BELARUS DESTINATION GUIDE

As the world leader in travel experiences since 1947, we connect you to the real Belarus in a way like no other. Located between Russia and Poland, Belarus is one of the least travelled destinations in eastern Europe - yet it’s one of the most captivating. Our Belarus holidays explore a land where a bygone Soviet era meets emerging modernism, starting with the capital of Minsk. The city offers an untouched insight into the days of Soviet rule, with Stalinist architecture lining the boulevards. After the city was razed during WWII, few pre-war buildings remain, although our Local Specialists will reveal its historic gems. See the striking Red Church and the Cathedral of the Holy Spirit, and visit the moving Island of Tears. Tour the excellent museums and art galleries and meet the hospitable locals. Our Belarus trips will show you the real thing, with a visit to a working convent and a night with a Belarusian family near Minsk, where you’ll savour potato cakes and local beer as you listen to traditional songs and tales. Travel with us and unlock the infinite possibilities thanks to our exclusive Trafalgar Highlights.

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"Straddling East and West, Belarus is a country whose culture has been shaped by Polish, Lithuanian and Soviet influences"

John, Travel Director

Belarus at a glance

Belarus is one of the least travelled destinations in Europe - yet it’s one of the most captivating. Join your expert Trafalgar Travel Director and explore a land where a bygone Soviet era meets emerging modernism, with historic monuments, excellent museums, hospitable locals and hearty cuisine.

Currency: ‎Belarusian ruble
Winter: -7°C
Summer: 18°C
Time Zone: GMT+3

Capital City: Minsk
Language: Belarusian
Good Morning: Dobraj ranicy
Good Evening: Dobry viečar

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Our top 5 things to do in Belarus

From the sacred statues of the Island of Tears, to the incredible workshops of the only active convent in Minsk, our Belarus tours are full of soul-stirring moments.

Visit to the Saint Elizabeth Convent

A rare opportunity to visit the only working convent in Minsk, where the sisters offer housing for pilgrims and spiritual and educational help to rehabilitate members of the community. Take a tour to see more than 20 workshops including icon painting, stained glass, mosaic, sewing and embroidery, woodwork and engineering.

Stroll down to Independence Square, Minsk

As one of the largest squares in Europe, Independence Square is a hub of Minsk attractions. Take a walk down Independence Avenue to arrive at the square, where you’ll find Minsk City Hall, the Supreme Soviet of Belarus, a statue of Lenin, and the Church of Saints Simon and Helen.

Walk to the Island of Tears in Minsk

The Island of Tears is one of the most moving places to visit in Belarus. Set on an island in the river Svislach, this beautiful memorial of sacred statues commemorate the Soviet soldiers who died in the ten-year war with Afghanistan in the 1980s.

Admire local art at the Galereya Slavutasts in Minsk

The Galereya Slavutasts is one of the most weird and wonderful stops of any Belarus travel experience. With a variety of items such as treasure chests, dried flowers, Belarusian folk art, paintings, amber, ceramics and clothing, this is one of the most unusual art galleries in eastern Europe.

Admire the Red Church, the Roman Catholic centre of faith

Located in Independence Square in Minsk, the Red Church is a striking red brick Roman Catholic cathedral. Also known as the Church of Saints Simon and Helen, the church is said to be built and named in memory of the two young children of a prominent Belarusian family.

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Best museums in Belarus

The museums are a highlight of any Minsk travel experience. We'll take you to explore one of the world’s biggest war museums, discover ancient icon paintings, or peruse the biggest archaeological collection in Belarus.

MINSK

Belarusian Great Patriotic War Museum

Opened after the liberation of Minsk from the Nazis in 1944, the Belarusian Great Patriotic War Museum was the only museum in Belarus created during the war. Today, it’s one of the world’s biggest war museums with 24 exhibition halls showcasing weapons, photos, journals and heavy artillery.

MINSK

Belarusian National Arts Museum

With over 30,000 works of Belarusian and international art, the Belarusian National Arts Museum is the largest art museum in Belarus. You’ll find sculptures, textiles, wood carvings and works spanning from ancient icon paintings to modernist 20th century paintings.

MINSK

Belarusian National History Museum

Located in Minsk, the Belarusian National History Museum houses the biggest collection of monuments of Belarusian history. With around 450,000 items spanning from ancient times to the present century, you can explore the biggest archeological collection in Belarus, with primeval tools, traditional dress and historic manuscripts.

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Best food in Belarus

Meat and vegetables are the stars of Belarusian cuisine, with pork stuffed dumplings and thick potato pies warming up the coldest of winter days. Join us as we sample the hearty comfort cuisine during our trips across this fascinating country.

Kalduny

A signature dumpling dish stuffed with meat and mushrooms. You can have them baked, fried or even served in the warm broth they were boiled in. Top with melted butter or thick sour cream for a tasty treat.

Kluski

Kluski is a traditional dumpling dish, made with boiled potatoes and flour. Whether you eat them as a main dish, or serve it as a garnish with meat, Kluski is a delicious Belarusian favourite.

Babka

One of the most-loved Belarusian dishes, Babka is a potato pie or pudding, made with grated potatoes, onions, eggs, smoky bacon. It’s oven-baked then served warm with a sauce of pork flitch and sour cream.

What to pack for Belarus

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Comfortable walking shoes

Minsk is a sprawling city and best explored on foot. Be sure to pack comfortable, worn-in walking shoes when you visit Belarus.

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Russian phrasebook

Russian is the most widely used language in Belarus and can be difficult to learn. Pack a phrasebook to help decipher the Cyrillic alphabet and learn a few common words.

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Waterproof coat

Minsk weather can be unpredictable, so bring a waterproof coat or umbrella to prepare for rain showers all year round.

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An adaptor plug

Voltage in Belarus is 220V and the sockets are of Type C or F, with standard European 2-pin plugs.

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Sunglasses

Sunglasses are essential all year round - they’ll shield your eyes in the sunny summer and protect against snow blindness in winter.

Other things to know before you go

Depending on your nationality, you'll need a valid passport and may also need visas to enter. Please check this well in advance of your trip departure date here. Some countries also require passports to have 3-6 months left on them before the given expiry date, so be sure to double check this before booking your travels.

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5 million happy guests and counting

Overall Rating

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Out of 5

Trip Rating

Customer experience

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Out of 5

4.6

Out of 5

Our top 5 things to do in Belarus

Visit to the Saint Elizabeth Convent

Stroll down to Independence Square, Minsk

Walk to the Island of Tears in Minsk

Admire local art at the Galereya Slavutasts in Minsk

Admire the Red Church, the Roman Catholic centre of faith

Best museums in Belarus

Belarusian Great Patriotic War Museum

Belarusian National Arts Museum

Belarusian National History Museum

Best food in Belarus

Kalduny

Kluski

Babka

What to pack for Belarus

Comfortable walking shoes

Russian phrasebook

Waterproof coat

An adaptor plug

Sunglasses

Other things to know before you go

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