What to See in Minsk: 15 ineresting Attractions of the Capital

Planning a trip and not sure what to see in Minsk? We’ve compiled a list of 15 interesting places in Minsk that are worth including in your itinerary around the Belarusian capital. Here, history and modernity, parks and museums, Minsk landmarks and cultural venues come together. This list is perfect for those booking tours to Minsk or looking for things to do in Minsk on the weekend.

1. Gates of Minsk

The Gates of Minsk are two symmetrical towers located near the railway station, on Privokzalnaya Square. The buildings were constructed in 1953, designed by architects Boris Rubanenko and Georgy Zaborsky in the Stalinist Empire style. They are often called the "triumphal gates" of the capital, as they are the first to greet visitors arriving by train. The towers are about 45 meters tall. One of them features a large clock over 3 meters in diameter — one of the largest in Belarus. Originally, the buildings housed a post office, a hotel, and administrative offices. Today, the Gates of Minsk are considered an integral part of the city’s historical appearance and a popular photo spot. It’s a convenient starting point for walking tours in Minsk.
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2. Independence Avenue

Independence Avenue is the central and longest thoroughfare of Minsk, stretching about 15 kilometers. It began to take shape in the late 19th century and acquired its modern appearance after World War II. The avenue is built in the style of Stalinist Empire and Socialist Classicism, with later elements of modernism. Here you’ll find the main theatres, museums, and monuments of Minsk, including the Government House, Victory Square, the National Library, and several universities. The architectural rhythm changes as you move along — from massive buildings in the center to lighter and more functional ones on the outskirts. The avenue is often called an "open textbook of 20th-century architecture." It’s a popular route for city sightseeing tours in Minsk, especially among visitors interested in history and urban planning.
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3. Church of St. Roch

Church of St. Roch, located in the Zolotaya Gorka district, is one of the oldest Catholic churches in Minsk. Its history began in 1861 with the consecration of a wooden church, later rebuilt in stone in the Neo-Gothic style. The church is named after Saint Roch — the patron saint against epidemics and diseases. Its main relic is the miraculous icon of Saint Roch, which is still venerated by believers today. During the Soviet era, the church was closed and housed the Museum of the History of Religion and Atheism. In the 1990s, it was returned to the Catholic community and has been active again ever since. Today, it is not only a center of spiritual life but also a site of interest for tourists and excursion groups.
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4. Church of Saints Peter and Paul

Church of Saints Peter and Paul is the oldest surviving Orthodox church in Minsk and a unique architectural monument of the 17th century. Built between 1612 and 1620, it is the only example of Renaissance architecture in the city. At various times, the church served as an important spiritual center, and after the Second Partition of the Polish–Lithuanian Commonwealth, it became the cathedral of the Orthodox diocese. In 1797, Emperor Paul I visited the church. During the Soviet era, the building was misused — it housed a warehouse, including a fish store. Restoration was carried out in the 1970s, and today the church is once again open to the faithful. Surrounded by modern buildings, it stands out as a living fragment of history in the city center and is included in sightseeing tours of Minsk.
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5. Cathedral of the Holy Virgin Mary

Cathedral of the Holy Virgin Mary is the main Catholic church in Minsk, located in the Upper Town. It was built in 1710 as the church of the Jesuit college and is a striking example of Vilnius Baroque. After the Jesuit order was dissolved in the 18th century, the building was transferred to the Catholic diocese and became a cathedral. Inside, original stucco elements have been preserved, and the interior features a gilded altar and a pipe organ. During the Soviet period, the cathedral was closed and used as workshops and storage. In 1993, the building was returned to the faithful and fully restored. Today, it hosts worship services as well as organ concerts and cultural events that are open to all visitors.
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6. City Hall

Minsk Town Hall is a symbol of city authority and self-governance, located in the heart of the Upper Town. The first wooden town hall appeared in Minsk in the early 16th century and was soon replaced with a stone structure. It housed the magistrate and served as the venue for key decisions in city life. In 1857, the building was demolished by order of the Russian authorities as a reminder of Magdeburg rights. Only in 2004 was the town hall reconstructed based on preserved drawings and engravings, as close as possible to the original. Today, it is not only the architectural centerpiece of Freedom Square but also a popular photo spot, a venue for meetings, excursions, and cultural events. Inside, exhibitions and temporary displays are held, and the town hall is included in most tourist routes around Minsk.
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7. National Art Museum

National Art Museum is the main art gallery of the country and one of the most important cultural institutions in Minsk. It was founded in 1939, but only received a full-fledged building in 1957. Its collection includes over 30,000 works of art — from icon painting and classical painting to contemporary art. The museum features works by Belarusian, Russian, Polish, Italian, and French artists, as well as rare sculptures, furniture, porcelain, and folk art. Located in the very center of the city, the museum is included in all cultural tours of Minsk.
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8. Lee Harvey Oswald’s Apartment

Lee Harvey Oswald’s apartment, located on Kommunisticheskaya Street, is one of the most unusual places in Minsk linked to world history. Oswald, accused of assassinating U.S. President John F. Kennedy, lived here from 1960 to 1962 after moving from Moscow. He was provided with a one-room apartment on the fourth floor, overlooking the Svislach River, just a few minutes’ walk from the Horizont radio factory, where he worked as a lathe operator. The apartment had a kitchen, a bathroom, and two balconies — considered a luxury at the time. Despite the comfortable conditions, Oswald felt isolated and was under constant KGB surveillance. Today, the building remains residential, but it attracts tourists interested in Cold War history and Oswald’s personality. This site is included in several themed tours of Minsk.

9. Belarusfilm Studio

Belarusfilm Studio is the oldest and largest film studio in Belarus. It was founded in 1924 in Leningrad and moved to Minsk a few years later. The studio became a landmark of Soviet film production and was unofficially called the “Belarusian Hollywood.” Famous films such as “The Clock Stopped at Midnight,” “Three Fat Men,” “I Am from Childhood,” “The Alpine Ballad,” and dozens of others were filmed here. The studio complex includes pavilions, costume and prop workshops, and the Museum of Belarusian Cinema History. Today, both national and international projects continue to be produced here. Visitors can join tours of the film studio, where they can explore exhibition halls, costume and set displays, and sometimes even ongoing shoots. It’s a great place for those interested in culture, cinema, and the behind-the-scenes world of filmmaking.
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10. «Strana Mini» Museum

«Strana Mini» is a modern miniature museum in the center of Minsk, featuring precise scale models of the most recognizable landmarks of Belarus. The museum opened in 2016 and quickly became popular among tourists thanks to its convenient format and visual appeal. All models are made at a 1:25 scale and are incredibly detailed — you’ll see miniature versions of the Mir and Nesvizh Castles, the Kamenets Tower, and other architectural gems. Some models feature animation, lighting, and sound effects, making the visit especially exciting for children. The exhibition is enhanced with digital screens and reference materials. This is the perfect place for a first introduction to Belarus, especially if you are planning a trip around the country and want to build your itinerary.
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11. Chelyuskintsev Park

Chelyuskintsev Park is one of the largest and oldest parks in Minsk, located along Independence Avenue. It was established in 1932 on the site of the historic Komarovsky Forest, which once belonged to the noble Radziwill and Vankovich families. The park covers about 100 hectares and remains a green area with a nearly untouched natural landscape. It features walking paths, jogging and cycling tracks, and ski trails in winter. There are attractions and a mini amusement park for children, and for botany lovers — the Central Botanical Garden of Minsk is located nearby. It’s a popular spot for family recreation, sports, and tours through Minsk’s green spaces.
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12. Chelyuskintsev Park Area and Luch Factory

“Luch” Watch Factory, located across from Chelyuskintsev Park, was founded in 1953 and began producing watches in 1955. The factory quickly became one of the flagships of the Soviet watch industry, and the “Luch” brand was exported to dozens of countries. The factory building — a characteristic example of Constructivist architecture with a tall tower and a clock on the facade — still defines the distinctive look of this part of the city. In the Soviet era, the factory produced both wristwatches and technical clocks, including precise mechanisms for industry and medicine. In the 2010s, the plant underwent modernization and resumed production of high-quality wristwatches, including limited designer collections. Today, it houses a brand store, and the surrounding area retains the atmosphere of the 1950s with elements of Stalinist architecture. All this makes the location an interesting part of architectural and industrial tours in Minsk.
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13. Central Botanical Garden of the NAS of Belarus

13. Central Botanical Garden of the National Academy of Sciences of Belarus

Minsk Botanical Garden is the largest in Belarus and one of the largest scientific and natural institutions in Eastern Europe. It was founded in 1932 and covers over 100 hectares. The garden’s collection includes more than 9,000 plant species, including rare, endemic, and tropical varieties. There are themed sections: a rose garden, Japanese garden, arboretum, and a greenhouse with palms, cacti, and orchids. The grounds feature artificial ponds with swans and turtles, as well as cozy alleys for walks and photo sessions. In spring, the lilac grove is especially popular; in summer, the blooming rose garden. The botanical garden is one of the favorite places for locals and tourists looking for nature activities in Minsk and is actively included in family and ecological tour routes.
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14. Minsk-Arena

Minsk-Arena is the largest sports and concert complex in Belarus, opened in December 2009. Architecturally, the building features a modern design with panoramic glass and futuristic shapes, making it a prominent element of contemporary architecture in Minsk. The complex includes three main venues: the main arena for 15,000 spectators, a speed skating stadium, and a velodrome. It hosts international sports competitions in hockey, figure skating, and cycling, as well as concerts by global stars — from Scorpions to Cirque du Soleil. In 2014, the arena was a key venue for the Ice Hockey World Championship. Inside, there is a sports museum, and nearby — hotels, cafés, and recreational areas. Minsk-Arena is a must-visit destination for those interested in modern infrastructure and cultural events in the capital.
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15. Alivaria Brewery

«Alivaria» is the oldest operating brewery in Belarus, founded in 1864 by Minsk townswoman Rokhlia Frumkina. Initially, it was a small wooden brewery producing three types of beer: «Bavarian», «Table», and «Pilsner». In 1894, the enterprise was acquired by Count Karol Hutten-Czapski, who modernized production by constructing a stone building and installing steam-powered equipment. Over the years, the brewery went through various stages, including nationalization in 1917 and renaming to «Beer Plant Belarus». Today, «Alivaria» is part of the international Carlsberg Group and continues the brewing traditions started more than a century ago. The brewery houses an interactive beer museum that offers tours with tastings of different beer varieties, making it a popular destination for industrial tourism in Minsk.
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