The main arrival points are the railway station and the airport. The railway station is situated in the city centre (“Plošča Lienina” station), while the international airport is 30 km away from the city. From there Minsk can be reached by a taxi (€ 25-30) or a regular airport shuttle (€ 1,5), the stop is located at the central exit of the arrival hall.

The most convenient urban transport is metro. The Minsk subway has only two lines, but all the interesting places are located close to the stations. One-ride fare -€ 0,15.

For ground transportation see the timetable at the web-site of Minsktrans. Tickets for buses, trolleys and trams (€ 0,15) can be purchased at bus stops, from a conductor or a driver. Payment recommended, the ticket inspectors are tough.

Taxi in Minsk costs much cheaper than in many European countries. We recommend you to order taxi by phone or online.Average price for 10-15 km ride – € 4–7.

If you are a fan of the Stalinist architecture, you should take a ride on a “highbrow” bus route 100 – it goes along Praspekt Niezalezhnastsi (Незалежнасці) (by the way, the green bus 100 is one of Minsk’s symbols). 

Minsk has quite many hotels starting from pathetic Soviet heritage and including 5-star  complexes with blackjack and hookers. As an economical option we can recommend hotel “Sputnik” (from € 40 for a single to € 110 for a “luxe”).

Another lodging option is to rent an apartment. You can search for apartments here and here. Prices for something more or less acceptable start from € 30. Cool guys look for places at airbnb.com.

Traditionally, we recommend staying at hostels – it’s more fun. And the hostel industry in Minsk is booming, a new hostel opens every month.

«VIVA» (Zhukouskaha- Жукоўскага, 4). A cosy hostel with a convenient location – just a 10-minute walk from the railway station. € 13 per bed in a 10-bed dorm, € 15 for a 4- or 5-bed dorm.

«Jazz» (Mazyrskaya - Мазырская, 37а). A three-level cottage in a detached housing area full of nature and quietness. The hostel has its own sauna, as well as a patio for BBQ-parties with table tennis and football. Prices – from € 10 for a place in a 10-bed dorm to € 50 – for a whole room for three.

«Traveler» (Haladzeda - Галадзеда, 9а). A small art-hostel in the pines. Offers transfers from the railway station and city tours. Price for a bed - € 10–15.

«Trinity Hostel» (Staravilenskaya - Старавіленская, 12). A new hostel from the same owners in the historical centre.

«EasyFlat» (Berastsianskaya - Берасцянская, 4–21). The smallest hostel in the city – only two 6-bed rooms. Small but feels like home. A bed costs $ 15.

As a free option we recommend to search for a new friend at couchsurfing.com (4,000 registered users from Minsk).

“Cтары Менск” – “Stary Miensk” (Niezalezhnastsi – Незалежнасці, 14). One of our favorite places. A pretty small area accommodates only 4 tables, but in summer the café opens a big terrace with spontaneous concerts, theatre performances and movie screenings. Hot milk punsh with rum and Bullshot became legendary drinks of the Minsk folks. Big coffee and tea menu.

Coffee bar London (Niezalezhnastsi - Незалежнасці, 18).“Stary Miensk”’s fellow with the same long history. Little place but no complaints. Entrance to the beloved second floor is allowed with booze only. In “London” you can meet all the key Minsk characters and check out the vegetarian food. In summer the bar sets up a little terrace.

“Зерно” - “Zerno” (Niezalezhnastsi - Незалежнасці, 46). A light coffeehouse with extraordinary customers, tasty coffee and fresh berry pies and cheesecakes. Most people come with laptops and the café sometimes looks like a coworking place. If you feel thirsty, try home-made lemonades.

«Newton» (Kastrychnitskayavulitsa – Кастрычніцкая вул.,16). Fashion –art-buffet with no alcohol. Located on the most photogenic street in Minsk, with few cars, but many Soviet industrial buildings. The place with a rich and often surprising coffee and tea menu, home-baked food and a big number of art events. In the evening you can watch a movie or listen to jazz. In the gallery area you can purchase works by Belarusian artists, designers and stylists.

Guru coffee club (Kamsamolskaya - Камсамольская, 34/Mikhaylauski zavulak -зав. Міхайлаўскі, 4). A nice coffee shop network with strategic locations near the railway station and Karla Marksa street. Delicious cheesecakes.

Gurmans (Karla Marksa -К. Маркса, 21). A small shop with a wide choice of tea, which can be tasted right away.

Coffee on (Surazhskaya - Суражская, 4). This coffee shop gathers groups of geeks and bloggers, as well as students of the University of Culture which is situated nearby. Works from 7 a.m. Offers coffee to go.

«Сoffeebox» (Niezalezhnastsi - Незалежнасці, 39 / Niamiha - Няміга, 3 / lowerlevelof “Stolitsa” shoppingcentre). Teenagers’ favorite coffeehouse network with wi-fi, table games and coffee to go.

Golden coffee (Niezalezhnastsi - Незалежнасці, 18). Coffee, reasonable breakfasts from 8:00 a.m, much room and view of the main street. Favorite place of sex-tourists from eastern nations.

«Coffeeberry» (Internatsianalnaya - Інтэрнацыянальная, 5). Located in the historical part of the city. Has a smoking area and inexpensive booze. There’s also a branch at the top level of “Stolitsa” shopping centre.

«Лидо» – “Lido” (Niezalezhnastsi - Незалежнасці, 49/1). A roomy fast food restaurant with a huge varietyof  “home-made” dishes. Not expensive and very nourishing.

Buvette (Rakauskaya - Ракаўская, 34). A bakery bar with a wide choice of sandwiches. Also carries salads.

«ТвоЁ кафе» - “Tvoyo Café” (Kulman -Кульман, 9, close to “Monetka” shopping centre). A small cosy café in Komarovski rynok (market) area – perfect for a snack. The menu contains pizza and oriental food, but we recommend kebab. A big one will be more than enough for two. A refreshing ayran to wash kebab down.

«Пит-стоп» - “Pit-stop” (Kalvariyskaya - Кальварыйская, 19). A bistro on the second floor of “Korona” hypermarket. € 4–6 for a substantial meal.

Stolle (Kazlova - Казлова, 8 / Rakauskaya - Ракаўская, 23 / Niezalezhnastsi - Незалежнасці, 53). A network of cafes carrying pies of any flavor and filling – from cherry to cabbage. Prices are decent, and you can take the food away. If you want to stay for longer, there are more dishes on the menu.

«Маэстро» - “Maestro” (“Stolitsa” shopping centre, top level). Self-service café – tasty and cheap. Alcohol and tea or coffee are available at a separate bar.

Pizzeria il grottino (Internatsianalnaya - Інтэрнацыянальная, 13). The main plus – it’s centrally located and you can have a snack on your way to a bar or “Pobeda” cinema.

Pizzeria italiana (underpass at “Partyzanskaja” station). Users of highbrow Belarusian forums say this is the best pizza in the city, though it’s made in the underpass close to “Belarus” department store.

Buffet of «Центральный» (Tsentralny) supermarket (Niezalezhnastsi - Незалежнасці, 23). A cult place which we recommend you to have a look at least. You will see a mixed audience of students, punks, homeless, drunkard artists, and KGB servants taking a random snack and washing it down with beer in plastic glasses. Pay special attention to signs on the wall. By the way, the buffet carries tasty ice-cream sold by weight, “Medok” cake and draft birch sap.

News Cafe (Karla Marksa - К. Маркса, 34). A classic city café with high-quality service, regularly updated menu, fresh newspapers and English-speaking staff. You will have a chance to see Presidential Administration employees and opposition leaders (those who are not in jail) sitting at the neighboring tables. Opens at 8 a.m.

Tapas bar (Internatsianalnaya - Інтэрнацыянальная, 9). A Spanish restaurant with good wine. They carry sangria and have a reasonable lunch menu. In summer, seat yourself on a cosy terrace.

If your stomach insists on originality and “national colour”, call on «Камяніца» - “Kamyanitsa” (Pershamayskaya – Першамайская, 18), «Талакa» - “Talaka” (Rakauskaya – Ракаўская, 18) or «У Франциска» - “U Frantsiska” (Niezalezhnastsi - Незалежнасці, 19). In each of these places you can dive into the depth of Belarusian love for potato and pork, drink krambambulia or khrenavukha (Belarusian national alcoholic beverages), taste all kinds of draniki and machanka. What else? “Talaka” is one of a few places with good cuisine which works till 6 a.m. daily. “Kamianitsa” frequently hosts live music and national dances. “U Frantsiska” is located in the very centre of Minsk..

Low-budget and fast “national colour” - «Васильки» -“Vasilki” cafes. Birches, towels, pans with cracknels and “vasilkovaya voda”. Home-style and simple. Salad+second course+booze=€ 15–20. But you have to taste draniki here!

There are several places in Minsk where you can go for a glass of good beer. For example, a German “cellar” BierKeller (per. Vaiskovy – Вайсковы,12) with oak furniture, beautiful wall paintings, bric-a-bracs like a collection of antique glasses and ladles. You will have a choice of 8 draft beers: from non-filtered Paulaner and Belgian cherry Kriek to mild Cologne ale Gaffel Kölsch. The prices are fairly higher than average: a dinner with beer for two will cost € 40–50.

Beer restaurant «Гвоздь» - “Gvozd” (Hikala – Гікала, 5). “Гвоздь” is Russian for “a nail”. And nails are all over the place: they are used as clothes hangers, door handles, even food is cooked on them. The restaurant carries Guinness, Kilkenny, Kozel, Leffe and serves substantial beer food. Souvenirs – t-shirts, caps, glasses – are already on the menu.

«Гамбрынус» - “Gambrinus”  (ploshcha Svabody - пл.Свaбоды, 2). The new place from the owners of “Gvozd” and “BierKeller”. Self-positioned as a gastropub, where one can taste 12 sorts of draft beer and more than 100 sorts in bottles. There are 4 theme rooms: British-Irish, Czech, Belgian and Carlsberg Room. Prices for a glass - € 4–5.

Irish pub «Дрожжи United» - “Drozhi United” (Sviardlova -Свярдлова, 2). Here you can watch football and eat some meat with Guinness. And all this happens in the settings of old gasoline pumps, glass bottles of Coke and vintage signboards. Open until 2 a.m.

«Арка» - “Arka” (Yakuba Kolasa - вул.Якуба Коласа, 38). A spacious pub – 20 sorts of beer for moderate prices, smiley servers, live music and hookah.

Newman (Niamiha - Няміга, 36). A classic steak house. Experts say that local steaks (€ 15–20 each) are the best in the city. The former banquet room was remade into a bar-gallery Newday with wine, movies and exhibitions of art and photo.

Restaurant «Тифлис» - “Tiflis” (Talbukhina - вул.Талбухіна, 3). Interior – Georgia at the turn of 19th and 20th centuries, with oak floors, wooden furniture and old pictures of Tbilisi. There’s also a whole room dedicated to Borjomi. The food is cooked by Georgian chefs. And cooked well.

Dumpling place «Гурман» - “Gurman” (Kamunistychnaya - вул. Камуністычная, 7). One of a few Minsk long-history-places in a quiet and beautiful district of Osmolovka.

«Кальянная № 1»  - “Kalyannaya№ 1” (Karla Marksa -К. Маркса, 33). A paradise for hookah-lovers in the city centre. Dim red light, pouffe-pillows and dj-sets – on Friday and Saturday the smoke is in the air till 4 a.m., on other days – till 2 a.m. A wide choice of tea, food and booze.

«Закон бутерброда» - “Zakon buterbroda” (Revaliutsyinaya – вул. Рэвалюцыйная, 12). A place which works 24/7 and serves a wide range of shots and unpretentious food. The clear disadvantage is a bad ventilation which makes it hard to breathe during the rush hours. As a compensation, sometimes between 5 and 7 p.m. you can call on happy hours and get a second cocktail for free.

«Ў бар» - “Y-bar” (Niezalezhnastsi - Незалежнасці, 37а). A cosy wine bar with fairly moderate prices (from € 3 for a glass). Food – delicious sandwiches and wine tapas. Located in the same building with a contemporary art gallery, hand-made souvenirs store and a bookstore. This mini-complex is the main spot favored by Minsk bohemia.

«Граффити» - “Graffiti” (zav.Kalinina - зав.Калініна, 16). A small pub-club with a cult status. On weekdays you can visit for a Jazz Wednesday, Blues Thursday or Funk on Fridays, while the weekends are for dancing to Belarusian or foreign rock bands. When visitors ask for “Belarusian underground culture” they are usually taken to “Graffiti”. Once in a couple of months here you can listen to The UNB, who recorded 150 albums in 20 years. On the menu, besides Belarusian beer, you will see perfect Lithuanian Švyturys.

TNT Rock Club (Revaliutsyinaya – вул. Рэвалюцыйная, 9). A place for men 50+, who used to listen to Led Zeppelin and dream of getting to an AC/DC concert. Guitars on the walls, drums on the ceiling. TV-screens broadcast concerts of legendary rock groups. There’s even a little Walk of Fame outside the club. Young rock bands play live in the evening. Food and beverages are matching the club concept. Feels cordial and nostalgic. 

Re:public (Prytytskaha -Прытыцкага, 62). The biggest concert club of the city located close to “Kuncaūščyna” metro station. It hosts both Russian musicians (Noize MC, Petr Mamonov, Jane Air) and guests from the West (Brazaville, Alina Orlova, Papa Roach or Everlast). If there’s nothing suitable on the agenda, just call on for any party. In the end, they serve alcohol at really moderate prices (with no food, though).

Loft Café (P. Brouki - вул. П. Броўкі, 22). Though the place is not centrally located, it doesn’t stop Jon Kennedy and DJ Vadim from playing there. They often host cool parties and live concerts.

If you want to get familiar with the local DJ-culture, call on Music DJ Bar (Chyrvonazornaya- Чырвоназорная, 18) or Enzo Café (Kastrychnitskayavulitsa – Кастрычніцкая вул.,19в). The latter is based on the history of Ferrari and its founder Enzo Ferrari. The cuisine is mostly American.

To connoisseurs of the American 30s’ spirit we recommend Sweet & Sour (Karla Marksa -К. Маркса,14). A bar with jazz background and a desk with the names of available off-menu cocktails. The list is updated weekly. Average price - € 7–9 for a cocktail. 

«ID-бар» (Zakharava - вул. Захарава, 19), «Герои» - “Geroi” (Kazlova - вул. Казлова, 3), «Бессонница» - “Bessonnitsa” (Hertsena - вул. Герцэна, 1) – three nice places from the same owners. Each one has its own concept. “ID-bar” is all about personal identification: several rooms are decorated like “an archive”, “developing chamber” and “an interrogation room”. In “Geroi” (“Heroes”) you will be overwhelmed with pride in great persons and get closer to them with the cocktail menu. “Bessonnitsa” (“Insomnia”), decorated into the theme of jet-lags and Alice in the Wonderland, is open 24/7 for those of you living around-the-clock. Besides, “ID-bar” and “Bessonnitsa” also serve nice food.

Chill Out (Ploshcha Svabody - пл.Свaбоды, 2) is the place of a high-quality house music from local and visiting DJs. In summer the venue is BarBQ terrace in the patio. In winter the dancing moves indoors.

Bar «Стравінскі» - “Stravinski” (Niezalezhnastsi - Незалежнасці, 25б). Sociable bartenders, wide choice of cocktails, uncommon menu. Open from 5 p.m. till 2 a.m. (Fridays and Saturdays – till 6 a.m.). Suitable for getting tuned before going to a party.

Doodah King (Bersana - вул.Берсана, 14). Whisky’n’coke, all night dancing, blues and rock’n’roll on the stage, Texas and Mexico on the walls. If everything goes right, a morning after Doodah King feels like a morning after a night with a hot cheerleader: empty pockets and splitting headache.

Gorky Park (“Plošča Pieramohi” metro station) – the central park with extreme Soviet rides, a group of theme cafes and the training base of “Yunost” hockey club. At any time – day or night – you will see people walking down its smooth paths.

Just across the avenue you will see Yanka Kupala Park, named after a classic Belarusian writer and poet whose death still causes controversies. This park is less crowded, paths are worse, but it’s full of romance and if it’s warm you can take a rest at the fountain with busty muses. The Svisloch river goes through both parks and in summer you can rent a boat or a catamaran. On the other bank you will see the residence-museum of the first Russian Communist Party assembly (Niezalezhnastsi - Незалежнасці, 31a). If the secret police had been more resolute in 1898, the history could have gone a different way.

Loshitski Park − the main recreation sight for Loshitsa area inhabitants and rare romantics with a rich background. The central part was thoroughly renovated, and now has smooth paths, cosy summerhouses and the mansion of Lyubanski family. Deeper into the park there are apple gardens and remnants of the mill where, according to the legend, a young lady hung herself because of love. A tale says that some elements of Stalin’s monument, that used to stand on the Kastrychnitskaya square, were sunk in this area.

Botanic Garden (Surhanava -вул. Сурганава, 2в). In spring, summer and autumn you can walk up and down the lanes, look at swans and a huge collection of orchids. Off-road, there’s a deserted Soviet scientific and research institution. In winter, call on the winter garden which is warm in any season. There’s also a café inside.

National Art Museum (Lenina - вул. Леніна, 20) – or, as the folks call it, “Little Tretyakov”. The museum owns a big collection of Russian paintings. We also recommend paying attention to the collection of Belarusian icons and Radzivill family’s Sarmatian portraits. This is a big deal of what is left from the Belarusian history. And don’t miss the local collection of social realism works.

Great Patriotic War Museum (Niezalezhnastsi - Незалежнасці, 25а). A bleak building on the Kastrychnitskaya square – an ambivalent artifact of Soviet times. Several floors and numerous halls stuffed with the evidence of the Soviet people’s feat during the Great Patriotic War. In the museum patio one can have a look at military hardware of those times. Lots of red calico and weapon – a rare combination for the 21st century.

Ploshcha Niezalezhnastsi (Independence Square). You can start the tour from the monument which, for reasons unknown, is prohibited to take a picture of.

The monument faces the main building of the country’s main higher school. Behind – the House of Government, the front port of which became the stage for the December 19th. The House of Government was designed in the 1930s by the evil genius of Minsk – architect Iosif Langbard. He is also the father of the House of Officers, Academy of Science, and the Theatre of Opera and Ballet – almost all these monumental buildings could be easily reached from the Independence Square if you just go down the Independence Avenue (Praspekt Niezalezhnastsi). Expectedly for Belarus, in 100 meters from the monument to Lenin you will see the red Church of Saint Simon and Helena, at the beginning of the 20th century. To the right from the church there’s a night shop «Белая Русь» (Belaya Rus) – one of a few places in Minsk selling liquor at night.

Praspekt Niezalezhnastsi (Independence Avenue). A straight asphalt arrow stretching for 15 km and cutting the city into two pieces. The steep banks of the avenue are dressed into the Stalinist architecture and are untouched by outdoor advertising and design, which is considered an oversight by locals, but adored by foreigners and Russian cinema makers, who see this as an affecting innocence unusual for other modern capitals. Artist Artur Klinov called this part of Minsk the City of Sun in order to illustrate the Avenue as the main road of the Big Communist Dream.

Upper Town. Minsk historical centre where the city spirit of 19th century lives. Here you will find the Holy Spirit Cathedral − the main Orthodox church of Minsk. The main highlight of the Ploshcha Svabody (Liberty Square) is the City Hall constructed in 1600 to honor the obtaining of Magdeburg rights and reconstructed in 2003 on the basis of original drawings and images. In fact, this area has many newly built places and several good restaurants and bars. Unexpectedly, Upper Town is almost never crowded, so it’s really worthy to have a walk on narrow streets and small patios to experience the subtle atmosphere of Minsk.

Trinity Suburb. Remnants of the old city on the left bank of the Svislach river. Nowadays it is permanently under destruction. In the 15th-19th centuries this was the neighborhood of craftsmen and traders, today it places offices, apartments, restaurants, studios and Maksim Bahadanovič Museum. Close to the Suburb you will see the Island of Tears - a memorial to the soldiers who died in the Soviet military campaign against Afghanistan.

Yanka Kupala Theater (Enhelsa - вул. Энгельса, 7). Named after the classic Belarusian writer and poet and has more than a century of history.

The building has been recently renovated and, according to the restorers, looks the same way as a century ago.

Theatre of Opera and Ballet (Ploscha Paryzhskay Kamuny - пл. Парыжскай Камуны, 1). A piece of Soviet constructivism. According the plan the plan was supposed to have 4 levels, but in the course of construction the budget shrank. Nevertheless, thanks to the perfect park symmetry, gable sculptures and lots of marble and crystal inside, the theatre produces an impression of greatness. The ticket prices are really low. What is more, a shot of brandy in the buffet during the intermission will make even Aida go smoothly.

Gallery “Y” (Niezalezhnastsi - Незалежнасці, 37а). The most famous private gallery of contemporary art in Belarus. The building which used to be a bottle redemption centre today houses the gallery itself, a wine bar, souvenir shop and a bookstore (see info about these places in other sections of the guide). One of the strategic cultural centres of the city.

Minsk cinemas can be of interest to architecture lovers. The building of “Pobeda” (Internatsianalnaya - Інтэрнацыянальная, 20) was constructed on the basement of what used to be a cloister. This cinema has the most ancient seats in the city and is going to be renovated shortly. So hurry up, because who knows what will remain of the inner frescos after the re-opening. The only movie theatre specialized in art-house (from Visconti to amazing avant-garde experiments) is “Raketa” (Rabochy zavulak - зав. Рабочы, 3). If you are an expert in 1980s’ architecture, you should visit “Moskva” (Pieramozhtsau – Пераможцаў, 13) and “Oktiabr” (Niezalezhnastsi – Незалежнасці, 73). The latter has a bonus – real parrots in cages. If you just want to watch a movie, go to multiplex “Belarus” (Ramanauskaya slabada – Раманаўская Слабада, 28). In five halls only premiers are on screen.

Steadily more and more places for alternative activities appear in Minsk. For example, art platform “La Mopa” (2nd zavulak Shchorsa - 2-і завулак Шчорса, 7а) which holds lectures, movie screenings, private concerts - everything is on volunteering basis. In the open space “Dom Fishera” (Niezalezhnastsi – Незалежнасці, 84а) you pay for the time you spend inside. In exchange you get board games, tea and a good company. Sometimes they also organize master classes and concerts.

Ice skating – a perfect winter entertainment. The suitable ice rink can be found here.

If you prefer watching others skating, your place is "Minsk-Arena" (Pieramozhtsau – Пераможцаў, 111). This is one of the largest hockey stadiums in Europe and the home arena for “Dinamo-Minsk” in KHL.

ГУМ (GUM) (Niezalezhnastsi – Незалежнасці, 21). Established in 1951. The main department store remains a kind of museum for Soviet retail, preserving traditions and style of those times. But by no means it affects the customers’ flow as GUM is located in the very centre of Minsk. Here you can find anything – from a toilet brush and men’s trousers to engagement rings and straw horses. Provocative shop-window design, a full variety of Belarusian goods, a concealed canteen on the top floor of the Stalinist architecture monument – GUM keeps surprising and astonishing even locals.

ЦУМ (TSUM) (Niezalezhnastsi – Незалежнасці, 54). GUM’s little brother. This family also includes department stores “Belarus” and “Na Nemige”.

Trade centre “Stolitsa" (Ploshcha Niezalezhnastsi - Independence Square). Three-level underground trade centre. International brands like Jack&Jones, Mango, Terranova and Colin’s go along with the brand stores of Belarusian distilleries and confectionary factories. And you will always find a place to have a snack, buy a shot and eat an ice-cream for dessert.

Hypermarket “Korona” (Kalvaryiskaya - вул. Кальварыйская, 24). Shopping floor on the second floor and a grocery supermarket on the first floor.

A big liquor department, live fish, fresh baked goods and other delights. And most importantly, they work till 2 a.m.

Komarovskiy rynok (market) (Haruzhaj - вул. Веры Харужай, 8). The city’s central market. People come here on weekends for fresh meat, fruit and greens. Though in reality anything could be found here: from exotic spices and Chinese cuisine ingredients to authentic grandmas with home-made cottage and pickles.

“Podzemka” (Niezalezhnastsi – Незалежнасці, 43). The city’s first centre of alternative shopping. For many years this shop-gallery has been not only the only place offering “original” presents and souvenirs, but also the centre of underground culture. Concerts of young bands, exhibitions of Belarusian artists and designers, first Belarusian hand-made items made “Podzemka” a cult.

“Y Gallery Shop” (Niezalezhnastsi – Незалежнасці, 37а). This outlet offers best works by Belarusian designers. Here you can find real art and quality hand-made, souvenirs, accesories, original printed goods and stationery. All goods are exclusive and selected by people with a good taste.

Pay special attention to souvenirs by “Lichtar”, sleeping masks by “Taksama”, clothes by Ivan Aiplatov, notebooks, bags and t-shirts by “Adliha” studio located upstairs. In the shop you can also buy works by the most trendy Belarusian artists.

"Kniharnia lohvinaY" (Niezalezhnastsi – Незалежнасці, 37а). The only bookstore specialized in contemporary Belarusian literature. Also carries art-magazines, albums and almanacs. The store organizes book presentations and meetings with famous writers including living legends. There’s a shelf for books in Ukrainian and a shelf for book crossing.

“Vedy” (Karla Marksa - вул. К. Маркса, 36). This bookstore is famous for its bibliopole section. A wide choice of collected works in classic Soviet editions.

“Pod shpilem” (Under the steeple) (Chyrvonaya - вул. Чырвоная, 1) – this is a popular name of “Kommunarka” confectionary factory brand store. Located in an extremely picturesque area. They sell Belarusian sweets and chocolate. There’s also a small but nice buffet with milkshakes and hot chocolate.

Those of you who want to know what a “Soviet-style line” looks like should not miss the opportunity to visit 24/7 shops. The reason for long lines is the prohibition of liquor sales after 11 p.m. That’s why only few shops work 24/7. So if you happen to be in Preston (Bahdanovicha – вул.Багдановіча, 153) at 1 a.m., you will see how much a Belarusian can sacrifice for the sake of night liquor.

The national currency can be bought from banks and currency exchange offices. You will easily find them in any shopping centre. It’s worse at night, but there’s always a chance. See the list here.

You will not find many web resources for foreign tourists in Belarus, therefore Google Translate will become your best friend.

afisha.tut.by – Minsk culture and entertainment agenda

afisha.34mag.net – alternative Minsk culture and entertainment agenda

www.relax.by – catalogue of Minsk restaurants, bars, etc.

360.by – another catalogue of Minsk restaurants, bars, etc.

www.kvitki.by – electronic ticket system to cultural and sports events

zlachnyaki – review of low dives and cordial spots of “Low-budget Minsk”

www.kinopark.by – cinemas timetable