OUR DESTINATIONS
Let us help you find your perfect holiday by phoning us on
We offer holidays to the four corners of the globe. If you want specialist advise please phone our travel team and we will be happy to help.
Alternatively, check out some of our holiday offers below.
- Destinations
- Europe
- Belarus
- Minsk
Minsk
Dating back to the 10th century, Minsk, capital of Belarus, is
one of Europe's oldest cities, but it presents a surprisingly
modern aspect today, most of its historic buildings having been
flattened during World War II. After the war, during the 1950s,
Minsk was rebuilt as a showpiece Soviet city, and little has
changed since then. Scrupulously neat wide boulevards and squares
lined with grandiose block-style buildings, interspersed with
looming statues of Lenin, war memorials and Soviet symbols, set the
backdrop for this city which is home to almost two-million people,
on the banks of the Svisloch River.
Visitors to Minsk will find it hard not to be struck by the
simple pride and joy the local citizens take in their city, where
the interiors and style are a somewhat 'over-the-top' and often
kitsch attempt at modern sophistication. There are nightclubs and
casinos full of mirrors and lights; restaurants with steel and
glass levels; theatres oozing baroque both on and off-stage; and a
variety of incredibly themed health spas (called 'saunas') where
waterfalls cascade into indoor pools. It all adds up to a
fascinating experience, which visitors either love or hate, but
cannot fail to appreciate.
The present in Minsk is interesting, but so is the past. Because
of its central eastern location between Poland and Ukraine, this
city has been a European battleground over the centuries, suffering
at the hands off the Russian Tsar's troops in the 1600s, Peter the
Great and Sweden in the 1700s, Napoleon and then Hitler. Perhaps it
is not surprising that the city is seemingly content under
communism-inspired rule after all it endured with imperialism.
Information & Facts
Climate
This humid, damp city has precipitation on most days of the
year, with wet summers and snowy winters. The climate in Minsk is,
however, moderate with an average January temperature of 21°F
(-6°C) and an average July temperature of 64°F (18°C). Winters are
mild, with snow, while summers are warm and usually damp; two
thirds of the annual precipitation falls during the summer months.
May to September is the warmest time of year. Fog is common during
the autumn and spring.
Getting Around
The best way to get around Minsk is on the fast, efficient and
extremely clean Metro system. It does tend to be very crowded
however. To access places not served by the Metro there is a good
system of trams, buses and trolley buses, which run from 5.30am to
after midnight every day. It is wise to avoid peak hours. Taxis
tend to be expensive, and should be booked by telephone from
reliable, official operators. Taxis flagged in the street tend to
be private and may rip off unsuspecting visitors. State taxis are
yellow, and are metered. Ensure meters are turned on when
departing. Drivers prefer to negotiate fares before you board.
Language
Russian and Belarussian are both official languages, with
the majority speaking Russian.
Money
The currency is the Belarussian ruble (BYR), which is equal to
100 kopeks. There are no coins in circulation (plastic cards and
tokens are used for the metro and public telephones). Currency and
travellers cheques can be exchanged at banks and official bureaux
de changes in Minsk and the larger towns. US Dollars and Euros are
preferred and some currencies may not be accepted. Exchange offices
may reject old/damaged notes and it is advisable to keep all
receipts for exchange transactions as these may be required on
departure, or when re-converting your leftover rubles. Mastercard
and Visa are accepted at the larger hotels and tourist restaurants,
but American Express and Discovery cards are not accepted at all.
ATMs are widely accessible in major towns and banking hours are
weekdays from 9am to 5pm.
Time
Local time is GMT +2. (GMT +3 from last Sunday in March to
last Sunday in October).