Belarus is a hidden treasure for travelers looking for a glimpse of what the Soviet Union was like before it dissolved in the early 1990s. After Belarus declared its independence, it remained more isolated than its neighbors Lithuania and Ukraine, making it a more exotic but still affordable tourist destination for adventure. If you want to travel to Minsk, Belarus on a budget, this article will cover all aspects of your Belarusian visit: visas, air travel, ground transportation, accommodations, food and foreigners, including Americans. Therefore, be sure to visit the State Department website (www.travel.state.gov) and the Embassy of Belarus in Washington at (www .belarusembassy.org) to learn about visas and restrictions. Your budget for a trip to Belarus will be heavy if you don’t mind restrictions like baggage limits and customs declarations, as many even minor infractions are imposed.
There is also a nominal tax (less than $5) to enter and exit the country, as well as the inexpensive but inevitable medical insurance< /a> requirement that you affordable for treatment in case of emergency (less than $10 if you only stay a week or so). The single entry fee is about $100 for American citizens, and you need either a private sponsor or a Belarusian travel agency invitation. The total budget for visas, taxes, and medical insurance is only about $130 or so, unless you end up paying some extra money. You also need to register with the Belarusian government so they know where you are staying, but your hotel can arrange this for you upon arrival.
Air Travel to Minsk from the US
You will not get a direct flight from United States Air Force to Minsk (the capital of Belarus). if from New York City. You will be able to fly on an airline such as Lufthansa, Polish Lot, Aeroflot, Austrian, or at a hub airport with a United layover. If you’re flexible about dates and times, you may be able to find fares as low as $400 from JFK and Newark Airport, but the fares are much better. they are $500 to $700.
Another idea is to fly to a neighboring country like Poland and take the train to Belarus. Air and train connections can be cheap, and you can see some of the countryside on your way to Minsk, which is located in the center of the country.
Ground Transportation in Minsk
Public transit is extensive in Minsk, and includes metros and trams, as well as a bus service. Because Belarus is a somewhat poorer country, its citizens own fewer cars. Visitors thus benefit from wider public transit. Fares are all less than $1, so a budget traveler should always take a transit in Minsk instead of taxis, which are a little more expensive. Using the metro or the bus in Minsk will allow you to people-watch and observe Belarusian citizens about their daily lives.
Accommodations in Minsk
Hostels, which are especially cheap to sleep in, are difficult to find in Belarus. However, budget accommodations for tourists in Minsk are cheap. For example, there is a small, reviewed flat that is advertised as “Minsk Accommodation” (on www.hosteleurope.com and www.hostels.net), which is only $21 per night. If you know exactly when you want the room, you can book in advance and even score a free Belarusian meal on the first day. The address for a small and private plane is: Nikaforova 9-21.
Another cheap accommodation is Hotel Express, on Provokzalnaya 4, with rooms as cheap as $15 per night. The conditions are dirty, though, so be aware that you get what you pay for.
If you can spend a little more money per night, some inexpensive, Western hotels offer basic, clean accommodations. Hotel Yubileinaya located at Masherov Ave 19, has rooms in the $50 to $70 range. While a little less adventuresome than a cheap spot, this hotel is located in the core of Minsk near several tourist spots. A similarly priced option is Hotel Orbita on Pushkin Ave. 39, near Minsk train station.
The final option is to make a penpal or internet buddy chat in Belarus. If you find a university student or another Belarusian who speaks decent English (and you’ve shared enough to feel that you’d make a good host), you can stay with them and get sponsored visas together. A Belarusian friend can also find a new room for rent house for you. This is a great way to stay cheap or even for free while experiencing Belarusian culture up close. You can offer your guest with their English skills for accommodations or even a trip to Minsk. If you do your research and make some connections ahead of time, you’ll be able to enrich your experience and stay within your budget!
Belarusian food in Minsk
If you want to try authentic food while in Belarus, there is plenty available at cheap prices in Minsk. From traditional bread (such as draniki) to sausages and legs, you’ll find that Belarusian cuisine is a real mix of meat and potatoes that won’t break the bank. You can dine at nice and clean restaurants for as little as $3 or $4 a meal.
Although named after a similar former Soviet state, Uzbekistan offers a variety of cuisine, from local Belarusian to more oriental dishes. This restaurant is located in the center of the city Kupaly 17.
Pan Khmelyu (Internatsyanalnaya 11) is especially recommended for traditional Belarusian food in an atmosphere where the staff speak English and low prices.
For dirt cheap, you can also throw the dining room Krinitsa Ekspress at Nezavisimosti 18. If you’re already in the city for tourist sites and need a quick lunch, this place is a must try if you can only spend a couple of American dollars.
Vulgate Site in Minsk
Here are a few cheap attractions in Minsk. The most expensive part of your trip to Belarus will be getting there and finding your accommodations. Accessing the top tourist sites does not affect your budget.
Obelisk to the Hero City. Located on Victory Square, this is one of the key sites you think of when visiting Belarus. Designed as a tribute to soldiers from WWII, this would be like visiting one of Washington DC’s major monuments. Victory Square is in the center of Minsk city with plenty of shopping and food nearby.
Mir Castle. This castle, originally built in the 16th century, has five towers, each of which is slightly architectural. The building is a beautiful miscellany.
Minsk Circus. If you’ve ever wanted to see a real circus, this is the attraction for you. Theatrical but real, you’ll see acrobats, bears, fire, and everything you’d expect in a Russian circus among vodka-fueled spectators. There are regular shows year round.
National Museum. This is the first museum annals Belari everything from popular costumes to artifacts ancient archeology
Cathedral of the Holy Spirit. Restored somewhat to its former glory, this church was originally from the 17th century. /a> agrees. The twin white towers are well known in Belaro.
Cathedral Church of Ss. Peter and Paul. As the oldest church in all of Minsk, dating back to the early 1600s, This is a less frequently visited church, although it is interesting to investigate its history.
High Budget
With good planning, one person can travel to Minsk from United and spend a full week (all expenses included) for $1000 – $1500.
