If you prefer to explore on your own, you can visit the
Trajeckaje pradmiescie (Trinity Suburb) - the original Minsk district, rich in historical monuments, coffee shops and museums, and the
Vierchni Horad (Upper Town) - picturesque old metropolitan place occupied by the attractions from the times of the Polish–Lithuanian Commonwealth period.There you will find the
Holy Spirit Cathedral (17th century), the
Arch-Cathedral Church of the Holy Name of Mary (“White Cathedral”or “Bieły kaścioł”, 18th century) and the
St. Peter’s and Paul’s Cathedral (early 17th century). It is definitely worth to visit a
Church of Saints Simon and Helena (“Red Cathedral” or "Čyrvony kaścioł ", 20th century) – one of the favorite places among citizens of Minsk. Connoisseurs of the USSR heritage should take a walk on the
Independence Avenue, one of the candidates for a place in the UNESCO World Heritage List, take a look at a building of the
National Academic Bolshoi Opera and Ballet Theater - a monument of the constructivism, and take a trip to the charming “Asmałoŭka” quarter with its quaint streets and inviting coffee shops. Don't forget to visit our
National Library with its observation deck and quite good restaurant of Belarusian cuisine under the top.