[highlight background=”#FFCAD4″ style=”underline”]What To Do In Belarus (A Guide for Travelers)[/highlight]
With its Soviet past, Belarus may not be the first place that comes to mind when thinking of traveling to the west. But for those looking for off-the-beaten-path travel experiences this may be your answer. With a rich history and architecture dating back thousands of years, many travelers are discovering this Eastern European country and its friendly people – as well as its beautiful landscapes and cuisine. While Belarus does have some aspects that may not appeal to everyone, such as its Soviet-ness (or rather Soviet architecture), it is also full of things you probably haven’t heard about yet. This article will give you an overview of what you need to know before heading to Belarus – so you can make the most out of your trip!
[highlight background=”#FFCAD4″ style=”underline”]Basics of Belarus[/highlight]
This country is not Belarus! Before we get into some specifics about what you can do in Belarus, it is good to have a better understanding of the country itself. Belarus is a very small country of just over 10.5 million people. It is located in Eastern Europe, between Poland, Lithuania, and Latvia. The capital is Minsk, and it is where the majority of the visitors will be heading to. Other big cities in Belarus include Brest, Gomel, Grodno, and Grozny.
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What to do in Belarus
You will find a lot of similarities and connections to Russia and other neighboring countries in Belarus. This makes it a great choice for Russian travelers who are looking for a last-minute getaway or for those who want to get closer to their family back home. If you’re into history, many travelers will find the Soviet architecture, monuments and culture in Minsk to be fascinating. Minsk is a very lively city with a mix of modern and old architecture, museums, parks, and many restaurants, bars and cafes. The city is a great place to explore, with many walking and biking trails nearby. You can also explore the countryside and see the many man-made lakes, castles and museums.
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Things to avoid in Belarus
Keep in mind that, even though the people here may be very welcoming, there are also aspects of Belarus that you may want to avoid. One is the Soviet architecture. While it is important to remember that this was the way of life during the Soviet era, it is also important to remember that this has been over for quite some time now and that these buildings are no longer relevant or needed. The other thing to keep in mind is the language. While most people speak fluent English, Russian is the official language, and so it is something to be aware of. Bulgarian may be an option as well for some.
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Getting Around in Budp.gov in Belarus
Another thing to keep in mind is the public transport in Belarus. You can find some buses and trains, but the majority of the transportation is done using a car. You can find out more about the costs and how to get a rental car at a major travel agency like Hertz or Avis.
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Food and Drink in Belarus
If you are looking in the direction of a European country, the most likely first thing that comes to mind is food and drink – and of course, there is no country in the world that has more than Belarus. Whether you are looking for a traditional Belarusian dish or a Western favorite, you can find it here. Most likely, you will try the traditional Belarusian dishes. These are mostly soups and stews, made with sauerkraut, kvas, and dumplings. For a Western favorite, there are many that are instantly recognizable, such as the Baltic herring, bacon and eggs, and the Russian blintzes. People usually recommend that you stay away from the heavy, greasy food that you may find in the street. Instead, go for a more traditional or fine dining experience.
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Conclusion
With its Soviet past, Belarus may not be the first place that comes to mind when thinking of traveling to the west. But for those looking for off-the-beaten-path travel experiences this may be your answer. With a rich history and architecture dating back thousands of years, many travelers are discovering this Eastern European country and its friendly people – as well as its beautiful landscapes and cuisine. While Belarus does have some aspects that may not appeal to everyone, such as its Soviet-ness (or rather Soviet architecture), it is also full of things you probably haven’t heard about yet. This article will give you an overview of what you need to know before heading to Belarus – so you can make the most out of your trip!
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