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BELARUS GUIDE FOR TRAVEL
Belarus located in Eastern Europe between Ukraine (and the Baltics) and Baltics, is a large country that is a magnet for tourists. And while the Belarus is run by "Europe's most powerful dictator," thanks to its recently relaxed visa rules, going to Belarus is now a lot easier in the last few years.


Bialowieza is the oldest European woodland, and more than half of the country is covered with forest. There are numerous lakes and rivers throughout the country where both locals as well as tourists can paddle or kayak and fish. Belarus is a top destination for nature-loving visitors as you don't have many visitors competing to be here.


Minsk (Belarus's capital) is lively and cheap as well, with its Stalinist architecture juxtaposed against the ancient churches. If you have a few days, enjoy the cafe culture of Minsk as well as its lively nightlife before heading to Hrodna and Brest.


Although there are minor tensions between Belarus and Europe it is still an affordable country that is accessible to anyone who wants to avoid the tourist traps that are prevalent in Western Europe.


This Belarus travel guide will help organize your trip, to save money and gain the most from your stay!


Top Things To Do In Belarus

1. Visit Grodno


Grodno is located near the western border of Belarus. People come to Grodno to visit the Kalozha Church from 12th century, which is the oldest church of Belarus. Although the exterior may appear dull, the inside is full of geometrical decorations such as crosses, crucifixes, and floors made up of brown, yellow, and green plates. Make sure you visit the Old Castle's Grodno History and Archaeology Museum which traces the history of the region. It has artifacts from the region such as mammoth trunks, Neolithic spears, or medieval armor. Also, it has an extensive collection of rare and old books. Admission is free for five BYN.


2. Day trip to Dudutki


The Dudutki Ethnological Museum Complex is a "living museum" located outside of Minsk. While the majority of the structures were built in the 19th century, they recreate rural Belarusian life from the 17th to the 20th century. The complex is comprised of a courtyard with creamery (where you can taste handmade cheese) as well as an artisanal bakery (again fresh samples!) a pottery workshop, a woodworker's shop and a windmill, as well as an historic wooden church and a place where you can learn how the people of the past made horseshoes and other armor. Samorgon is also available. This potent moonshine is made in Dudutki. The museum hosts various festivals throughout the year, including the blacksmith's festival, traditional feast days, Pancake Week (the final week prior to Lent), festive Christmas events as well as a Pancake Week. The museum is priced at only 14 BYN, however you can also go there with a tour guide for just 23 BYN (which I would recommend as English signage is very limited).


3. Enjoy your time in Pripyatsky National Park


Pripyatsky national park can be described as "Lungs of Europe" due to its natural landscape made up of swamps. It encompasses more than 250 species of birds, 900 species of plants, and over 50 mammal varieties that include wild boars (lynxes) as well as red deer, wild boars and European bison. There is plenty to do here: hiking, fishing and boat tours. There are guided hiking trails. The park also has an exhibit that focuses on animal and plant collections as well as natural photography exhibits and an ethnographic exhibit. For about 75 BYN, you can book a night in a forest lodge with a guide. Guided hikes and boat tours generally start at 8-10 BYN.


4. Go to Brest Fortress


Brest Fortress (in Brest) was constructed between 1833 and 1842. During World War II many thousands of German troops occupied the fortress. Belarusian soldiers held off the attack for one month. (There is now a memorial to honor those who defended and protected the fortress). You can visit the bullet-damaged walls and memorial statues, as well as the falling ones. There are also a number of historic museums on the grounds like the Defense Museum or the Museum of War. While entry into the fortress grounds can be provided for free however, you have to pay $5 to access each of them.


5. Tour Mir Castle


Locals enjoy the Mir Castle (16th century), which is a favourite of Belarusians. Its exterior is made of white and red bricks, and its towers are a reflection of the pond of the castle. The interior was preserved to illustrate how life was in the period of the Radziwills who were an affluent family who lived between 1568 and the 1840s. The Radziwills, the powerful magnate family of Lithuania who owned large quantities of land in Belarus and in other countries were born. The gardens, which are meticulously maintained, are beautiful too. The castle's exterior spaces (courtyard and parks) are also free. The castle admission is 14 BYN. 7 BYN and 3 BYN when you want an audio guide.


6. Visit Nesvizh Castle


The palace was constructed more than 400 years ago, in the 16th-19th centuries. It's a mix of Renaissance and Baroque architecture. This is one of the UNESCO World Heritage Site. Outside, there are the traditional English rose gardens, as well as a picturesque central courtyard that is surrounded by the castle's yellow walls. The interior was restored in 1923 and features high ceilings gilded with wood-paneled walls and ornate antique furniture. Rooms for receptions with chandeliers and spacious bedrooms are also available in addition to elaborate porcelain fireplaces and huntingtrophies. The Radziwill family tombs can be located in the adjacent 16th century Catholic church. It is the oldest Baroque structure that isn't located in Italy. Admission for audio guides is $3.


7. Go kayaking


Stracha and Isloch, two of the most sought-after kayaking rivers are Stracha and Isloch. Both rivers have more challenging routes for paddlers with experience. If you are looking for a trip that is multi-day, you can paddle the river Saryanka in two days. Minsk has numerous rental shops that rent kayaks, but these should be reserved in advance, especially in summer when it is the most popular. Expect to pay approximately 70 BYN for a two-day (weekend) rental. The cost includes paddles, life jackets, airtight bags pumps, and free delivery within the Minsk region. Day tours are priced at around 150 BYN from Minsk.


8. Learn how to bake.


Belarusians are awestruck by their bread, and have even an entire Museum of Bread in Botvinovo! This interactive museum allows you to explore the history of traditional bread making and how to make your own with a traditional wood stove. The museum is only 12 BYN. The guide costs 17 BYN.


8. You can take a stroll through Hrodna's Old Castle


The Hrodna's Old Castle, originally built in 1580s to house the Grand Dukes and Kings of Lithuania It was rebuilt in the 1580s. Although most of the castle was destroyed by the Dutch in the beginning of the 18th century, it is accessible to see its ruin and enjoy the beautiful views across the Neman River. Even though the castle was currently in ruins, remnants of its walls remain. There is a ongoing reconstruction plan to bring it back to its former glory in the 16th century. Grodno State Museum of History and Archaeology that focuses on local history is the most important point of interest within the complex. It is home to Belarus's most extensive artifact collections comprising more than 200,000 items. Highlights include Neolithic spearheads, mammoths and Neolithic Tusks, a collection of the 3rd and 4th centuries BCE, a series of archers' arrowheads, a dugoutboat dating to the 18th century, and weapons from all time periods. Admission to the general public is free. Museum admission costs 5 BYN. There are many signs in English.


10. Visit the Belarusian State Art Museum


The Belarusian State Art Museum Minsk includes more than 30,000 pieces within its collection. It includes works by Soviet social realists Russian masters and Yudel Pen who was a mentor and teacher to Marc Chagall (a Russian-French artist). This museum often features exhibitions rotating that showcase Chagall's works. Chagall was born and raised here. The back of the museum is filled with local art that dates from the 1940s through the 1970s. Admission for adults is $8 BYN. Audio guides are $3.


11. Go to the Stalin Line Museum


The Stalin Line was a fortified defense line that ran over 1,000 kilometers (620 miles) along Soviet Union's western frontier. The line was built between 1928-1939 and included 4 fortified areas surrounding the cities of Polotsk (Minsk), Slutsk (Slutsk) and Mozyr. Minsk is 1.5 hours away from the museum in open air. It is located exactly on the site of this line. It is possible to visit fortifications that have been reconstructed as well as bunkers that date back to the past, and trenches. The historical background is explained in English on the signs. There are many interactive activities even if your aren't a fan of military historical events. You can go on an excursion on a tank or helicopter or shoot live ammunition. There is also a large collection of military-related technology like warplanes, weapons and other equipment. Adult admission costs 15 BYN, while students pay 7 by making a payment of 7 BYN. 28 BYN is for a three-hour guided walk.


Belarus Travel Costs


Accommodation Hostels are only available in Brest (Minsk) and Grodno (with rates starting at 22 BYN per night for a four-bed dorm). It is possible to be paying between 45 and 55 BYN for a private bedroom. Wi-Fi may not always be available, so check the amenities prior to making a reservation.


Budget hotels, guest houses, and breakfast and bed are offered throughout the country. A double room in a double-room is priced between 85 to 120 BYN per night, and often includes breakfast.


You can rent an Airbnb room in most cities. Prices start at just 25 BYN per night for private rooms. Expect to pay about 70 BYN for a whole home or apartment.


Camping is also available for people who travel with a camping tent. Camping sites cost about 12 BYN for a night, which is a basic plot for two people who do not have electricity. Wild camping is allowed in Belarus. There are no restrictions to camping in public spaces.


Food Belarusian traditional food, which includes lots of potatoes (and all sorts of vegetables) as well as cheeses. Most people prefer pork to sausage. Dumplings are also extremely well-known, particularly Russian pelmeni (dumplings made from thin, unleavened dough). Vodka is a traditional drink to wash it all down.



Belarus has a very affordable price for food. You can find traditional Belarusian food at local restaurants starting at 6-8 BYN. This includes draniki (potato pancakes), kletski (dumplings) and sorrel broth. Local eateries offer seafood and meat dishes at around 7-10 dollars. For 10-12 BYN, you will enjoy a huge and delicious traditional salad.


It is possible to get a drink along with your meal for 3-4 BYN. белорусский туроператор of wine costs 9-9 BYN. Cocktails can cost between 9-14 BYN. A cappuccino will cost you 3.50BYN.


If you are having a meal combo it will cost you around 10 BYN to eat fast food (think McDonalds). Street food, such as pancakes that contain sausage or a draniki that contains meat, is less than 2 BYN. Kebabs cost between 11 and 13 BYN. Pizza is 10-13 BYN.


At higher-end restaurants the meat dishes range from 30 to 35 BYN, seafood dishes are 35-65 BYN, and desserts cost 10-15 BYN. A three-course meal at these restaurants is priced between 85 and 100 BYN.


A week's worth of groceries like pasta and seasonal produce can cost between 50 and 65 BYN if you plan to make your own food.


Activities Museums, attractions as well as other tourist attractions (such as castles & palaces) cost between 5-15 BYN and 3 BYN to hire an audioguide. Guided tours and excursions typically cost between 15 and 30 BYN. Kayak rentals cost approximately 35-40 dollars per person. Hiking and wild camping are free and plentiful.

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