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Minsk In Your Pocket

Minsk In Your Pocket

Quite simply, there is nowhere like Belarus. For many Westerners it’s a pariah state presided over by the much-vilified You-Know-Who, while Minsk is little more than a quirky reminder of the Soviet Union in its pompous prime. But for those who actually bother to go and see it for themselves, Minsk is a surpsingly charming, calm, clean and safe city. Locals talk freely and frankly about You-Know-Who with either contempt or affection, largely depending on their situation and income. But most take a genuine pride in their city which, it must be remembered, was built out of the total devastation of WWII. Minsk now serves as an almost unparalleled monument to the more grandiose aspirations of Soviet architecture and urban planning. The city centre’s spacious, pedestrian-friendly streets and ornate facades are truly impressive at times. There is not a great deal to do in terms of sightseeing compared with most European capitals. A few days, or a week at most, should suffice to get the best out of the city. Minsk is more a place to stroll around and soak up the unique atmosphere. In keeping with the rest of Europe, prices continue to rise sharply, notably with fuel and food, meaning the prices listed here will probably be out of date before long. That said, you’ll still feel like a tycoon with so many roubles in your pocket.

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Latest Minsk Comments

  • T34 Cocktail Bar (Бар Т34)
    Very cool place indeed. It's like a lounge cocktail bar with a menu of sushi and other smaller dishes. When I was there on a Friday it didn't close until at least 2 am.[...]
  • Café Beze (Безе Кафе)
    A lot of chicken dishes as well as the cakes. Cozy though quite stylish place. Menus partly in English.[...]
  • Olivo (Оливо)
    No menus in English and no English speaking staff when I was there. Luckily "pizza" is a universal word and the staff was however very friendly and the food was great.[...]
  • Voglia Matta (Воглия Матта)
    Good food, menus in Russian and Italian, which will be a big help in Minsk even though you're not fluent in Italian. Becomes a nightclub literally while you dine and it's actually pretty cool. You have to check it out if you're in Minsk.[...]
  • Olivo (Оливо)
    There are a few branches, also one just of the main road near the post office; very friendly staff, and not just pizza, but also locals meals.Went there are few times this April (2009)[...]
  • Ferz Cafe (Ферзь Кафе)
    Nice place. For nonsmokers especially.[...]
  • News Cafe (Ньюс Кафе)
    Went on a Saturday night and got a table quite easily. The staff was really nice, the food was pretty good (I had the pasta with lemon and artichokes - - why does it seem like the Belarussians always use egg noodles?), and they were very g[...]
  • News Cafe (Ньюс Кафе)
    It's a great little place by Minsk standards. If it was anywhere else you probably wouldn't want to deal with girls looking for wealthy foreigners, attitudes and most of the tables being "reserved" on the weekend. To be fare the place is pro[...]
  • Central station (Центральная станция)
    I WAS IN MINSK SOME HOURS THE 1.OF SEPTEMBER, 12 YEARS SINCE LAST TIME. I WANTED TO LEAVE WITH A EARLIER TRAIN AND THE LADIES AT THE COUNTER HELPED ME AND CHANGED THE TICKET WITHOUT ANY PROBLEMS. I DID NOT HAVE TO PAY ANYTHING. MINSK WAS CHANGED MUC[...]
  • Voglia Matta (Воглия Матта)
    best pizza in minsk, great dancing floor , after 2100 full of nice students, best pice in minsk, no entrance fee[...]
  • Graffin (Графин)
    Although it looks a little cracy food and service are excellent - at reasonable prices[...]
  • Planeta (Планета)
    I stayed here during my latest visit to Minsk. The rooms are nice and clean, and have a wonderful panoramic view over the Svislach River (I would recommend this hotel from the view alone). Good service in the reception (which spoke English).If you w[...]
  • Belarus Tour Service
    I used this agency on my latest trip to Minsk, and I can definitely recommend them. They are very professional, helpful and efficient. As there is no Belorussian embassy in my home country, I had to get my visa in Minsk international airport. The co[...]
  • 40 Let Pobedy (40 лет Победы)
    We went for the budget option - do not - without a doubt the scruffiest hotel I have stoped at anywhere in the world.[...]
  • Belavia (Белавия)
    ok[...]