Minsk will almost certainly surprise you. The capital of Belarus is, contrary to its dreary reputation, a progressive, modern and clean place. Fashionable cafes, impressive restaurants and crowded nightclubs vie for your attention, while sushi bars and art galleries have taken up residence in a city centre once totally remodelled to the tastes of Stalin. Despite the strong police presence and obedient citizenry, Minsk is a thoroughly pleasant place that's easy to become fond of.

Minsk, capital of Belarus, is a modern city dominated by monumental Stalinist architecture. Many of its museums, theaters and other cultural attractions line Independence Avenue (Praspyekt Nyezalyezhnastsi), a wide, 15km-long thoroughfare leading to vast Independence Square. Looming over this iconic plaza are massive KGB Headquarters and the neo-Romanesque Church of Saints Simon and Helena, also known as Red Church.