Climbing higher to see Minsk spread out before your eyes. Classic views and non-typical angles – we've collected all observation decks of the capital in one article.
Hotel Belarus
Where? vulica Staražeŭskaja, 15
When? Daily from 10 a.m. to 10:30 p.m.
How much? 1 person – 3,5 BYN (€ 1.3), group of 6-8 people – 19 BYN (€ 7.1)
On the high-speed elevator in the hotel "Belarus" you’ll fly up to a height of 73 meters, offering a spacious panorama of a postcard-like Minsk: the calm flow of the river, tiny houses of the Trinity Suburb, the snow-white Cathedral on one side and Victory Park on the other. The elevator goes up every half an hour, and you can stay there for 30 minutes. To enjoy the city in all its glory, we recommend choosing time just before sunset.
Shopping center at Niamiha, 3
Where? vulica Niamiha, 3
When? Daily from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.
How much? Free
Ordinary parking on the roof of a shopping center is actually a great (and free) observation deck. From the spot, you can enjoy a fantastic panorama of the city center: colorful roofs, courtyards of Revalucyjnaia street and the lofty Cathedral at Svabody square. To witness all this beauty, go straight into the shopping center and ride the elevator to the 7th floor. Note that you won’t probably be able to see the sun go because the center closes at 9 p.m.
Ferris wheel
Where? ParkHorkaha, vulica Frunze, 2
When? Mon 3 p.m to 9 p.m; Tue, Wed, Thu, Sun 11 a.m to 9 p.m; Fri, Sat and holidays 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.
How much? Ride in a closed booth – 3,5 BYN (discounted ticket – 2,65 BYN), in an open booth – 4 BYN (a discounted one - 3 BYN)
That's the most romantic spot in the highlight. The observation wheel in Park Horkaha will slowly lift you to a height of 54 meters, and at the top, you will see almost the entire city: the smooth curve of Svislač, the residential area near the Victory square and the main avenue. The ride on an open booth is, for sure, more thrilling, but a closed one offers wider angles.
Shopping center Galileo
Where? vulica Babrujskaja, 6
When? Sun-Thu 10 a.m to 10 p.m, Fri-Sat 10 a.m. to 11 p.m.
How much? Free
The parking of the shopping center "Galileo" reveals a view on one of the main attractions of Minsk and an excellent example of the Stalinist architecture – the Gates of Minsk. As a bonus, you may observe the main country's railway hub from this deck: arrays of railway cars, shining tracks stretching off into the distance and Minsk citizens and guests hurrying up to board their train – a true big city vibe! If you’re heading to Galileo by car, just ride to the first level of the parking, and if on foot – enter the shopping center and go up to the 5th floor, there you’ll find the exit to the parking.
The National Library of Belarus
Where? praspiekt Niezaliežnasci, 116
When? Daily from 12 a.m. to 10:30 p.m.
How much? 3,5 BYN (€ 1.3)
The National library – a kind of symbol of Minsk, located outside the center – is also climbable. For 3.5 BYN you'll ride a panoramic elevator, have a nice view of the area of the metro stations Ushod and Uručča and observe the city through wide-angle binoculars. And for a symbolic extra fare, you may visit the local Museum of books.
Shopping Mall Galleria Minsk
Where? praspiekt Pieramožcaŭ, 9
When? Daily from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.
How much? Free
Another way to observe the city for free. Although the food court terrace of the Galleria shopping center is not very high, it offers a decent view of the Trinity Suburb and the Upper city. This is a nice alternative to the restaurant The View (praspiekt Pieramožcaŭ, 7), which is located just next door and will be closed for renovation until the end of summer.
Photos by murmurash, Ferris wheel by palasatka
