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01 July 2019 08:14
Belarus is hosting the European Games 2019
If you're heading to this year's European Games, don't forget to explore the best of unmissable Minsk...
Housed in an iconic white building in the centre of the city, the National Academic Bolshoi Opera and Ballet Theatre (to use its full name) is where Minsk's high society come to see and be seen. Shows take place throughout the week so you should find something to satisfy your tastes (from Shakespeare to John Williams) – just book in advance to avoid disappointment.
Like its Moscow namesake, Minsk's most famous park is named after the famous Russian and Soviet writer, Maxim Gorky. And, like its Moscow namesake, Minsk's Gorky Park is an elegant collection of wide boulevards, immaculate gardens and lazy waterways. There's also a famous Ferris wheel that offers views of the park and city beyond.
The largest art museum in Belarus, this is definitely a must-see for culture fans heading to Minsk. Home to over 30,000 works of art, it boasts a great collection of Belarussian and Russian pieces as well as plenty from further afield. Many are labelled in English, too, so don't worry if you can't read Cyrillic.
No visit to Belarus is complete without a visit to the magnificent Mir Castle. A UNESCO World Heritage site, Mir Castle is a day trip out of Minsk but it's well worth it. Dating from the early 16th century and built in classic Polish Gothic style, visitors can wander the castle's rooms or catch one of the many festivals held there, ranging from jousting to rock music.
It's over 400km to the nearest bit of sea (the Baltic, in case you were wondering), but that doesn't stop the locals from enjoying beach life. Zaslawskaye Reservoir – located to the north of the city and known locally as the Minsk Sea – is the ideal place to escape from it all, with its sandy beaches, water sports and memorable sunsets. So don't forget your swim suit!
If you're cheering on Team GB at this year's Games in Belarus, don't forget your travel insurance. At World First we offer cost-effective European travel insurance that will give you complete peace of mind for your holiday.
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