoes and
beetroot soup in an atmosphere reminiscent of an old barn.
The second is less easy to pin down, and is perhaps best
described as a restaurant or caf serving predominantl y but
not exclusivel y Belarusian favourites in an atmosphere you
wont find anywhere other than in Belarus. Rather than insul t
the best intentions of the good restaurant owners of Minsk
and call the former of the two Folk restaurants, we choose
to list both types of restaurant together.
Bambuk () D-3, Nezavisimosti pr. TC
Stolitsa (. , Stolitsa),
MPloschad Lenina ( ), tel. (+375
17) 327 12 36. A rather average offering located inside a
shopping centre, the menu of dishes including Belarusian
and sushi, isnt going to win any awards soon. Good for a
harmless meal in convivial if not exactl y luxury surroundings.
QOpen 11:00 - 22:00. LNG
Gasti nets (i ) D- 4, Svobody pl . 2
(. , 2), MNemiga (), tel. (+375
17) 321 23 76, (+375 29) 388 00 02/(+375 29)
690 19 89, www.gastinec.relax.by. Fi ve different halls
with lots of vaul ted brick ceilings from the 18th century and
wrought ironwork set the scene for a popular restaurant
serving tradi tional Belarusian food wi th a modern twist
alongside a range of international dishes. The chef here has
a good reputation among the locals and the freshl y baked
bread comes particularl y recommended. Friendl y and atten-
tive service, plus a great drinks menu including some fine
draught beers. QOpen 12:00 - 24:00, Fri, Sat 12:00 - 02:00.
PTA6LEGBXW
Kamyanitsa (i) D-5, ul. Pervomayskaya 18
(. , 18), tel. (+375 17) 294 51 24/
(+375 17) 285 39 47, www.kamyanitsa.by. Recreating
the time when Belarus formed part of the Grand Duchy of
Lithuania, this fine little restaurant churns out classic dishes
from days gone by with a heavy emphasis on roasted, grilled
and stewed meat. The staff dress in authentic costumes and
the menu is held inside a large leather wallet. If youre not
starving, do at least try one of their recommended soups or
indulge in a glass or two of the local firewater. The weekends
see a number of live events taking place including music on
Fridays and traditional dancing on Sundays. QOpen 12:00 -
23:00. PTAUIVEXS
Kuchmistr () D-4, ul. Karla Marxa
40 (. , 40), tl . (+375 17)
327 48 48, www.kuxmistr.relax.by. Absolutely one of the
best restaurants weve experienced in Minsk, Kuchmistr serves
an excellent selection of regional dishes that nudge peasant
food into the arena of gourmet cuisine. Our last meal here saw
five of us tucking into a range of treats, of which none failed
to impress entirely. The surroundings are swish, the service
is friendly and theres a strict no-smoking policy which plenty
of visitors will no doubt enjoy in a city where smoking in public
is practically enforced. Dont forget to have a glass of vodka
flavoured with horseradish while youre waiting. Excellent loca-
tion too. QOpen 11:00 - 23:00. PTAEGBW
Megapolis () Nezavisimosti pr. 116
(. , 116), MVostok (),
tel. (+375 17) 266 39 53/(+375 29) 664 35 96,
fax (+375 17) 266 39 41. A modern take on an old Soviet
theme, the National Librarys in-house restaurant, as one
would perhaps expect, specialises in national dishes. The
translated menu tempts diners with a beguiling list of dishes
including The Tongue Baked Under Souse and (a particular
favourite) Smoky Sturgeon Kegs From A Cucumber. Whatever
you choose to eat, expect it to be accompanied by live cabaret
music and the occasional bit of dancing during the weekends.
Megapolis also offers an excellent value weekday lunch menu.
QOpen 12:00 - 23:00, Mon 12:00 - 18:00. PAE
Mi r sky Zamok ( ) D- 3,
ul. Gorodskoy Val 9 (. , 9), MNemiga
(), tel. (+375 17) 328 69 38/(+375 29)
616 69 38. Meaning Mir Castle and named after the Unesco
World Heri tage complex some 60km or so west of Minsk
after which the interior decoration owes more than a passing
nod, inside the menus held together wi th metal clasps is a
meat-heavy choice of dishes plus one or two offerings for
vegetarians. QOpen 12:00 - 23:00, Fri, Sat 12:00 - 02:00.
PAUEGBSW
Pechki Lavochki (- ) D- 4,
Nezavisimosti pr. 22 (. , 22),
MOktyabrskaya (), tel. (+375 17)
327 78 79. Not so long ago this place was marvelous.
Today its anything but. The food (which tastes like its been
cooked in oil thats been in the kitchen since the 1970s or
perhaps recentl y drained from the gearbox of a Volga 24)
is a disaster to the point that they cant even prepare an
edible borsch. The music is painful and the smell coming
from the aforementioned galley isnt the sort of thing to be
wished on anyones nostrils. Avoid. QOpen 12:00 - 23:00.
PJAGKXSW
Skif () C-5, Nezavisimosti pr. 34 (.
, 34), MPloschad Pobedy (
), tel. (+375 17) 284 75 41/(+375 29)
304 86 22. Opposi te the apartment where Lee Harvey
Oswald used to li ve, this delightfull y wicked, wacky and
ropey little restaurant and bar is a very cool hang-out with a
mad medieval theme. Theres rope, wrought iron, sackcloth
and wood everywhere, and a jaunty knight in jangl y armour
watches over it all. The crowd is young and hip and the place
is so groovy that no one cares that the food is a bit basic. Its
a great venue for a pre-club snack and chat. QOpen 09:00 -
24:00, Sat, Sun 12:00 - 24:00. PAIGBXS
Starovilenskaya Korchma (
) C-4, ul. Starovilenskaya 2 (. -
, 2), MNemiga (), tel. (+375 17)
335 45 02/(+375 44) 775 45 02. The barman evidentl y
learned customer relations from a Siberian camp guard,
but i f you manage to overlook this minor inconvenience
this can be a very pleasant place to eat. The interior of
the restored house on the edge of Trini ty is a nice enough
venue, al though the place reall y comes into i ts own during
the warmer part of the year when visi tors flock to si t out
by the ri ver and enjoy the magni ficent view. QOpen 09:00
- 24:00. AIEBXS
Starye Traditsiy ( ) B-5, Neza-
visimosti pr. 57 (. , 57), MPlo-
schad Yakuba Kolasa ( ), tel.
(+375 29) 107 57 57/(+375 17) 331 90 87. At the
time of going to press there was no English menu avail-
able here, but i f you can overcome that small hurdle then
expect to find an interesting mi x of l ocals tucking into
a choi ce of great value Belarusian food. Dcor comes
pretty much as standard, including the almost compulsory
television chattering away in the background and a rather
tatty old upright piano. Rare for a place in this part of the
world, smoking is not all owed. QOpen 11:00 - 23:00.
PTAUIEGBS
Stary Gorod ( ) -4, ul. Maxima
Bogdanovicha 19 (. , 19),
MNemiga (), tel. (+375 17) 286 05 08. Its safe
to assume that any restaurant set in Minsks recreated old
town has a certain tourist orientation, but Stary Gorod isnt
one to write off. The classics of national cuisine arrive at your
table on a hot griddle, and most are sanel y priced. Dine on
Live music
Homelike atmosphere
Authentic Belarusian & old Lithuanian
ul. Karla Marxa 40
tel. (+375 29) 119 49 00
www. kuxmistr.relax.by
Business~lunch menu from 12:00 to 16:00
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I f youve just read the entire restaurant chapter of this
guide and you still havent been ser ved, stay calm,
coll ect your bel ongings and pop into a place where
the food is served piping hot and straight from metal
containers.
Lido () B-5, Nezavisimosti pr. 49/1 (.
, 49/1), MPl oschad Yakuba
Kolasa ( ), tel. (+375 17)
284 82 08/(+375 29) 368 66 86. For those who
arent familiar wi th this successful Latvian chain, Lidos
philosophy is to serve an absolutel y enormous selec-
tion of foods such as pizza, pork chops, ice-cream and
much more in a fun, folksy cafeteria set-up for a bargain
price and, best of all, in an instant. A staff equalling the
population of Riga buzz around the dining room ready to
whisk away your plate the instant the last morsel of food
goes into your mouth. QOpen 08:00 - 23:00, Sat, Sun
11:00 - 23:00. PAEBS
Maestro () D-3, Nezavisimosti pr.
TC Stolitsa, upper level (. ,
), tel. (+375 17) 327 60 26/(+375 17)
327 81 24. Classic local food plus an array of other treats
including sausages and mash, pasta and garlic bread, all
ready to plonk on your plate straight from hot metal contain-
ers. An excellent choice if youre in a hurry, al though try to
avoid during lunchtimes as the queues literall y snake out
the door. QOpen 10:00 - 22:00.
Buffet express
RESTAURANTS
26
RESTAURANTS
27
the relaxing back terrace during the summer or check out
seating in the funky cellar. QOpen 12:00 - 24:00, Fri, Sat
12:00 - 02:00. PJUNBXS
Staraya Melnitsa ( ) B-6, Neza-
visimosti pr. 78 (. , 78), MPark
Chelyuskintsev ( ), tel. (+375 17)
280 28 72. A perfectl y adequate al though by no means
special place to eat hearty local snacks for a good price,
the Old Mill also features a small outdoor terrace for some
excellent people-watching opportuni ties. QOpen 11:00 -
01:00. PUNBX
Tal aka () - 3, ul . Rakovskaya 18
(. , 18), MNemiga (), tel./fax
(+375 17) 203 27 94, tel. (+375 29) 637 03 80. An
eclectic cellar restaurant with a hunting theme (stuffed rab-
bits are among its dcor victims), Talaka is one to seek out
for its magnificent food and unusual atmosphere. Tables are
made from old beds, carriages and the like, and whats served
on them is mostl y potato snacks and skewered meat. A bit
pricier than elsewhere, reservations are a good idea since this
small place tends to get booked up. QOpen 10:00 - 06:00.
PJAEBXS
Traktir na Parkovoy ( )
C-3, Pobediteley pr. 11 (. , 11),
MNemiga (), tel. (+375 17) 203 69 91/(+375
29) 135 77 36. Its supposed to look like Grandmothers
place in the country, which might explain the live rooster run-
ning around the yard or, at a stretch, the aquarium full of carp.
But it doesnt reall y account for the screaming Gypsy band
on stage. If you want to sample the pelmeni, shashlyk and
Belarusian national food served here, we suggest avoiding
arriving between 20:00 and 23:00 when the live music is
inflicting brain damage on the customers. QOpen 12:00 -
24:00. PJAIEGBS
U Barysycha ( ) B-6, ul. Petrusya Brovki
12 (. , 12), MAkademiya Nauk
( ), tel. (+375 17) 331 82 29. Al though
at the time of going to press there were no English menus
to be found here, U Barysycha is still worth dropping by for
a visi t. The mi x of old and new dcor works reall y well here
and the staff are friendl y and helpful. Best of all though is
the food. Al though claiming to be a Belarusian restaurant,
the menu goes well beyond local dishes, including just about
everything from pasta to Greek salad to classic Soviet-era
dishes to goat. The quali ty is high and i f youre in the mood
you can even order a whole goose. To top i t all theres
striptease and bell y dancing during the weekends. QOpen
11:00 - 23:00. PVENBXS
U Yanki ( ) D-4, ul. Karla Marxa 21 (.
, 21), tel. (+375 17) 210 49 03. A celebration
of the time-honoured pursuit in which grown men take to the
woods and shoot defenceless animals, the walls of this place
are littered with guns and the menu is equall y festooned with
the poor creatures that had the misfortune to walk in front of
them. Actually, everything probably came from an abattoir, but
thats not the point. Vegetarians and animal rights activities
walk on by. Those who dribble at the thought of vast plates
of grilled meat might like this place a lot. QOpen 11:00 -
23:00. PNGX
Vasilki () D-4, Nezavisimosti pr. 16 (.
, 16), tl. (+375 29) 706-44-52,
www.vasilki.by. Al though theres absolutel y nothing
wrong wi th the dining area at street level, the upstairs area
complete wi th hand-painted furni ture and a ringside seat of
the attached delicatessen is the place to be here, unless
you dont like cigarette smoke when you dine. The menu is
extensi ve, affordable, filing, and, for an entirel y unpreten-
tious restaurant, exceptionall y good. Because youre now
east of Berlin youll need to do battle wi th piped music and
a television, but its amazing how quickl y one acclimatises to
such nonsense. A recommended venue in a superb central
location. Also at ul. Yakuba Kolasa 37 and Nezavisimosti pr.
89. QOpen 08:00 - 23:00. LPAIEBS
Verkhniy Gorod ( ) C-4, Svobody
pl. 4 (. , 4), tel. (+375 17) 321 20 89/
(+375 17) 321 20 59, www.verhniy-gorod.prazdnik.by.
A much talked about and much loved restaurant in the heart
of the ci ty featuring a great view of the Cathedral of the Hol y
Spiri t and the ri ver, Verkhni y Gorod is in the eyes of many
whove experienced i t the best place in Minsk to dine on
quali ty Belarusian and international cuisine in sumptuous
surroundings. Popular with locals and foreigners alike, legend
has i t that one group of visi ting Germans refused to eat
anywhere else during their stay in the ci ty and insisted on
taking the recipe for the pike perch in a clay pot back home
wi th them. Recommended. QOpen 10:00 - 24:00, Fri, Sat
10:00 - 02:00. PAIEBS
Zhban () B-6, ul. Petrusya Brovki 16 (.
, 16), MAkademiya Nauk (
), tel . (+375 17) 294 94 13/(+375 44)
794 94 14. Featuring horse shoes on the wall s and
crudel y carved furni ture, Zhban is named after a tradi-
tional Belarusian mug wi th a large capaci ty and featuring
a hinged lid used for the consumption of low alcohol drinks
such as kvas. Claiming to use onl y fresh ingredients, the
Svobody 4 (. , 4)
tel. (+375 17) 321 20 89
(+375 29) 321 20 59
Open 10:00 - 24:00,
Fri 10:00 - 02:00,
Sat 10:00 - 02:00.
Traditional Belarusian restaurant
in the very heart of Minsk with great views
of the city
RESTAURANTS
28
RESTAURANTS
29
centre, find all manner of locals sat at chequered tablecloths
tucking into a range of dishes not just from Bulgaria but also
from further afield. Recommended are the Bulgarian salad and
the golden chicken. The food is unpretentious, filling and good
menu holds a number of surprises, not least the cute-
sounding Piglet at Rest alongside more familiar fare such
as bliny wi th red caviar and herring. Food can be served on
wooden plates to order, theres the usual offering of busi-
ness lunch plus theres li ve shows and discos during the
weekends. QOpen 08:00 - 23:00, Fri, Sat 08:00 - 02:00.
PTAUEGSW
American
TGI Fridays () D-4, Nezavisimosti pr.
22 (. , 22), MOktyabrskaya
(), tel. (+375 17) 327 23 31. Sill y hats,
klaxons, loud shirts and all the other nonsense that those
who know this American chain will have come to expect, the
formula is unchanged here with decent food such as burgers,
chicken wings, steaks and ribs, al though not served in such
large portions. Worth it for the New York cheesecake alone.
A good choice if you want to play it safe and go somewhere
where you know exactl y what youre going to get. QOpen
10:00 - 23:00. PJVGXS
Asian
Dzhomalungma () B-5, ul. Gikalo 7
(. , 7), MPloschad Yakuba Kolasa (
), tel. (+375 17) 280 53 88. Just the
kind of Asian restaurant Minsk has been wai ting for, find a
well-orchestrated affair set in a cheerful room of explosi ve
colours. The outstanding food is mainl y Tibetan, wi th a few
Nepalese, Indian and Thai choices thrown in. Hot towels
precede your meal, and tea comes in a tiny pot set on a
wooden platform. Also at International airport Minsk-2.
QOpen 12:00 - 02:00. PJAEBKXS
Azerbaijani
Astara () D-5, ul. Pulihova 37 (. ,
37), tel. (+375 17) 299 97 61/(+375 29) 115 94 01.
Absolutel y fantastic for anyone who hasnt experienced the
full-on extravagance of cheesy Azerbaijani dcor before,
this cavernous recommendation is popular wi th all kinds of
diners from diplomats to movie stars. The menu posi ti vel y
heaves wi th classic dishes which need to be tasted to be
believed, Azerbaijani festi vals are celebrated wi th small
festi vals inside the restaurant plus, as is so often the
case inside a Minsk restaurant, theres li ve shows and
bell y dancing during the weekends. QOpen 10:00 - 23:00.
PTALEGBXS
Bulgarian
Gabrovo () B-6, Nezavisimosti pr. 81
(. , 81), MAkademia Nauk
( ), tel. (+375 17) 287 30 53/(+375
17) 287 30 54, fax (+375 17) 287 30 54. Al though
Gabrovo claims to be Bulgarian, the menu is reall y just a
generic East European mishmash of mayonnaise-drenched
salads and fatty cutlets. Still, the portions are generous, the
prices reasonable, and the atmosphere has a tacky sort of
charm about i t wi th lots of starchy tablecloths and plastic
vines wrapped around the rafters. A few years ago this would
have been considered classy. QOpen 10:00 - 24:00, Sat,
Sun 11:00 - 24:00. PAEBXW
Traktir na Marksa ( ) D-4,
ul. Karla Marxa 21 (. , 21), MKu-
palovskaya (), tel. (+375 17) 226 03 41.
A dark, underground labyrinth of booths in the heart of the city
centre find all manner of locals sat at chequered tablecloths
English Belarusian Russian Russian
pronunciation
Caf kafe
Restaurant restoran
Bar bar
Toilet tualet
Chicken
/
kuritsa /
tsyplionok
Beef i goviadina
Pork ii svinina
Pasta
/
pasta /
makarony
Pizza i pizza
Sushi sushi
Fish ryba
Soup sup
Hot / Cold
/
goriachii /
holodnyi
Potatoes
/
kartofel/
kartoshka
Vegetables i ovoshchi
Tea chai
Coffee kofe
Bread hleb
Sugar sahar
Milk moloko
Cream i slivki
Beer i pivo
Wine (red/
white)
i
(/
)

(/
)
vino
(krasnoie/
beloie)
Vodka vodka
Bill /
cheque
/
/ chek/shchiot
Change zdacha
Tip chaevyie
Thank you spasibo
Goodbye Do svidaniia
Well be
back

My
verniomsia
Which way
to...?
i
...?

...?
Kak proiti
k...?
Table talk value. Perhaps too gloomy to be enjoyed during the daytime,
this would be a better place to frequent after the sun has set.
QOpen 10:00 - 23:00. PNGW
Caucasian
Verba () B-4, ul. Kropotkina 51 (. ,
51), tel. (+375 17) 334 69 95, fax (+375 17) 334 34 67.
A favourite place to come for shashlyk, that tasty, shish-
kebab-like dish that ori ginated in the mountains of the
Caucasus and became a culinary hi t all over the USSR.
Tiny, cosy and well worth a visi t. QOpen 11:00 - 23:00.
PTA6ULBXS
Fast food
McDonalds ( ) C-2, Nezavisimosti
pr. 23 (. , 23), MOktyabrskaya
(), tel. (+375 33) 340 90 90, (+375 29) 340
90 90, (+375 25) 790 90 90. The local McMecca for spotty
youth on weekend evenings. The outisde tables are a good spot
to watch the world go by. Also at Surganova 63, Dzerzhinskogo
96, Nemiga 12, Pritytskogo 28, Logoisky Tract 35. QOpen
07:00 - 23:00, Fri, Sat 07:00 - 24:00. JB
Fine dining
Bella Rosa ( ) B- 5, ul. Gikalo 3
(. , 3), MPloschad Yakuba Kolasa (-
), tel. (+375 17) 284 53 03/
(+375 17) 284 52 55. The exemplar y i f somewhat
pri cey ki tchen in thi s classy establi shment whi sks up
more than pizza and pasta, including oysters and Tuscan
goulash. Also serving a few more local dishes such as an
extremel y good shchi, other things worth further applause
are excepti onall y good focaccia and an espresso that
couldve come direct from Rome. QOpen 12:00 - 02:00.
PJHALBKX
Dolce Vita ( ) D-4, ul. Kirova 13
(. , 13), MPloschad Lenina (
), tel. (+375 17) 218 35 55/(+375 17) 200
47 81. Predominantl y fine I talian dishes served inside the
Crowne Plazas flagship restaurant, everything was imported
from I tal y and the food is very good indeed. I t being a hotel
restaurant, dont expect value for money or too much in
the way of atmosphere. Having said that, there are many
worse hotel restaurants to be found in the world. QOpen
12:00 - 02:00.
Europa Restaurant ( - )
D-4, ul. Internatsionalnaya 28 (. ,
28), MOktyabrskaya (), tel. (+375 17)
229 84 31. Classy in a stil ted, sti fling sort of way, Europa
tries just a li ttle too hard to be elegant and sophisticated
(we grimaced while watching a wai tress struggle wi th one
hand to open a plastic bottle of water balanced on a sil ver
tray). Concentrate on the excellent food instead, such as
the fried camembert wi th sesame and raspberry sauce, or
the kebab wi th tiger prawns. The la carte menu is pricey,
al though theres a much cheaper, i f very limi ted, set lunch
option. QOpen 12:00 - 24:00. PJA
Falcone () D-3, ul. Korolya 9 (. -
, 9), MFrunzenskaya (), tel. (+375 29)
377 77 76. I f there was a Ministry of Bling this is where
theyd have their meetings. Trul y extraordinary decoration
that manages to stay wi thin the boundaries of good taste
and an outstanding range of I talian dishes provided cour-
tesy of an inspired policy that sees the restaurant import
top I talian chefs who work as culinary artists in residence.
At the moment this is none other than Giuseppe Zanotti,
whos been overseeing dishes that we personall y cant get
enough of. Try the tagliatelle wi th seafood and dont forget
the best Carpaccio to ever pass our lips in Minsk. Knock-
out stuff. Highl y recommended. QOpen 12:00 - 02:00.
PTJA6UILEGBXSW
Grand Caf ( ) D-4, ul. Lenina 2
(. , 2), MOktyabrskaya (), tel.
(+375 44) 703 11 11. Relati vel y new al though already
buzzing, this crisp, whi te tablecloth affair provides I talian
food and other treats cooked to perfection and served wi th
a rare taste for quali ty and flair. The dcor is interesting
indeed, combining the classic look of a classy restaurant
offset wi th large photographs of Soviet-era housing on
the walls. Barmen mi x drinks in whi te tuxedos to gi ve the
place an added touch of sophistication. Recommended
among the many great dishes is the Chateaubriand steak,
whilst Friday evenings see the arri val of fresh oysters and
some of the best DJs in the ci ty. QOpen 12:00 - 24:00.
PJAGXW
Summer terrace of the popular Minsks caf
RESTAURANTS
30
RESTAURANTS
31
Juravinka () C-4, ul. Yanki Kupaly 25
(. , 25), tel. (+375 17) 328 69 89/
(+375 17) 328 69 13. For overblown formality, Belarusian
style, the grand restaurant in the Juravinka business complex
takes first prize. Thats not to say you wont have a quality
experience here complete with top-notch chefs and silly dance
numbers to boot. They probabl y even have doctors standing
by for when they give you the bill. But you dont have to spend
through the nose to have a good time here. You can throw a
few gutter balls in the bowling club downstairs or try the more
affordable dining in the Lasunak caf (also a decent drinking
place), which has picture-perfect riverside seating when the
weathers warm. QOpen 19:00 - 04:00, Fri, Sat 19:00 -
05:00. Closed Mon. PJALEGBXS
Newman () D-3, ul. Nemiga 36 (. ,
36), MPloschad Lenina ( ), tel. (+375
17) 306 48 39/(+375 44) 777 42 42. A magnificent find,
Newman offers great steaks on two floors including several
cooked on a charcoal grill, plus handmade lightshades and
expert Russian hands overseeing the operation. At ground
level theres a bar where a range of international food can also
be ordered, while upstairs is a more sophisticated restaurant
setting with leather seating and all the trimmings. The draught
beer goes down a treat, the steaks we demolished were fan-
tastic and the service is both helpful and attentive. Newman
also offers a good value business lunch during the week which
can be ordered from either floor. QOpen 12:00 - 24:00. The
bar is open till 02:00 at weekends. JHALGXW
Renaissance () D-4, Svobody pl. 23
(. , 23), MOktyabrskaya (),
tel. (+375 17) 327 09 91, fax (+375 17) 327 09 64.
Named after the European Renaissance style in which the three
dining halls inside this sumptuous restaurant are decorated,
this stylish Minsk offering is located inside a former monastic
printing house and provides a superb range of classy dishes for
the discerning palate. Highly recommended is the fillet of lamb
in brandy sauce, or why not take advantage of their unusual
Happy Hour, which rather than the usual business lunch arrange
simply knocks 30% of the la carte menu. Recommended.
QOpen 12:00 - 02:00. PJAULVEBXS
Seventh Heaven ( ) D-3, Nezavisimosti
pr. 11 (Hotel Minsk, top floor) (. ,
11), MPl oschad Leni na ( ),
tel. (+375 17) 209 90 87. Its believed by many cul tures
that the seventh heaven is a place where you can meet
God. We came along and looked around but didnt see him.
Or her. But you can see the pretty Red Church if you look out
the window. Its reall y a dinner-dance kind of place, with a
suave sky-blue and sil ver theme. Its not the most happen-
ing venue, but its a bit romantic, and if the couple we saw
dancing were anything to go by, they must serve aphrodisiacs.
QOpen 12:00 - 24:00. PJENK
Fish
Porto del Mare ( ) C-5, ul. Kozlova 3
(. , 3), MPloschad Pobedy ( ),
tel. (+375 29) 197 00 00. The former Porto Maltese has made
a few slight changes but remains more or less as it was before.
For the uninitiated, its an aquatic-looking fish restaurant with a
few other dishes on the menu such as steak and chefs specials
that garners nothing but positive reviews from all who eat there.
Diners can choose their own fish from a chilled display plus
theres a nice Bedouin-looking outdoor terrace for the summer.
QOpen 12:00 - 24:00. PTJALEX
French
La Crte dOr ( ) D-4, ul. Lenina
3 (. , 3), MOktyabrskaya (),
tel. (+375 17) 327 32 04. The name suggests it is the
highest cock, but somehow that sounds a bit too coarse for
this fine and refined restaurant. Expect softl y spoken men in
black roll-neck skivvies perusing a menu that is too good to
be translated into English (youll have to read it in Russian or
French, darling). Both kitchen and waitstaff are internationally
trained, the environment is exquisite and the prices are not as
stratosphericall y high as one might expect. A perfect choice
for a quality evening. QOpen 11:00 - 23:00. PJAX
La Dame De Pique ( ) D-4, ul.
Yanki Kupaly 17 (. , 17), MOktyabr-
skaya (), tel. (+375 17) 327 73 14/
(+375 29) 615 13 13. Conjuring images of decadent
France at every opportunity this gorgeous little anomal y is
the ul timate in bling. Models of li the greyhounds chained
to the wall s wel come vi si tors to a restaurant thats
a feast on both the eyes and the taste buds. Not the
cheapest place in town, the menu tempts wi th a roll
call of dishes including the mischievous-sounding Russian Pro-
posal in Paris (its a salad), Veal Martignon and that old favou-
rite, crme brle. Visitors looking to push the boat out as far
as it can go take note that at the time of going to press there
was a champagne on the menu going for a cool 9,135,000 BYR.
QOpen 12:00 - 24:00.
Fun
Kalyannaya # 1 ( 1) D-4, ul. Karla
Marxa 33 (. , 33), tel. (+375 17) 222
27 07. Once youve finall y figured out how to get through
the front door youll wish youd bought a torch. Illuminated
by a handful of scrawny red lightbulbs to gi ve atmosphere
but reall y just to disorientate and make you bang your
shins on things, the main draw here are the hookahs. The
concept, so the websi te says, is to bring like-minded people
together over a bubbling smoke and, well, thats the end
of the concept reall y. Also on offer is a limi ted range of
drinks and light refreshments. QOpen 08:00 - 24:00, Fri,
Sat 08:00 - 02:00, Sun 10:00 - 24:00.
German
Westfalia () Gazety Pravda pr. 11
(. , 11), tel. (+375 17) 270 57
27/ (+375 29) 172 00 00. A perfect escape from the
overbearing atmosphere found elsewhere in the ci ty, the
restaurant attached to the IBB centre offers excellent, fresh
Tiflis () B-6, ul. Tolbuhina 3 (. -
, 3), tel. (+375 17) 385 64 74, (+375 44) 555
50 50. A nice modern twist on the classic Georgian res-
taurant theme albeit with plenty of traditional touches to
give the place a definite Georgian feel, Tiflis (Tbilisi) uses
skilled Georgian chefs to prepare a range traditional Geor-
gian dishes that really do need to be eaten. Find four dining
areas including two VIP halls complete with the usual old
photographs of the Georgian capital plus reproductions of
the work of the outstanding Georgian painter Pirosmani.
They even bake their own bread. Magic stuff indeed.
QOpen 11:00 - 23:00. PJHALBKX
Natvri s He ( ) ul . Svyazi s-
tov 4 (. , 4), tel . (+375 17)
385 02 55, (+375 29) 133 73 37. Translating as The
Wishing Tree and named after a classic Soviet-era film of
the same name, Natvris-Heh is the sort of Georgian res-
taurant every town should have. Run entirely by Georgians
and producing a marvellous selection of classic dishes
such as shashl yk, satsivi, khachapuri and khinkali,
this small house located in the far flung suburbs of the
city is more than worth the taxi fare. Few would disagree
that Georgian food ranks among some of the best food in
the world, and this place certainly knows how to cook it.
Wash it all down with copious amounts of Georgian wine,
including a bottle of fabulous red Saperavi. QOpen 12:00
-24:00. Closed Mon. PJHALBKX
Georgian
Trinity Suburb, tourists favourite spot
RESTAURANTS
32
RESTAURANTS
33
food, a soft, modern interior and an overall unpretentious
dining experience. Try the Zurich veal or the speciality, pike
perch Papillote style. Live jazz is performed on Friday evenings,
instrumental music on Saturdays and Sundays. Also note that
the breakfast buffet here may be the best in town. QOpen
07:30 - 23:00. PTA6ULEGBXSW
Indian
Taj () C-3, ul. Romanovskaya Sloboda 26
(. , 26), MFrunzenskaya
(), tel. (+375 44) 711 11 10, fax (+375 17)
306 29 61. Opened to much blowing of trumpets, Taj is by all
accounts a welcome addition to Minsks ever growing and ever
improving restaurant scene. Bright, understated and modern
with plenty of Indian touches, an Indian chef oversees the
preparation of a good choice of food, some cooked in a tandoor
oven plus a few vegetarian options as well. Theres an authentic
Indian dance group during the weekends too, to really spice up
the evening. QOpen 12:00 - 24:00. PTAUBXSW
International
Bistro de Luxe ( ) D-3, ul. Gorod-
skoy Val 10 (. , 10), tel. (+375 44)
789 11 11. Popping up among a number of places in the area,
Bistro de Luxe offers a modern interpretation of the classic
bistro design. From freshl y made croissants for breakfast
through to a full blow-out Italian meal in the evening the food
never reall y fails to impress. Go for a Steak Deluxe and take
a peep at the villainous-looking host whilst you sip a gin and
tonic and enjoy the good life. Summertime brings the addition
of a Parisian-style outdoor terrace. QOpen 08:00 - 24:00,
Sat, Sun 11:00 - 24:00. PA6XW
El Pomidoro ( ) E-3, ul. Kirova 6 (.
, 6), MPloschad Lenina ( ), tel.
(+375 17) 226 10 20/(+375 29) 702 02 07, fax (+375
17) 200 65 51. The Tomato is a busy restaurant near the train
station thats one step up from fast food. Ask for El Menu and
then order El Pizza or El Salad. Its hardly spectacular but decent
enough to fill an undiscerning hole. Kebabs and breakfast are
also served. Expect a 15-20 minute wait during the lunchtime
rush. Also at Krasnaya 23, Bogdanovicha 102, Nezavisimosti
83. QOpen 09:00 - 23:00. PJAUGBS
Gostiny Dvor ( ) D-3, ul. Sovetskaya
17 (. , 17), MPloschad Lenina (
), tel. (+375 17) 328 64 17, www.gostinydvor.biz.
A recommended cellar restaurant complete with knights in
armour, painted ceilings and waitresses in green waistcoats,
the food, a favourite among diplomats and weal thy wedding
parties, is excellent. Recommended comes the Belarusian
casserole, the ideal accompaniment to the live music that
generall y livens things up during the weekend. QOpen 12:00
- 24:00. PJALEXS

Kushavel () B-3, Pobediteley pr. 49
(. , 49), tel. (+375 44) 788 80 00,
fax (+375 17) 226 68 91. An almost Scandinavian feel here,
including lots of sharp corners and emphatic curves, the menu
Casa Agustin Lopez ( )
C-5, ul. Zakharova 31 (. , 31), tel. (+375
17) 233 95 84. Theyve packed in all manner of Spanish
clichs but fortunately have stopped short of wearing silly
costumes or charging like wounded bulls. The food is
mildly authentic, reasonably priced and quite pleasing for
us gringo types. The menu is in English and has pictures
for the linguistically or culinarily challenged. Flamenco and
Salsa parties fire up on weekend evenings. QOpen 12:00
- 01:00, Fri, Sat 12:00 - 03:00. PALBX
Tapas Bar ( ) D-4, ul. Internatsional-
naya 9 (. , 9), MNemiga
(), tel. (+375 17) 203 11 27, (+375 29) 399
11 11. Right across the street from one of the citys iconic,
Stalin-era cinemas, if youre in town and youre looking for
generously proportioned tapas or paella, this might be just
the ticket. A simple and stylish cantina-like dcor provides
the backdrop whilst the drinks menu features a number of
classic favourites plus the usual wine and beer. The staff
are friendly and, unusual for Minsk, knowledgeable. The
Belarusian capital would be a slightly worse place for its
absence. QOpen 11:00 - 24:00. JAGXSW
Spanish
features a number of original dishes that garner good com-
ments from those whove eaten from it. Very tourist-friendl y
and with English menus and English-speaking staff, locals
insist that they have the best summer terrace in the city. The
location might well prove them right. QOpen 11:00 - 24:00,
Thu, Fri, Sat. 11:00 - 02:00 PABXS
Limoncello () B-6, ul. Bogdana Khmel-
nitskogo 7 (. , 7), tel. (+375
17) 290 02 00/(+375 44) 753 34 44. In short, two floors,
lounge music, World Fashion on the television and groups of
rich young women demolishing tables of expensive food and
drink. A restaurant that serves borsch and sushi probabl y
doesnt deserve to be called a tratorria as this place likes to
call itself, but thats of little interest to the scores of people
who flock here every day. We had Mexican Goulash and a
pizza and thought both were ok if nothing to wri te home
about. Smoking is upstairs, its a bit out of the way and is
definitely worth a visit for anyone with even a passing interest
in anthropology. QOpen 11:00 - 02:00, Mon 11:00 - 24:00,
Sun 12:00 - 24:00. PJAKX
My English Granny ( )
D-4, ul. Karla Marxa 36 (. , 36), MKu-
palovskaya (), tel. (+375 17) 327 22 24.
Grannys still got a bit of spunk left in her yet. Just look at this
place. Sure, its a bit frill y and they serve your food on paper
doilies, but somehow the place is rather cool. I t attracts
young hipsters who drink juice and have pillow fights and just
seem to feel very comfortable here. Probably because its just
like Grannys place. Flick through the packed-with-classics
menu, pick and partake. A good option for breakfast or just
couching around with friends at any time. QOpen 09:00 -
24:00. PJA6NBXSW
Olivye () C-4, ul. Internatsionalnaya 27
(. , 27), MNemiga (),
tel. (+375 17) 203 93 55/(+375 29) 639 93 55. First
of all, top marks for finding us a table when they were full y
booked. Second, top marks for the food. One could easil y
overlook this place, thinking it one of a crowd of mediocre
affairs in town, and that, judging from the food we ate, would
be a grave error indeed. A good steak, a better-than-average
Greek salad and an exemplary vegetarian lasagne all passed
w
y
Ber gamo () A- 4, ul . Kul man 37
(. , 37), tel. (+375 17) 334 45 56,
fax (+375 17) 210 12 08. A well established Italian
restaurant inside a somewhat nondescript building
thats been a favouri te wi th staff from the I talian em-
bassy among other for a number of years, the interior
is classy but not too ostentatious and the food has
a very good reputation. The menu comes complete
wi th a large collection of I talian favouri tes including
pl enty of good pasta dishes and thin, crispy pi zza.
QOpen 10:00 - 24:00. PA6UEGXSW
Carpaccio () C-4, ul. Starovilenskaya
4 (. , 4), MNemiga (),
tel. (+375 17) 334 97 21. A great addition to Minsks
classy dining scene, Carpaccio is a small and intimate
affair complete wi th the full requisi te of pecking-order
staff on hand to make meals go as smoothl y as possible.
The current global economic crisis meant we plumped for
the good value business lunch, al though if youre looking
to push the boat of a bit you wont be disappointed. The
menu features an intelligent slice of Italian cuisine includ-
ing ravioli, gnocchi, black pasta and sorbet with vodka and
champagne for pudding. If you can afford 30 for lamb and
like to impress, come in the evening al though you might
like to book a table in advance. QOpen 12:00 - 24:00,
Fri, Sat 12:00 - 01:00. PJAVGBXS
Il Patio ( ) D-4, Nezavisimosti pr. 22
(), tel. (+375 17) 327 17 91. You re-
all y cant go wrong here. Central location, friendl y prices,
efficient service, cosy brick dcor. What more could
you possibl y ask for? Formerl y Patio Pizza, this popular
restaurant and meeting place still serves some of the
best pizza in town, al though as the name change sug-
gests, theyve got plenty of other Italian dishes as well.
It also has some of the freshest, best-tasting salads in
Minsk. Also at Surganova 50. QOpen 09:00 - 23:00.
PJAVGBXS
Per f etto () D- 3, ul. Romanovs-
kaya Sloboda 1 (. , 1),
MNemiga (), tel. (+375 17) 200 28 99/
(+375 29) 607 99 99. A doorman in a sui t ushers
customers into thi s moderatel y classy affair. The
pi zzas are excell ent, al though the pasta and salads
are poor imi tati ons of what they purpor t to be de-
spi te being ser ved up on fancy crocker y. The best
reason to come is to watch the l ocal posers hard
at i t. The barman helps the atmosphere al ong wi th
hi s well-rehearsed cocktail bottl e-flipping routine.
QOpen 12:00 - 24:00. PJABXSW
Italian
Along Lenin Street in the city centre
RESTAURANTS
34
RESTAURANTS
35
with fl ying colours, plus theres plenty more on offer including
pasta, sushi and the intriguingl y named Salad Olivers USSR
with Doctors Sausage. The hunting season sees the arrival of
game on the menu, plus theres a splendid outdoor terrace in
operation between May and October. An excellent city centre
choice. QOpen 24 hours. PTJHALEBKS
Seven () D-4, Nezavisimosti pr. 23 (.
, 23), MOktyabrskaya (),
tel. (+375 17) 327 31 06. Aimed squarely at teenagers, its
all canteen style in here, with wipe-clean everything, pancakes,
pizza, sushi of course and, last but not least, an English menu
to boot. QOpen 11:00 - 24:00,. PABXS
U Admirala ( ) B-2, Svobody pl. 8
(. , 8), MNemiga (), tel. (+375
17) 328 53 32. Tumble down the rabbi t-hole stairs for an
adventure in blunderland. Theres a rubble floor, a forest-like,
fairy-tale atmosphere, li ttle wine barrels that have been
turned into mushroom-style stools and a freaky toy rabbi t
on one of the walls. Despi te the wine-suggesti ve name, the
place has a bog-standard menu wi th everything from simple
sandwiches to proper meaty meals. Prices go up after
midnight. And the coat-check man turns into a pumpkin.
Probabl y. QOpen 24 hours. PJAEBX
U Ratushi ( ) C- 4, ul . Ger tsena 1
(. , 1), MNemiga (), tel. (+375 17)
226 06 43. Set over three levels, this spacious and pleas-
ant bar-restaurant is an excellent place for a meal after an
exhausting day walking around Minsks blister-inducingl y
long streets. The diverse menu is a notch above average
and throws everything from chicken masala to Thai stir fry to
steak au poivre into the mix. Theres also a good selection
of beers, while local bands churn out bland pop tunes and
jazz most evenings. Booking during the weekends is highl y
recommended. QOpen 12:00 - 02:00. PJAEX
Vostochny Express ( )
E-3, ul. Kirova 1 (. , 1), MPloschad Lenina
( ), tel. (+375 17) 225 62 43. A great
city centre location for a reall y nice-looking place complete
with engraved wine glasses, the staff speak English and the
Russian cuisine
Open 12.00 23.00
5, Pashkevich str.
Tel.: (+375 17) 3340651,
(+375 29) 3131110
Russian Seasons
Restaurant
menu features everything from Belarusian to Latin American.
Theres a super list of cocktails too to make the food go with a
bang. A VIP room is also available for private parties. QOpen
12:00 - 23:00. PJAX

Kebabs
Byblos () D-4, ul. Internatsionalnaya 21
(), tel. (+375 17) 289 12 18. A bright, busy,
noisy kebab house where you can fill your bell y without emp-
tying your wallet. Along with the kebab and salad plates you
can get a decently priced chicken shawarma with French fries
and chichtawook (chicken legs), among many other goodies.
QOpen 12:00 - 24:00, Fri, Sat 12:00 - 02:00. JA
Middle-Eastern
Kasbar () E-3, ul. Vokzalnaya 23 (.
, 23), MPloschad Lenina (
), tel. (+375 29) 666 36 05, fax (+375 17)
200 25 91. Kudos to this Syrian-themed restaurant for its
bubbl y atmosphere and colourful, Arabian-inspired dcor.
The menu is heavy on shashlyk, the staple fallback for
any Minsk restaurant wi th an Oriental theme. Thats not
to say theres anything wrong with it. The main attraction
is the loud bell y dancing show that happens in the din-
ing room. You might as well sit back and enjoy it, a small
charge has already been added to your bill for the pleasure.
QOpen 12:00 - 02:00. PAEXS
Pizza
Amsterdam () C-2, ul. Kalvariyskaya
24 (. , 24), MMolodezhnaya
(), tel. (+375 17) 200 81 55. A perfectly
adequate if hardly outstanding little place inside the Korona
shopping centre, Amsterdam probably serves more pizza than
anything else although theres plenty of other dishes on the
menu. A good enough place for filling food for a decent price
without the frills. QOpen 09:00 - 01:00. PTAXS
Peperoni () ul. Tsentralnaya 9 (.
, 9), MAvtozavodskaya (),
tel. (+375 17) 242 89 79. A classic diner-style pizza place
with bright orange seating, a childrens menu and even a few
cocktails. We havent tried the pizza so will reserve judgement
until we do. QOpen 11:00 - 23:00. AUXSW
Tempo () B-6, Nezavisimosti pr. 78 (.
, 78), tel. (+375 17) 292 11 11. The name
says it all. This is a fast-paced pizza joint popular with students
from the nearby university building. Small, packed and highly rec-
ommended. Also at ul. Lobanka 94, ul. Karla Marxa 9, ul. Karla
Marxa 26, Pobediteley pr. 37, ul. Gromova 20, Yakuba Kolasa 37.
QOpen 08:00 - 23:00. NBS
Sushi
Blackberry () D-3, ul. Bersona 3 (.
, 3), MPloschad Lenina ( ),
tel. (+375 17) 200 74 82/(+375 29) 196 89 68. Two
for the price of one. To the right find a large space for the
enjoyment of international dishes to the sound of live mu-
sic at the weekend, and to the left a smaller area serving
fresh sushi from a Russian-onl y menu. QOpen Mon - Wed,
Sun 11:00 - 24:00, Thu, Sat, 11:00 - 02:00. PJHEX
Mon Caf ( ) C-3, ul. Melnikaite 2/4 (.
, 2/4), MFrunzenskaya (),
tel. (+375 29) 623 99 57/(+375 17) 203 99 57. Its hard
to decide whether this is really a caf, a sushi bar, a nightclub or
none of the above. In any case the open two-floor plan certainly
makes it loud and echoey when the DJ starts cranking up the
volume. Mainly its a hangout for young hipsters and anyone
in need of the advertised most affordabel (sic) sushi. Indeed
this is cheaper than elsewhere and a peculiarly pleasant place
in an Eastern European sort of way. QOpen 11:00 - 24:00, Fri,
Sat 11:00 - 02:00. PTA6LEBKXS
Planet Sushi ( ) D-4, Nezavisimosti
(), tel. (+375 17) 210 56 45. Clean, bright,
modern, stylish and foreigner-friendly. These popular restaurants
can get a bit rowdy when locals swarm in to laugh at each other
trying to use chopsticks, but generally a slick and sophisticated
atmosphere prevails. Waitresses are dressed up in space-
kimonos, the menu is pictographic so you can choose and point
and theres more than just sushi. One of the most foreigner-
friendly outfits in town. Also at ul. Lenina 3 (10:00 - 24:00) and
ul. Surganova 50 (Mon - Thu, Sun 12:00 - 24:00, Fri, Sat 12:00
- 02:00). QOpen 12:00 - 23:00. PJAVGBXS
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Chumatsky Shlyakh ( ) D-3,
ul. Myasnikova 34 (. , 34), MPlo-
schad Lenina ( ), tel. (+375 29)
190 77 77. The rather over-the-top folksy atmosphere
in no way impinges on whats one of the best places to
eat peasant food in the ci ty. Set out on two floors, the
real magic here can be found inside the ki tchen. Choos-
ing what to eat can be di fficul t as i ts a big menu and i ts
all good. Recommended are ei ther of the two offerings of
borsch, the vareniki and the potato pancakes. Theres
several vodkas to help i t all down too, and a rather mar-
vellous photograph of happy factory workers just on the
right as you enter. Highl y recommended, especiall y for
those eating in groups. In a word, magni ficent. QOpen
10:00 - 23:00. PJAULBXSW
Ukrainian
Russkiye Sezony / Russian Seasons/ (
) -4, ul. Pashkevicha 5 (. ,
5), MNemiga (), tel. (+375 17) 334 06 51,
(+375 29) 313 11 00. There are restaurants in Minsk
that stand out, the aristocratic Russkiye sezony (Russian
Seasons) among them. An heir to the Russian nobility,
more like it. And the onl y restaurant in Minsk featuring
traditional Russian cuisine with the chefs signature. The
museum-like interior recreates the style of a 19
th
-century
mansion, markedl y affluent and sophisticated. The spa-
cious venue seats 50 people; a fireplace, furniture made
to order, reproductions of Russian classical art on the
walls, exquisitel y laid tables with candlelight and abun-
dance of drapes in deep colours all set a solemn mood.
Come prepared no haste! to relish the dishes of Rus-
sian cuisine expertl y made by the chef. The restaurants
location in the city centre not far from the Opera and Ballet
Theater is also worth mentioning here, and no doubt
the dinner at the restaurant will be no less of a cul tural
experience than the visit to the renowned theatre itself.
QOpen 12:00 - 23:00. PJAULBXSIW
Russian
CAFS
36
CAFS
37
speak English because they didnt bother to actuall y serve
us. QOpen 10:00 - 05:00. PAIEBXS
Beze Caf ( ) D-4, Nezavisimosti pr. 18
(), tel. (+375 17) 328 64 09. Beze bills
itself as A Gallery of Sweet Masterpieces, and thats a fairl y
accurate summary of what this nice old-fashioned caf is all
about. It specialises in all kinds of Austrian desserts includ-
ing strudels and the like. Inexpensive Belarusian meals are
also served in case you feel guil ty about not finishing all your
vegetables first. QOpen 10:00 - 24:00, Fri, Sat 10:00 - 01:00.
PJAGBXS
Boulevard () D-4, Nezavisimosti pr. 22
(. , 22), MOktyabr skaya
(), tel. (+375 29) 111 47 47/(+375 17)
328 45 96. Gi ving the two expat favouri tes around the
corner a run for their money, this relati vel y new venture is
already awash with the babble of spoken and broken English.
Categorised as a cocktail bar simpl y because the cocktail
menu outweighs the one wi th the food on i t, the latter,
which changes regularl y, offers nouvelle cuisine and other
favouri tes including schni tzel and mashed potato whilst the
cocktail menu features every concoction you could possibl y
dream of. Purple and grey and spread out on two floors,
Boulevard also works very well as a caf and is a good place
to visi t any time of day. QOpen 11:00 - 24:00.
Brutto () B-6, ul. Petrusya Brovky 3/2
(. , 3/2), tel. (+375 29) 5 630 630,
fax (+375 17) 294 92 85. Nice, exposed brick walls, sil ver
candelabras and a good mi x of diners are to be found inside
this fairl y new Minsk offering. The menu provides a few local
AirGrip ( ) D-4, ul. Komsomolskaya 19
(. , 19), MNemiga (), tel.
(+375 17) 328 37 93. Theres a defini te I talian-ness to Air
Grip. After all, i t has the same owners as the Voglia Matta
restaurant. The emphasis here, though, is on ice-cream and
cakes. A strangel y attracti ve place that attracts a di verse
crowd. QOpen 24 hours. PAGBXSW
Atel i er () C- 3, ul . Mel ni kai te 4 (.
, 4) MFrunzenskaya ().
(+375 17) 203 90 16. This relati vel y new restaurant
complete wi th large photographs of famous chefs on the
walls comes wi th a dressmaking theme as the name sug-
gests and is well worth a visi t. The menu features a weal th
of classic dishes from the ki tchens of Europe including a
great menu of grilled meats as well as a better than aver-
age wine list. Dont eat too much though or youll miss the
mouth-watering Sacher cake, claimed by those whove
tri ed i t to be as good as any youll ever come across.
Atelier is also worth a visi t to catch sight of the owner,
tennis star Maxim Mirnyi who likes to turn up whenever
he can and put on a bi t of a show. QOpen 12:00 - 02:00.
PTJHALEBKS
Banana Caf ( ) C-4, ul. Storozhovs-
kaya 7 (. , 7), MNemiga (),
tel./fax (+375 17) 289 50 79. I ts certainl y bent, but
more bruised-banana brown than happy-smiley yellow. We
dont know what goes on behind the mirrored VIP door
downstairs, but upstairs is a dark caf with a litter of wooden
cottage-style tables and chairs. Twigs on the ceiling add a
rustic, fire-hazard charm. I t looks like theres a nice outdoor
seating area, but i t wasnt being used when we visi ted in
May. No menus in English, and we dont know i f the staff
and international choices plus theres cold draught beer to
drink outside during the summer. QOpen 09:00 - 24:00,
Fri, Sat 24 hours. PAEGSW
Chill Out ( ) C-4, Svobody pl. 4 (. ,
4), MNemiga (), tel. (+375 17) 328 63 43. Soft
tones of beige and brown with just a hint of neon purple and
lime green inside this restaurant and cocktail bar in the heart
of the city. Surplus to the telephone directory of cocktails is a
menu of international dishes and the added bonus of a summer
barbecue terrace. Chill Out also has a reputation for its parties,
popular with some of the better off youth of the capital. QOpen
11:00 - 24:00, Fri, Sat 11:00 - 04:00. PABXSW
Coffeeberry () D-3, Nezavisimosti pr.
SC Stolitsa (. , ),
tel. (+375 29) 187 45 02. A somewhat noisy, circular affair
with a glass roof inside one of the citys best shopping cen-
tres. As well as serving a respectable espresso this place also
boasts a small Internet caf at the top of the stairs. QOpen
08:00 - 22:00, Sun 10:00 - 22:00. PALGBS
Coffee Inn ( ) C-4, ul. Internatsional-
naya 23 (. , 23), MNemiga
(), tel. (+375 17) 327 40 41/(+375 29) 199
00 99. Featuring two interestingl y decorated rooms and
an all-weather terrace, each in their own distinct style as is
the fashion in Minsk, Coffee Inn functions as both a classic
caf for a good range of coffees as well as a decent place
to stock up on calories. I f you need the latter you could do
a lot worse than plump for the Chicken Philadelphia, or, i f
you simpl y need to boost your blood sugar for a while, the
espressos do the job very well indeed. Theres also an
excellent selection of pastries and desserts. This is also
another Minsk venue where youre likel y to bump into tennis
star Maxim Mirnyi, one of the cafs owners who likes to
frequent the place from time to time. QOpen 08:00 - 24:00,
Sat, Sun 10:00 - 24:00. PJALEBX
FreshCafe () C-5, Nezavisimosti pr. 42
(. , 42), MPloschad Pobedy
( ), tel. (+375 17) 284 54 04, fax (+375
17) 288 17 14. One of Minsks better cafs, this place has a
nice modern look to it with lots of angular furniture and bright
colours plus a gaggle of young and friendly waitresses scuttling
about and keeping everyone happy with smiles glued to their
faces. As well as being a recommended place to fuel up on coffee,
they also serve a few dishes from a menu of international dishes
plus a few sushi options. Be warned that the business lunch
menus are known to stay on the tables after they stop serving
it, a situation that can be frustrating for hungry people in a hurry.
Menus in English also remain little more than a vague and distant
dream. QOpen 10:00 - 01:00. PAGBS
Golden Coffee B-4, ul. Maxima Bogdanovicha 26
(. , 26), tel. (+375 44)
777 78 84. Slow and surl y service aside, Golden Coffee
could be a lot worse. Basicall y two floors of budget sophis-
tication, the pizzas are surprisingl y good, the espressos
are exactl y as espressos should be, theres free wireless
internet and the owners have won us over completel y wi th
the addi tion of menus in English. All in all a decent spot for
unpretentious food in the evening or a pick-me-up coffee
during the day. Also at Nezavisimosti 18 (08:00 - 02:00) and
Shopping Centre Expobel.QOpen 24 hours. PJW
Graf Caf ( ) Nezavisimosti pr. 116, (.
, 116), tel. (+375 17) 266 37 22/
(+375 29) 690 62 17. Perched up high on the 22nd floor
of the National Library, this average caf hosts changing
art exhibitions and sells a drinkable cup of coffee. Access is
onl y possible with a ticket to the viewing gallery on top of the
building. QOpen 13:00 - 23:00. PW
Grunvald Caf ( ) D-4, ul. Karla
Marxa 19 (. , 19), MKupalovskaya
(), tel. (+375 17) 210 42 55/(+375
29) 177 56 90. A hal f-hearted attempt to cash in on
the greatest battle of medieval Europe. The food is a bi t
pricey and the atmosphere is nothing special, so other
than the sui t of armour by the door and some photographs
of modern-day enthusiasts pretending to be medieval, i t
actuall y lacks an outstanding appeal. Outdoor seating
on a relati vel y quiet street is a bonus during the sum-
mer. QOpen 08:00 - 24:00, Sat, Sun 10:00 - 24:00.
PJABKXSW
Gurman () C-4 ul. Kommunisticheskaya 7
(. , 7), tel. (+375 17) 290 67 74.
The Gourmet name is perhaps a bit of an overstatement but
we can happily overlook such hyperbole. Gurman is one of the
nicest places in Minsk and would snugly fit into any Western
capital. The food is good, if not exactly haute cuisine, and
includes Indian, I talian, Belarusian and a good breakfast
menu. Its casual, friendl y and delightfull y easy-going, and
just the sort of place youd regularly hang out at if it were in
your neighbourhood. Menus are available in English. QOpen
08:00 - 23:00. PW
In Vino ( ) B-4, ul. Very Khoruzhey 22
(. , 22), tel. (+375 17) 288 27 74,
fax (+375 17) 283 16 34. A pleasant modern setting with
lots of cool brown shades with the chance to dine sat on
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CAFS
38
NIGHTLIFE
39
a sofa, In Vino offers a good choice of international dishes
alongside menus for coffee and dessert. The grilled meats
are particularl y talked about here. QOpen 12:00 - 24:00, Fri,
Sat 12:00 - 01:00. PALXS
La Crte d Or Caf (
) D-4, ul. Lenina 3 (. , 3), tel.
(+375 29) 105 05 03. Right next door to the superb French
restaurant of the same name, dont expect anything even
vaguel y resembling a French caf though. La Crte dOr is
a pleasant but rather nondescript li ttle place which does
a good cup of coffee and a nice selection of gunk-filled
pastries and cakes. The best thing i t has going for i t is i ts
location on one of Minsks most attracti ve streets. QOpen
09:00 - 23:00. PJAS
London () D- 4, Nezavi si mosti pr. 18
(), tel. (+375 17) 289 15 29. Once you
see past the mountains of London souvenirs at this cheer-
ful li ttle caf, youll notice i t has two narrow levels, i ts
decorated wi th red paint, and i t has a spiral staircase at
Nightlife options in Minsk are diverse, friendl y and at times
refreshingl y odd, making the city an excellent option for all
manner of adventures after dark. Borders blur a bit, with bars
being a bit like clubs and cafs turning into cabaret venues
and live music striking up in the most unlikel y places. The
streets are safe and the taxis are cheap. Theres reall y no
excuse for not having a good night out.
Bars
Barin () C-3, Pobediteley pr. 17 (.
, 17), MNemiga (), tel. (+375
17) 209 44 01/(+375 29) 348 24 22, fax (+375 17)
203 09 69. Close to the Planeta hotel a little bit of a way out
of the city centre, Barin is essentiall y a caf-bar with food on
the menu offering a trul y authentic vision of Belarus without
the tourist trimmings. A little bit bling and laid out on two
floors, its dark and moody in here and often full of people with
large bank accounts. Theres also a small VIP room complete
with a grand old fireplace. QOpen 12:00 - 24:00, Sat, Sun
12:00 - 02:00. PAIGBXS
Bar T34 ( 34) D-4, ul. Krasnoarmeyskaya 3
(), tel. (+375 29) 768 90 73/(+375 44)
782 46 11. Named after the infamous WWII Soviet tank of
which an example can be found outside, Bar T-34 functions
like so many other places in Minsk as both a place to eat and
to drink. Made up of two underground rooms decorated with
lashings of military paraphernalia, the charming waitresses
come complete wi th saucy slogans on their T-shirts and
are on hand to deliver everything from bottled Asahi beer to
pancakes. The menu unfortunatel y remains in Russian onl y
and the gentleman on the door is apt to keep riff raff out, which
generally doesnt include foreigners. Great for a meal or a beer
or both. QOpen 17:00 - 04:00. JABXS
Coyote () Nezavisimosti pr. 117a (.
, 117), MVostok (), tel.
(+375 29) 190 66 66. A wonderful blending of styles
incorporating such diametricall y opposed ideas as plush
l eather sofas and anarchi c scribbling on the walls, this
magni ficent place close to the National Library a few ki-
lometres from the ci ty centre is more than just a bar, also
functioning perfectl y well as a restaurant and club. The food
includes everything from Belarusian to sushi, the massi ve
bar features Cuban barmen and theres a different show and
club night on every evening including the popular Thursday
night jazz sessions. The face control is much more relaxed
than i t is at other places of this level of sophistication and
i ts getting rave reviews from the young crowd who like to
come here. QOpen 12:00 - 06:00.
Drozhzhi United (
) D-3, ul. Sverdlova 2 (. , 2),
MPloschad Lenina ( ), tel. (+375 17)
200 54 56/(+375 44) 700 54 56. Translating as Yeast,
Drozhzhi offers familiar Irish pub surroundings to a mix of lo-
cal and expat drinkers alike. Theres sport of the television,
Kilkenny, Guinness and Harp on draught, booth seating and of
course a weal th of paraphernalia nailed to the walls. Theres
also a limited menu of local and international dishes and, so
were reliabl y informed, live music at the weekends. QOpen
09:00 - 02:00. PJAEBX
Gosti () D-4, Nezavisimosti pr. 25 (.
, 25), tel. (+375 29) 677 79 99.
A veritable aircraft hangar lies behind the innocuous frontage
of this splendid addi tion to the delights of the Belarusian
capi tal. A predominantl y booth-seated affair wi th lots of
wood panelling and posters of pre-war American film heart-
throbs on the walls, theres a bi t of everything for everyone
in here. The ki tchen churns out a range of staples including
chicken wings and squid whilst the bar packs both draught
Guinness and Pilsner Urquell. Aimed at a 30-something crowd
al though attracting plenty more besides, theres also li ve
music every night from 21:00. QOpen 12:00 - 02:00, Fri,
Sat 12:00 - 04:00. PAUEX
Gvozd () B-5, ul. Gikalo 5 (. , 5),
MYakuba Kolasa ( ), tel. (+375 17)
290-28-91/ (+375 29) 606-03-97. Hammers and nails
(the name of the place translates as The Nail) all over the
walls and one of the best selections of bottled beer within
five hours of the place, Gvozd panders to the local addicts
who cant live without the constant hum of a television set
but, easil y avoided, theres plenty more on offer inside. The
aforementioned bottles include Master Tmav and Master
Zlat, plus theres a decent menu of international food and live
music. Great atmosphere too. Definitely one for the pub crawl.
QOpen 12:00 - 24:00, Fri, Sat, Sun 12:00 - 02:00.
ID Bar (ID-) -5, ul. Zakharova 19 (. ,
19), MPloschad Pobedy ( ), tel. (+375
17) 293 13 96/(+375 44) 793 13 96. Mannequins as coat
hangers, dangerously exposed lighting and a large evacuation
plan on the wall make this place a little bit odd but worthy of
further attention. The service is friendly if a little hit and miss,
plus they had the audacity to run out of bottled beer before
we arrived. Set in a gloomy, L-shaped basement, ID also offers
free wireless Internet, has a limited menu of pricey food and is
a decent place for a decent drink or two. QOpen 10:00 - 24:00,
Fri, Sat 10:00 - 02:00. PA6GBXS
Live Pub ( ) D-4, ul. Komsomolskaya 34
(. , 34), MNemiga (), tel.
(+375 29) 170 57 71/(+375 17) 210 58 25. They say its
a replica of a classic Parisian beer restaurant and they also say
its owners are French, but neither of these things really matter
because it looks great and by all accounts it is great. Choose
from a smoking and non-smoking hall and get set to drink
yourself stupid on draught beer and a long cocktail list including
such unforgettable concoctions as Jeans with Tonic. Theres
chanson over the speakers Thursday to Sunday and a menu
of classic pub grub including fish and chips, chicken wings and
steak in pepper sauce. Take advantage of the weekday lunch
here nine times and youll get the 10th one for free. Magic.
QOpen 12:00 - 01:00. PIENGBXW
Clubs
Afrika () C- 2, ul. Timir yazeva 9 (.
, 9), MFrunzenskaya (),
tel. (+375 17) 306 47 90/ (+375 29) 360 76 06.
A masterpiece in design, this large subterranean nightclub has
been packing them in for at least a decade in one shape or
another. Currentl y looking like the home of slightl y deranged
big game hunter, the African theme stops with the dcor as the
music remains in the realms of house and techno, much of it
Russian. As with most clubs in Minsk its good to know a local
A new custom has recently emerged in cafs, bars and
restaurants in which the bill is rounded up to the near-
est 1,000 rouble note. Dont consider it a tip but rather
a minuscule service charge.
Rounding things up the back. Drop in for a quick cup of coffee from Guatemala
or head upstairs to lounge out. QOpen 10:00 - 24:00, Fri,
Sat 10:00 - 02:00. PJNBW
Lozhki () D- 4, ul. Komsomolskaya 34
( , 34), tel. (+375 17) 327 07 72.
Deliciousl y sill y, this quirky and fun caf-restaurant is littered
with spoons (lozhki) on the walls and ceiling. A former much-
loved caf, its now home to a range of international dishes
including the usual selection of grilled meat and Italian offer-
ings. The waiters speak English and theres rooms for those
who smoke and those who dont. QOpen 11:00 - 23:00, Thu,
Fri, Sat 11:00 - 24:00.
News Caf ( ) D-4, ul. Karla Marxa 34
(. , 34), MOktyabrskaya (-
), tel. (+375 17) 327 78 67. The good news is that
News Caf has been providing quali ty international fare to
scores of well-heeled locals and top notch foreigners for
years. Friendl y English-speaking staff oversee the deli very
of a feast of food including some fine pasta dishes such
as the knockout tagliatelle wi th rabbi t ragout. Theres free
wireless Internet, a trendy layout and an overall laid-back
feel to the place. The bad news is that because of this i ts
qui te often di fficul t to find a seat. Reserving a table is highl y
recommended. QOpen 08:00 - 24:00, Sat, Sun 11:00 -
24:00. PJAGBXW
Stary Mensk ( ) D-4, Nezavisimosti
pr. 14 (. , 14), MPloschad Lenina
( ), tel. (+375 17) 289 14 00. The
size of a tea chest and intricatel y decorated with all sorts
of old coffee tins, mysterious bottles and labels stuck to the
tables so you think youre eating off a well travelled persons
sui tcase. I ts all very nice wi th an intimate elbows-in feel-
ing. Theres French press coffees, plenty of teas (including
authentic mate) and a few snacks. A waitress who looks
like an 18-year-old Nana Mouskouri may try to seduce you
into something quichey, but we suggest you dont go i f
youre hungry. QOpen 10:00 - 24:00, Fri, Sat 10:00 - 02:00.
J6ENGBW
SunCaf e () B-5, ul. Kuibysheva 38
(. , 38), fax (+375 17) 286 03 72, tel.
(+375 17) 236 08 83/(+375 44) 777 1 333. One of a
chain of restaurants across the city serving Italian and inter-
national dishes as well as functioning as a simple caf, Sun
Caf is popular with students and others looking for simple
food served in modern surroundings wi th a professional
touch. Also at Yakuba Kolasa 52, Gintovta 1, Nezavisimosti
at SC Stoli tsa and Borovaya 7. QOpen 10:00 - 23:00.
PAGBSW
Teatro () C-4, ul. Maxima Bogdanovicha 6 (.
, 6), MNemiga (), tel.
(+375 17) 334 13 52/(+375 29) 355 70 77. A sprawling
venue wi th a decidedl y industrial feel to i t, theres plenty on
the walls and the furni ture to keep the eyes occupied whilst
you drink decent coffee or order something a li ttle stronger.
Theres also a small menu of food including I talian and
Japanese to stave off the hunger. QOpen 10:00 - 23:00.
PJNBW
www.inyourpocket.com/
clickandbuy
NIGHTLIFE
40
NIGHTLIFE
41
who can tell you whats happening on any particular night here
as it varies so much. Look for the big sign close to the Korona
shopping centre. QOpen 22:00 - 06:00. Closed Mon.
Alcatraz () D-4, Nezavisimosti pr. 25
(), tel. (+375 29) 355 33 33. Hidden away
of all places underneath the Trade Union Palace of Cul ture,
whilst this extraordinary if not outright kinky little club is no
longer the force it was a decade ago, its still a great place
to visit for a bit of fun. Theres a good sized dance floor to
move around on with the help of a collection of mainstream
DJs. QOpen 12:00 - 06:00. PALEBXS
Black Door ( ) B-4, ul. Very Khoruzhey 29
(. , 29), MPloschad Yakuba Kolasa
( ), tel. (+375 17) 334 43 44/
(+375 44) 734 43 44. Dark and moody and featuring a bar
that changes colour, Black Door lives in that classic Belarusian
twilight zone thats not quite a restaurant and not quite a club.
The food is much better than average, making even more of an
argument for calling it a restaurant. The music sways between
anything from funk to jazz, DJs come from abroad and they of-
ten have raucous music-theme nights. QOpen 12:00 - 06:00,
Fri, Sat 12:00 - 09:00. POJHALEGKXW
Goodwin () D-4, Nezavisimosti pr. 19 (.
, 19), MOktyabrskaya (),
tel. (+375 17) 327 04 16/(+375 44) 797 64 96. A bit of
a nondescript restaurant by day and earl y evening, Goodwin
slumps into a kind of gritty-groovy nightclub mode after mid-
night. Of particular note is the small dance floor and stage
which quickl y becomes packed with mildl y inebriated happy
locals with few pretentions and few inhibitions. Get in among
them and, provided you dont have any snobbish tendencies,
youre bound to enjoy the evening. Friendl y English-speaking
staff are a bonus. QOpen 12:00 - 02:00, Fri, Sat, Sun 12:00
- 06:00. PTAEGBXW
Dozari () B-5 Nezavisimosti pr. 58 (.
, 58), MPloschad Yakuba Kolasa
( ), tel. (+375 17) 290 05 60/,
(+375 29) 345 22 33. Dozari means Until Dawn, which
is the first thing you need to understand about this place.
This dazzling new addi tion to the ci tys nightli fe scene is for
serious party animals who believe a good night out ends in
taxi ride home at sunrise. Spread out over two floors and
covering a total of 1,500 square metres, the designers
have pulled out all the stops here and have opted for a
mind-boggling mi x of Baroque and Art Deco sprinkled wi th
ul tramodern lighting and a big, big sound. Famous names
from home and abroad feature on the fl yers. I f you thought
Eastern Europe was all about cabbage soup and old ladies
in headscarves, think again. QOpen 10:00 - 06:00, Closed
Mon, Tue. PAULEXSW
Fashion Club (Fashion Club) -4, ul. Yanki Kupaly 25
(. , 25), tel. (+375 17) 328 69 13. Cur-
rently considered the top nightspot by the citys clubbing elite,
this relatively new club and restaurant features the longest bar
in Minsk and a massive glass dance floor. Fashion here means
glamour, success and confidence (not to mention a healthy
bank balance), giving you a fairly clear indication of the kinds of
people youll find frequenting the place. Surplus to the dancing
is an equally outstanding restaurant serving top notch food
including the latest trend to hit the kitchens of Eastern Europe
that is molecular cuisine. Perfect for spoiled foreign visitors.
QOpen 22:00 - 06:00. PAULEXSW
Madison Royal Club ( ) C-2,
ul. Timiryazeva 9 (. , 9), tel. (+375 17)
219 00 10/ (+375 29) 619 00 40. The ultimate night club
experience, Madison Royal Club is about as exclusive, luxurious
and hedonistic as it gets. The face control is legendary, but
assuming you get in (men should be sober and sophisticated,
women beautiful and scantily dressed) expect, according to
them, a New York concrete and Soho glass extravaganza.
Many male DJs come from Ibiza, the women DJs spin tunes
whilst practically naked and the bill at the end of the evening
is going to cost you more than the flight home. If you dont like
this kind of thing then move on. If on the other hand you do, the
word on the street is that its extremely well organised, safe
and one of the best nights out of its kind anywhere. QOpen
22:00 - 06:00. Closed Mon, Tue. PALKX
Max Show ( ) B-6, Nezavisimosti pr. 73
(. , 73), MAkademia Nauk
( ), tel. (+375 17) 337 38 05/(+375 17)
292 00 38/(+375 44) 703 07 84. This round, blue and
popular club in the Oktyabr cinema puts particular emphasis
on its erotic show programmes, meaning go-go dancers in
various states of nakedness taking to the stage just about
every night. In a surprising display of egalitarianism, it also
caters to the ladies by offering a male striptease review some
nights. Check the schedule ahead of time to see whether
itll be a Boris or a Natasha flapping their privates in your
face. QOpen 13:00 - 06:00. Entrance fee - 10 (from 22:30
till 06:00). PAULEXSW
Millennium (- ) -3,
Pobediteley pr. 7 (. , 7), tel. (+375
17) 209 42 25, (+375 29) 177 00 77, www.casinozeus.
by. Millennium disco room is a proof-of-concept project
turning nightlife into art. Shows of best foreign performers,
staged parties, eccentric performances, interactive with the
audience. You are bound to have a good time if you roll up
on Thursday through Sunday when Millennium gives a grand
show, especiall y for you. The teams doing their best to make
your day and every visitor has a feeling theyre buying a dream
along with having a break. MILLENNIUM Life in passion
QOpen 22:00 - 06:00. POULENGXW One of the biggest casinos in the city
Next () D-4, ul. Kirova 13 (. , 13),
tel. (+375 44) 718 77 77, www.cpminsk.com. The
Crowne Plaza Minsks very own in-house club is aimed at
young, successful professionals wi th money in their bank
accounts to match. Among the many treats in store are no
less than four bars, one of which is generall y alive with the
skills of an acrobatic cocktail-maker. The music is quali ty
mainstream club music, pumped out onto a dance floor
more often than not awash wi th good-looking things hav-
ing the time of their li fe. Professional securi ty keeps the
riff-raff out, guaranteeing a relaxed and fun night out for all.
QOpen 10:00 - 06:00. POJHALEGKXW
Overtime () C-3, Pobediteley pr. 4 (.
, 4), MNemiga (), tel. (+375 29)
1 414 414. A big sports-themed hall with mediocre facilities
has somehow managed to become a happening nightspot.
Really, theres no accounting for taste. Most of the floor space
is given over to restaurant-style seating, with blue plastic
swivelling egg-cups accommodating some of the prettiest
bottoms in town. Theres a small tiled dance floor with not
much in the way of lighting that quickl y gets packed. Bar staff
keep the crowd amused by juggling and dropping bottles.
Wannabe thugs keep their ape ambitions alive with an arcade
style punching bag in the foyer. Popular and fun. QOpen 18:00
- 06:00. Entrance fee: 4+. PJAKX
Casinos
Diamond Princess ( ) D-4,
ul. Kirova 13 (. , 13), MPloshchad Lenina
( ), tel. (+375 17) 218 34 46, diamond-
princesscasino@hotmail.com, www.worldofprincess.
com. Inside the Crowne Plaza hotel, Diamond Princess offers
over 1,000 square metres of space for nine table games
including Blackjack, Roulette, Caribbean poker and Russian
Poker as well as over 100 slot machines. Open around the
clock theres also an in-house bookmakers for those who like
to have a flutter on sporting events. A range of drinks and
snacks is available from the casino bar. QOpen 24 hours.
POJAKX
Juravinka Princess ( )
-4, ul. Yanki Kupaly 25 (. , 25),
MOktyabrskaya (), tel. (+375 17) 328
69 17, www.worldofprincess.com. Roulette, black jack,
poker, slot machines, a nice bar and international food are
all on offer here, and i f thats not enough i ts located inside
the amazing Juravinka complex which boasts among i ts
temptations bowling, bars, a disco, fi tness centre and even
a hotel for those who dont want to stray too far from the
action. QOpen 24 hours. POJALEKX
Millennium (- ) -3,
Pobediteley pr. 7 (. , 7), tel. (+375
17) 209 42 25, (+375 29) 177 00 77, www.casinozeus.
by. This elite entertainment complex can be found located in
the very heart of Minsk. An eye-candy setting of the casino,
friendl y and highl y skilled staff, impeccable service and an
individual approach to each client all add up to create a
pleasing and comfortable environment where nothing ham-
pers you enjoying the game. Four American roulette tables
and six card tables are at your disposal. Those favouring
privacy and playing for high stakes can have it all in the VIP
hall. The casino offers most popular and exciting four kinds
of poker (Caribbean, Russian, Texas, Caribbean), Blackjack
and American Roulette, plus 50 slot machines with latest
games. "MILLENNIUM" -Success begins wi th a chance!
QOpen 24 hours. POULENGXW
NIGHTLIFE
42
WHAT TO SEE
43
Zeus () A-4, ul. Orlovskaya 40a (. ,
40), tel. (+375 17) 335 03 22, www.casinozeus.by.
A fun atmosphere thanks to an Ancient Greek theme, Casino
Zeus features three areas, one for serious gambling wi th the
help of slot machines, roulette, black jack, Russian poker,
Texas poker and three-card poker, a bar to keep lubricated
whilst betting and a lounge area to relax. Theres also the
opportuni ty to eat, wi th a menu full of good things to eat
including the now ubiqui tous Minsk staple, sushi. QOpen
24 hours. POULENGXW
Cocktails
Stravinsky Bar ( ) -4, Nezavi-
simosti pr. 25b (. , 25), MOk-
tyabrskaya (), tel. (+375 29) 190 99 99.
A little bit of sophistication tucked away behind the tourist
market, Stravinsky boasts a menu of over 60 cocktails,
a glass bar, angle-poise lamps screwed to the ceiling and
contemporary wall art made from red wine stains. One of
the nicest places in town to head for a drink, added bonuses
include the blues oozing from the loudspeakers and small
selection of things to eat. QOpen 17:00 - 02:00, Fri, Sat
17:00 - 05:00. PA6UBX
Sweet & Sour ( ) D-4, ul. Karla
Marxa 14 (. , 14), MPloschad
Lenina ( ), tel. (+375 17) 218 25 93,
www.sweetandsour.by. Relive pre-Prohibition era America
inside this small and exclusi ve, centrall y located bar popular
wi th a range of well-heeled visi tors from their 20s to their
50s. The li vel y bar staff conjure up all manner of fancy drinks
including the highl y recommended Prescription Julep made
from cognac, rye whiskey, mint leaves, sugar and spring
water. Inspired by the likes of legendary bartender Jerry
Thomas, the cocktails are trul y fantastic, plus theres a
choice of quali ty beer to keep everyone happy. Superb alco-
hol is accompanied by delicious appetizers and snacks from
the minimalist but sufficient menu. This bar is open to all, but
more sui table for those who can value old school drinking
and serving. Be aware that you can onl y pay in cash and
there is no chance for morning espresso, as the bar starts
at 4 p.m. Deliciously sophisticated and highly recommended.
QOpen 16:00 - 02:00. Closed Sun. PJENX
Wine
Galereya Vin ( ) C-3, Pobediteley pr. 23
- 1 (. , 23 - 1), MNemiga (),
tel. (+375 17) 226 63 90. Wine Gallery is actuall y a wine
shop, but it has a small bar in the back and a handful of
wooden tables where you can enjoy a nice vintage by the
glass. A very civilised al ternative to the flashy casinos and
beer gardens that surround it. QOpen 10:00 - 22:00, Mon
10:00 - 19:00. PAS
Microbreweries
Rakovsky Brovar ( ) C-3,
ul. Vitebskaya 10 (. , 10), tel. (+375
17) 328 64 04. An absolutel y enormous place, hard to
find and decorated in the manner of a large hunting lodge,
the main reason for dropping by is to drink yoursel f sill y on
the in-house beer. On offer are a choice of four brews, all of
them superb and all of them liable to mislead as the percent-
age refers to something other than the alcohol content. A
favouri te among resident and visi ting foreigners alike, the
food on offer includes ostrich, brains and buckwheat and
fish soup. The i tinerant band may be good, but i t probabl y
wont stop you wanting to slap them. QOpen 12:00 - 24:00.
AUGXS
Live music
DooDah King ( ) D-3, ul. Bersona 14 (.
, 14), MPloschad Lenina ( ),
tel. (+375 29) 103 10 00. Featuring li ve music almost
every night from around 23:00 and a fabulous collection of
art, graffiti and American road signs covering every available
wall space, Doodah King also provides music performances
on an array of large screens when theres nobody prancing
around on the stage. The booze selection is good, the menu
is bursting with Russian and American favourites and youll be
hard pressed to find a seat if you arrive too late. Friendl y staff
too. QOpen 11:00 - 05:00. PJENXSW
Adul t entertainment
Laguna () C-1, Pushkina pr. 39 (.
, 39), MPushkinskaya (), tel.
(+375 17) 257 37 80. Strip club QOpen 21:30 - 05:30.
PNK
Texas () C-3, Pobediteley pr. 19 (.
, 19), tel. (+375 17) 226 99 04. Strip club
QOpen 20:00 05:00. PAULBKX
Ver sus () D- 3, Nezavi si mosti pr. 11
(. , 11), MPloschad Lenina
( ), tel. (+375 17) 200 25 20/
(+375 29) 634 44 12. Strip club QOpen 21:00 - 07:00.
PAULBKX
. 02310/0592608 191026670 . 02310/0592608 191026670
Despi te i ts predominantl y post-war character, Minsk is a
fabulous city to explore. One of the worlds masterpieces of
Socialist-Realist urban planning, the city also throws aficio-
nados of antiquity a handful of titbits such as a scattering of
marvellous old churches.
Museums & Galleries
Anci ent Bel arusi an Cul tur e Museum B- 6,
ul. Surganova 1/2 (. , 1/2), tel. (+375 17)
284 27 32/(+375 17) 284 24 97. Opened in 1979 on the
50th anniversary of the National Academy of Sciences, the
collection includes a wide range of ethnographic and cul tural
exhibits including icons, folk art and even a collection of items
relating to the Chernobyl disaster. QOpen 11:00 - 16:00.
Closed Sat, Sun. Admission free.
Fire Museum D-3, ul. Gorodskoy Val 12 (.
, 12), tel. (+375 17) 294 61 22. The fascinating
history of Minsks fire brigade, wi th tours conducted by
grinning firemen. Visi ts must be booked in advance, and
keep in mind that tours are in the Russian language onl y.
QOpen 09:00 - 17:00.
First Congress of the Russian Social-Democratic
Workers Party Museum C-5, Nezavisimosti pr.
31a (. , 31), tel. (+375 17)
290 68 47. Home to the first Party Congress way back in
1898, the building was destroyed during the Great Patriotic
War. Such is the importance of the building, it was completel y
rebuil t after the war and remains a testament to all things
Soviet. QOpen 10:00 - 18:00. Closed Wed.
Great Patriotic War Museum D-4, Nezavisimosti pr.
25a (. , 25), tel. (+375 17)
327 56 11. Opened barely three months after Minsk was liber-
ated by the Red Army, the citys must-see Great Patriotic War
Museum has come a long way over the last six decades and
is currently based inside a building where its been since 1966.
Presenting the full horrors of World War II from the perspective
of the Soviet Union, you wont find much mention of the Allied
efforts, but you will get insight into the suffering of the Belaru-
sians and the immense sacrifices made by the Red Army to
liberate their territory from the facist-German [sic] occupiers.
After passing a magnificent statue of Lenin, you can visit some
original tanks and planes in the back yard of the museum. All
texts are in Russian, and its highly recommended to telephone
or drop by in advance to arrange a guided tour in English to get
the full benefit of the experience. QOpen 10:00 - 18:00. Closed
Mon. Closed Mon Admission 5,000BYR.
Maksim Bogdanovich Literature Museum
Vol 2 2012
Alatan Tour ( ) C-4, ul. Yanki Kupaly 21
(. , 21), tel. (+375 17) 289 14 36,
incoming@alatantour.com, www.alatantour.by. They
arrange arrival and departure transfers, book airline tickets
and tour accommodation. Friendly people, good value. Rec-
ommended. QOpen 09:00 - 18:00. Closed Sat, Sun.
Driant () D-3, ul. Revoliutsionnaya 12,
(. , 12), tel./fax (+375 17)
306 21 14, tel. (+375 29) 306 21 14, (+375 33)
306 21 14, e-mail: info@driant.com, www.driant.com.
They provide visa support, accommodation and airline
tickets booking, arrival and departure transfers. QOpen
09:00 - 19:00, Sat 10:00 - 14:00. Closed Sun.
Gastina () -5, Masherova pr. 3/9 (.
, 3/9), MPloshchad Pobedy (
), tel. (+375 17) 288 22 65/(+375 29)
636 20 17, gastina2009@mail.ru, www.gastina.by.
The agency can help you with visa support, airline tickets
and hotel booking, airport arrival and departure transfers.
QOpen 10:00 - 17:00. Closed Sat, Sun.
Master Travel ( )
B-5, ul. Kulman 9-513 (. , 9-513), tel.
(+375 17) 286 03 39, 334 04 82, www.1-mt.com,
e-mail: master@mt.com. The A team of travel experts at
Master Puteshestviy (Master Travel) offers visitors to Belarus
a whole array of travel-relating services, such as visa support,
hotel booking, accommodation at discount prices, tours and
excursions of any kind, programmes of medical treatment
and health improvement at sanatoria and rest-homes of
the country, as well as arranging corporate holidays, trips,
seminars and presentations. Q Open 9:00 - 19:00, Sat
10:00 - 16:00. Closed Sun.
Planet Travel ( ) D-3, ul. Gorod-
skoy Val 8-23 (. , 8-23), tel./fax
(+375 17) 228 18 18 , tel. (+375 17) 219 03 69,
(+375 29) 312 07 60, www.planetby-travel.com,
e-mail: office.olirti@vp.by. They offer recreation and
hunting tours, visa support, booking international flights
and accommodation. Recommended. Q Open 09:00 -
19:00, Sat 11:00 - 15:00. Closed Sun.
Smok Travel ( ) B-4, ul. Masherova 19
(. , 19), tel. (+375 17) 284 69 69, www.
smoktravel.by. They provide international flights booking,
can help you find the best accommodation deals, arrange
arrival and departure transfers and custom tours around
Belarus. Great value, nice people. Recommended. QOpen
09:00 - 19:00, Sat, Sun 10:00 - 17:00.
Vokrug Sveta ( ) D-4, ul. Internatsion-
alnaya 10 (. , 10), tel./fax
(+375 17) 200 16 86, 226 83 92, www.vokrugsveta.by.
Vokrug Sveta (Around the World) is the legal owner of the
trade mark HOTEL.BYTM and sole owner of the on-line hotel
booking service in Belarus made accessible on the website
http://hotel.by. On-line hotel booking is a free service for
corporate clients and individuals from any part of the world.
You can in no time book accommodation in a Belarus hotel
of any category, your booking being accepted straight away.
The company offers expert travel-related services to match all
budgets from economy to VIP to foreign tourist groups and
individual visitors. Q Open 9:00 - 18:00. Closed Sat, Sun.
Travel agencies
WHAT TO SEE
44
WHAT TO SEE
45
Maxim Bogdanovich Literature Museum C-4,
ul. Bogdanovicha 7a (. , 7), tel.
(+375 17) 334 42 69. The Belarusian poet and journalist
Maxim Bogdanovich (1891-1917) had an enormous effect on
Belarusian literature, a fact reflected in the naming of several
streets throughout the country in his honour. This museum,
one of several in Belarus dedicated to his life, is somewhat
specialised as well as lacking in any English explanations to
the exhibits. QOpen 10:00 - 17:00. Closed Mon. Also closed
Sundays in summer.
National Museum of History & Culture D-4, ul. Karla
Marxa 12 (. , 12), tel. (+375 17)
327 43 22. Artefacts relating to the history of Belarus from
40,000BC to the present day are sprinkled throughout this
creaky old museum, the largest repository of archaeological
items in the country. Axe-heads, swords, portraits, an old
printing press and exhibits on fishing, hunting and folklore are
among the many rewards for those who visit. Unfortunatel y
theres no text to describe any of it in English. QOpen 11:00
- 19:00. Closed Mon. Admission 3,000BYR.
Nature Museum D-2, ul. Karla Marxa 12 (.
, 12), tel. (+375 17) 206 69 56. Located in the
bowels of the Museum of History and Culture (see Museums),
this small museum is the most exciting place in town to see
dust y mammot h
bones and stuffed
bears. Dont miss
t he i nsti tuti on s
pri de and j oy - a
ni ce pil e of pota-
toes. QOpen 11:00
- 19: 00. Cl osed
Mon. Admi ssi on
3,000BYR.
Zair Azgur Museum D-5 ul. Azgura 8 (. , 8),
tel. (+375 17) 294 73 01. The award-winning, Vitebsk-born
Zair Isaakovich Azgur (1908-1995) is a household name in
Belarus. Azgur being one of the most celebrated Belarusian
artists of the Soviet era, his busts of soldiers, the political elite
and a few surprising others graced and in many cases still
grace plinths throughout the former mighty empire. This little
known museum, housed inside the sculptors former home and
workshop, is a real jaw-dropper, and should feature on all itiner-
aries to the city. A massive head of Karl Marx greets visitors,
although the main reason for dropping by is the vast space on
the second floor, dominated by a series of large floor-to-ceiling
shelves packed with Azgurs work. Magnificent. QOpen 11:00
- 16:00. Closed Sat, Sun. Admission 4,000BYR.
Churches
Aleksander Nevsky Church C-5, ul. Kozlova 11
(. , 11). Buil t inside the grounds of the ci tys
Mili tary Cemetery to commemorate victory in the Russo-
Turkish War of 1877-1878 and completed in 1898, this
splendid li ttle Russian Baroque church is the onl y religious
building in the ci ty to retain i ts original appearance. The
interior is somewhat austere, featuring lots of black marble
wi th inscriptions to those lost in bloody battle. In February
1938 the church was the last to be closed in the ci ty, three
years before a Luftwaffe bomb fell through the roof on June
Ch h
Eastern Cemeter y
Nezavisimosti pr. 161
(. -
, 161), tel. (+375 17)
267 53 04. Also known
as the Moscow Cemetery
due to its position on the
main road out of Minsk in
the direction of the Rus-
sian capital, this must-see,
23-hectare masterpi ece
was opened in 1952 near
the site of a burial ground
containing German soldiers
from WWII. The final resting
place of Belarus finest fig-
ures from politics, the arts
and other high-ranking professions, a stroll around the
place, especially with the help of a local guide, is a veri-
table lesson in recent Belarusian history. Notable graves
among the many include those of former First Secretary
of the Belarusian Communist Party Petr (Pyotr) Masherov
(1918-1980), the writers Vasil Bykov (1924-2003) and
Vladimir Korotkevich (1930-1984), the sculptor Zair Azgur
(1908-1995), the Soviet partisan Elena Mazanik, who
assassinated the infamous Nazi controller of occupied
Belarus, Wilhelm Kube and figures from more popular
spheres of life, among them Sverdlovsk/Ekaterinburg-born
Vladimir Mulyavin (1941-2003), founder of the immensely
popular Soviet-era folk-rock group Pesniary, and the
former captain of the Belarusian ice hockey team Ruslan
Salei (1974-2011) who lost his life and the lives of the
entire Lokomotiv Yaroslavl ice hockey team who Salei was
playing for at the time when a Yakovlev Yak-42 destined
for Minsk crashed on take off. The cemetery, which also
features an extraordinary collection of Jewish graves, was
officially closed for burial in 2003 although it continues to
function under special circumstances. To get there, take
the Moskovskaya metro line to Vostok station and follow
the main road out of the city. The cemetery is on the north
side of the road and is impossible to miss.
Military Cemetery C-5, Between ul. Kozlova and
ul. Krasnozvezdnaya ( . .
). First opened in 1840 and moved
to its current location in 1895, the cemetery contains the
war dead from countless campaigns from the Russo-Turk-
ish War of 1877-1878 to those who fell during the Great
Patriotic War. The cemetery also contains the graves of
several notable figures in Belarusian culture including that
of the poet and writer Yanka Kupala (1882-1942), whose
name crops up in several places around the capital.
Cemeteries
Aleksander Nevsky Church
24, 1941, landing in front of the icon of St. Nicholas but
failing to explode. Another bomb during the same air raid
had better luck, destroying much of the roof. Reopened by
the occupying Germans soon after, the church was closed
again by the Soviets who did at least spend time restoring
the building.
Cathedral of Sts. Peter & Paul C-3, ul. Rakovskaya 4
(. , 4), MNemiga (). Buil t in 1613,
the so-called Yellow Church is the oldest surviving religious
building in Minsk. The building was closed by the Bolsheviks
at the start after the October revolution, reopened by the
Nazis, closed again by the Soviets in 1944 and reopened
once more in 1992.
Cathedral of the Holy Spirit -4, ul. Kirilla i Mefodiya
3 (. , 3). One of the most instantly
recognisable symbols of Minsk is this magnificent, gleaming,
two-towered Orthodox cathedral in the heart of the ci ty.
Completed in 1642 as part of a larger ensemble to serve
Bernadine nuns, consecration was delayed for 40 years
because of the Muscovi te invasions. In 1741 the original
structure was damaged by fire but later reconstructed.
The convent was closed in 1852 and the building gi ven
to the Russian Orthodox Church for use as a monastery
before being closed by the Bolsheviks after the October
Revolution. Today the church has been restored to i ts former
glory. Look out for the famed Minsk Icon, supposedl y dating
from around 1500.
Church of Sts. Simon & Helena D-3, ul. Sovetskaya 15
(. , 15), MPloschad Lenina (
), tel. (+375 17) 220 44 15. Known in the local
vernacular as the Red Church, the citys best-known Catholic
building was constructed between 1908 and 1910 on the
orders of a rich Belarusian famil y upon the premature death
of their two children after whom the church is dedicated.
The two smaller towers are named after the offspring, while
the larger one represents the grief of the parents. Under the
Soviets the church was turned into a cinema then a film studio.
Now once again used for its original purpose, the building adds
a nice splash of history to an otherwise modern square. The
bronze statue in front of the church represents Archangel
Michael slaying the Devil, represented as a dragon. Also of
interest is the so-called Nagasaki Bell, a replica of the one that
used to hang in Nagasakis Urakami Cathedral before it was
destroyed in the nuclear attack on August 9, 1945.
Children's Philharmonic Concert Hall "Upper Town" in the reconstructed building of the Church of the Hol y Spirit
Church of Sts. Simon & Helena
WHAT TO SEE
46
WHAT TO SEE
47
ul. Vygotskogo 6, (. , 6) tel. (+375 17)
289 88 06, (+375 17) 289 01 59 www.obitel-minsk.by
e-mail: monaster-nov@yandex.ru. Named after the Grand
Duchess Elizabeth Feodorovna of Russia (1864-1918),
a granddaughter of Queen Victoria who was arrested
and thrown down a mineshaft by the Bolsheviks soon
after the October Revolution and who was subsequentl y
canonised by the anti-Soviet Russian Orthodox Church
Outside Russia in 1981 and
by the Russian Orthodox
Church 11 years later, this
extraordi nar y ensembl e
on the outskirts of Minsk
including four churches, a
shop, crafts facili ties and
other buildings was founded
in 1999 as a centre for over
70 Orthodox nuns, novices
and lay labourers whove all
given their lives to providing
spiri tual and social help
to the sick and suffering.
Also invol ved in a tireless
amount of outreach work as
well as running a farmstead
for recovering al coholi cs
and other people down on their luck, the women oversee an
enormous amount of activity at the convent. The complex
is open to the public with tours available in English, taking in
several of the things taking place inside the buildings includ-
ing a number of workshops making stained glass, icons
and other works of art that
as well as help decorate
the convent and i ts four
churches also gi ve young
peopl e new ski l l s and,
through the sale of many
of the things they make, a
valuable source of income.
Much of the stained glass
i s fashi oned i nto smal l
items including plates and
fridge magnets, all of which
are available to buy from
around 2 to somewhere
in the region of 30. The
i con workshops are par-
ti cularl y fascinating and
include not onl y new works of art but a small department
who renovate damaged icons from Belarus and beyond. The
churches can also be visited, perhaps the most interesting
being the Church of St. Nicolas the Wonder Worker, where
the women of the convent read from the Psal ter around
the clock in hour-long shifts in order to save the world.
Theres also a shop where you can buy produce from the
farmstead including jars of honey and a small caf selling
excellent value potato pancakes. Located in the suburb on
Novinki (ii) about 8km north of the city centre, the
convent can be reached on the N18 bus, which runs every
10 minutes or so during the day. Get off at the Novinki stop
and keep walking in the same direction. The convent is on
the right. Keep an eye out for the onion domes.
Holy Martyr Grand Princess Elizabeth Convent Maria Magdalena Church B-4, ul. Kiselyova 42
(. , 42). Founded in 1847, this lovely little church
with a fine octagonal bell tower and splendid dome was built on
the site of an earlier wooden structure. Also on the same territory
are, to the left, a small church dedicated to John the Baptist and
consecrated in 1995 and, to the right, a chapel dating from 1998.
Used as a film, photography and sound archive during the Soviet
period, Mary Magdalena Church was the first religious building
in the city to be given back to the religious community, the first
service taking place on November 25, 1990.
Maryinsky Cathedral D-4, Svobody pl. 9 (. ,
9). This Catholic cathedral survived the ravages of both world
wars but in the 1950s lost its two towers when it received a
thorough Soviet makeover. The twin towers have since been
restored, with copper domes sparkling impressivel y.
Places of interest
Isle of Tears B-2, On the Svisloch, near Storozhevskaya,
MNemiga (). A small footbridge leads from the Trinity
to the Isle of Tears, a memorial commemorating Soviet soldiers
from Belarus who died in the decade-long war with Afghanistan
between 1979 and 1989. The centrepiece is the chapel, with
haunting figures of grieving mothers, sisters and widows at its
base. A nearby fountain features the boy-like figure of an angel,
rigged up to cry teardrops. You may notice that a certain part
of his anatomy is shinier than the rest. This is explained by the
tradition of newlyweds visiting war memorials on their wedding
day, and a modern folk belief that if the bride gropes this poor
young lads privates shell be guaranteed children.
Minsk State Circus D-4, Nezavisimosti pr. 32 (.
, 32), tel. (+375 17) 226 10 08/
(+375 17) 327 22 45. The origins of the Minsk State Circus
date to 1930 and the construction of a tent in whats now
Gorky Park. Todays building took four years to complete and
was opened to the public on February 11, 1959. Completel y
renovated in 2010, the circus now also boasts a hotel for
visiting performers and a museum.
Minsk Zoo ul. Tashkentskaya 40, Chizhovka district (.
, 40), tel. (+375 17) 240 23 97. Established
in 1984 in true Soviet style by workers at the neighbouring
Minsk Automobile Plant, this 42-hectare menagerie features
over 160 species of animals including eagle owls, brown bears,
Egyptian fruit bats, lamas and others. As well as functioning as
an ordinary zoo open to the general public, Minsk Zoo is also
involved in several conservation and breeding programmes.
QOpen 10:00 - 17:00, Fri 10:00 - 18:00.
National Library Nezavisimosti pr. 116 (.
, 116), tel. (+375 17) 229 24 94,
www.nlb.by. Opened on June 16, 2006 and the work of archi-
tects Mihail Vinogradov and Viktor Kramarenko, the Belarusian
National Library is well worth a trip out of the centre for a closer
inspection. Standing at 72 metres tall and boasting an impressive
22 floors, the extraordinary rhombicuboctahedron construction
houses 20 state-of-the-art reading rooms, has full disabled ac-
cess, contains its very own Book Museum, lights up at night and
even has an observation point on top for superb views of the city
reached via a ride in a glass lift that clings to the edge of the build-
ing. A statue of the 16th-century father of Belarusian publishing,
Francysk Skaryna stands near the entrance, whilst membership
is open to anyone in possession of a valid passport regardless of
nationality. QOpen 10:00 - 21:00, Sat, Sun 10:00 - 18:00.
Oktyabrskaya (October) Square D-4, Oktyabrskaya pl.,
next to Museum of Great Patriotic War, MOktyabrskaya
(). Originally functioning as a small marketplace
until the first half of the 19th century, October Square is now
a massive open space that effectively serves as the centre of
the city where a small granite pyramid marks the spot. Most
famous as a place of celebration, public events and an outdoor
skating rink during the winter. Perhaps the most interesting if not
bizarre story of the square is the discovery of several mammoth
skeletons when the Metro line below was being built.
Troitskoye Predmestye (Trinity Suburb) C-4, West
bank of the river, between ul. Maxima Bogdanovicha
and ul. Starovilenskaya ( . .
). Minsks old town, more commonly known
as Troitskoye Predmestye (Trinity Suburb, or just Trinity) after
the former Trinity Church that once stood in the area, is a slight
misnomer in that it dates from just three decades ago. Built
between 1982 and 1985 on the site of a former settlement
dating from the 12th century, Trinity does at least offer a break
from the sprawling concrete of the city centre. The birthplace
of the Belarusian poet and journalist Maxim Bogdanovich, the
area boasts a number of decent restaurants and bars, making
it worth having a look round, especially during the summer.
Parks & Gardens
Central Botanical Garden B-6, ul. Surganova 2a (.
, 2), tel. (+375 17) 284 14 84. Taking up a
considerable portion of the citys Chelyuskintsev Park, the
Central Botanical Gardens date from 1932 and feature some
9,000 different species. QOpen 10:00 - 19:00. Closed Mon.
Chelyuskintsev Park The sprawling, 78-hectare Chely-
uskintsev Park is a hugely popular place for people of all ages
to visit during the warmer part of the year. Great for strolling
around under the trees or taking a picnic, attractions include
an ancient amusement park complete with 28-metre Ferris
wheel, a narrow gauge railway run entirely by young people and,
next door, the lovely Central Botanical Gardens (see above).
Interestingly, the park is named after the SS Chelyuskin, a
Soviet steamship that found itself stranded along the Northern
Sea Route in the early 1930s. Trapped in ice and eventually
sinking, the pilots who rescued the crew were the first ever to
receive the title of Hero of the Soviet Union.
Gorky Park C-5, D-5, Along Nezavisimosti pr., between
ul. Yanki Kupaly and ul. Frunze ( .
. ). The oldest park in Minsk and founded in 1800
as the City Gardens, Gorky Park received its current name in
honour of the Soviet-era writer in 1936. Originally designed
along the lines of a classic English park, the hugely popular
public space has seen many transformations over the years.
Now geared towards children although frequented by people of
all ages, its home among other things to an amusement park
complete with a 56-metre Ferris wheel, a small observatory and
planetarium and an indoor skating rink. During the summer its
possible for children to take a ride round the park on a pony.
Winter Garden in Central Botanical Gardens
WHAT TO SEE
48
GETTING AROUND
49
On the day Hi tlers Wehrmacht took control of the Be-
larusian capi tal in the summer of 1941, Minsk looked
more or less like any other historical ci ty in the region,
a mul ti-ethnic mishmash of wooden houses, Catholic
spires, grand tsarist faades, synagogues and other
miscellaneous archi tecture.
When the Red Army took i t back again three years later,
over 90 per cent of the ci ty lay in ruins. Rebuil t li terall y
from the ashes of the Great Patriotic War in accordance
wi th the strictest Socialist Realist principles, Minsk,
granted the ti tl e Hero Ci ty on June 26, 1974 along
wi th 11 other ci ties in the Soviet Union in honour of
the special role i t played during the aforementioned
hostili ties, offers a rare glimpse at Stalin-era social
planning on a trul y epic scale.
The ci tys crowning masterpiece is the grand avenue
stretching several kil ometres nor theast from the
mostl y pre-war Independence Square through the
heart of the ci ty along Nezavisimosti and out past
the pseudo-Classi cal Belarusian Nati onal Techni cal
Uni versi ty into the suburbs. Lined wi th countless fine
examples, of particular interest are the 1953 Central
Post Offi ce at Nezavisimosti 10 and compl ete wi th
hammer and sickle over the entrance, the 1951 GUM
depar tment store at Nezavisimosti 23 and, a li ttl e
further on, the cathedral-looking structure dating from
1954 thats the Trade Union Palace of Cul ture. Further
on at the centre of the magni fi cent Vi ctory Square
is the arguabl y the most representati ve structure in
the entire ci ty.
The Victory Monument is a 38-metre grani te column
wi th a three-metre replica of the Soviet Order of Vic-
tory on top, unveiled on the 10th anni versary of the
liberation of the ci ty by the Red Army on Jul y 3, 1954
to honour Belarusian Red Army soldiers and Partisans
who gave their li ves during the Great Patriotic War. At
i ts base are four magni ficent bronze reliefs (pictured)
representing May 9, 1945 (Victory Day), the Red Army
During the Great Patriotic War, Belarusian Partisans
and Honour for the Deceased Heroes of the Libera-
tion. Nearby lie small grani te plinths wi th the names
of the other 11 Hero Ci ties throughout Belarus, Russia
and Ukraine.
An eternal flame at the base of the monument, burning
since Jul y 3, 1961, is a popular place for newl yweds
to lay fl owers and have their photograph taken. In-
terestingl y, an entire three kilometre-long stretch of
Nezavisimosti and the buildings surrounding i t were
at one time mooted for inclusion on the Unesco World
Heri tage list, an event which sadl y never happened
thanks to some rather careless planning in 2002 that
destroyed the overall appearance of the area.
Hero City
Out of town
Minsk Sea ( ) A large artificial expanse
of water 5km or so north of Minsk, the Minsk Sea is popular
place to escape during warm weekends. Scattered around
the edge are beaches, cafs, places to rent pedalos and the
like and much more besides.
Mound of Glory ( ) 30km north of
Minsk, at junction of Moscow and Minsk-2 highways.
This rather extraordinary, artificial 70-metre mound out in
the direction of Minsk-2 airport was constructed in 1969 at
the point where four Red Army divisions met on their drive
towards Berlin in 1944. Made from soil taken from thousands
of Belarusian towns and villages affected by the German oc-
cupation, at the top of a 240-step walk on top of the mound
are three huge bayonets rimmed by an elaborate mosaic
depicting the horrors of war in both words and pictures. A
popular place of pilgrimage as well as one of the places local
newl yweds come to have their photograph taken.
Stalins Line ( ) 31km west of Minsk
along the Molodechno road, 6km from Zaslavl, tel.
(+375 17) 503 20 22, www.stalin-line.by. Opened in
2005 to mark the 60th anni versary of the end of the Great
Patriotic War, Stalins Line forms part of a chain of defences
along or close to the former western border of the Soviet
Union that ran from the Finnish border to the Black Sea.
Made up of a large collection of old tanks, aircraft, artillery
and other mili tary hardware and set among old bunkers
and other defensi ve structures visi tors; are free to wander
around at their leisure or to take one of the guided tours on
offer by men in mili tary uniforms. Stalins Line is about 30km
northwest of the capi tal. Tours are available in Russian onl y.
QOpen 10:00 - 18:00. Closed Mon. Entrance: 24 000 BYR
Tour: 30 000 BYR.
Lenin
The countr y s most
well known monument
to the engineer of the
October Revol uti on
stands outsi de t he
House of Government
and dates from 1933.
The work of archi tect I
Langbard and sculptor
M Manizer, the seven-
metre statue was the
tal l est of t he great
man throughout the
enti re USSR and i s
based on a real l i fe
event from the Rus-
si an Ci vi l War when
on May 5, 1920 Vladi-
mir Il yi ch addressed
a group of Red Army soldiers before they left for the
Western Front. The sides of the base feature four
bas-reli efs, October Revolution, Protecting the
Homeland, The Industrialisation of the Country
and The Collectivisation of Agriculture. The statue
is a 1945 reproduction made from one of Manizers
working models as the original was destroyed during
the German occupation.
Monuments
Airlines
Aeroflot Russian Airlines C-4, ul. Yanki Kupaly 25
(. , 25), tel. (+375 17) 327 28 87,
(+375 17) 328 69 79, www.aeroflot.ru.
Bus stations
Moscovsky ( ) ul. Fili-
monova 63 (. , 63), MMoskovskaya
(), tel. (+375 17) 219 36 52. QOpen
05:00 - 23:00.
Tsentralny ( ) E-3
ul. Bobruyskaya 6 (. , 6), MPloschad
Lenina ( ), tel. (+375 17) 226 09 94,
e-mail: avtovokzal@minsktrans.by. QOpen 24 hours.
Vostochny ( ) ul. Vaneyeva
34 (. , 34), tel. (+375 17) 248 06 28.
QOpen 05:30 - 23:00.
Car rental
Hertz E-3, ul. Sverdlova 2/2 (. , 2/2),
MPloschad Lenina ( ), tel. (+375 17)
306 53 35, (+375 29) 660 29 88, www.hertz-belarus.by.
QOpen 24 hours
Strela Car Rental C-2, ul. Tanka 81/2 (. ,
81/2), tel. (+375 25) 604 93 15/(+375 29) 190 78 59.
QOpen 09:00 - 18:00.
Driving
Petrol stations. The hi ghways, towns and ci ti es
of Belarus are lined wi th shiny, state-of-the ar t petrol
stati ons including Lukoil, Slavnef t and BelNef teKhim.
Unleaded petrol is freel y available, as are maps, news-
papers, food and all the other things associated wi th
Western-style stations. Payment is in Belarusian roubles
onl y. At the time of going to press, a li tre of 95 cost
around 7000 BYR.
Vol 2 2012 minsk inyourpocket com
From Minsk To Minsk
Days Dep. Arr. Destination Days Dep. Arr.
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 6:10 8:35 (SU1835) MOSCOW (SU1830) 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 9:25 9:40
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 10:30 12:50 (SU1831) MOSCOW (SU1832) 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 19:15 19:40
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 20:35 22:55 (SU1833) MOSCOW (SU1834) 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 23:20 23:40
Flight schedule
Notes: (1 Mon, 2 Tue, 3 Wed etc...).
For details check at airport.by.
Airline Codes: SU Aeroflot.
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GETTING AROUND
50
GETTING AROUND
51
Vostochny Bus Station
D-3, ul. Revolyutsionnaya 13-119
(. , 13-119),
tel./fax (+375 17) 203-39-95,
http://www.minsktourism.by,
e-mail: tic-minsk@mail.ru.
Minsk tourist information centre is glad to greet the
guests of the capi tal! Here you may:
book a hotel
get free information about the history, cul ture, sports
events of Minsk in di fferent languages (Engli sh,
German, Italian)
l earn the reper toire of museums and theatres,
cinemas and galleries
order sightseeing tours around Minsk
get free brochures and booklets, maps and city guides,
souvenirs and video films
The centre has existed for 6 years and is visi ted by
thousands of tourists from di fferent countries

QWorking hours:
Mon. Th.: 08.45-13.00, 14.00-18.00
Fr.: 08.45-13.00, 14.00-16.45
Days off: Sat, Sun.
Minsk tourist information
centre
Metro
Anyone whos ever ex-
peri enced the beauty
of the Moscow Metro
and is in need of more
inspiration should see
what they got up to
in Minsk. A sur vi ving
testament to Sovi et
desi gn, all maj or sta-
ti ons in the ci ty centre remain intact since they were
constructed wi th such inspiration. The use of glass is
of par ti cular interest, as are the occasi onal busts of
Lenin found lurking in one or two subterranean ni ches.
Using them on the other hand remains at best di fficul t.
Two lines cover central Minsk. Purpl e plasti c tokens
costing 1500 BYR are sold from booths inside Metro
stations. Drop those toy tokens into the slot machine-
like turnstil es. Other ti ckets, including a 10-day pass,
come in the form of magneti c cards. These you ei ther
swipe at the turnstil e or shove in sideways until they
pop back out, toaster-like a second later. Trains run
ever y two minutes or so during rush hour and ever y
fi ve minutes off-peak. After 21:00 trains run ever y
seven to 10 minutes until 01:00.
Buses, Trams & Trolleybuses
Minsk has 12 tram lines, 56 trolleybus routes and over
100 bus routes. All three run from around 05:35 to
00:55 seven days a week. Avoid peak hours if you value
your limbs. Public transport tickets costing 1500 BYR
are sold at most kiosks. Punch them inside the vehicle
or risk a fine.
Minibuses
Known in the vernacular as a marshrutka the pri vate
minibus is an excell ent way of getting around the ci ty
to the other in a hurr y wi thout the expense of a taxi.
Operating al ong the same routes as Minsks buses
and trol l eybuses and di spl ayi ng the same route
numbers wi th the addi ti on of a 10 at the star t (the
1053 operates the same route as troll eybus number
53 for exampl e), they ride for a current flat fare of
5,000 BYR. Peopl e used to using similar transpor t in
other former Sovi et countri es should be aware that
in Minsk a marshrutka onl y pi cks up and puts down
at offi cial stops.
Public transport
Intercars BELARUS
ul. Filimonova 63, 3
(. , 63,
3), tel.(+375 17) 267
16 72, (+375 17) 265 08 58, http://en.intercars.
ru, e-mail: intercars@intercars.ru. Nati onal and
international services to countries including Portugal,
Spain, England, Denmark, Norway, Sweden, France,
Germany, Poland, I tal y, etc. QOpen 09:00 - 19:00, Sat
09:00 - 13:00. Closed Sun.
Long-distance buses
If you use your common sense, taxis can be a surpris-
ingl y cheap and reliable way to get around Minsk. Just
like in any other major city, however, Minsk boats plenty
of entrepreneurial drivers out to take visitors for a ride
in more ways than one. To minimise the risk, look for
either the official yellow taxis or those run by some of the
more reliable private companies, such as 135, 157, 158
and 181. These numbers not onl y show the company
affiliation, theyre also the short telephone numbers
you need to call them. Make sure the meter is running
before you set off.
Taxis
From Minsk To Minsk
Dep. Arr. City Dep. Arr.
08:00 -
09:00
13:45
M
(4) OSNABRUCK (6) 17:00 18:00
18:00 14:30
M
(2,5) PARIS (1,5) 14:00 11:00
18:00 16:30
M
(2,5) ROME (1,5) 12:30 11:00
18:00 17:00
M
(2,5) SALZGITTER (2,6) 9:00 11:00
08:00 -
09:00
21:00
M
(6) STRASBOURG (1) 5:00
15:00 -
16:00
08:00 -
09:00
21:30
M
(4) STUTTGART (1) 8:00
15:00 -
16:00
08:00 -
09:00
18:00
M
(6) STUTTGART (6) 8:00 18:00
08:00 -
09:00
5:30
M
(6) TORZHIM (1) 22:00
15:00 -
16:00
18:00 5:30
M
(2,5) VERONA (2,6) 0:15 11:00
08:00 -
09:00
19:00
M
(4,6) WARSAW (2) 5:00
15:00 -
16:00

M
(6) WARSAW (7) 10:00 18:00
From Minsk To Minsk
8:34 0:29 BERLIN - -
21:25 8:36 KIEV 21:56 8:35
17:38 5:52 (E) LVIV (O) 19:48 9:00
2:08 11:45 MOSCOW 9:51 19:52
3:40 16:23 MOSCOW 15:43 0:49
8:59 20:21 MOSCOW 16:50 0:10
18:26 5:56 MOSCOW 18:55 3:06
21:30 8:05 MOSCOW 19:39 6:34
22:09 8:58 MOSCOW 22:25 7:28
22:18 9:20 MOSCOW 23:34 8:21
23:38 9:37 MOSCOW 23:44 8:06
23:45 10:26 MOSCOW - -
8:34 6:44 PRAGUE 21:54 23:11
- - SIMFEROLPOL (O) 7:55 9:54
17:41 8:44 ST. PETERSBOURGH 15:05 3:53
18:48 9:39 ST. PETERSBOURGH 19:08 7:58
3:33 8:00 VILNIUS 7:05 10:05
7:45 10:45 VILNIUS 16:55 21:39
18:50 21:50 VILNIUS 19:10 22:22
0:21 8:30 WARSAW 10:15 23:11
8:34 19:05 WARSAW 15:15 1:56
20:44 5:40 WARSAW 20:52 08:02
20:40 5:51 WARSAW 15:25 02:01
Notes: (E, O even or odd days of the month).
Train schedule
minsk inyourpocket com
From Minsk To Minsk
18:00 5:00
M
(2,5) AMSTERDAM (1,5) 23:00 11:00
18:00 8:00
M
(2,5) ANTWERPEN (1,5) 21:00 11:00
18:00 15:30
M
(2,5) BERLIN (1) 20:00
15:00 -
16:00
08:00 -
09:00
6:00
M
(4,6) BERLIN (2.6) 12:00 11:00

M
BERLIN (7) 0:45 18:00
18:00 19:30
M
(2,5) BIELEFELD (2,6) 6:30 11:00
18:00 22:10
M
(2,5) BOCHUM (2,6) 4:00 11:00
18:00 11:15
M
(2,5) BOLOGNA (1,5) 18:45 11:00
18:00 16:30
M
(2,5) BRANDENBURG (2,6) 11:30 11:00
08:00 -
09:00
9:50
M
(6) BRAUNSHWEIG (1) 16:10
15:00 -
16:00
08:00 -
09:00
11:45
M
(4) BREMEN (6) 19:00 18:00
18:00 9:00
M
(2,5) BRUSSEL (1,5) 20:00 11:00
18:00 21:40
M
(2,5) DORTMUND (2,6) 4:30 11:00
18:00 22:40
M
(2,5) DUISBURG (2,6) 3:30 11:00
18:00 23:20
M
(2,5) DUSSELDORF (2,6) 3:00 11:00
18:00 22:30
M
(2,5) ESSEN (2,6) 3:50 11:00
18:00 12:30
M
(2,5) FLORENCIA (1,5) 16:30 11:00
08:00 -
09:00
18:45
M
(4) FRANKFURT (1) 11:00
15:00 -
16:00
08:00 -
09:00
15:00
M
(6) FRANKFURT (6) 11:00 18:00
08:00 -
09:00
9:45
M
(4) HAMBURG (6) 21:00 18:00
18:00 21:00
M
(2,5) HAMM (2,6) 5:00 11:00
18:00 18:00
M
(2,5) HANNOVER (2,6)
07:00 -
08:00
11:00
08:00 -
09:00
22:45
M
(4) KARLSRUHE (1) 6:30
15:00 -
16:00
08:00 -
09:00
19:30
M
(6) KARLSRUHE (6) 6:30 18:00
08:00 -
09:00
16:45
M
(4) KASSEL (1) 14:00
15:00 -
16:00
08:00 -
09:00
12:00
M
(6) KASSEL (6) 14:00 18:00
18:00 0:15
M
(2,5) KOLN (2,6) 2:00 11:00
18:00 17:50
M
(2,5) LEIPZIG (2,6) 10:30 11:00
18:00 11:00
M
(2,5) LILLE (1,5) 18:00 11:00
08:00 -
09:00
20:00
M
(4) MANHEIM (1) 9:30
15:00 -
16:00
08:00 -
09:00
16:30
M
(6) MANHEIM (6) 9:30 18:00
18:00 7:50
M
(2,5) MILAN (1,5) 21:30 11:00
18:00 7:00
M
(1) MOSCOW (2,5) 7:00 18:00
15:00 -
16:00
5:00
M
(2) MOSCOW (3,5) 19:00
08:00 -
09:00
11:00 23:00
M
(3,7) MOSCOW
11:00 0:00
M
(3,7) MOSCOW
18:00 23:30
M
(2,5) MUNCHEN (2,6) 5:30 11:00
18:00 19:30
M
(2,5) NEAPOL (1,5) 10:00 11:00
18:00 21:15
M
(2,5) NURNBERG (2,6) 7:30 11:00
International bus schedule International bus schedule
Notes: Schedule valid until Sep 1, 2012. Timetable key:
Departs Minsk. Arrives destination. Days of the week
(1 = Monday). Departs destination. Arrives Minsk.
M

Moscovsky bus station ( )
SHOPPING
52
SHOPPING
53
Minsk is hardl y a shoppers paradise, al though most things
are available, for a price.
Shopping centres
Bigzz () Borovaya 5 (. , 5), tel. (+375 17)
237 93 33. A large hypermarket-style shopping centre not too
far from the city centre. QOpen 09:00 - 23:00. PALK
Evr oopt () ul . Montazhni kov 2 (.
, 2), tel. (+375 17) 201 16 40. Essen-
tiall y a full y fledged hypermarket complete wi th parking for
2,000 cars, i t may not be central but what i t lacks in loca-
tion i t more than makes up for in choice. Selling everything
at bargain prices, the Evroopt chain also has a number of
smaller outlets throughout the ci ty. Also at Nezavisimosti
48, Kalinovskogo 23. QOpen 09:00 - 23:00.
Hippo () Rokossovskogo pr. 2 (.
, 2), tel. (+375 17) 214 47 46. As well
as their larger shopping centre outlets the Hippo chain also
has several smaller shops scattered around the centre.
QOpen 09:00 - 23:00.
Kor ona ( ) - 2, ul . Kal vari yskaya
24 (. , 24), MFrunzenskaya
(), tel. (+375 17) 226 52 19. Two floors
of shops selling ever ything from saucy under wear to
dictionaries, plus currency exchange and one of the best
supermarkets in the city. Theres also a pharmacy that stays
open late and a couple of average restaurants. Upstairs
also find Korona Techno, a large shop selling electrical and
electronic goods from digi tal cameras to washing machines.
QOpen 09:00 - 02:00. TAK
Kupalovsky ( ) D-4, Under Kilo-
meter Zero at Oktiabrskaya metro stop, MOktyabr-
skaya (), tel. (+375 17) 287 77 14.
A labyrinth of tiny shops and stalls, mostl y selling womens
cl othes, al though there are a few other places selling
household i tems, cheap CDs and one li ttle stall selling
childrens toys. Theres also a tiny caf hiding in one corner.
QOpen 11:00 - 19:00. N
ProStore () Dzerzhinskogo pr. 126 (.
, 126), tel. (+375 17) 256 45 59.
Another quali ty Western-styl e outl et selling the usual
array of goods. Also here find an in-house bakery and
delicatessen. Also at Partizansky 182 and Uborevicha 176.
QOpen 09:00 - 23:00.
Shoppi ng Centr e Stol i tsa (
) D-3, Nezavisimosti
pl. ( ), MPloschad Lenina
( ), tel. (+375 17) 226 11 67/(+375
17) 226 18 31. According to many Minsks best shopping
centre, Stoli tsa is a great place for gi ft shopping as i ts got
pretty much everything from clothes to alcohol to souve-
nirs. As well as heaps of retail outlets on three floors, this
centrall y located, 75,000 square-metre underground gem
features a host of cafs, restaurants and, at the time of go-
ing to press, an Internet caf. QOpen 10:00 - 22:00.
Markets
Car Market ( ) Malinovka
district, southwest of the ring road (
), tel. (+375 17) 223 05 09. Motor vehicles
and the associated bi ts that make them ti ck. QOpen
06:00 - 17:00. N
Dinamo Stadium Market ( )
D-4, ul. Kirova 8 (. , 8), tel. (+375 17)
327 65 62. Shoes, pants, saucepans and plants. Billions
of stalls stretching the entire circumference of the Dynamo
stadium. Beware of imitation Adidas goods and ladies and
gentlemen out to relieve you of your wallet. QOpen 08:00 -
17:00. Closed Mon. N
Komarovsky Market ( ) B-5,
ul. Very Khoruzhey 6 (. , 6), MPloschad
Yakuba Kolasa ( ), tel. (+375 17)
331 90 33. This former traditional marketplace has been
completely modernised. Meat is now kept in refrigerators and
everything is in jolly good shape. Despite having lost its old-
world charm, this is still a great place to come and shop for local
produce. QOpen 10:00 - 17:00. Closed Mon. N
Books etc.
None of the shops we found had any great selection of
books in English.
Akademkniga () B-6, Nezavisimosti
pr. 72 (. , 72), tel. (+375 17)
292 00 52/(+375 17) 292 46 52. As part of the Belaru-
Contrary to popu-
l ar opi ni on, Be-
l arus has pl enty
of fantastic indig-
enous products
t hat ser ve wel l
as both gi fts and
souvenirs. Classic
folk-related things
i ncl ude nest i ng
matryoshka dolls,
h a n d - p a i n t e d
wooden spoons,
pl us a weal th of
bi ts and pi eces
f ashi oned f r om
st r aw and f l ax,
among them dolls
i n nati onal cos-
tumes plus straw
horses and chick-
ens popular with children. I f you look around you can
also pick up some nice inlaid wooden boxes which
make great little jewellery boxes. Linen is a favourite,
and is represented predominantly as tablecloths and
napkins, usuall y for a very good pri ce. Or why not
some chocolate? Two well established brands making
a range of chocolates of exceptional quality are Kom-
munarka and Spartak. Locall y-produced glass and
ceramics are both good value and can be really very
nice indeed, and, last but not least, Milavitsa has been
making quality ladies underwear since Soviet times.
As well as the Gi fts & Souvenirs section on p. 45, keep
an eye out for other shops and the markets listed in
this guide, several of which provide perfect gi ft and
souvenir solutions.
What to buy
sian Academy of Sciences, this distinguished shop has many
interesting books on history, science and art among other
subjects. Unfortunatel y, theres little in English, so its mainl y
of interest to Russian speakers. QOpen 10:00 - 19:00, Sat
10:00 - 18:00. Closed Sun.
Central Bookshop (
) D- 4, Nezavi si mosti pr. 19 (.
, 19), tel. (+375 17) 327 49 18. The
largest bookshop in Minsk. Along with a rather interesting,
if random, selection of English-language novels, it also has
Belarus guidebooks in English, Italian and German. It also
has some good postcards of Minsk as well as a selection of
stationary. QOpen 10:00 - 21:00, Sat 10:00 - 20:00, Sun
10:00 - 19:00.
Dom Knigi Svetoch ( ) -3,
Pobediteley pr. 11 (. , 11), tel.
(+375 17) 203 34 96. An old Minsk favouri te for many
years, this recommended bookshop holds a large collection
of literature albeit with little in English with the exception of
a few books about Belarus. Those who use the place say
that the English-speaking staff that work here are some of
the friendliest in the city. QOpen 10:00 - 21:00, Sat 11:00
- 21:00, Sun 11:00 - 19:00.

Flowers & Plants
Flora - Design (-) A-6, ul. Yakuba
Kolasa 50 (. , 50), tel. (+375 29)
666 17 32, www.gloss.by. QOpen 09:00 - 21:00, Sat,
Sun 10:00 - 19:00.
Terra () C-3, Pobediteley pr., underground cross-
ing by Yubileynaya hotel (. ), tel.
(+375 17) 204 85 91, yuri-sh@cosmostv.by. QOpen
08:00 - 19:00, Sat 08:00 - 18:00. Closed Sun.
Food & Drink
Tsentralny () D-4, Nezavisimosti
(), tel. (+375 17) 327 88 76. One of the
best, most Western-style food halls in Minsk despi te i ts
gloriousl y Soviet appearance. There are cafs, bakeries and
a shop selling alcohol on the first floor plus a well stocked
supermarket upstairs. Worth a visit even if youre not going
to buy anything. QOpen 09:00 - 22:00.
Jubileyny-92 (-92) C-3, ul. Zaslavs-
kaya 23/1 (. , 23/1), tel. (+375 17)
223 04 93. Everything and more to fill up your basket.
QOpen 09:00 - 23:00.
Preston Market ( ) B-5, ul. Max-
ima Bogdanovicha 153 (. ,
153), tel. (+375 17) 331 77 65. A popular haunt of
hungry expats, Preston Market sells a good selection of
processed foods and other delights. One of the first of
i ts kind, the place has been somewhat eclipsed over the
years by newer competi tion. Still worth a look inside though.
QOpen 09:00 - 21:00.
Rublevski () D-3, ul. Romanovskaya
Sloboda 14 (. , 14), tel.
(+375 17) 214 89 85. Over 30 shops in Minsk selling a
fairl y average range of groceries and other household prod-
ucts for a decent price. Also at Pobediteley 1, etc. QOpen
08:00 - 23:00.
Sosedi () A-5, ul. Surganova 50 (. -
, 50), tel. (+375 17) 334 82 33. A chain of supermarkets
selling everything necessary. Their large shop, Riga, is gener-
all y considered to be the best. Also recommended for their
great in-store bakeries. QOpen 08:00 - 23:00.
Gifts & Souvenirs
Gallery Slavutiya Maistry (
) C-4, ul. Bogdanovicha 21, 2
-nd
f loor
(. . , 21, 2 ), MNemiga
(), tel. (+375 17) 334 49 79, www.artfolk.by.
A good collection of both grotesquel y ugl y and stagger-
ingl y beauti ful folk ar t, paintings, amber, large cerami c
candleholders, dried flowers and chi ffon scarves. QOpen
10:00 - 19:00, Sat, Sun 10:00 - 17:00. Also at Troi tskaya
naberezhnaya (embankment), 6, tel. (+375 17) 283 28 25.
Open 10:00 - 19:00, Sat, Sun 10:00 - 17:00
GUM () D-4, Nezavisimosti pr. 23 (.
, 23), MOktyabrskaya (-
), tel. (+375 17) 327 88 76. Built in 1951, Minsks
showcase department store is a must for fans of clas-
sic Socialist Realist architecture. Otherwise its a fairl y
dreary shopping experience. QOpen 09:00 - 21:00, Sun
10:00 - 19:00. JA
Na Nemige ( ) D-3,
ul. Nemiga 8 (. , 8), MNemiga (),
tel. (+375 17) 220 97 47. A decidedl y uninspiring
department store in vintage Soviet style. QOpen 09:00
- 21:00, Sun 10:00 - 20:00. A
TSUM () B-5, Nezavisimosti pr. 54 (.
Nezavisimosti, 54), MYakuba Kolasa (. ),
tel. (+375 17) 284 21 64. Several floors of goods
from pens to beds. Hardl y inspiring, al though qui te
good fun. Look out for your wallet and note theres
an ATM on the first floor. QOpen 09:00 - 21:00, Sun
11:00 - 18:00. A
Univermag Belarus ( )
ul. Zhilunovicha 4 (. , 4), MPar-
tizanskaya (), tel. (+375 17)
245 11 11. Another large coll ecti on of ever ything
imaginable for fair prices. QOpen 09:00 - 21:00, Sun
10:00 - 18:00. A
Department stores
TSUM
SHOPPING
54
LIFESTYLE DIRECTORY
55
outdoor market aimed speci ficall y at tourists, find plenty
of folk art, hats and the like as well as a few Soviet-era
mili tary trinkets thrown in for good measure. Arguabl y the
best place in the ci ty for things like matryoshka dolls and
lacquered wooden boxes. Find i t hidden way immediatel y to
the left of the Trade Union Palace. QOpen 10:00 - 18:00.
Closed Mon. N
Ruchnaya Rabota ( ) A-5, ul. Sur-
ganova 50 (. , 50), tel. (+375 17)
559 88 81. Paintings, graphics, posters, tapestries, batik,
china, wood and leather gi fts. Custom made souvenirs.
QOpen 11:00 - 20:00.
Soyuzpechat () C-5, Nezavisimosti pr.
44 (. , 44), MPloschad Pobedy
( ). Buy someone you love a bag of
stamps. Philatel y will get you everywhere. QOpen 08:00 -
20:00, Sat 09:00 - 19:00.
Recorded music
Misteria Zvuka ( ) C-1, ul. Ne-
miga 12 (. , 12), MNemiga (),
tel. (+375 17) 306 53 96. The best CD shop in Minsk
that has a roof. Large selection of nicel y priced interna-
tional and local discs. QOpen 11:00 - 21:00, Sun 11:00
- 18:00. A
Lasandr-art (-) D-3, ul. Romanovskaya
Sloboda 24 (. , 24), tel. (+375 17)
327 79 46. The exhibition presents classical and modern works of
art and sculpture. QOpen 10:00 - 19:00. Closed Sun.
Lyanok () B-5, Nezavisimosty pr. 46 (.
( ), tel. (+375 17) 284 81 44.
Gorgeous local flax and linen, plus a range of hand-made gifts
and souvenirs. QOpen 10:00 - 19:00, Sat 10:00 - 18:00.
Closed Sun.
Minsky Vernisazh ( ) D-4,
Oktyabrskaya Square, next to Museum of Great Pa-
triotic War, MOktyabrskaya (). A small
Shopping Centre Stolitsa
4PVWFOJST
GSPNUIFCFTU
DSBGUTNFOPG#FMBSVT
Craft Gallery
Slavutiya Maistry
Minsk, Troitskoye suberb
(+375 17) 334 49 85
www. artfolk.by
Stay up to date:
Looking for something very specific? Heres a quick guide to
the city that goes beyond the obvious.
Barbers & Beauty
Zhetal () E-3, ul. Mogilevskaya 2/1
(. , 2/1), tel. (+375 17) 228 14 17/
(+375 29) 333 14 17, www.zhetal.com. They offer all
kinds of haircut, manicure, visage, face and body cosmetol-
ogy, solarium, depilation, massage, laser surgery. Q Open
08:00 21:00, Sun 08.00 - 18.00. PLN
Iteira () D-5, ul. Platonova 1b (. ,
1), tel. (+375 17) 331 66 99. QOpen 08:00 - 22:00.
PJAL
Lady Gadiva ( ) D-3, ul. Nemiga 38
(. , 38), MNemiga (), tel. (+375 17)
200 12 46/(+375 29) 670 12 46. QOpen 08:00 - 21:00,
Sun 09:00 - 18:00. PAL
Mon Cinema ( ) B-4, ul. Nezhdanovoy
10, k. 2 (. , 10, . 2), tel. (+375 17) 237
85 86, e-mail: info@moncinema.by, www.moncinema.by.
All sorts of haircut, manicure, cosmetology, SPA, solarium.
QOpen 09:00 - 21:00, Sat 09:00 - 18:00. Closed Sun.
PLN
The First Lady and the Best Man (
) C-3, Pobediteley pr.,
23/1 (- , 23 . 1), tel. (+375
17) 327 16 42, 327 16 45, (+375 25) 755 54 88,
(+375 29) 316 16 45, www.firstlady.relax.by. They
They offer all types of haircut, nail and hair extension,
manicure, pedicure, wax depilation and di fferent kinds of
massage. Q Open 08.00 - 21.00, Mon 09:00 21:00, Sun
08.00 - 21.00.

Staroye Predmestye ( ) D-3,
ul. Revoliutsionnaya 13 (. , 13), tel.
(+375 17) 327 62 62, 3227 07 00, (+375 29) 107 77 77.
Q Open 08:00 - 21:00, Sun 10:00 - 16:00. PJAL

Zolotaya Liniya/Gold Well ( )
C-4, ul. Bogdanovicha 1 (. , 1),
tel. (+375 17) 286 02 07/ (+375 44) 786 02 07,
www.goldwell.by. Haircuts, hair styling, all types of hair
col ouring, hair treatment and recover y. Beauty sal on,
manicure, pedicure, nail extensions, hot manicure. QOpen
09:00 - 21:00. Closed Sun. PLN
Fitness centres
EVO Wellness Club (EVO )
ul. Bogdanovicha 155 v (. , 155 ),
tel. (+375 17) 237 14 71. QOpen 07:00 - 23:00, Sat,
Sun 08:00 - 23:000. AL
Beauty Free ( ) B-6, Nezavisimosti
pr. 86a (. , 86), tel. (+375
17) 267 40 46. QOpen 09:00 - 23:00, Sat, Sun 10:00
- 17:00. PJAFC
Fitness club Geut Gym (- Geut
Gym) B-2, ul. Gvardeyskaya 10 (. ,
10), tel. (+375 17) 306 39 89. QOpen 08:00 - 21:00,
Sat, Sun 10:00 - 15:00. PJ
Mir Fitnessa ( ) A-1, Pobediteley
pr. 20/1 (. , 20/1), tel. (+375
17) 202 46 44. QOpen 07:00 - 23:00, Sat, Sun 09:00
- 22:00. PAFLG
National School of Beauty (-
) ul . Mel ni kay te 4
( . , 4) , MFr unzenskaya
(), tel. (+375 17) 203 35 41.
QOpen 09:00 - 21:00, Sat 12:00 - 18:00. Cl osed
Sun. L
Nevesomost () ul. Filimonova
55/2 (., 55/2 ), MMoskovskaya
(), tel. (+375 17) 237 68 75. QOpen
08:00 - 22:00, Sun 07:00 - 19:00. PF
N-fitness (N-c) B-5, Nezavisimosti pr.
51 (. , 51), tel. (+375 17)
292 86 80. QOpen 08:00 - 22:00, Sat 09:00 - 21:00.
PJAF
NonStop ( ) Pobediteley pr. 89 (.
, 89), tel. (+375 17) 228 52 66, (+375
17) 250 53 96. QOpen 08:00 - 22:00, Sat 09:00 -
21:00, Sun 10:00 - 19:00. PJAF
Princess Spa ( ) D-4, ul. Kirova
13, Crowne Plaza (. , 13, Crowne Plaza),
tel. (+375 17) 200 94 24. QOpen 07:00 - 23:00, Sat,
Sun 09:00 - 22:00. PJFLDW
Sport & Leisure
Minsk-Arena Complex
LIFESTYLE DIRECTORY
56
HEALTH
57
Bowling & Billiards
Bowling House ( ) Nezavisimosti
pr. 117a (. , 117), tel. (+375
17) 268 01 90. QOpen 13:00 - 03:00, Fri 13:00 - 05:00,
Sat 11:00 - 05:00, Sun 11:00 - 03:00.
NLO () A-6, ul. Yakuba Kolasa 37 (.
. , 37), tel. (+375 17) 290 20 80. QOpen
18:00 - 06:00, Fri 16:00 - 06:00, Sat, Sun 12:00 - 06:00.
PALKX
Olimp () B- 5, Nezavisimosti pr. 51
(. , 51), tel. (+375 17) 290 79 03.
QOpen 11:00 - 04:00. PJG
Planeta Hotel () C-3, Pobediteley pr.
31, 2-nd floor (. , 31, 3- ),
tel. (+375 17) 226 77 87. QOpen 12:00 - 24:00.
PJGX
Sharovnya () Par tizanskiy pr. 12
(. , 12), tel. (+375 17)
266 96 24. QOpen 11:00 - 06:00.
Star t () ul . Kal i novskogo 66a (.
, 66), tel. (+375 17) 267 15 86.
QOpen 24 hours.
Sport & Leisure
Saunas
Kariby () ul. Glebki 11 (. . ,
11, tel. (+375 17) 255 53 60, (+375 29) 115 92 24.
QOpen 24 hours.
Na Zamkovoy (- )
C-3, ul. Zamkovaya 33 (. , 33), tel.
(+375 17) 286 20 15/(+375 29) 688 77 11. QOpen
24 hours. NXC
Ne Parsya ( ) C-5, Masherova pr. 11
(. , 11), tel. (+375 29) 660 92 60.
QOpen 24 hours. NDXC
Princess Spa ( ) D-4, ul. Kirova
13, Crowne Plaza (. , 13, Crowne Plaza),
tel. (+375 17) 200 94 24. QOpen 07:00 - 23:00, Sun
09:00 - 22:00. PJAFLGD
Taiti () E-5, ul. Serafimovicha 11 (. -
, 11), MProletarskaya (),
tel. (+375 17) 298 27 99/(+375 29) 960 27 99.
QOpen 24 hours. TNDXC
Japanese VIP Sauna ( Vip-
) ul. Glebki 11 (. . , 11), tel.
(+375 17) 253 81 42. QOpen 10:00 - 22:00.
Swimming
Bel dor st r oy Fi t ness Cent r e (
) ul . Kal v ar i y skay a 37
(. , 37), tel. (+375 17) 251 66 81.
QOpen 07:00 - 23:00.
Pi otr Masher ov Fi tness Centr e (
. .. ) C-3, Pobediteley pr. 23/1
(. , 23/1), tel. (+375 17)
226 68 66. QOpen 07:00 - 23:00. PJF
Olimp () B-5, Nezavisimosti pr. 51 (.
, 51), MPloschad Yakuba Ko-
lasa ( ), tel. (+375 17)
331 07 11. QOpen 7:00 - 23:00, Sun 8:00 - 23:00.
PJDC
Water Spor ts Centre (
) B-6, ul. Surganova 2a (. ,
2), tel. (+375 17) 290 48 26. QOpen 07:00 - 21:30,
Sun 09:00 - 21:30.
Sport & Leisure
Dinamo Stadium ( ) D-4,
ul. Kirova 8 (. , 8), tel. (+375 17)
226 00 55. Local heroes Dimano play at the 50,000-
capacity Dinamo stadium (the official address is Kirova 8,
although this information is rather superfluous as one can
see the floodlights from Moscow). Tickets are as good
as free, al though you`re recommended to buy them in
advance from the attached ticket office. For some seri-
ousl y thorough information in English on all things soccer
in Belarus, including schedules of up-coming matches,
surf on over to www.soccer-belarus.com.
Minsk-Arena (-) Pobediteley pr.
111 (. , 111), tel. (+375 17)
253 53 61. The recentl y opened, mul ti-function Minsk-
Arena provides sports and entertainment facilities for up
to 15,000 spectators. Capable of handling everything
from rock concerts (El ton John and Sting among others
have already performed here) to indoor cycling competi-
tions, Minsk-Arenas biggest claim to fame is that of being
home to HC Dinamo Minsk, the citys top ice hockey team.
QOpen 08:00 - 23:00. PL
Spectator sports
Clinics & Hospitals
Lekar ( ) D-4, ul. Engelsa 34 A/2
(. , 34 / 2), tel. (+375 17)
328 35 45, 328 35 36/(+375 29) 102 02 03, 501 02 03,
www.lekar.by. QOpen 08:00 - 21:00, Sat 09:00 - 20:00,
Sun 09:00 - 15:00.
Lode () B-5, ul. Gikalo 1 (. , 1),
MPloschad Yakuba Kolsa ( ),
tel. (+375 17) 284 72 20/(+375 29) 638 30 03, www.
lode.by. QOpen 08:00 - 21:00, Sat 09:00 - 20:00, Sun
09:00 - 15:00. AL
Nordin () A-5, ul. Surganova 47b (. ,
47), tel. (+375 17) 289 53 48, www.nordin.by. QOpen
08:00 - 22:00. JAUFLDC

Korona ( ) C-4, ul. Kommunistiches-
kaya 39 (. , 3), tel./fax
(+375 17) 284 46 64, tel. (+375 17) 284 56 75,
(+375 29) 358 12 04, (+375 29) 870 70 72,
www.mckorona.by. QOpen 09:00 - 21:00, Sat 09:00 -
19:00. Closed Sun.
Kravira ( ) B-3, Pobediteley pr. 45
(. , 45), tel. (+375 17) 211 28 61,
kravira@kravira.by, www.kravira.by. QOpen 08:00 -
21:00, Sat, Sun 09:00 - 16:00. PDC
Oko ( ) B-5, ul. Yakuba Kolasa 1 (. . ,
1), tel. (+375 17) 292 15 75, www.glaza.by/
oko. QOpen 10: 00 - 20: 00, Sat 10: 00 - 18: 00.
Closed Sun.
Dentists
Belyi nosorog ( ) A-6, ul. Kuzmy
Chernogo, 31 (. , 31), tel. (+375 17)
280 27 43, ul. Polevaya, 6-2 (. 6, . 2),
www.nosorog.by. QOpen 09:00 - 21:00. Closed Sun.
JAL
Dentko () B-5, Nezavisimosti pr. 58 (.
( ), tel. (+375 17) 284 45 11,
info@dentko.by, www.dentko.by. QOpen 08:00 - 21:00.
PJULNW
MiDent () -4, ul. Zybitskaya 3 (.
, 3), MNemiga (), tel. (+375 17)
321 23 80, http://eng.mident.by. QOpen 08:00 - 20:00,
Sat 09:00 - 18:00. Closed Sun. JAL
Pharmacies
Pharmacy # 1 B-5, ul. Kuibysheva 57 (. ,
57), tel. (+375 17) 284 68 67.
Pharmacy #13 D-4, ul. Karla Marxa 20 (.
, 20), MKupalovskaya (), tel.
(+375 17) 220 28 44.
Pharmacy # 13 D-3, pr. Nezavisimosti 16 (.
, 16), MPloschad Lenina (
), tel. (+375 17) 227 48 44/(+375 17) 227
83 40.
Pharmacy # 19 E-3, ul. Kirova 2 (. , 2),
MPloschad Lenina, tel. (+375 17) 225 61 80. QOpen
08:00 - 21:00, Sun 10:00 - 18:00. A
Pharmacy # 2 D-3, ul. Nemiga 30 (. , 30),
MNemiga (), tel. (+375 17) 211 06 75.
Pharmacy # 36 A-4, blvd Shevchenko 11 (
, 11), tel. (+375 17) 288 97 43.
A fountain complex at Komsomolskoye lake
SHOPPING
58
BUSINESS DIRECTORY
58
BUSINESS DIRECTORY
59
Foreign representations
Armenia () D-4, ul. Kirova 17 (. , 17),
tel. (+375 17) 327 51 53/(+375 17) 327 05 63. QOpen
Tue, Thu 10:00 - 16:00. Closed Mon, Wed, Fri, Sat, Sun.
Belgium () B-4, Masherova pr. 54 (.
, 54), tel./fax (+375 17) 293 19 44,
consulbel@tut.by, http://consulbel.at.tut.by. QOpen
by prior arrangement.
Bulgaria () C-4, Svobody pl. 11 ( . ,
11), tel. (+375 17) 328 65 58, fax (+375 17) 328 65 59.
QOpen 10:00 - 13:00. Closed Fri, Sat, Sun.
Chi na () C- 5, ul . Ber estyanskaya 22
(. , 22), tel. (+375 17) 285 36 82/(+375
17) 285 36 83. QOpen 10:00 - 13:00. Closed Sat, Sun.
Cuba () C- 5, ul . Krasnozvyozdnaya 13
(. , 13), tel. (+375 17) 200 03 83/
(+375 17) 284 76 36, embacuba@belsonet.net. QOpen
09:00 - 18:00. Closed Sat, Sun.
Czech Republic ( ) -4,
Muzykalny per. 1/2 ( . 1/2),
tel. (+375 17) 226 55 40/(+375 17) 226 52 44,
minsk@embassy.mzv.cz, www.mzv.cz/minsk. QOpen
09:00 - 12:30. Closed Wed, Sat, Sun.
Estonia () 2 Pereulok Koltsova 52 (2- .
, 52), tel. (+375 17) 219 88 30/(+375 17)
219 88 31, consulate.minsk@mfa.ee. QOpen 15:00 -
16:00. Closed Fri, Sat, Sun. Open for visas Mon, Tue, Wed,
Thu 10:00-13:00.
France () -4, Svobody pl. 11 (
. 11), tel. (+375 17) 229 18 06/(+375 17) 229
18 30, fax (+375 17) 210 25 48, webmestre.by@
Banks
Belgazprombak () ul. Pritytskogo
60 (. , 60), tel. +375 17 229 1629.
Belswissbank () C-3, Pobediteley
pr. 23/3 (. , 23 . 3), MNemiga
(), tel. (+375 17) 306 20 40.
Belvnesheconombank ()
D-3, ul. Myasnikova 32 (. , 32), tel. (+375
17) 209 29 44, www.bveb.by. QOpen 09:00 - 16:00, Fri
09:00 - 14:30. Closed Sat, Sun.
Priorbank () B-3, ul. Very Khoruzhey
31a (. , 31), tel. (+375 17) 289
90 87, www.priorbank.by. The largest pri vate bank in
Belarus and part of the large Rai ffeisen Bank International
company. Operating since 1989, Priorbank provides the
hi ghest standards of ser vi ce to pri vate and business
customers. Everything from car /mortgage loans to VISA/
MasterCard/Belcard credi t cards and much, much more.
A range of premium banking servi ces is also availabl e.
For more information on their wide range of professional
services, take a look at their English-language websi te.
Business connections
Belarus National Bank ( ) -2, Nezavisi-
mosti pr. 20 (. , 20), tel.
(+375) 327 50 37, www.nbrb.by. QOpen 9:00 - 16:00.
Closed Sun.
Belarusian Chamber of Commerce ul. Yakuba Kolasa,
65 (. , 65), tel. (+375 17) 266 04 73,
www.cci.by. QOpen 9:00 - 18:00. Closed Sat, Sun.
Ernst & Young LLC -3, ul. Korolya 51 (. ,
51), tel. (+375 17) 209 45 35, inquiry@by.ey.com,
www.ey.com/belarus.
IMF D-3, ul. Volodarskogo 6 (. ,
6), tel. (+375 17) 200 25 33, www.imf.org. QOpen
09:00 - 18:00.
Law firm Sorainen D-3, ul. Nemiga 40 (. ,
40), tel. (+375 17) 306 21 02, belarus@sorainen.com,
www.sorainen.com.
Stepanovski, Papakul & par tners LLC -4,
ul. Kuibysheva 16 (. , 16), tel. (+375 17)
209 44 83, info@spplaw.by, www.spplaw.by.
UNDP D-4, ul. Kirova 17 (. , 17), tel. (+375
17) 327 48 76, www.un.by.
World Bank -4, ul. Gertsena 2a (. e, 2),
tel. (+375 17) 226 52 84, www.worldbank.org. QOpen
09:00 - 18:00. Closed Sat, Sun. J
Consul ting & Auditing
Dicsa () ul. Melezha 5/2 (. ,
5/2), tel. (+375 17) 268 40 22, www.dicsa.net.
Legal advi ce on investment proj ects, corporate law,
constructi on law, tax planning and intell ectual proper ty
among many other ser vi ces. See their websi te for more
informati on.
Ministry of Foreign Affairs D-4, ul. Lenina 19
(. , 19), tel. (+375 17) 327 92 22, fax
(+375 17) 227- 45-21, www.mfa.gov.by. QOpen
09:00 - 16:00. Closed Sat, Sun.
Minsk City Executive Committee D-3, Neza-
visimosty pr. 8 (. , 8), tel.
(+375 17) 328 55 66, www.minsk.gov.by. QOpen
09:00 - 18:00. Closed Sat, Sun.
Officials Lithuania () D-5, ul. Zakharova 68 (.
, 68), tel. (+375 17) 285 24 49, fax (+375 17)
285 33 37, embassy.lt@belsonet.net, www.lithuania.by.
Moldova () E-4, ul. Byelorusskaya 2 (.
, 2), tel. (+375 17) 289 14 41/(+375 17)
289 11 47. QOpen, Tue, Thu 09:00 - 13:00. Closed Mon,
Wed, Fri, Sat, Sun. J
Netherlands () A-6, ul. Vostoch-
naya 133 (. , 133), tel. (+375 17) 262
53 23, fax (+375 17) 262 40 52, nedcons@gtp.by.
Peru () ul. Prityskogo 34 (. ,
34), tel. (+375 17) 216 91 14/(+375 17) 216 91 15.
QOpen by prior arrangment.
Pol and () C- 5, ul . Rumyantseva 6
(. , 6), tel. (+375 17) 284 99 80/
(+375 17) 284 99 81, ambasada@minsk.polemb.net,
www.polsha.by. QOpen 09:00 - 12:00. Cl osed Sat,
Sun.
Romania () B-2, Moskvina per. 4 (
. 4), tel. (+375 17) 203 77 26/(+375 17) 203 80
97, fax (+375 17) 211 21 63, romania@belembassy.org.
Russia () A- 3, ul. Novovilenskaya 1a
(. , 1), tel. (+375 17) 250 36 66/
(+375 17) 288 67 68. QOpen 09:00 - 16:00. Closed
Fri, Sat, Sun.
Serbi a ( ) E- 2, ul . Rumyantseva 4
(. , 4), tel. (+375 17) 284 29 84,
jugoslav@anitex.by. QOpen Mon, Wed, Fri 10:00 - 12:00.
Closed Tue, Thu, Sat, Sun.
Slovakia () D-3, ul. Volodarskogo 6
(. , 6), tel. (+375 17) 285 29 99,
fax (+375 17) 283 68 48, emb.minsk@mzv.sk,
www.mzv.sk/minsk. QOpen 09:00 - 11:30. Cl osed
Fri, Sat, Sun.
diplomatie.gouv.fr, www.ambafrance-by.org. QOpen
by prior arrangement.
Germany () C-5, ul. Zakharova 26
(. , 26), tel. (+375 17) 217 59 00, fax (+375
17) 294 85 52, germanembassy@mail.belpak.by, www.
minsk.diplo.de. QOpen 09:00 - 12:00. Closed Sat, Sun.
Georgia () C-4, Svobody pl. 4 (. ,
14), MNemiga (), tel. (375 17) 327 62 19,
fax (375 17) 327 61 93. QOpen 09:00 - 12:00. Closed
Sat, Sun.
India () ul. Sobinova 63 (. , 63),
tel. (+375 17) 262 93 99, fax (+375 17) 288 47 99,
indembassy@indemb.bn.by, www.indembminsk.org.
Israel () Par tizansky pr. 6a (.
, 6), tel. (+375 17) 298 44 02, fax
(+375 17) 298 44 03. QOpen 9:00 - 11:30.
Italy () C-3, ul. Rakovskaya 16b (. -
, 16), tel. (+375 17) 229 29 69, fax (+ 375
17) 306 20 37, ambasciata.minsk@esteri.it, www.
ambminsk.esteri.it. QOpen 09:00 - 12:00. Closed Sat, Sun.
Japan () C-3, Pobediteley pr. 23/1 (.
, 23/1), tel. (+375 17) 203 44 81/(+375
17) 203 62 33. QOpen by prior arrangment.
Kazakhstan () -4, ul. Kuibysheva 12
(. , 12), tel. (+375 17) 288 10 26/(+375
17) 334 96 50, kazemb@nsys.by. QOpen 10:00 - 12:00.
Closed Fri, Sat, Sun.
Kyrgyzstan () C-4, ul. Starovilenskaya
57 (. , 57), tel. (+375 17) 234 91
17, fax (+375 17) 334 16 02, manas@nsys.minsk.by.
Latvia () B-5, ul. Doroshevicha 6a (.
, 6), tel. (+375 17) 284 93 93, fax (+375
17) 284 73 34, embassy.belarus@mfa.gov.lv. QOpen
09:00 - 12:00. Closed Sat, Sun.
Minsk's new residential area
BUSINESS DIRECTORY
60
STREET REGISTER
61
Sweden () D-3, ul. Revoliutsionnaya 15
(. , 15), tel. (+ 375 17) 226 55 40,
fax (+37517) 226 55 43. QOpen by prior arrangement.
Switzerland () D-4, ul. Krasnoarmey-
skaya 22a (. , 22), tel. (+375
17) 327 18 42, fax (+375 17) 217 84 62. QOpen 09:00
- 12:00. Closed Fri, Sat, Sun.
Tajikistan () D-4, ul. Kirova 17 (.
, 17), tel. (+375 17) 222 37 98. QOpen 09:00
- 18:00. Closed Sat, Sun.
Turkey () D-3, ul. Volodarskogo 6 (.
, 6), tel. (+375 17) 327 13 83/(+375 17)
327 06 57. QOpen 09:00 - 12:00. Closed Sat, Sun.
Ukraine () B-4, ul. Starovilenskaya 51
(. , 51), tel. (+375 17) 283 19 90 /
(+375 17) 283 19 80, i nf o@ukrai ne- emb.by,
www.belarus.mfa.gov.ua. QOpen , Mon 14:00 - 16:00,
Tue, Wed, Thu 09:00 - 13:00. Closed Fri, Sat, Sun.
United Kingdom () D-4, ul.
Karla Marxa 37 (. , 37), tel. (+375
17) 210 59 20, fax (+375 17) 220 23 06, visaenqui-
ries.minsk@fco.gov.uk, www.britain.by. QOpen , Mon,
Thu 09:00 - 11:30. Closed Tue, Wed, Fri, Sat, Sun.
United States () C-4, ul. Starovilenskaya 46 (.
, 46), tel. (+375 17) 210 12 83/(+375
17) 226 16 01, fax (+375 17) 234 78 53, ConsularMinsk@
state.gov, http://minsk.usembassy.gov. QOpen , Mon, Tue,
Thu 08:30 - 12:00. Closed Wed, Fri, Sat, Sun.
Vatican () D-3, ul. Volodarskogo 6 (.
, 6), tel. (+375 17) 289 15 84, nuntius@
catholic.by, http://nunciature.catholic.by. QOpen
09:00 - 18:00. Closed Sat, Sun.
Insurance
Belgosstrakh () D-2, ul. Liebknechta
70 (. , 70), tel. (+375 17) 269 26 00,
fax (+375 17) 213 08 05, info@belgosstrakh.by, www.
belgosstrakh.by. QOpen 08:30 - 17:30, Fri 18:30 - 16:40.
Closed Sat, Sun.
Belingosstrakh () C-3, Pobediteley
pr. 19 (. , 19), tel. (+375 17) 209
24 16/(+375 17) 209 25 46, www.belingosstrakh.by.
Language courses
Minsk State Linguistic University B-3, ul. Zakharo-
va 21 (. , 21), MPloschad Pobedy
( ), tel. (+375 17) 213 76 63.
A huge and highl y respected insti tution, who offer a mul ti-
tude of courses in a mul ti tude of languages. They have a
good websi te in English http://international.mslu.byQOpen
09:00 - 21:00. Closed Sun.
Photographic services
Foto Centre ( ) E-3, ul. Kirova 1 (opposite
train station) (. , 1), tel. (+375 17) 225 62 25/
(+375 17) 225 06 03. One-hour service. QOpen 09:00 -
20:00, Sun 10:00 - 18:00.
Detailed, carefully researched guides.
Daily Mail
Solid, reliable information on everything from
where to book a reasonable B&B to how best
to spend 72 hours in a city.
The Guardian
You do not even need to pack a guidebook: just
pick up an In Your Pocket when you arrive.
Simon Calder
The Independent & LBC Radio
In Your Pocket: a cheeky, well-written series
of guidebooks.
The New York Times
Most of the traditional guidebook companies
now have decent websites, with plenty of advi-
ce and information either freely available or
downloadable for a fee, but inyourpocket.com
is also well worth a browse. Concentrating on
both well-known and more offbeat European
destinations, its free downloadable city and
country guides are compiled by locals and
regularly updated.
The Independent
The secret of the In Your Pocket guides is
that, unlike many expensive travel guides, they
are written by native English speakers living in
the city they are writing about. That can lend
itself to frank, matter-of-fact advice about your
destination rather than jaded impressions from
world-weary professional travel writers.
The Irish Times
With so many European cities now within easy
range of a low-cost airline flight, this website
is a (literally) priceless first stop before your
holiday. The guides are free to download and
print off as pdfs and have information on where
to eat and stay and what to see on European
city breaks.
The Times
In Your Pocket guides are each written by an
English language writer who lives locally. All
information is also available on the publishers
website.
Sueddeutsche Zeitung
The In Your Pocket series of guide booklets
have turned out to be highly useful in avoiding
tourist traps and other travel hazards. A mix of
Lonely Planet and Time Out, they have become
a European publishing phenomenon.
International Herald Tribune
Press Box
Akademicheskaya ul. -6
Andreevskaya ul. -5
Antonovskaya ul. D-5
Aranskaya ul. -4
Azgura ul. D-5
Azizova ul. -4
Bangalor pl. -5
Belomorskaya ul. B-5
Berestyanskaya ul. -5
Bersona ul. D-3
Betonny proezd -1
Biryuzova ul. -1
Bobruiskaya ul. -3
Bogdana Khmelnitskogo ul. /-6
Boleslava Beruta ul. -1
Botanicheskaya ul. D-6
Bronevoi per. D-5
Byelorusskaya ul. -4
Chapaeva ul. D-5
Chebotaryova ul. -6
Chernyshevskogo ul. -6
Chervyakova ul. -3
Chicherina ul. -4
Chigladze ul.. -1
Daumana ul. -3
Dekabristov ul. -1
Dolgobrodskaya ul. D-6
Domashevskogo per. D-2
Druzhnaya ul. -3
Dzerzhinskogo pr. -1
Engelsa ul. D-4
Fabrichnaya ul. -5
Fabritsiusa ul. -2
Frantishka Bogushevicha ul. D-3
Frunze ul. -5
Gaia ul. -4
Gikalo ul. B-5
Gorodskoi Val ul. D-3
Griboedova ul. -2
Grushevskaya ul. -2
Gusovskogo ul. -1
Gvardeiskaya ul. -2
Ierusalimskaya ul. D-3
Ignatenko ul. -2
Internatsionalnaya ul. D-4
Izvoznaya ul. -2
Kakhovskaya ul. -3
Kalinina per. -6
Kalinina pl. -6
Kalinina ul. -6
Kal variyskaya ul. -1
Karastoyanovoy ul. -4
Karla Liebknechta ul. /D-2
Karla Marxa ul. D-4
Kharkovskaya ul. D-1/2
Kirova ul. /D-4
Kisel yova ul. -4
Klary Zetkin ul. D-3
Klumova per. -6
Kollektornaya ul. D-3
Kommunisticheskaya ul. -4
Komsomolskaya ul. D-3
Korol ya ul. -2/3
Korzha ul. D-2
Kozlova ul. D-6
Kozlova ul. -5
Krasnaya ul. -4/5
Krasnoarmeiskaya ul. D-4
Krasnozvyozdnaya ul. -5
Kropotkina ul. -4
Kuibysheva ul. -5, -4
Kulman ul. -4, -5
Kupriyanova ul. D-2
Kuzmy Chornogo ul. -6
Lenina ul. D-4, -5
Leonida Bedy ul. -5
Lermontova ul. D-1
Lesy Ukrainky ul. -1
Lomonosova ul. -6
Masherova pr. -5, -2
Maxima Bogdanovicha ul. -5, -4
Maxima Tanka ul. -2/3
Melnikaite ul. -3
Mikhasya Lynkova ul. -1
Mogil yovskaya ul. -3
Moskovskaya ul. -3
Moskvina ul. -2
Myasnikova ul. D-3
Nekrasova ul. -6
Nemiga ul. D-3
Nezavisimosti pl. D-3
Nezavisimosti pr. D-3, -5
Novovilenskaya ul. -3
Novovilensky per. -3
Odoevskogo ul. -1
Oktyabrskaya ul. -4
Olshevskogo per. -1
Olshevskogo ul. /-1
Orlovskaya ul. -1/4
Osipenko ul. -4
Papanina ul. -2
Pervomaiskaya ul. D-5
Pervy Tvyordy per. -6
Pervy Zagorodny per. -2
Petrusya Brovky ul. -6
Pinskaya ul. -2
Platonova ul. D-5, -6
Pobediteley pr. -1, -3
Pobedy pl. -5
Pritytskogo ul. -1
Pulikhova ul. D-5
Pushkina pr. /-1
Rakovskaya ul. -3
Romanovskaya Sloboda ul. -3
Rozy Luksemburg ul. -1/2
Rumyantseva ul. -5
Rybalko ul. -6
Sapyorov ul. -2
Serafimovicha ul. -5
Shcherbakova ul. -6
Shchorsa ul. -1
Shevchenko bl vd -4
Skryganova ul. -2
Slesarnaya ul. D-5
Smolenskaya ul. -5/6
Sovetskaya ul. D-3
Stakhanovskaya ul. -6
Stanislavskogo ul. -5
Starovilenskaya ul. /-4
Starovilensky tract -3
Sudmalisa ul. -5
Sukhaya ul. D-3
Surganova ul. -5, -6
Sverdlova ul. D-3
Tarkhanova ul. -2
Tatarskaya ul. -2
Tretyego Sentyabrya ul. D-1, -2
Timiryazeva ul. -1, -2
Tolstogo ul. -3
Tsnyanskaya ul. -5
Ul yanovskaya ul. -4
Uralskaya ul. D-6
Very Khoruzhey ul. -4/5
Vereshchagina ul. -1
Volodarskogo ul. D-3
Volokha ul. D-1/2
Vostochnaya ul. -6
Yakuba Kolasa pl. -5
Yakuba Kolasa ul. -6, -5
Yanki Kupal y ul. -4
Zakharova ul. /D-5
Zapadnaya ul. D-2
Zaslavskaya ul. -3
Zhukova pr. D-1
Zmitroka Byadul y ul. -5
Zolotaya Gorka ul. -5
Belarusian Russian
Street vulitsa / i (.) ulitsa (ul.) / (.)
Square ploscha / (.) ploschad (pl.) / (.)
Avenue praspekt /
(.)
prospekt (pr.) /
(.)
Side street zavulak /
(.)
pereulok (per.) /
(.)
Street Smarts
Minsk In Your Pocket minsk.inyourpocket.com Vol. 2, 2012 minsk.inyourpocket.com
Minsk-
Yuzhny -
Loshitsa
Shabany
Roshcha
Kurasovshchina
Zhdanovichi
Masyukovshchina
Minsk-
-Severny
Radiatorny
Minsk-
Vostochny -
Traktorny
Stepyanka
Tovarny
Dvor
Railway
Station
Stolichny
S
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c
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C
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s
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R
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Komsomolskoe
Ozero
Loshitsa
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a
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Tsnyanskoe
Reservoir
T
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lo
c
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1
23
4
5
3
58
9
H
H
H
H
H
H
H
H
KAMENNAYA
GORKA
AVTOZAVODSKAYA
PARTIZANSKAYA
TRAKTORNY
ZAVOD
PROLETARSKAYA
PERVOMAISKAYA
KUPALOVSKAYA
VOSTOK
OKTYABRSKAYA
NEMIGA
FRUNZENSKAYA
MOLODYOZHNAYA
PUSHKINSKAYA
INSTITUT
KULTURY
PLOSCHAD
LENINA
AKADEMIYA
NAUK
PLOSCHAD
YAKUBA
KOLASA
PLOSCHAD
POBEDY
PARK
CHELYUSKINTSEV
MOSKOVSKAYA
MOGILYOVSKAYA
KUNTSEVSHCHINA
SPORTIVNAYA
BORISOVSKI
TRAKT
URUCHIE
RZHAVETS
VESNYANKA
MASYUKOVSHCHINA
S U K H A R E V O
KRASNY
BOR
Z A P A D
KUNTSEVSHCHINA
M
A
L
I
N
O
V
K
A
KURASOVSHCHINA
SEROVA
L O S H I T S A
C H I Z H O V K A
S E R E B R Y A N K A
DRAZHNYA
ANGARSKAYA
DROZDY
S H A B A N Y
BOLSHAYA
SLEPYANKA
STEPYANKA
Z E L Y O N Y L U G
V O S T O K
AKADEMGORODOK
VOSTOCHNY
ZATSEN
NOVINKI
TSNA
KUNTSEVSHCHINA
TSNYANKA
U R U C H I E
U R U C H I E
BRILEVICHI
KAMENNAYA
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Lukyanovicha St.
Shirokaya Street
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lyanovskaya
s
t.
S
tre
e
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V
o
s
to
c
h
n
a
y
a
S
t.
Romania
Azerbaijan
Armenia
Tadjikistan
Hungary
Slovakia
Vietnam
Israel
India
Irag
Iran
China
Korea
Cuba
Kyrgyzstan
Moldova
Libya
Lithuania
UAE
Palestine
Poland
Germany Serbia
Russia
Syria
USA
Ukraine
Turkmenistan
Switzerland
UK
Japan
Vatican
City
Turkey
Czech
Republic
Bulgaria
France
Sweden
Georgia
Italy
Kazakhstan
Venezuela
1-ST LINE (MOSKOVSKAYA)
2-ND LINE (AVTOZAVODSKAYA)
INTERCHANGE STATIONS
9
28
9
9
VITEBSK MYADEL
O
N
H
C
E
D
O
L
O
M
,
O
N
D
O
R
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V
IL
N
IU
S
BREST SLUCK
MOGILYOV,
GOMEL
M
IN
S
K
N
A
T
IO
N
A
L
A
IR
P
O
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T
,
M
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C
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W
, , 2012
, , 2012
Minsk In Your Pocket minsk.inyourpocket.com Vol. 2, 2012 minsk.inyourpocket.com
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