Shabany Minsk
The working outskirts of Minsk
Are you ready to get into real Minsk? Then welcome to the Shabany! I guarantee you haven't seen anything like this anywhere else.
Shabany is a district of Minsk shrouded in legends, myths, fears and a variety of associations. The area is semi-industrial, there are numerous enterprises and warehouses in the adjacent territory, aeration station and a waste recycling enterprise.
Previously this area was considered criminally disadvantaged; the residents of the microdistrict are most worried about their safety in the evening and at night. Shabany was also one of the dysfunctional neighborhoods in terms of car theft.
The population of the microdistrict is several tens of thousands of people. It is home to a large number of immigrants from areas affected by the Chernobyl accident.
But even in this area you can find romance! You will see young couples who bought a flat here because they did not have more money. You will see the spontaneous trading, where everyone wants to earn some money. The workers go home and want to drink alcohol after the third shift at the factory in the morning. All this causes sad feelings and makes you think about poverty, social inequality and about a lot of things.
I invite you to this place to look for the romance.
About this spot
Ulitsa Alesya Bachilo 20
- 24 hours daily
BYR
free
Explore cities like a local with Spotted by Locals - discover hidden gems and all our locals’ favourites! Get full access to our Minsk guide.
Nice place right!? There’s so much more to discover:
Discover all other hidden gems in Minsk
Zilber's ’’Science’’ – Coders of the past
Zilber's Sculpture (1975) in Minsk, ''Science'', is said to be the first sculpture in the world dedicated to coders & programmers...
By
Katia
Syrayezhkina
Hopscotching in Kašary – Canal wisdom
It's said that exploring the "Kašary" canal in Minsk can inspire you to find novel solutions to questions you need an answer to!
By
Katia
Syrayezhkina
Antonaŭski Park – The green gate to Traktarahorad
Antonaŭski Park is part of the Slepyanskaya Water System, Minsk's longest park complex and one of the largest in the world! It has it all.
By
Katia
Syrayezhkina
MON NOM – Coffee, melusines and more
MON NOM in Minsk is too cool to miss. Feels like an antique shop, inspiring from the start. Opens at 10 am, perfect for a day exploring Traktarahorad!
By
Katia
Syrayezhkina
Cafe 4 (Let it be) – Bread. Reimagined.
"Let It Be" in Minsk is a minimalist bakery that makes baked stuff with toppings for breakfast, lunch, and dinner! Also try their 'wine of the day'...
By
Ilya
Uglianitsa
Cafe 5 (Underdog) – Pizza and sparkling wine
"Cafe 5" in Minsk is a pizza place with a simple concept: Pizza and sparkling wine. You'd be surprised how well these two go together!
By
Ilya
Uglianitsa
Art-Belarus – Not just a gallery
Art-Belarus in Minsk is a historical and cultural project that has the biggest collection of Belarusian artworks, it also supports local contemporary art.
By
Katia
Syrayezhkina
Accidental Point – Music store and artist spot
"Accidental Point" in Minsk is a place dreamed up by a community of musicians. When it's not Saturday night, it's mostly quiet, calm and dreamy...
By
Ilya
Uglianitsa
Traktarahorad – A living monument to social realism
"Traktarahorad" is a historical district of Minsk originally intended for the workers of the Minsk Tractor Plant. The buidlings have interesting details...
By
Katia
Syrayezhkina
Trams 4 & 7 – Scenic city rides
Trams 4 & 7 offer equally nice scenic routes through Minsk! Hop on a tram, observe city life and travel back in time...
By
Katia
Syrayezhkina
Panoramic Elevator – Minsk from above
The "Panoramic Elevator" in Hotel Belarus in Minsk is a secret tip to see some of the city's best views over the river Svisloch and beyond!
By
Katia
Syrayezhkina
Minsk Observatory – A bit of cosmic romance
Minsk observatory (the only public one in Belarus) is by far my favourite place to spend a sleepless night out. A perfect alternative to bar hopping!
By