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Minsk
Minsk is the capital of Belarus. 80 percent of the city was ruined and razed in World War II. It is a city rebuilt in the 1950's to Stalin's tastes. Enormous, soviet-bloc style buildings make up most of the city. This is a city to visit if you are interested in the Soviet Union and would like to see it still alive, save for a few more advertisements and foreign cars. English is not really spoken, and tourisim is not a priority in Belarus or Minsk at all. Certainly an interesting stop after the non-stop tourism of Western and Central Europe.
Travel to Minsk, visa requirements
There is an almost daily train leaving from Berlin's Lichtenberg station. 69€ second class, 3 people in a sleeping car, men and women separate. First class is 109€, 2 person, not gender separated. It leaves at 13:49 and arrives the next morning at 9:30 or so. This is the train en route to Russia. There are also trains from Prague, Vilnius, Warsaw, and other European cities. Train from Warsaw goes about 10 hours. Every day it departs from Warsaw Central at 20:35, then arrives in Minsk at 8:00. There are flights from Frankfurt but they are quite pricey, 500$ or so. Driving in, while possible, requires knowledge of the border system. This is a border of European Union, so control is very strict. Crossing it can take 2 hours. They will check your bags. Without knowledge of Russian, Belarusian or Polish, this can be very hard. There is a very long line of cars at every border crossing. Width of tracks is different in Poland and in Belarus, so if you choose a train, be prepared for long wheel changing.
Get around
Get around by using bus, tram, or subway. All three are cheap and reliable. The subway is noted for being clean and safe. Additionally, each subway station is decorated uniquely. For instance, the station at Oktober Square is decorated in the theme of the Communist Revolution. The station at Victory square is decorated in a victory theme, and the Lenin Station includes a bust of Lenin and a host of Hammer/Sickle reliefs.
Minsk attractions and sightseeing
City tours
Shopping, Minsk souvenirs
Local goods are usually bad quality, but there are several things that are worth buying. Some wool and linen clothes - you can get very good stuff for little money. Womens underwear "Milavitsa", is widely known across former USSR. This good quality, and cheap as well. Various types of cosmetics - firstly brand-name, are called "O2". Vodka produced by Brest spirit factory, is probably the best in the world. This easily outperforms Stolichnaya, Absolut and Smirnoff. Generally, the Minsk Airport has a very reliable duty free shop with rich choice of fragrances, spirits and souvenirs. There is no sense to get international brands- usually it costs 20-50% more than European average.
Good restaurants and cheap meals
Belarusians are good with their national cuisine, which is similar to other East European ones. Generally it features heavy-fat potato dishes, mushrooms, soups and baked meat. The quality of conventional european food (italian, french etc.) not amazing, but acceptable. Despite that average level of cafes and restaurants is low, several great places exists at the center of the city. Some of them are: "Beze" - Vienna-style cafe with great bakery and light snacks, located on main avenue; "Gourman" - styled as italian trattoria, serves national and european dishes. Excellent quality and affordable prices, near Grand Opera Theater; "Pechki-Lavochki" - national cuisine, main ave; "Freskee cafe" - cafe with a reach choice of main dishes, at Niezaležnaści(Independence)Square. Average dinner cost at those places - about 10-20 $ per a person. 10% tip is more than enough, however remember that tips in Belarus are illegal. Also there are some good restaurants outside the city, near tourist locations. The cafes and restaurants at the hotels usually have acceptable level of quality. On the other hand avoid local fast-food, Sushi (very expensive and far from original), beef and lamb grills (local cooks have very little experience with it and prefer pork), seafood (same reason).
Minsk nightlife, bars, clubs and pubs.
Hotels, youth hostels, lodging
Get out
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