{"id":25706,"date":"2020-10-21T17:57:53","date_gmt":"2020-10-21T15:57:53","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/?p=25706"},"modified":"2025-11-06T08:17:52","modified_gmt":"2025-11-06T06:17:52","slug":"belarus-itinerary","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/belarus-itinerary\/","title":{"rendered":"Places to visit in Belarus in a 1-week itinerary"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-large\"><picture><source srcset=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/10\/Belarus-one-week-itinerary-1024x683.avif\" type=\"image\/avif\"><source srcset=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/10\/Belarus-one-week-itinerary-1024x683.jpg\" type=\"image\/jpeg\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/10\/Belarus-one-week-itinerary-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"Belarus one week itinerary\" class=\"wp-image-25729\"><\/picture><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:30px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>Belarus may not be the most exotic destination we talk about in this blog but, with all its bizarre places, it truly deserves to be marked as an actual Against the Compass country, for real.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The Soviet Heritage is, definitely, the highlight and the country\u2019s main magnet, ranging from a former Soviet border turned into an open-air museum to endless metro stations featuring Lenin and the hammer and sickle.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Moreover, with more than 11,000 lakes and 40% of its territory composed of misty forest, the landscapes are splendid, dazzling; and you will discover that the capital Minsk, composed of stately Stalinist architecture, is by far, the most majestic capital in the former USSR, outside of Russia.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Add to this a few UNESCO World Heritage castles and the largest <a href=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/visit-chernobyl\/\" class=\"rank-math-link\"><strong>Chernobyl Exclusion Zone<\/strong><\/a> that nobody visits and Belarus will certainly blow your mind, especially, because you don\u2019t really expect it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In this post, I will show you all the <strong>places to visit in Belarus in a 1-week itinerary<\/strong>, with a special mention of the most offbeat stuff.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center has-very-light-gray-background-color has-background\">For all the generic information, including how to get a visa, getting around and all travel tips, check my <a href=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/travel-belarus\/\" class=\"rank-math-link\"><strong>practical guide to Belarus<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-large is-resized\"><picture><source srcset=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/10\/belarus-itinerary-685x1024.avif\" type=\"image\/avif\"><source srcset=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/10\/belarus-itinerary-685x1024.jpg\" type=\"image\/jpeg\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/10\/belarus-itinerary-685x1024.jpg\" alt=\"Belarus itinerary\" class=\"wp-image-25744\" style=\"aspect-ratio:1;object-fit:cover;width:490px;height:auto\"><\/picture><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group is-layout-flow wp-block-group-is-layout-flow\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-group is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">In this Belarus itinerary you will find:<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group table-of-contents is-layout-flow wp-block-group-is-layout-flow\">\n<p class=\"table-of-contents__title\" style=\"font-size:20px\">Table of Contents<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a class=\"rank-math-link\" href=\"#4\"><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\">7-day itinerary<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a class=\"rank-math-link\" href=\"#41\">Day 1, 2 &#8211; Minsk<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a class=\"rank-math-link\" href=\"#42\">Day 3 &#8211; Stalin Line<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a class=\"rank-math-link\" href=\"#43\">Day 4 &#8211; Nesvizh<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a class=\"rank-math-link\" href=\"#44\">Day 5 &#8211; Brest<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a class=\"rank-math-link\" href=\"#45\">Day 6 &#8211; Grodno<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a class=\"rank-math-link\" href=\"#46\">Day 7 &#8211; Back to Minsk<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a class=\"rank-math-link\" href=\"#47\">Extending your itinerary<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a class=\"rank-math-link\" href=\"#5\"><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\">More information<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group atc-info-box is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center m-0 has-black-color has-text-color has-background\" style=\"background-color:#fe9900\">our recommended travel insurance for Belarus<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:30px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\" style=\"font-size:20px\">With all the current sanctions, <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.iatitravelinsurance.com\/en-eu\/?r=30867932099453&amp;cmp=belarus_itinerary_en_text\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow sponsored\">IATI Insurance<\/a><\/strong> is one of the very few that covers travel in Belarus.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-content-justification-center is-layout-flex wp-container-core-buttons-is-layout-16018d1d wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button has-custom-font-size\" style=\"font-size:16px\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link has-black-color has-text-color has-background has-link-color has-text-align-center wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/www.iatitravelinsurance.com\/en-eu\/?r=30867932099453&amp;cmp=belarus_itinerary_en_text\" style=\"border-radius:11px;background-color:#fe9900\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow sponsored\">GET 5% DISCOUNT HERE<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:30px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"1\">How many days are needed for completing a proper Belarus travel itinerary?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Most travelers used to spend a maximum of 5 days in Belarus, especially because, until very recently, that was the maximum number of days the free visa on arrival (VOA) allowed you to stay.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Today, however, you can get a 30-day VOA (see my <a class=\"rank-math-link\" href=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/travel-belarus\/\"><strong>Belarus travel guide<\/strong><\/a> for more information), so you can finally <a href=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/visit-world-countries\/\"><strong>explore all around the country<\/strong><\/a> bureaucratic-hassle-free (almost). <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center has-very-light-gray-background-color has-background\">Related: <a href=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/travel-moldova-itinerary\/\" class=\"rank-math-link\"><strong>Moldova travel itinerary<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Belarus 3, 4-day itinerary<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Belarus is so close to anywhere in Europe and visiting it &#8211; even if it\u2019s just for a few days &#8211; is undoubtedly worth it, as you can properly <a href=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/visit-minsk\/\" class=\"rank-math-link\"><strong>visit Minsk<\/strong><\/a>, plus do 1 or 2 days trips to one of the UNESCO World Heritage castles and the Stalin Line.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Belarus 1-week itinerary<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>If you have a full week, you can get on a <a href=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/train-in-kazakhstan\/\" class=\"rank-math-link\"><strong>Soviet train<\/strong><\/a> to Brest and perhaps, pay a visit to the city of Grodno. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em>This is the Belarus itinerary described in this post.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Belarus 10-15-day itinerary<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>With 10 days, I recommend you visit the northern lakes of Braslaw and, if you have 2 entire weeks, do visit the Soviet city of Mogilev and <a href=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/visit-chernobyl\/\" class=\"rank-math-link\"><strong>Chernobyl Exclusion Zone<\/strong><\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"3\">Useful books for planning your Belarus travel itinerary<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Belarus travel guide by Bradt <\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-normal-font-size\">A super guide, the one I personally bought. Bradt has the most insightful guides and they always focus on off the beaten track countries.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-layout-flex wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button aligncenter\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link has-black-color has-text-color has-background wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/gp\/product\/1784776025\/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=joantow-20&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=9325&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;creativeASIN=1784776025&amp;linkId=6dc437bc9479b09794e695640e01d0ca\" style=\"border-radius:11px;background-color:#ff9900\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow sponsored\"><strong>CLICK HERE TO CHECK PRICES ON AMAZON<\/strong><\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:30px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-large is-resized\"><picture><source srcset=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/514VVp47GnL._SX309_BO1204203200_.avif\" type=\"image\/avif\"><source srcset=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/514VVp47GnL._SX309_BO1204203200_.jpg\" type=\"image\/jpeg\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/514VVp47GnL._SX309_BO1204203200_.jpg\" alt class=\"wp-image-23730\" style=\"width:192px;height:308px\"><\/picture><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Eastern Europe travel guide by Lonely Planet (2019) <\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-normal-font-size\">If you are traveling all around the region, you can also get this generic guide, which includes one chapter about Belarus.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-layout-flex wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button aligncenter\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link has-black-color has-text-color has-background wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/gp\/product\/1787013707\/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=joantow-20&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=9325&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;creativeASIN=1787013707&amp;linkId=9b611105f49d8fb254a1a7d885774ebf\" style=\"border-radius:11px;background-color:#ff9900\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow sponsored\"><strong>CLICK HERE TO CHECK PRICES ON AMAZON<\/strong><\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:30px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-large is-resized\"><picture><source srcset=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/11\/81o3UgnPr2L.avif\" type=\"image\/avif\"><source srcset=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/11\/81o3UgnPr2L.jpg\" type=\"image\/jpeg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/11\/81o3UgnPr2L.jpg\" alt class=\"wp-image-22758\" style=\"width:198px;height:305px\"><\/picture><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"4\">Belarus Itinerary: Places to visit in Belarus in a 1-week itinerary<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center has-very-light-gray-background-color has-background\">Moving around Belarus is very easy. On the one hand, you have marshrutkas (the local bus) and on the other hand, you can travel on a Soviet train. Train tickets <strong><a aria-label=\"can be booked here (opens in a new tab)\" class=\"rank-math-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.rw.by\/en\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">can be booked here<\/a><\/strong>. For more information, check <a href=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/travel-belarus\/\"><strong>my Belarus travel guide<\/strong><\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"41\">Day 1, 2 &#8211; Minsk, most majestic capital in USSR<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Minsk is a reason by itself to come to this country, and the best place to visit in Belarus.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This is one of the least known cities in Europe, a capital composed of imposing Stalinist architecture but, also, a city filled with craft beer bars and a dynamic young hip-vibe. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-large\"><picture><source srcset=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/11\/traveling-to-minsk-1024x683.avif\" type=\"image\/avif\"><source srcset=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/11\/traveling-to-minsk-1024x683.jpg\" type=\"image\/jpeg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/11\/traveling-to-minsk-1024x683.jpg\" alt class=\"wp-image-23088\"><\/picture><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">The most Soviet American fast-food chain in the world: A KFC featuring a massive Socialist mural, and one of the most famous places to visit in Belarus<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Places to visit in Minsk in 2 days<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>These are just a few of the things to see in Minsk, all located near and around downtown. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center has-very-light-gray-background-color has-background\">Minsk is pretty big however and if you have more than 2 days, I recommend you check out all <a href=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/visit-minsk\/\" class=\"rank-math-link\"><strong>Minsk\u2019s Soviet Heritage<\/strong><\/a>, which you can read about in my post. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Minsk City Gates &#8211;<\/strong> Built at the end of the WWII, these glorious twin towers were built in the style of Stalinist Classicism.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>House of Government and Lenin statue &#8211;<\/strong> One of the few pre-war Soviet buildings that wasn\u2019t destroyed<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Saint Simon and Saint Helen Cathedral &#8211; <\/strong>A Roman Catholic Church and one of the few Christian sites in Minsk.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>KGB Headquarters &#8211; <\/strong>As the name suggests<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>GUM State Department Store &#8211;<\/strong> A Soviet-era mall<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Belarusian State Circus &#8211;<\/strong> Built by Stalin as a prize for Belarus\u2019 contribution to the victory over the Nazis.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-large\"><picture><source srcset=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/10\/DSC_6974-683x1024.avif\" type=\"image\/avif\"><source srcset=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/10\/DSC_6974-683x1024.jpg\" type=\"image\/jpeg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/10\/DSC_6974-683x1024.jpg\" alt class=\"wp-image-25752\"><\/picture><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Minsk Old Town<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Island of Tears &#8211;<\/strong> A monument to commemorate the victims of the Afghan war.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Soviet KFC &#8211; <\/strong>An American KFC featuring a massive Soviet mural.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Minsk Old Town &#8211;<\/strong> Recently renovated, here you will find some cool bars.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Zair Azgur Memorial Studio &#8211; <\/strong>A museum containing statues of renowned Soviet leaders.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Museum of the Great Patriotic War &#8211; <\/strong>The WWII museum<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>For more information on all those places, read my <a href=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/visit-minsk\/\" class=\"rank-math-link\"><strong>guide to visit Minsk<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center has-background\" style=\"background-color:#fcc3b7\"><strong>Interested in visiting Minsk on a walking tour?<\/strong><br><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.getyourguide.com\/minsk-l1410\/minsk-3-hour-guided-driving-and-walking-tour-t286070\/?partner_id=51CMUEB&amp;utm_medium=online_publisher&amp;utm_source=joan%40againstthecompass.com&amp;placement=content-middle\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow sponsored\"><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\">CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE<\/span><\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-large\"><picture><source srcset=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/requisitos-para-viajar-a-bielorrusia-e1586428052480-1024x717.avif\" type=\"image\/avif\"><source srcset=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/requisitos-para-viajar-a-bielorrusia-e1586428052480-1024x717.jpg\" type=\"image\/jpeg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/requisitos-para-viajar-a-bielorrusia-e1586428052480-1024x717.jpg\" alt class=\"wp-image-23751\"><\/picture><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Soviet mural in Minsk<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Where to stay in Minsk<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-normal-font-size\"><strong>Budget Hostel \u2013<\/strong> <span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.booking.com\/hotel\/by\/hostel-urban.en-gb.html?aid=1232728&amp;label=belarus_itinerary_en\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow sponsored\">Urban Hostel Minsk<\/a><\/strong><\/span> \u2013 A modern hostel for backpackers in the best area.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-layout-flex wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link has-background wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/www.booking.com\/hotel\/by\/hostel-urban.en-gb.html?aid=1232728&amp;label=belarus_itinerary_en\" style=\"border-radius:11px;background-color:#0c3b7c\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow\"><strong>Check on Booking.com<\/strong><\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:30px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-normal-font-size\"><strong>Budget apartment \u2013<\/strong> <span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.booking.com\/hotel\/by\/inter-street.en-gb.html?aid=1232728&amp;label=belarus_itinerary_en\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow sponsored\">Center Minsk Apartments<\/a><\/strong><\/span> \u2013 In Minsk, apartments are a great value for money option. This one is in the city center.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-layout-flex wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link has-background wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/www.booking.com\/hotel\/by\/inter-street.en-gb.html?aid=1232728&amp;label=belarus_itinerary_en\" style=\"border-radius:11px;background-color:#0c3b7c\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow\"><strong>Check on Booking.com<\/strong><\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:30px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-normal-font-size\"><strong>Mid-range Hotel \u2013<\/strong> <span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.booking.com\/hotel\/by\/willing.en-gb.html?aid=1232728&amp;label=belarus_itinerary_en\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow sponsored\">Willing Hotel<\/a><\/strong><\/span> \u2013 Super neat hotel close to bars and restaurants from Octoberskaya. The best choice for mid-range travelers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-layout-flex wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link has-background wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/www.booking.com\/hotel\/by\/willing.en-gb.html?aid=1232728&amp;label=belarus_itinerary_en\" style=\"border-radius:11px;background-color:#0c3b7c\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow\"><strong>Check on Booking.com<\/strong><\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:30px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-normal-font-size\"><strong>Top-end Hotel \u2013<\/strong> <span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.booking.com\/hotel\/by\/minsk-minsk.en-gb.html?aid=1232728&amp;no_rooms=1&amp;group_adults=2&amp;label=belarus_itinerary_en\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow sponsored\">President Hotel<\/a><\/strong><\/span> \u2013 The best 5-star hotel in Minsk.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-layout-flex wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link has-background wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/www.booking.com\/hotel\/by\/minsk-minsk.en-gb.html?aid=1232728&amp;label=belarus_itinerary_en\" style=\"border-radius:11px;background-color:#0c3b7c\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow\"><strong>Check on Booking.com<\/strong><\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-large\"><picture><source srcset=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/11\/things-to-do-in-minsk-belarus-1024x683.avif\" type=\"image\/avif\"><source srcset=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/11\/things-to-do-in-minsk-belarus-1024x683.jpg\" type=\"image\/jpeg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/11\/things-to-do-in-minsk-belarus-1024x683.jpg\" alt class=\"wp-image-23052\"><\/picture><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">The House of Government and epic Vladimir Lenin statue<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"42\">Day 3 &#8211; Day trip to the Stalin Line<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>If you are interested in Soviet history, this will be your favorite place to visit in Belarus.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The Stalin Line is the former USSR border with Europe, built by Stalin in an attempt to build a defense against potential European attacks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Today, they have turned it into the most insane propaganda open-air museum, a crazy Soviet theme park where you can get in the former trenches, enter Soviet bunkers, check a recreation of the physical border and even shoot with actual guns from the era.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>There is also a permanent exhibition featuring both Soviet and Nazi tanks, as well as all kinds of weapon.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center has-background\" style=\"background-color:#fcc3b7\"><strong>English tour for the Stalin Line<\/strong>!<br><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.getyourguide.com\/minsk-region-l1409\/from-minsk-private-stalin-line-museum-tour-t290715\/?partner_id=51CMUEB&amp;utm_medium=online_publisher&amp;utm_source=joan%40againstthecompass.com&amp;placement=content-middle\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow sponsored\"><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\">CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE<\/span><\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-large\"><picture><source srcset=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/11\/tank-warning-1024x768.avif\" type=\"image\/avif\"><source srcset=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/11\/tank-warning-1024x768.jpg\" type=\"image\/jpeg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/11\/tank-warning-1024x768.jpg\" alt class=\"wp-image-23086\"><\/picture><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Tank warning at Stalin Line<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How to get to the Stalin Line from Minsk<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>Head to the bus station (Druznaya), located just across from the main railway station, where you will have to take a marshrutka towards Maladzyechna, and tell the driver you wish to get off at Lenina Stalina (Stalin Line).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center has-very-light-gray-background-color has-background\">As an alternative, you can visit <strong>Khatyn Memorial complex<\/strong>, a village burnt by the Nazis today turned into a Memorial. In order to get there, you must head to Druznaya and take the marshrutka that goes to Vitebsk but tell the driver that you want to get off at Khatyn\u2019s intersection, from where you will have to walk for 6km to the actual site.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-large\"><picture><source srcset=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/IMG_20191020_143448-768x1024.avif\" type=\"image\/avif\"><source srcset=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/IMG_20191020_143448-768x1024.jpg\" type=\"image\/jpeg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/IMG_20191020_143448-768x1024.jpg\" alt class=\"wp-image-23681\"><\/picture><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">A recreation of the former USSR border<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"43\">Day 4 &#8211; Nesvizh and Nesvizh Castle<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>A 500-year-old town in rural Belarus, home to a UNESCO World Heritage castle named after the town itself: <strong><em>Nesvizh<\/em><\/strong>, or <strong><em>Njasvizh<\/em><\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>To be honest, Nesvizh town doesn\u2019t have any attractive, but we spent our stay in a pleasant wooden guest house and also had dinner in a relatively fancy restaurant, so our short 1-day stay was great.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The main reason to come here, however, is to check out a beautiful castle from the 13th century that served as a residence for the Radziwill Family, a noble family originally from present Lithuania.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>You can learn <strong><a aria-label=\"more about it here (opens in a new tab)\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" class=\"rank-math-link\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Nyasvizh\" target=\"_blank\">more about it here<\/a><\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The castle is delightful but to our surprise, the thing we enjoyed the most was the location, especially because we came in the month of November, when the autumn colors were at their best, so we sneaked in a bottle of wine and finished it under a tree with the best castle views.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center has-very-light-gray-background-color has-background\">If you have your own vehicle, it is realistic to also visit <strong>Mir Castle<\/strong> on the same day, as it is only 30 minutes away from Nesvizh but, if going by public transportation, it would be challenging to fit it in this Belarus one-week itinerary.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-large\"><picture><source srcset=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/10\/belarus-travel-itinerary-683x1024.avif\" type=\"image\/avif\"><source srcset=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/10\/belarus-travel-itinerary-683x1024.jpg\" type=\"image\/jpeg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/10\/belarus-travel-itinerary-683x1024.jpg\" alt=\"Belarus travel itinerary\" class=\"wp-image-25731\"><\/picture><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Nesvizh castle, the most beautiful place to visit in Belarus<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How to get to Nesvizh from Minsk<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>You must take a train to a village called Haradzeya, from where you can take a marshrutka to the village of Nesvizh.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center has-background\" style=\"background-color:#fcc3b7\"><strong>Visit both Nesvizh and Mir castles on an organized tour from Minsk<\/strong><br><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.getyourguide.com\/minsk-l1410\/minsk-full-day-private-tour-to-mir-nesvizh-t106609\/?partner_id=51CMUEB&amp;utm_medium=online_publisher&amp;utm_source=joan%40againstthecompass.com&amp;placement=content-middle\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow sponsored\"><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\">CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE<\/span><\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Where to stay in Nesvizh<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-normal-font-size\"><strong>Nice local guest house &#8211; <\/strong><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.booking.com\/hotel\/by\/agrousadba-nesvizhskaya.en-gb.html?aid=1232728&amp;label=belarus_itinerary_en\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow sponsored\">Agrousadba Nesvizhskaya<\/a><\/strong><\/span> &#8211; The place we stayed at was absolutely great. Cozy wooden rooms with a great balcony and a lovely family. Ideal for budget travelers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-layout-flex wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link has-background wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/www.booking.com\/hotel\/by\/agrousadba-nesvizhskaya.en-gb.html?aid=1232728&amp;label=belarus_itinerary_en\" style=\"border-radius:11px;background-color:#0c3b7c\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow\"><strong>Check on Booking.com<\/strong><\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:30px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-normal-font-size\"><strong>Mid-range &#8211; <\/strong><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.booking.com\/hotel\/by\/palats.en-gb.html?aid=1232728&amp;label=belarus_itinerary_en\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow sponsored\">Palace Hotel<\/a><\/strong><\/span> &#8211; Located within the castle walls, hence made of classic architecture and surrounded by gorgeous nature, this inexpensive hotel has the most prime location in the city.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-layout-flex wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link has-background wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/www.booking.com\/hotel\/by\/palats.en-gb.html?aid=1232728&amp;label=belarus_itinerary_en\" style=\"border-radius:11px;background-color:#0c3b7c\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow\"><strong>Check on Booking.com<\/strong><\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-large\"><picture><source srcset=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/10\/DSC_7106-1024x683.avif\" type=\"image\/avif\"><source srcset=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/10\/DSC_7106-1024x683.jpg\" type=\"image\/jpeg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/10\/DSC_7106-1024x683.jpg\" alt class=\"wp-image-25733\"><\/picture><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Adriana in Nasvizh and the beautiful autumn colors<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"44\">Day 5 &#8211; Brest<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>After Minsk, Brest must be the most cosmopolitan city in Belarus but this isn\u2019t a coincidence because Brest has always been located in a very strategic position, traditionally, in the middle of a trading route from Moscow to Berlin and today, within walking distance from Poland, the reason why many Brest citizens feel culturally, and also emotionally, closer to the EU than <a href=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/russia-travel\/\"><strong>Russia<\/strong><\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The city, nevertheless, is pretty quiet but it has a few markets and bars which are definitely worth stopping at, plus here you find an unmissable site of your Belarus travel itinerary, <strong>Brest Fortress<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-large\"><picture><source srcset=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/10\/beautiful-places-to-visit-in-Belarus-683x1024.avif\" type=\"image\/avif\"><source srcset=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/10\/beautiful-places-to-visit-in-Belarus-683x1024.jpg\" type=\"image\/jpeg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/10\/beautiful-places-to-visit-in-Belarus-683x1024.jpg\" alt=\"beautiful places to visit in Belarus\" class=\"wp-image-25735\"><\/picture><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Places to visit in Brest<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Brest Fortress &#8211; <\/strong>A massive fortress from the 18th century, but more famous for being the defensive line which the Germans managed to break through, hence beginning the invasion of Belarus.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The defense of the fortress from the Nazi attacks is seen, by people from all over the USSR, as one of the most heroic events in the history of the nation. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>There is even <strong><a aria-label=\"a good movie about it (opens in a new tab)\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\" class=\"rank-math-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=lw3mDJ0qdp0\" target=\"_blank\">a good movie about it<\/a><\/strong> which I recommend you watch.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Today, the fortress has been turned into a big memorial that houses many museums and tanks, the highlight being a giant bust (the biggest I have ever seen) of an unknown soldier.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong><a aria-label=\"Gagarin Caf\u00e9 (opens in a new tab)\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\" class=\"rank-math-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.tripadvisor.com\/Restaurant_Review-g297308-d17396140-Reviews-Gagarin-Brest_Brest_District_Brest_Region.html\" target=\"_blank\">Gagarin Caf\u00e9<\/a> &#8211; <\/strong>A Soviet-themed caf\u00e9 named after famous cosmonaut Gagarin and decorated with all sort of Soviet stuff, from propaganda to holiday brochures. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The waitresses are lovely and they dress up in traditional clothes from the era. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The restaurant\u2019s menu had all the classics, with very high-quality food, and I recommend you order borsch, pelmeni and dranikis.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Soviet street (Sovetskaya street) &#8211;<\/strong> This is nothing more than the main leisure street that houses a bunch of bars, restaurants, cinemas, etc. The best place to hang out before or after visiting Brest fortress.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center has-background\" style=\"background-color:#fcc3b7\"><strong>Visit Brest on a guided tour!<\/strong><br><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.getyourguide.com\/discovery\/brest-l112072\/?partner_id=51CMUEB&amp;utm_medium=online_publisher&amp;utm_source=joan%40againstthecompass.com&amp;placement=content-middle\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow sponsored\">CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE!<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-large\"><picture><source srcset=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/IMG-20191024-WA0009-1024x576.avif\" type=\"image\/avif\"><source srcset=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/IMG-20191024-WA0009-1024x576.jpg\" type=\"image\/jpeg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/IMG-20191024-WA0009-1024x576.jpg\" alt=\"Kafe Gagarin Brest\" class=\"wp-image-23691\"><\/picture><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Kafe Gagarin in Brest<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Where to stay in Brest<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-normal-font-size\"><strong>Backpacking Hostel &#8211; <\/strong><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.booking.com\/hotel\/by\/khostiel-quot-privokzal-nyi-quot.en-gb.html?aid=1232728&amp;label=belarus_itinerary_en\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow sponsored\">Privokzalnyi Hostel<\/a><\/strong><\/span> &#8211; The best option for backpackers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-layout-flex wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link has-background wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/www.booking.com\/hotel\/by\/khostiel-quot-privokzal-nyi-quot.en-gb.html?aid=1232728&amp;label=belarus_itinerary_en\" style=\"border-radius:11px;background-color:#0c3b7c\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow\"><strong>Check on Booking.com<\/strong><\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:30px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-normal-font-size\"><strong>Budget Apartment<\/strong> &#8211; <span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.booking.com\/hotel\/by\/apartment-na-17-sentyabrya-brest.en-gb.html?aid=1232728&amp;label=belarus_itinerary_en\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow sponsored\">City Centre Apartment<\/a><\/strong><\/span> &#8211; We stayed in this apartment located in the city center. Fully equipped and very comfortable. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-layout-flex wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link has-background wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/www.booking.com\/hotel\/by\/apartment-na-17-sentyabrya-brest.en-gb.html?aid=1232728&amp;label=belarus_itinerary_en\" style=\"border-radius:11px;background-color:#0c3b7c\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow\"><strong>Check on Booking.com<\/strong><\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:30px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-normal-font-size\"><strong>Nice hotel<\/strong> &#8211; <span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.booking.com\/hotel\/by\/hampton-inn-brest-belarus.en-gb.html?aid=1232728&amp;label=belarus_itinerary_en\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow sponsored\">Hampton<\/a><\/strong><\/span> &#8211; One of the best value-for-money options in town, if you fancy a good hotel. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-layout-flex wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link has-background wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/www.booking.com\/hotel\/by\/hampton-inn-brest-belarus.en-gb.html?aid=1232728&amp;label=belarus_itinerary_en\" style=\"border-radius:11px;background-color:#0c3b7c\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow\"><strong>Check on Booking.com<\/strong><\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:30px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-normal-font-size\"><strong>4-star hotel<\/strong> &#8211; <span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.booking.com\/hotel\/by\/hermitage.en-gb.html?aid=1232728&amp;label=belarus_itinerary_en\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow sponsored\">Hermitage Hotel<\/a><\/strong><\/span> &#8211; If you are fancying a bit of luxury and extra comfort, this stylish, classic hotel is located at the heart of Brest.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-layout-flex wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link has-background wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/www.booking.com\/hotel\/by\/hermitage.en-gb.html?aid=1232728&amp;label=belarus_itinerary_en\" style=\"border-radius:11px;background-color:#0c3b7c\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow\"><strong>Check on Booking.com<\/strong><\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How to get to Brest from Nesvizh (or Minsk)<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>If you are in Nesvizh, you must go back to the city of Haradzeya and catch the train. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If you are in Minsk, you can easily book a direct train.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-large\"><picture><source srcset=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/IMG_20191024_171517-768x1024.avif\" type=\"image\/avif\"><source srcset=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/IMG_20191024_171517-768x1024.jpg\" type=\"image\/jpeg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/IMG_20191024_171517-768x1024.jpg\" alt class=\"wp-image-23746\"><\/picture><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Doing some Soviet tourist stuff in Brest, Belarus<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"45\">Day 6 &#8211; Grodno<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Grodno is located at the border with Lithuania and, as such, it reminded me a lot of Vilnius, architecturally-speaking. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>As in the rest of Belarus, in Grodno you will also find a Lenin statue and, of course, a T-34 tank but it has nothing to do with the Soviet Belarus you have seen so far, like not at all. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In fact, Grodno\u2019s old town seemed to me like the most touristic place in the country or, at least, the most properly prepared to host tourists, especially because, for years, the border that leads to Grodno was the only place where you could get a visa on arrival, with the only condition that you would not leave Grodno Oblast (region), this way benefiting from the overland tourism from neighboring Poland and Lithuania. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-large\"><picture><source srcset=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/10\/belarus-route-1024x683.avif\" type=\"image\/avif\"><source srcset=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/10\/belarus-route-1024x683.jpg\" type=\"image\/jpeg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/10\/belarus-route-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"Belarus route\" class=\"wp-image-25723\"><\/picture><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Grodno main square<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Places to visit in Grodno<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>In my humble opinion, Grodno is a pleasant town to walk around, but its touristic sites are not very exciting.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>There is the <strong>Old Castle<\/strong>, which is all right and then, the most beautiful place is <strong>Sovetskaya square<\/strong>, where you find <strong>St. Francis Xavier Cathedral<\/strong>, the most important church in the city.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-large\"><picture><source srcset=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/10\/grodno-1024x683.avif\" type=\"image\/avif\"><source srcset=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/10\/grodno-1024x683.jpg\" type=\"image\/jpeg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/10\/grodno-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"Grodno, Belarus\" class=\"wp-image-25721\"><\/picture><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">St. Francis Xavier Cathedral in Grodno<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Where to stay in Grodno<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-normal-font-size\"><strong>Backpacker Hostel &#8211;<\/strong> <span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.booking.com\/hotel\/by\/hostel-gosteam.en-gb.html?aid=1232728&amp;label=belarus_itinerary_en\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow sponsored\">GOSteam Hostel<\/a><\/strong><\/span> &#8211; We stayed in this hostel which also had private rooms. The location was excellent, right next to the city\u2019s main square.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-layout-flex wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link has-background wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/www.booking.com\/hotel\/by\/hostel-gosteam.en-gb.html?aid=1232728&amp;label=belarus_itinerary_en\" style=\"border-radius:11px;background-color:#0c3b7c\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow\"><strong>Check on Booking.com<\/strong><\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:30px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-normal-font-size\"><strong>Budget apartment in Grodno &#8211; <\/strong>Functional, comfortable apartments in Grodno City Center.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-layout-flex wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link has-background wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/www.booking.com\/apartments\/city\/by\/hrodna.en-gb.html?aid=1232728&amp;label=belarus_itinerary_en\" style=\"border-radius:11px;background-color:#0c3b7c\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow\"><strong>Check on Booking.com<\/strong><\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:30px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-normal-font-size\"><strong>Nice hotel &#8211;<\/strong> <span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.booking.com\/hotel\/by\/prival.en-gb.html?aid=1232728&amp;label=belarus_itinerary_en\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow sponsored\">Hotel Prival<\/a><\/strong><\/span> &#8211; A beautifully decorated hotel built inside a classical building.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-layout-flex wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link has-background wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/www.booking.com\/hotel\/by\/prival.en-gb.html?aid=1232728&amp;label=belarus_itinerary_en\" style=\"border-radius:11px;background-color:#0c3b7c\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow\"><strong>Check on Booking.com<\/strong><\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How to get to Grodno<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>From Brest, you can take a direct nearly 4-hour marshrutka.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-large\"><picture><source srcset=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/10\/DSC_7224-1024x683.avif\" type=\"image\/avif\"><source srcset=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/10\/DSC_7224-1024x683.jpg\" type=\"image\/jpeg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/10\/DSC_7224-1024x683.jpg\" alt class=\"wp-image-25725\"><\/picture><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">A happy couple walking around Grodno<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"46\">Day 7 &#8211; Back to Minsk<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Grodno is nearly 300km away from Minsk. Trains run often and the journey takes a couple of hours. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"47\">Extending your itinerary: Additional places to visit in Belarus<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>If you are having some extra days, you may add the following places to your Belarus itinerary:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Braslav Lakes (3 days)<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-normal-font-size\">Located 250km north of Minsk, in Vitebsk Oblast, Braslav Lakes is a 70,000ha National Park composed of hundreds of blue-water lakes, interconnected by a maze of hundreds of rivers. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-normal-font-size\">If you want to explore the most beautiful natural place in Belarus, it doesn\u2019t get better than Braslav.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-normal-font-size\">It\u2019s a big region where you will find many villages, many of them having plenty of accommodation options, especially in Braslav, but I recommend you stay in a place outside of town, like in the village of Slobodka or Lake Zovolo.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-layout-flex wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button aligncenter\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link has-background wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/www.booking.com\/searchresults.xu.html?city=-1941824&amp;aid=1232728&amp;label=belarus_itinerary_en\" style=\"border-radius:11px;background-color:#0c3b7c\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow\"><strong><strong>CLICK HERE TO CHECK THE BEST PLACES TO STAY IN BRASLAV<\/strong><\/strong><\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Mogilev (2 days)<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-normal-font-size\">Mogilev is another city and oblast, once the industrial and agricultural center of Belarus, but the region\u2019s economy went into decline as a direct consequence of the Chernobyl disaster, as a large part of the oblast was highly affected by the radioactivity. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-normal-font-size\">There aren\u2019t proper touristic places to visit in Mogilev, other than this is the most traditionally Soviet city in Belarus, with loads of Soviet buildings and functional collective farms, so only the most intrepid travelers should it to their Belarus itinerary. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-normal-font-size\">Moreover, in Mogilev Oblast you also find Aleksandriya, a small village 40km north of Mogilev, famous for being <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/belarusfeed.com\/tourist-route-around-aleksandr-lukashenko-birthplace\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">Lukashenko\u2019s birthplace<\/a><\/strong>, the first and only Belarusian President. In the school\u2019s village, there\u2019s a propaganda museum devoted to his personality.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-layout-flex wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button aligncenter\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link has-background wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/www.booking.com\/searchresults.xu.html?city=-1945803&amp;aid=1232728&amp;label=belarus_itinerary_en\" style=\"border-radius:11px;background-color:#0c3b7c\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow\"><strong><strong><strong>CLICK HERE TO CHECK THE BEST PLACES TO STAY IN MOGILEV<\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Chernobyl Exclusion Zone<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>The Nuclear Plant of Chernobyl is located in the city of Prypiat, <a href=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/travel-ukraine\/\" class=\"rank-math-link\"><strong>Ukraine<\/strong><\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Nevertheless, due to the wind\u2019s direction, most of the radiation ended up on Belarus, contaminating 25% of the country\u2019s territory.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Therefore, Belarus is the country that suffered the consequences the most but people seem to forget that. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Anyways, in Belarus there is an Exclusion Zone which is barely visited, and you can go there on a guided tour, this way avoiding the crowds of the already sensationalist Chernobyl tour in Ukraine. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The problem, however, is that there aren\u2019t many scheduled group tours, but you need to be lucky and plan it in advance. Otherwise, you can also do a tailor-made tour, but it will be expensive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>I tried, unsuccessfully, to join a group <strong><a aria-label=\"through this website (opens in a new tab)\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\" class=\"rank-math-link\" href=\"https:\/\/walktofolk.com\" target=\"_blank\">through this website<\/a><\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-large\"><picture><source srcset=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/11\/is-it-safe-to-visit-chernobyl-1-1024x683.avif\" type=\"image\/avif\"><source srcset=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/11\/is-it-safe-to-visit-chernobyl-1-1024x683.jpg\" type=\"image\/jpeg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/11\/is-it-safe-to-visit-chernobyl-1-1024x683.jpg\" alt class=\"wp-image-22897\"><\/picture><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Gas masks in Chernobyl Exclusion Zone<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"5\">More information to complement your Belarus itinerary<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-background\" style=\"background-color:#2b8f2b\">\ud83d\udce2 In my <a href=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/travel-resources\/\"><strong>Travel Resources Page<\/strong><\/a> you can find the list of all the sites and services I use to book hotels, tours, travel insurance and more.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">All guides and articles for traveling in Belarus destination<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/visit-minsk\/\">Travel Guide to Minsk<\/a><\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/unusual-things-to-do-in-belarus\/\">Unusual Things to do in Belarus<\/a><\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/travel-belarus\/\">Belarus Travel Guide<\/a><\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Travel Itineraries to former Soviet countries<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/backpacking-azerbaijan-travel-itinerary\/\">Azerbaijan Itinerary<\/a><\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/backpacking-ukraine-itinerary\/\">Ukraine Itinerary<\/a><\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/traveling-tajikistan\/\">Travel Guide to Tajikistan<\/a><\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/georgia-itinerary\/\">Georgia Itinerary<\/a><\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/travel-moldova-itinerary\/\">Travel Guide to Moldova<\/a><\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/backpacking-kyrgyzstan\/\">Kyrgyzstan Itinerary<\/a><\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/uzbekistan-itinerary\/\">Uzbekistan Itinerary<\/a><\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/backpacking-kazakhstan-itinerary\/\">Kazakhstan Itinerary<\/a><\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-large is-resized\"><picture><source srcset=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/10\/places-to-visit-in-belarus-685x1024.avif\" type=\"image\/avif\"><source srcset=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/10\/places-to-visit-in-belarus-685x1024.jpg\" type=\"image\/jpeg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/10\/places-to-visit-in-belarus-685x1024.jpg\" alt=\"places to visit in Belarus\" class=\"wp-image-25740\" style=\"object-fit:cover;width:446px;height:auto\"><\/picture><\/figure>\n\n\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Belarus may not be the most exotic destination we talk about in this blog but, with all its bizarre places, it truly deserves to be marked as an actual Against the Compass country, for real. The Soviet Heritage is, definitely, the highlight and the country\u2019s main magnet, ranging from a former Soviet border turned into [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":25729,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[277,164,271],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-25706","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-belarus","category-travel-guides","category-europe"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/25706","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=25706"}],"version-history":[{"count":5,"href":"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/25706\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":54746,"href":"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/25706\/revisions\/54746"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/25729"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=25706"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=25706"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=25706"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}