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BELARUS TRAVEL GUIDE
Belarus is located between Ukraine and the Baltics and Eastern Europe. It is a huge country with very small numbers of tourists. Belarus is ruled today by "Europe's last dictator" thanks to the relaxed visa regulations. It's been much more accessible to travel to Belarus in the last few time.


Bialowieza situated in the middle of Poland is one of the oldest and largest European woodland. The country is full of rivers and lakes where locals and adventurous travelers can fish, canoe or kayak, or camp out in the pristine wilderness, undiscovered by the world. Belarus is a country that nature-loving tourists often overlook, so there won't be many travelers competing for space.


Minsk is Belarus's capital and is a cheap and bustling city. It boasts Stalinist architecture , contrasting with old churches, flower-filled squares and old churches. Be sure to enjoy its cafe culture and lively nightlife for a few nights before moving on to quieter cities like Brest and Hrodna and into the countryside, where rare European bison roam.


Although there is some tension between European and Belarusian countries however, it's a cheap destination for those looking to explore a portion of the globe that is not explored by Europe's Western hordes.


This Belarus travel guide will assist you in planning your trip to Belarus and save money.



Top Things to do and see in Belarus

1. Grodno


Grodno is located on the Belarusian frontier. The majority of people visit here to visit the 12th century Kalozha Church, considered to be the oldest church in Belarus. While the outside is dull, the inside has colorful geometrical decorations and crosses and the floor is comprised of green, brown and yellow plates. Make sure you spend some time in the Old Castle’s Grodno History and Archaeology Museum. They will walk you through the region's historical background. It houses artifacts from this region, which include Neolithic spears armor, medieval armour, as well as mammoth teeth. The museum also houses a large collection rare and ancient books. Admission costs 5 BYN.


2. Day excursion to Dudutki


The Dudutki ethnological museum complex is a "living museum" that can be found outside Minsk. Although most of the buildings are from the 19th century, they recreate Belarusian rural life from the 17th-20th centuries. The courtyard also has a that houses a creamery with freshly made cheese. The complex also has pottery shops as well as a woodworker's shop and a bakery, where fresh samples are available! There's also Samorgon, that is a potent moonshine that's made only in Dudutki territory. The museum hosts many festivals throughout the year, including an annual celebration of the blacksmith and various feasting times, Pancake Week (the first week prior to Lent) in addition to as Christmas-themed activities. The museum is priced at just 14 BYN. However, you can also visit it with a guidebook at 23 BYN (which I recommend because English signage is very limited).


3. Enjoy your time in Pripyatsky National Park


Pripyatsky is often referred to as the "Lungs of Europe", because of its natural setting of swamps. Comprising over 156,813 acres, it is home to over 250 avian species as well as 900 species of plants, and more than 50 mammal species, including wild boar, elk, red deer, lynx and European bison. There is plenty to do in the park, including hiking, fishing, boat tours and guided hikes. The park also features an exhibit that focuses on collections of animals and plants and natural photography exhibits and ethnographic display. Accommodation in the forest is as cheap as 75 BYN for a person, which includes a guide. Boat tours and guided hikes usually start around 8-10 BYN.


4. Visit Brest Fortress


Brest Fortress (in Brest) was built between 1833-1842. отдых в Беларуси was destroyed during World War II, the fortress was under siege by thousands of German troops. For a whole month, German soldiers resisted the attack of Belarusian soldiers and citizens. A memorial was built to remember those who defended the fortress. It is possible to visit the damaged walls and memorial statues as well as the crumbling walls. There are several historical museums available on the site (including the Defense Museum and the Museum of War). While entry into the fortress's grounds and museums is free, each museum will charge you 5 BYN.


5. Tour Mir Castle


Mir Castle, a 16-century castle that was built in Belarus, is a well-loved choice for Belarusians. Many locals think it's the most beautiful castle in the country. The towers built of red and white bricks make a striking reflection on the castle's water. The interior is preserved to illustrate how life was like back in the period of the Radziwills who were the wealthy family that resided here between 1568 and the 1840s. The Radziwills were a powerful magnate family originated of Lithuania. They held properties throughout Belarus and the world. Beautiful gardens can be seen throughout the grounds. The outer areas of the castle (courtyards parks, courtyards) are accessible to everyone. Adults can visit at no cost, while students and seniors pay 7 BYN per person. A audio guide is 3 BYN.


6. Visit Nesvizh Castle


Built over 400 years in the 16th-19th centuries, the palace is a mix of Baroque and Renaissance architecture. It is, like Mir Castle, was another residence of the Radziwill family. This is one of the most visited attractions in Belarus and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The castle has English rose gardens on the outside, as well as a central courtyard with yellow walls which surround the castle. The interior was restored in the 19th century and is incredibly elegant with gold-plated ceilings, dark wood-paneled walls, elaborate antique furniture as well as chandeliered reception areas, grand bedrooms, elaborate porcelain fireplaces, mounted hunting trophies, and countless family portraits. The Radziwill family tombs can be located in the adjacent 16th century Catholic Church. The church is the most ancient Baroque structure that isn't located in Italy. Access to the complex costs 15 BYN or 3 BYN for audioguide.


7. Go kayaking


Stracha is a very popular river for kayaking. Isloch has faster-flowing routes, which are great for more experienced paddlers. Two days is sufficient to kayak the river Saryanka on a multi-day trip. Minsk has many rental shops for kayaks, however they should be booked ahead, particularly during the high season. Two days (weekend rental) is about 70 BYN. The price includes pumps, life jackets bags, life jackets, pumps, and delivery in the Minsk region. Day tours start at Minsk at 150 BYN


8. Learn to bake.


Belarusians love their bread and have even an entire Museum of Bread in Botvinovo! The museum is an immersive, hands-on, interactive experience in which you not only discover the art of traditional bread-making, but also bake your own bread using traditional wood stove. The bread is available to purchase at 12 BYN or 17BYN , along with a guide.


8. Take a stroll through Hrodna's Old Castle


Hrodna's Old Castle was built in the 1580s as a residence for the Grand Dukes of Lithuania as well as other Polish Kings. It was extensively damaged by the English in the early 18th century. However, you can still view its ruin and admire the stunning views across the Neman River. Even though only the traces of the castle's original structure remain and reconstruction efforts are ongoing to restore the castle to its former glory in the 16th century. Grodno State Museum of History and Archaeology is the main tourist attraction in the entire complex. It focuses on the history of the area. It is home to the largest collections of artifacts in Belarus, that includes more than 200,000 pieces. Highlights include a selection of Neolithic spearheads and mammoths tusks and a set with arrowheads from the 3rd-4th centuries BCE. There is also an 18th-century dugout container, and weapons of all ages. The general admission is free. Museum admission costs 5 BYN. Many signs are available in English as well.


10. The Belarusian State Art Museum is accessible to the public.


With more than 33,000 works The Belarusian State Art Museum Minsk is Belarus's biggest museum. It has artworks from Soviet social realismists, as well as Russian masters. These include Valentin Volkov (who was a mentor and teacher to Marc Chagall), and Yudel Penn (who was a Russian-French instructor as well as a mentor). The works of Chagall who was born and raised in Belarus are frequently on rotating exhibit here too. At the back of a museum is a section that showcases local art from the 1940s until the 1970s. Adult admission costs 8 BYN and the audio guide costs 3 BYN.


11. Visit the Stalin Line Museum


The Stalin Line was a defense line heavily fortified and stretched for 1,000 kilometers (620 miles) along the Soviet Union’s western frontiers. The line, constructed from 1928-1939, consisted of four fortified areas in close proximity to the cities of Mozyr and Minsk. Minsk lies approximately 1.5 an hour from Mozyr. The museum is open to all visitors. It is possible to walk through reconstructed trenches, historic bunkers, and fortifications. The history is explained in English on the signs. Even if you're not into military history, there are a lot of interactive activities to do, like taking a ride in a tank or helicopter or firing live ammunition. The facility also features many military-related equipment such as warplanes. Adult admission is 15 BYN and students $7 BYN. A three-hour guided tour costs 28 BYN.


Belarus Travel Costs


Accommodation-Hostels can only be found in Brest and Minsk. A four-bed dorm is priced at around 22 BYN per day. For a private room, expect to pay at 45 to 65 BYN per night. You won't get Wi-Fi for free and you should verify the amenities prior to you book.


Budget hotels, guest houses, and bed and breakfasts are offered all over the country. Expect to pay between 85-120 BYN for the double bed in a room that includes breakfast, typically at a cost of 85-120.


You can rent rooms on Airbnb in many cities. Prices start at just 25 BYN per night for rooms that are private. You can expect to pay 70-70 BYN to rent a complete house or apartment.


For those who travel with a tent camping is possible throughout the country. Campgrounds cost around 12 BYN for a night, which is a basic plot for two people without electricity. Camping in the wild is permitted in Belarus, with no limitations regarding camping in public spaces.


Food Belarusian cuisine is delicious. This country, like its Eastern European counterparts, uses much more potatoes (and vegetables in general), cheeses and stews, soups, casseroles and various types of pancakes. The most sought-after meat in Belarus is pork. Sausage is the most delicious. Dumplings are also extremely well-known, particularly Russian Pelmeni (dumplings made from thin, unleavened dough). Vodka is a traditional drink to cleanse the dumplings.


Belarus is a wonderful location to take a bite to eat. You can have a great meal at a local eatery for around 6-8 BYN. Even meat and fish dishes at local restaurants are only 7-10 BYN. A big traditional salad for a family can cost 10-12 BYN.


You can get a beer along with your meal for 3-4 BYN. A glass of wine costs 9-9 BYN. Cocktails cost between 9-14 BYN, while a cappuccino costs 3.50 BYN.


Fast food (think McDonald's) is about 10 BYN when you buy a combo meal. Street food such as pancakes packed with sausages or draniki with meat, cost less than 2 BYN. A Kebab costs between 11-13 BYN and 13 BYN. Pizza is 10-13 BYN.


Meat dishes can be found in restaurants with higher end cuisines for 30 to 35 BYN. Seafood dishes are available for purchase between 35 and 65 BYN and desserts can be bought at a cost of as little as 10 BYN. A three-course dinner at one of these restaurants typically costs 85-100 BYN.


A week's supply of essential groceries for cooking your own meals will cost about 50-65 dollars.


Activities: Museums and attractions like castles or palaces are generally 5-15 BYN, plus 3 BYN if audio guides are required. Guided tours and excursions usually cost 15-30 BYN. Kayak rentals are available for 35-40 BYN per hour. Camping in wild areas and hiking are all-free and abundant.

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