[2025 Minsk Attraction] Travel Guide for Island of Tears (Updated May)

It was a trip to Minsk, Belarus. Just to share some of my favorite places 😍 We spent sometime to explore the City Center. We visited Independence Square (Ploshchad Nezavisimosti). We visited a few places such as Lenin Statue, Government House, Church of Saints Simon and Helena (Red Church). If you were to explore around, these are the good places to start, as it's a central location with significant landmarks. 📍Independence Avenue, Minsk 💰 Free We also visited Victory Square (Ploshchad Pobedy). It is a memorial for WWII soldiers, with an impressive granite obelisk and a panoramic view of the surrounding area. 📍Prospekt Nezavisimosti, Minsk 💰 Free We also explored around the Belarusian State Museum of the History of the Great Patriotic War. Where you can see WWII Exhibits, Military Vehicles, Interactive Displays. It is one of the largest war museums in the world, offering deep insights into Belarus's role in WWII. Very worth to visit 🙌🙌🙌 📍Pobediteley Avenue 8, Minsk 💰$5 We also spent some times to visit National Opera and Ballet Theatre. There are various performances such as Classical Opera and Ballet Performances. We checked the schedule ahead of time and booked tickets online to prevent queue. 📍 1 Parizhskaya Kommuna Square, Minsk 💰 $5–$15 depending on the performance. If you are looking for a good restaurant, I would recommend you to try Kamyanitsa Restaurant. They served mainly Traditional Belarusian. We ordered the Kolduny (stuffed potato pancakes), Sbiten (Belarusian hot beverage). The food was really good 🙌🙌🙌 📍18 Pervomaiskaya Street, Minsk 💰$20–$30 per person We also walked around the Losyсhа National Park. We only spent awhile walking around due to tight in schedule. This place is Ideal for a day trip for nature lovers and I would suggest you to wear comfortable walking shoes. 📍20km outside Minsk, accessible via Minsk Ring Road Last but not least, Island of Tears is also very worth to visit. It is memorial to soldiers who died in the Afghan War. A solemn place to reflect and pay respects. 📍Near Trinity Hill, Minsk #europetrip #vacation #trip

1. Due to the impact of the Russian-Ukrainian war, the border crossing from Poland 🇵🇱 to Belarus 🇧🇾 is very time-consuming and is not recommended. It is recommended to transit from Lithuania 🇱🇹 to Belarus 🇧🇾. 2. Chinese passports are visa-free for Belarus 🇧🇾 Transportation 🚌Bus, download the INFOBUS APP, which is used to buy tickets for buses in Eastern Europe. ① From Warsaw, the capital of Poland🇵🇱, to Vilnius, the capital of Lithuania🇱🇹, one-way 33 Euros💶; ② From Vilnius, the capital of Lithuania🇱🇹, to Minsk, the capital of Belarus🇧🇾, one-way 38 Euros💶. Try to book in advance to get some discounts. ③One-way fare from Minsk, the capital of Belarus, to Vilnius, the capital of Lithuania, is 38 euros. Try to book in advance to get some discounts. 3. List: Attractions route 1. Gates of Minsk 2. Church of St. Simon and St. Helen 3. Cathedral of the Holy Spirit 4. Island of Tears 5. National Art Museum 6. Gorky Central Children's Park 7. National Theatre and Bolshoi Ballet Theatre 8. Central Botanical Garden 9. National Library 10. War History Museum 11. Vitod Tsoi Graffiti Wall 4. List of cities introduction Minsk is the capital of Belarus and the political, economic, scientific and cultural center of Belarus. Minsk is located in eastern Europe, on the banks of the Svisloch River, a tributary of the upper Dnieper River, and in the southern part of the Minsk Plateau in the Belarusian hills. The area is about 349 square kilometers. The terrain is relatively flat, with hills and highlands in between. It has a mild continental climate. Although Minsk is located at a high latitude, the winter is not as cold as people imagine. The average temperature in January is around 5°C. It is not hot in summer either, with an average temperature of 18°C ​​in July. The annual precipitation is 500 to 700 mm. Therefore, Minsk is recognized as a livable city. The green area is as high as 40%, forest parks can be seen everywhere, and there are many lakes. There are many tourist attractions in the city: Victory Square, Island of Tears, Museum, Cathedral of the Holy Spirit, Hill of Glory, etc. 5. Few people know that Minsk’s history dates back nearly a thousand years, but here, old houses that are hundreds of years old are almost unseen. This is because the city’s history was cut short by German fascism in the 1940s. During the three-year occupation during World War II, Minsk was almost reduced to ruins. After the end of World War II, the people of Minsk rebuilt the city on the ruins with the Svisloch River as the central axis. 6. Red Ribbon Shopping Center, this fashionable landmark located in a bustling area of ​​the city center, is opposite the picturesque Lake of Tears. As soon as you step into here, you feel like you are in a shopping paradise! All the major clothing stores and beauty stores are gathered together, making you dazzled. Especially the beauty store "Golden Apple" on the first floor is a blessing for cosmetics and skin care lovers. It is a very good experience to come here.

Here is a two-day, one-night travel guide to Minsk, combining historical, cultural, and natural attractions to help you fully experience the charm of the city. _ 👉Day 1: Explore History and Culture ✅️Morning: Independence Avenue Start your journey from Independence Avenue and feel the blend of modernity and history in Minsk. Admire the architecture along the street, visit the shops, and experience local life. Enjoy a cup of traditional Belarusian coffee or tea at a street-side café. National Art Museum of the Republic of Belarus Walk to the art museum to admire Belarusian and European artworks and learn about local art development. ✅️Noon: Have lunch at a restaurant near Independence Avenue. We recommend trying traditional Belarusian dishes, such as potato pancakes or borscht. ✅️Afternoon: Holy Spirit Cathedral Visit this historic Orthodox church and feel its religious atmosphere and architectural beauty. Minsk Old Town Stroll through the old town, admire the ancient buildings and narrow streets, and feel the historical atmosphere of Minsk. You can take a break at a café in the old town and enjoy local desserts. Island of Tears Head to the Island of Tears to visit the monuments and sculptures and learn about the history of Belarus. ✅️Evening: Have dinner at a restaurant in the city center. We recommend trying traditional Belarusian meat dishes. If time permits, you can go to the National Opera and Ballet Theater to watch a performance. _ 👉Day 2: Nature and Leisure ✅️Morning: Victory Square Head to Victory Square in the morning to visit the Victory Monument and learn about World War II history. Trinity Hill Head to Trinity Hill to explore this historic district and admire the traditional wooden buildings and ancient churches. ✅️Noon Have lunch at a restaurant near Trinity Hill. We recommend trying traditional Belarusian dumplings (Kolduny). ✅️Afternoon Minsk Sea Drive to the Minsk Sea to enjoy the natural scenery. You can take a walk by the lake, go boating, or relax at a lakeside café. Belarusian National History Museum After returning to the city, visit the National History Museum to learn more about the history and culture of Belarus. ✅️Evening: Have dinner at a restaurant in the city center to end your pleasant journey. If you have time, you can experience the nightlife of Minsk at a bar on Independence Avenue or in the old town. _ 👉Accommodation Recommendations: City Center Hotels: Choose a hotel near Independence Avenue or the old town for easy access to major attractions. -Resorts near the Minsk Sea: If you want to be closer to nature, you can choose a resort near the Minsk Sea. _ 👉Transportation Recommendations: Minsk has a well-developed public transportation system, with convenient subways, buses, and taxis. We recommend buying a transportation card for easy access to public transportation. _ Minsk is the capital of Belarus. It used to be a Soviet culture, but now it is more Western and open, making it suitable for a romantic trip!

🌍 Belarus, a country full of charm! Located on the East European Plain, it boasts unique natural scenery and a rich cultural heritage🎇. 📅 Day 1 🌄 Morning: As the first ray of morning sunshine hits your face, wake up from a comfortable sleep and start a beautiful day! Head to the Island of Tears in Minsk👀, a small island in the city center with beautiful scenery. The sculptures on the island are full of stories, as if telling the sadness and hope of the past🕊️. 🌆 Noon: Head to the old town of Minsk, find a traditional restaurant, and taste the local specialty - borscht🥘. The rich soup and ingredients are intoxicating😋. 🌃 Evening: As night falls, go to the National Theater of Minsk to enjoy a wonderful ballet performance💃. Feel the charm of art and relax your body and mind. 📅 Day 2 🌄 Morning: Head to Mir Castle🏰. The unique architectural style of the castle is like a fairy tale. Stroll through it and feel the history. 🌆 Noon: Have lunch at a restaurant near the castle, and try a grilled meat platter🍖. The tender and juicy grilled meat is irresistible. 🌃 Evening: Return to the city and go to the lively bar street to experience the local nightlife🎸. 🌟 6 must-see attractions: Victory Square in Minsk: Open all day, this is a place to commemorate the victory of World War II, magnificent🤩. Holy Spirit Cathedral: Open during the day, the exquisite architecture is amazing👍. Nesvizh Castle: Open all day, feel the mysterious atmosphere of the ancient castle🎩. Brest Fortress: Open all day, an important place to remember history. Belovezhskaya Pushcha National Park: Open during the day, a great choice to get close to nature🌳. Mir Castle in Grodno: Open during the day, the beauty of the castle is self-evident✨. 🏨 Accommodation recommendation: President Hotel in Minsk, the largest and most luxurious hotel in the area. The hotel service is super attentive, and the rooms are warm and comfortable, making you feel at home🥰. 🚌 Transportation tips: In Minsk, you can take buses No. 1, 2, etc. to various attractions. If you want to go to a farther place, the train is also a good choice🚂. 🍜 Food recommendations: Potato pancakes: Crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, full of potato flavor🥔. Cheese dumplings: Rich cheese flavor, super satisfying🧀. Smoked fish: Unique smoked flavor, tender fish🐟. Aspic: Q-bomb texture, delicious😜. Kvass: Refreshing and delicious🍺. Honey cake: Sweet but not greasy, soft and delicious🍰. Berry pie: Full of berries, sweet and sour😝. 💕 The beautiful scenery, delicious food, and warm people of Belarus make me linger. It is like a corner forgotten by time, waiting for you to explore and discover. I believe you will fall in love with this place💖!

Minsk in September is like a colorful painting😍! This city has a unique charm, full of historical flavor and modern vibes. Walking on the streets, feeling the gentle breeze, and basking in the warm and pleasant sunshine🌞. Every corner seems to tell a story, making people immerse in it and reluctant to leave🥰. 🚌Transportation Guide🚌 • Airplane: Minsk International Airport✈, with numerous domestic and international routes, convenient and fast. • City Transportation: Buses and metro are very convenient🚌🚇, you can buy a transportation card for easy travel. Taxis are also relatively easy to find🚕. 🚩Detailed Travel Itinerary🚩 Day1: Morning👉Victory Square in Minsk, feel the weight of history. Noon👉Taste local cuisine at nearby restaurants. Afternoon👉Head to the Island of Tears to commemorate the pain of war. Evening👉Stroll around Minsk City Hall and enjoy the night view. Day2: Morning👉Belarus National Library, unique architecture. Noon👉Find a restaurant around the library for lunch. Afternoon👉Go to Minsk Sea and enjoy the natural scenery. Evening👉Return to the city center and experience the local nightlife. 🌟Must-Visit Attractions🌟 1. Victory Square in Minsk: Magnificent and significant😎. 2. Island of Tears: A place full of sadness and emotion🤩. 3. Minsk City Hall: An ancient and beautiful building🧐. 4. Belarus National Library: Unique exterior, full of modernity🎈. 5. Minsk Sea: A great place for leisure and vacation🏝. 6. Holy Spirit Cathedral: Sacred and solemn, with exquisite architecture🙏. 7. Independence Square: The center of the city, bustling and lively🎉. 8. Belarus National Art Museum: A great place to appreciate art treasures🖼. 9. Chizhovka Park: Beautiful natural scenery, perfect for a walk🌸. 😋Local Food Recommendations😋 1. Potato Pancakes: Crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, delicious🍘. 2. Borscht: Classic dish, nutritious🥘. 3. Grilled Meat: Fragrant and excellent in taste🍖. 4. Honey Cake: Sweet but not greasy, unforgettable🍰. 5. Kvass: Traditional drink, refreshing and thirst-quenching🥤. 6. Blini: Can be sweet or savory, very tasty😋. 🏨Accommodation Recommendations🏨 • Near Victory Square in Minsk: Three-star recommendation🌟🌟🌟, convenient for sightseeing, with complete surrounding facilities. • Near Belarus National Library: Four-star recommendation🌟🌟🌟🌟, convenient transportation, beautiful environment. • Near Minsk Sea: Three-star recommendation🌟🌟🌟, suitable for leisure and vacation, enjoying natural scenery. 🎉Travel Tips🎉 • The weather in Minsk in September is relatively cool, remember to bring appropriate clothing🧥. • Respect local customs and religious beliefs🙏. • Try different restaurants when tasting food to find the most suitable one😋. • Pay attention to the routes and stops when taking public transportation🚇🚌. Come to Minsk and start an unforgettable journey💖!