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Guide to Minsk, Byelorussia
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Click to go to Flight Prices for Minsk
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MinskBelarus, a former portion of the Soviet Union, is a segment of land nestled between Poland and Russia's present capital, Moscow. Belarus' own capital, Minsk, has been its star attraction since even before it broke free of communism. What certainly can be taken in a sad respect is the fact that most of Minsk was leveled by the Soviet regime and nearly all of its standing structures were created from the 1950's-onward. The city's past can only be shown for in its museums and told in the stories offered by natives of the bars. Of course, Minsk is by no regional standards a dreary center. Its people are quite cheery for the most part, and because the metropolis is enveloped in a beautiful collage of wildflowers and rolling hills, it will soften the stoniest of perceptions. Minsk is not short on Soviet kitsch and architecture, but after a few glances up and down the boulevards, the semi-historic buildings fit rather nicely into their mix with modernism. The prevalence of newly-erected office space is somewhat astounding, actually. This may be that Minsk's residence only wish to look to the future, and if they cannot completely wash away the remnants of their oppressive past, infusing multitudes of new shapes and colors might turn things around. By the looks of things, the people of Minsk seem to be well on their way to reaching their goals. Come to Minsk to see transformation take flight. Let Minsk exceed your expectations and offer you surprises never thought possible half a century ago in this part of the world.
When to go:
Fortunately for tourists and travelers of all sorts, Belarus is not a popular destination. Even Minsk, with its cosmopolitan flair and ever-expanding night scene, shows little change throughout the year. Some travel from Moscow during the summer to see a smaller and cleaner version of their home town, but other than few extra visitors, you'll basically have Minsk as it always is. Which, in all senses, is a great thing. Hotel costs remain stagnant year-round and you'll have a better chance at obtaining steep discounts out on the town than making encounters with inflation. Because we think the people of Minsk are, overall, a friendly group, we don't advise making attempts at imposing conversations on those seemingly uninterested. Take it from us: if someone doesn't look to be in a 'chatty' mood, keep the squawk box closed.
Getting there and around:
As a flier to Minsk, you'll come to know the troubles you must go through to make it to the city. As a result of fuel restrictions imposed throughout the country, domestic and international flight is significantly limited. A far cry from impossible, however, getting on an plane headed from London to Minsk is fairly easy as it is one of Europe's chief travel cities (London, that is). Be prepared for the 40km ride between terminal and town. Buses are the best mode of transport to use for travel around the city even though the schedule may be a bit difficult to follow at first. Taxis are the easiest way to get around, but are the priciest as well. Trains are available only between cities, and rental cars coupled with the scarcity of fuel can cause major and unwanted problems.
Attractions:
The Church of St Simon and Helena is one of Minsk's chief sites for those interested in beautiful architecture. Standing at one of the city's few places where Soviet influence hasn't and could not play a part is one of the most powerful experiences one can come across here. If you're looking for the center of everything (shops, restaurants, etc), look to Prospekt Skaryny to quench your desires. People have been known to spend days here, but it is also the area of the highest prices; be watchful of cunning salesmen and -women.
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