10 Things To Do In Minsk Like A Local

28.07.2023 - 19:49 / 34travel.me

10 Things To Do In Minsk Like A Local

Cultural programme

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See the city from above

If you visit Minsk in spring or summer, take a ride on the Ferris wheel in Gorky park – this is the most extreme observation spot. You will get a view of the whole downtown – Kastryčnickaja Square, curves of the Svisloch river, the monument at Victory Square – and will find it much easier to find your way in the centre having this aerial map in your memory.

Or, if you prefer a more glamorous atmosphere, drop in at The View restaurant (Pobediteley 7a) with its open terrace and some fancy views of Nemiga.

Get a good drink

Set on a long pub crawl to find an answer to the main question bothering local party panters: which of the two bar streets – Oktyabr’skaya or Zybickaya.

Don’t miss places like Hooligan(Oktyabrskaya 16) and ENZO (Oktyabrskaya 23) in Oktyabr’skaya and El Pushka (Gertsena 12), Banki Butylki(Zybitskaya 6) and Beer Cap (Gertsena 10).

It’s worth dropping in at ID bar (Zaharova 19), Pinky Bandinsky(Komsomolskaya 16a) or Bar Duck (Gikalo 5). Try to convince bartenders to share secrets of their cocktails. You’ll find out that some great places in Minsk are located beyond tourists routes.

If you’re looking for something more authenctic, visit “Centralny” shop (between McDonald’s and Kastryčnickaja metro). We’re not sure you’ll fancy coffee and pastries sold there, but the place has a remarkable Soviet-style interior and unique blend of visitors, from intellectuals to marginals.

Finally, to taste traditional Belarusian alcohol, go to Kamianitsa (Pervomayskaya 18) restaurant.

Attend a performance in the Opera and Ballet Theatre

Book a ticket and spend a few hours enjoying the show (that would cost you much less than in Europe or the USA). Don’t hurry away after the show – walk around the building, have a look at the sculptures in the garden around it or even catch a Pokemon – the game’s fans say pokemons are swarming here.

Continue your way to a legendary Osmolovka quarter behind the theatre to immerse into its calm atmoshpere that, it seems, hasn’t changed since 40s.

Shop for food in Komarovka

The market is another landmark of the city. It sells everyting, from meat to fresh dairy products, fruit, vegetables and much more. Experienced shoppers advise to make friends with some sellers – that’s how you will get good prices and smiles.

Watch a match

Try to get into a hockey game, a basketball or a football match. Sport is getting