Standing on the outskirts of Europe, Minsk is often a blind spot for travellers. What’s more, visitors may not understand Minsk at first sight – the real city spirit is hidden beneath a glossy cover entitled “nothing happens here”. Don’t be fooled by this façade though – the Belarusian capital will almost certainly surprise you. It has a great culture and a history that dates back much further than commonly thought, however it can be a difficult city to experience if you don’t know what to look for and where to look for it.

Veranika, our local editor for Minsk, has shared five ways to discover the true face of this buzzing and culture-filled city.

1. Explore the diverse local culture

There’s no better way to get a taste of authentic Minsk culture than to discover its folk music, dance and stories. There are plenty of venues around town where you can enjoy concerts by modern Belarusian bards and bands, folk dance evenings, lectures and creative workshops.

Gallery Ў is the epicentre of modern Belarusian culture and is famous for hosting events such as poetry readings, book presentations and seminars. The presumption here is that you understand the local language, however you don’t need to be a polyglot to understand the music! Graffiti hosts live bands several nights a week, and RE:PUBLIC is known as the best concert venue in town (note that it’s not open every day so it’s wise to check the programme in advance).

Anti-café “Come_In” is special because you don’t pay for the food and drinks you consume – instead you pay for the time you spend there. It can be hard to leave this place as there’s always something interesting going on! Fisher’s House is Minsk’s first anti-café and is the best place to meet locals. The smoking and alcohol ban makes it a really cosy spot.

Besides Belarusian folk culture, you can also find places dedicated to international cuisines and cultures. If you’re a fan of rock ‘n’ roll and the USA, head to Doodah King Bar for some western vibes. Lisia Nara also occasionally hosts Irish music and dance nights.

Photo credit: CMC

2. Listen to talented street musicians

As in most big cities, young people, students of local art institutions and other talented folk make money by performing on the streets. You’ll surely come across them when walking about town. Sometimes you can even find them playing in local parks such as Mikhaylovski Public Garden, Gorkiy Park, the Botanical Gardens, the Museum of Ancient Stones and Sendai Public Garden. And many of them are really good! If you don’t happen to find any street musicians, cheer up, the parks themselves are a sight for tired eyes. Take a book and some snacks with you and simply enjoy the greenery. P.S. Keep an eye out for underground pedestrian crossings as street musicians can often be found performing at these spots as well.

 3. Find hidden gems at local markets

Markets are always good places to visit when in a foreign country, firstly because you get to experience the local hustle, and secondly because you can often find unique souvenirs at incredibly cheap prices. Several markets in Minsk are permanent: Komarovka Market boasts a huge variety of foodstuffs including Belarusian delicacies from local suppliers, and the Book Market offers, well, books. There are also plenty of pop-up markets – check the BelExpo Exhibition Hall programme to discover markets selling everything from handmade items to designer clothing and Indian wares. Also, it’s worth asking locals about pop-up markets happening in neighbourhood cafés and galleries, as well as on the streets.

Photo credit: Ilya Kuzniatsou

4. Be amazed by the artistic Minsk metro

Minsk is one of those cities where the metro is worth seeing simply for its artistic qualities. The architecture is truly regal and the stations are all vividly and uniquely decorated. Some of the stations are even themed, for example there’s one dedicated to Lenin and another to the Proletarian Revolution. Some of the more outstanding ones include Yakub Kolas Square, Pushkinskaya, October Square, Lenin Square and Uruchye.

Photo credit: american_rugbier

5. Enjoy a touch of mystery & romance

For a magical journey brimming with picturesque sights, take a stroll from the Opera House to Trinity Hill and continue on to Muzychny Peravulak (the Museum of Music and Theatre). Afterwards, head to the Old City to discover the magnificent Holy Spirit Cathedral and the Cathedral of Saint Virgin Mary, then walk along the banks of the Svislach River and sit down under the tree where the last pagan fires in Europe burnt until the beginning of the 20th century. Now relax and enjoy the beautiful scenery!

Photo credit: Ritzo ten Cate

Opening photo credit: Nigel