Flights to Minsk

Airport transfers

Minsk National Airport sits about 40 km east of the centre. Express buses run to the central bus and railway stations, and taxis take 40 to 50 minutes depending on traffic. Book a taxi through the official desk or an app rather than accepting offers in the arrivals hall. Bring cash in euros or dollars, as UK cards will not work at cash machines or in shops.

Avenues and the Upper Town

Independence Avenue runs for kilometres through the city, lined with grand post-war buildings in the Stalinist style. The Upper Town, around the Holy Spirit Cathedral, keeps a few restored streets from before the war, and the Trinity Suburb across the river has painted 19th-century houses rebuilt in the 1980s. The Island of Tears memorial stands on a small island nearby, reached by a footbridge.

Museums, churches and food

The Great Patriotic War Museum tells the story of the occupation and the partisan movement. The National Library, a glass building shaped like a cut gem, has a viewing platform at the top. The red-brick Church of Saints Simon and Helena faces Independence Square. Try draniki, crisp potato pancakes served with sour cream, or machanka, a pork stew eaten with pancakes, and visit Komarovsky market for local produce.

Getting around and weather

Three metro lines cover the main districts, and the centre is easy to walk, with parks and footpaths following the Svislach for several kilometres. Summers are warm and long in daylight, while winter brings snow and sharp frosts. Minsk is three hours ahead of the UK in winter and two in summer. Check current UK government travel advice and your insurance before you go.

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