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🇧🇾Things to Do in Belarus
From the UNESCO-listed Mir Castle to the palaces of Nesvizh - the essential sights, and how to keep your own record of them, when conditions allow.
Travel guide - last updated September 2026
Belarus holds two of the best-preserved noble residences in Eastern Europe in Mir Castle and Nesvizh Palace, alongside a capital, Minsk, rebuilt almost entirely in a distinctive Soviet architectural style after WWII. Current political conditions and international relations have significantly affected travel accessibility for many nationalities in recent years, so checking your government's official travel advisory is essential before planning any visit.
Top attractions
The sights most first-time visitors build an itinerary around.
Mir Castle
A UNESCO World Heritage 16th-century castle combining Gothic, Baroque and Renaissance architectural styles, restored after significant WWII damage.
📍 Mir, Grodno Region
🚉 Buses from Minsk's central terminal run to Mir village in about two hours, dropping you a 10-minute walk from the castle - most visitors combine it with Nesvizh on the same day trip.
Nesvizh Palace
A UNESCO World Heritage former residence of the Radziwill family, one of the most powerful noble dynasties in the historic Grand Duchy of Lithuania, set within landscaped parkland.
📍 Nesvizh, Minsk Region
🚉 Buses from Minsk take two hours to Nesvizh, and the Radziwill palace is a 20-minute walk through the park from the bus station.
Minsk
Belarus's capital, almost entirely rebuilt after WWII in a distinctive Stalinist architectural style, with wide boulevards that give the city a notably uniform, planned character.
📍 Minsk
🚉 The Minsk Metro's three lines cover the city, with Kastrycnickaja and Ploshcha Lenina serving the centre - Independence Avenue's Stalinist architecture is walkable from either.
Mark Belarus, get the stamp
In MyPassportStory, every country you mark - visited, lived in, or still on the list - becomes a stamp like these in your own travel passport. Add the cities you stopped in, draw the route between them, and turn the whole trip into a shareable passport-style image.
Open MyPassportStoryPlanning questions
How many days do you need in Belarus?
Check your government's official travel advisory before planning any specific itinerary, given current conditions affecting travel accessibility for many nationalities.
What's the best time to visit Belarus?
Current travel advisories for your nationality should be the primary consideration, not seasonal weather.
Is Belarus good for a first-time visit?
Current political conditions and international relations have significantly affected safe and practical access for many nationalities - check your government's official travel advisory carefully before considering any visit.
Do I need a visa to visit Belarus?
Visa requirements and entry conditions vary considerably by nationality and have changed in recent years. Check the official visa information for your nationality: mfa.gov.by.
What are some things to do in Belarus on a tight budget?
Not a primary consideration currently - checking official travel advisories for your specific nationality matters more here than budget planning.
Can I rent a car in Belarus, and what licence do I need?
Check your government's travel advice before planning, as many Western governments currently advise against travel to Belarus and consular assistance is limited. On driving itself, Belarus recognises national licences meeting the Vienna Convention standard, and an International Driving Permit alongside a home licence is accepted; the minimum age is generally 21 to 25. Foreign-registered vehicles need compulsory local insurance, and there is a zero-tolerance alcohol limit. Note that foreign bank cards may not work, so plan for cash. Official information is published by the state portal at belarus.by.