Top Cities to Visit in Belarus (That Aren’t Minsk) This August

Why Explore Belarus Beyond Minsk?

While Minsk is Belarus’s political and cultural capital, the true essence of the country lies in its smaller cities—where Soviet legacies blend with medieval roots, traditional crafts, and slow, soulful living. If you’re visiting in August, you’re in for temperate weather, outdoor festivals, ripe markets, and plenty of cultural encounters without the crowds.

In this guide, we’ll cover top cities in Belarus outside Minsk, things to do, how to travel between cities, local food and café culture, packing essentials, and how to stay connected with a Voye Global Belarus eSIM.

1. Brest – Where East Meets West

Located on the Polish border, Brest is a unique fusion of Eastern Orthodox and Western European vibes, known for its leafy boulevards, fortress ruins, and quirky street sculptures.

Things to Do in Brest:

• Brest Hero-Fortress – A sprawling WWII memorial and museum complex
• Pedestrian Sovetskaya Street – Street art, cafes, and Belarusian boutiques
• Railway Museum – An open-air showcase of vintage locomotives
• Lantern Lighting Ceremony – Unique tradition every evening by hand-lit lanterns

Local Cafés to Try:

• Times Café – A cozy space for coffee and Eastern European pastries
• Stary Gorod – For traditional Belarusian dishes with modern twists

2. Grodno – Belarus’s Cultural Gem

Bordering Lithuania and Poland, Grodno (Hrodna) is a charming city filled with Baroque churches, medieval castles, and panoramic riverside views.

Top Attractions:

• Old Castle & New Castle – Explore both to understand Belarus’s royal history
• Kalozha Church – A 12th-century UNESCO-listed Orthodox landmark
• Sozh River Promenade – Ideal for evening strolls or a river cruise

August Tip:

Attend the Grodno City Day Festival (dates vary)—expect music, markets, and cultural shows.

Café Scene:

• Nasha Kava – Best coffee in town, also a local roastery
• Kukhnya Café – Try their local honey cake (medovik) and dumplings

3. Vitebsk – The City of Marc Chagall

Birthplace of the famous painter Marc Chagall, Vitebsk is both an artistic and historical city with strong Russian influences and a relaxed atmosphere.

Highlights:

• Marc Chagall Museum – Located in his childhood home
• Annunciation Church – One of the oldest stone churches in Belarus
• Summer amphitheatre – Often hosts open-air music and art festivals

Local Eats:

• Zhuravinka – Known for homemade Belarusian cuisine
• Smetana Café – Serves syrniki (cottage cheese pancakes) and herbal teas

4. Polotsk – The Oldest City in Belarus

Polotsk is the spiritual heart of Belarus—first mentioned in 862 AD. It’s ideal for travelers seeking history, monasteries, and quiet river landscapes.

Things to Do:

• St. Sophia Cathedral – Built in the 11th century, with panoramic bell tower views
• Museum of Printing – Dedicated to Belarus’s first book publisher, Francysk Skaryna
• Monastery of St. Euphrosyne – Still active, serene, and significant

Eat & Drink:

• Art Café “Skaryna” – Located inside a historic building, try borscht and draniki
• Coffee Spot Polotsk – Relaxed, student-friendly café

5. Mogilev – Off the Radar but Worth the Stop

One of the least touristy major cities, Mogilev offers a raw, authentic look into provincial Belarus—ideal for curious travelers.

What to Explore:

• Peasant War Museum – Learn about Belarusian resistance movements
• Mogilev City Hall – With its famous clock tower
• Astrological Clock – A quirky photo-op

August Events:

Local folk markets and summer evening concerts in Lenin Square are common.

How to Travel Between Cities in Belarus?

All cities mentioned are within 1–6 hours of Minsk, making them great for day trips or short stays.

What to Eat in Belarus in August?

August is harvest season, so markets are full of seasonal goodness:

• Zucchini pancakes, fresh blueberries, mushroom soups, cabbage rolls, cold beet soup (kholodnik), and kvass (fermented rye drink)
• Belarusian cheesecakes, medovik (honey cake), and birch sap drinks

What to Pack for Belarus in August?

Stay Connected with Voye Global’s eSIM for Belarus

Traveling through multiple cities in Belarus means staying connected for:

• Maps, train times, translations
• Booking taxis or accommodations on the go
• Social media, uploading travel stories
• Navigating Cyrillic menus or museum guides

With Voye Global’s Belarus eSIM, you’re always online—without the stress of SIM card hunting or language barriers.

Why Choose Voye Global?

• Instant activation—scan QR code and connect immediately
• Flexible data plans—great for short trips or extended exploration
• Zero roaming fees—local network access, international convenience
• Supports 4G/5G where available
• Eco-friendly and fully digital

FAQs: Belarus Travel in August

Is Belarus safe for tourists?
Yes, especially in cities. Use common sense as you would anywhere.

Do people speak English?
Limited outside Minsk. Learn basic Russian phrases or use Google Translate.

Can I use credit cards?
Mostly yes in cities and large shops. Keep cash (Belarusian rubles) for smaller vendors.

Are trains comfortable?
Yes. They’re clean, affordable, and easy to navigate—even without knowing Russian.

What internet options are available?
Public Wi-Fi is limited. A Voye eSIM gives you secure, high-speed data across the country.

Final Thoughts

Belarus offers far more than its capital. From the cultural charm of Grodno to the artistic soul of Vitebsk, the spiritual history of Polotsk, and the borderland stories of Brest, August is the perfect time to discover the lesser-known side of this Eastern European country.

And with Voye Global’s eSIM for Belarus, your travels stay smart, seamless, and connected—wherever the road leads.