One of the things I enjoy about being a Spotter is the opportunity to explore my own city as a newcomer. It sometimes leads to fascinating finds. I often pass by the sculpture in front of the Research Institute ’’CNIITU’’ in my neighbourhood, and yet I was surprised to learn that Zilber’s allegorical forged copper composition ’’Science’’ (1975) is considered the Eastern Europe's first monument dedicated to coders (and probably #2 in the world — Lovelace's & Babbage's statues are on top of this list anyway).
Belarus was on the path to becoming the Silicon Valley of Eastern Europe, and I find it amusing that this shot the man holding an oscilloscope & the woman holding a punched tape with a program to well-deserved fame.
The bike factory district is a blank spot on the Minsk tourist map, and there is no doubt it won't be on your bucket list, either. Street art tourism is an inevitable choice, but Soviet monumental art is worth seeing to expand your sense of place. Keep in mind this overlooked lead you may still want to follow.
The smell of chocolate might tempt you to stroll down Partyzanski Avenue to grab some local sweets at the Kamunarka factory (Aranskaya str. 18). It would be ideal to pay a visit on the evening of a clear day so you can watch the sun disappear over the horizon while walking through the monochrome surroundings (concrete landscapes can be inspiring!).
Alternatively, you can check out one of the local murals at Rabočy Ln., 1.
Partyzanski avenue 2/4
BYR
free
Find your way with 57 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters
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
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
"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
"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
"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
Kastryčnickaja in Minsk has long been associated with the yeast factory. Now its 100-year-old industrial buildings are being reanimated with urban art!
by
"Traktarahorad" is a historical district of Minsk originally intended for the workers of the Minsk Tractor Plant. The buidlings have interesting details...
by
Trams 4 & 7 offer equally nice scenic routes through Minsk! Hop on a tram, observe city life and travel back in time...
by
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
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
The "Minsk Planetarium" and its observatory are some of my favorite places in the city. A romantic night here could make for a memorable experience!
by
There is a 27-km Biking Path in Minsk that crosses the whole city, and this is where you can go rent a bike and enjoy the ride by the river!
by
57 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
Authentic Stories by Real People
Escape the Crowd & Travel Slow 🐌
✓ 0 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
✓ 57 Insider Tips