Belarus travel guide
Belarus Tourism | Belarus Guide
You're Going to Love Belarus
Arrive in Minsk to visit the museums and see the architecture from the Stalin era and then go further afield to explore the national parks and castles that are located in the countryside outside the cities.
What to do in Belarus
1. Go to Nesvizh Castle
Surrounded by lakes and a moat, Nesvizh Castle was built in 1583 by the Radziwill family who were powerful magnates in Belarus.
2. Explore the Monastery in Zhirovichy
Renowned for being the largest in Belarus, this Orthodox monastery in Zhirovichy is home to one of Belarus's most important Christian Shrines.
3. Museums in Minsk
The Museum of the Great Patriotic War details the history of the Nazi occupation in Belarus during the Second World War, and the National Arts Museum displays works created by sculptors and artists from Belarus.
4. Visit Brest
Explore the Brest Fortress and pop into the Museum of History and the Museum of Railway Technology, which has displays of trains dating as far back as 1903.
5. Braslav Lakes National Park
Established in 1993, the national park is famous for a combination of around 300 beautiful lakes and landscapes that are the result of an ancient glacier.
When to visit Belarus
The best time to visit Belarus would be in the spring and summer months from May to September. In the height of summer in June and July, temperatures can reach around 77°F.
How to Get to Belarus
Entry requirements
Most travelers from Europe and North America will need a visa to visit Belarus. They'll also need valid medical insurance and sufficient proof of funds for the duration of the stay. Visitors staying longer than 5 working days will need to register at the local branch of the Department of Citizenship and Migration.
Plane
Minsk International Airport, 25 mi outside the city, is the major airport in Belarus, receiving international flights from Europe operated by Belavia, the national carrier and other international airlines, such as Etihad Airways, Finnair and Lufthansa.
Train
International rail services exist between Belarus and the neighboring countries, such as Ukraine, Latvia and Lithuania. It is important to have a valid transit visa to travel over land into Belarus.
Bus
Bus travel is a quick and efficient way to get into Belarus from Vilnius in Lithuania. There is also an Ecolines bus that operates between Warsaw in Poland and Minsk or Brest.
Popular airlines serving Belarus
Where to stay in Belarus
Minsk has a range of hotels from local and international chains. Other towns, such as Gomel and Brest, have more upmarket hotels catering for business visitors, as well as midrange hotels for travelers.
Where to stay in popular areas of Belarus
Most booked hotels in Belarus
How to Get Around Belarus
Public Transportation
Minsk has an efficient metro system with two different lines. One token, for a single trip, will cost around 0.65 BYN (0.30 USD). There is also a system of trolleybuses, trams and buses, which run in Minsk and other cities, such as Gomel, Brest and Vitebsk.
Trains
Belarus Railways operates train services between Minsk and other major towns in Belarus and is a fast and efficient way to travel. Tickets, which can range between about 9-14 BYN (4.40-6.80 USD) depending on route, can be booked and paid for in advance online.
Bus
Several intercity bus routes operate in Belarus and tickets can be bought same-day at the bus station. There are also minibuses operating on fixed routes and although they are not as comfortable as regular buses or trains, they are often faster.
Car
Car rental companies, such as Avis and Hertz, are represented at both the airport and hotels in Minsk. It is possible to rent a car with or without a driver, although the latter may be recommended as not many of the road signs are in English.
The Cost of Living in Belarus
Most major credit cards, including Mastercard, Visa and American Express, are accepted in restaurants and larger hotels. ATMs are located throughout the country in shops, supermarkets and banks, and will accept Visa and Mastercard. A gallon of milk and a dozen eggs will cost around 8 BYN (3.90 USD) in a grocery store while a meal per person in an inexpensive restaurant will cost in the region of 16 BYN (7.80 USD).