Planning a trip to Belarus doesn't have to be difficult. Known for its beauty, culture, food, and exciting activities, this country is a stunning destination. Our travel cost guide will help you plan a perfect trip on your ideal budget. We've collected tons of travel cost data from previous travelers, and we're revealing average hotel prices and dining costs along with sightseeing and transportation tips. Now you'll be able to craft a memorable adventure without blowing your budget.
How much does it cost to travel to Belarus?
You should plan to spend around $78 (Br256) per day on your vacation in Belarus. This is the average daily price based on the expenses of other visitors.
Past travelers have spent, on average for one day:
- $28 (Br93) on meals
- $11 (Br36) on local transportation
- $53 (Br173) on hotels
A one week trip to Belarus for two people costs, on average, $1,089 (Br3,584). This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
All of these average travel prices have been collected from other travelers to help you plan your own travel budget.
Independent Travel
Traveling Independently has many benefits including affordabilty, freedom, flexibility, and the opportunity to control your own experiences.
All of the travel costs below are based on the experiences of other independent travelers.
Is Belarus expensive to visit?
Belarus is a reasonably affordable destination to visit. It is in the top 25% of countries in the world for its affordability. If you're traveling on a budget, then this is a good destination with affordable accommodation, food, and transportation.
Within Europe, which is known to be an expensive region, Belarus is reasonably affordable compared to the other countries. It is in the top 25% of countries in Europe for its affordability. You can find more affordable countries such as Ukraine, but there are also more expensive countries, such as Svalbard and Jan Mayen Islands.
In Belarus, you'll find accommodation and activities that cater to both budget travelers and those seeking a more lavish experience. Budget accommodation options are available, such as hostels in Minsk, but there are also luxury hotels that cater to the more affluent customer, along with mid-range hotels for families or couples.
Belarus doesn't have to break the bank if you follow simple tips like eating at less expensive restaurants and enjoying free activities.
On average, budget travelers spend $32 (Br105) per person per day, mid-range travelers spend $78 (Br256) per day, and luxury travelers spend around $184 (Br603) per day. These costs are calculated from the expenses of previous travelers to Belarus.
For more details, see Is Belarus Expensive?
How much money do I need for a trip to Belarus?
The average Belarus trip cost is broken down by category here for independent travelers. All of these Belarus travel prices are calculated from the budgets of real travelers. Also, you can see more details at How much does a trip to Belarus cost?
Belarus on a Budget
|
Category
|
Budget
|
Mid-Range
|
Luxury
|
Accommodation 1
For 1 person in double occupancy
|
$11
(Br36)
|
$26
(Br87)
|
$60
(Br199)
|
|
Local Transportation 1
|
$4.11
(Br14)
|
$11
(Br36)
|
$31
(Br102)
|
|
Food 2
|
$11
(Br38)
|
$28
(Br93)
|
$69
(Br226)
|
|
Entertainment 1
|
$8.45
(Br28)
|
$19
(Br64)
|
$38
(Br124)
|
|
Alcohol 2
|
$3-8
(Br8-25)
|
$6-18
(Br20-61)
|
$14-42
(Br46-137)
|
Minsk, Bealarus
Realistic Expectations for Your Travel Budget
It's important to set realistic expectations about your travel budget. While many people consider themselves "budget" travelers, the truth is that most people don't find this shoestring travel style to be enjoyable. Consider what you genuinely appreciate on a trip and think about your previous travel experiences. Do you lean more towards staying in nice resorts, or mid-range hotels, or maybe even hostels? Is dining out in nice restaurants something you prioritize? Your answers will have a big impact on your overall travel budget.
The Truth on Budget Travel
People often say you can visit Belarus for just $32 daily, but unless you're okay with sacrificing many comforts, be ready to shell out a lot more.
Backpackers can typically make that budget work, but it usually requires sleeping in dorm-style hostels, eating at the most affordable restaurants or fast food spots, taking public transit or walking, and sticking to free sights.
Thankfully, Belarus offers a wide variety of hostels, with the largest selection found in Minsk.
Is Your Travel Style Average?
If you're on vacation as a couple or with family, you'll likely choose a mid-range hotel, eat at popular restaurants, and visit the must-see attractions, which often come with entry fees. Most travelers will want to visit the major sights, and landmarks. As most things cost money, it's best to expect a daily budget of about $78 per person.
Want to Escape the Daily Grind in Style?
To experience a truly luxurious getaway, where everything from the service to the accommodation is elevated, plan for a daily price near $184. This means booking luxury hotels, dining in five-star restaurants, enjoying exclusive excursions, and hiring private drivers. You'll be vacationing among the wealthy in destinations like Minsk.
Accommodation Budget in Belarus
Belarus offers hotels with a wide range of prices. You might be surprised at the difference between budget and high-end options, especially during peak season when prices increase significantly. To save, visit in the off-season, and book early for better deals.
Calculated from travelers like you
The average price paid in Belarus for two people for a typical double-occupancy hotel room is $53 (Br173). For one person sharing a room, the average price paid for a hotel room is $26 (Br87) per night. These costs are from the reported spending of actual travelers.
Looking for a hotel in Belarus? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options.
Local Transportation Budget in Belarus
Calculated from travelers like you
-
On average, past travelers have spent $11 (Br36) per person, per day, on local transportation in Belarus. The cost of a taxi ride or rideshare service (Uber/Lyft) in Belarus is significantly more than public transportation.
-
Local Transportation1
Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
$11
Br36
With an outstanding train system, Belarus connects you to almost anywhere in the country. The prices are quite reasonable, and the rides are both fast and comfortable. When rail lines don't reach your destination, long-distance and regional buses can step in.
If you're considering a visit to the countryside, you'll want to rent a car. Note that in Europe, most cars feature a manual transmission, and if you prefer an automatic, you might have to pay a premium. It's important to book ahead of time, as the lower-priced rentals tend to go quickly.
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When you have a car in one of the bigger cities, make sure to check with your hotel about their parking situation in advance. You might have to pay for parking at the hotel or in a nearby public garage. Sometimes, it's more economical to park your car a bit outside of town.
Food Budget in Belarus
Calculated from travelers like you
-
While restaurant and meal prices in Belarus can vary significantly, the average cost of food in Belarus is $28 (Br93) per day, per person, based on the spending habits of previous travelers.
-
Food2
Meals for one day
$28
Br93
When dining out, the average daily cost for food in Belarus is about $29 (Br93) per person. Previous travelers have typically spent from $11 to $69 per day. Generally, breakfast and lunch will cost less than dinner, but that will vary based on the type of restaurant and what you order.
Typical meal prices in Belarus are as follows:
- Breakfast: $5 to $9
- Lunch: $4 to $14
- Dinner: $10 to $23
- Coffee: $3
- Fast Food or Street Food: $5
The staple meals for Belarus largely consist of meat and potatoes. Potato is especially central to Belarusian cuisine and is served in many shapes and forms-incorporated into salads, served as a side, shaped into patties, baked into puddings, and much more. The most popular among the Belarusians is traditional draniki (also known as "latkes"), which are thick pancakes prepared from shredded potatoes usually served with sour cream. As far as meat goes, beef and pork are the most popular, typically served with vegetables like carrot, cabbage, black radish, or peas, and of course, potato. Salted pork fat is also common. Beyond meat and potatoes, Belarusians do eat some fish, preferring dishes like yushka (fish-based soup), galki (fish-balls in broth), and also baked or boiled river-fish. Onions, garlic, parsley, dill, caraway seeds, and pepper are the main seasonings and are used moderately in cooking. Mushrooms (dried, salted, or pickled) are also well-used, as are berries like bilberry, wild strawberries, red whortlberry, raspberries, and cranberries.
Transportation
As of February 12, 2017, citizens of 80 countries and territories (including European Union member states, the United States, and others) are allowed to visit Belarus visa-free for up to 5 days, applicable to visitors entering and leaving through the border checkpoint at Minsk National Airport, the main way of entry.
When dining with children, make sure to find restaurants that offer a childrens' menu. This can save you a considerable amount, as those meals are usually much cheaper. Also, remember that some restaurants might not list the kids' options, so it's a good idea to ask your waiter.
Many hotels offer breakfast as part of the room rate, but some may charge extra for it. The price and quality of breakfast can differ greatly between hotels. Being informed beforehand can help you determine if you want to spend more on that hotel buffet or if a nearby bakery or café would be a more budget-friendly option.
Instead of purchasing drinks everywhere, bring a water bottle along. It's also an eco-conscious choice.
Before you head out on a tour, it's important to check which meals are included. If you have to pay for some meals yourself, it could affect your overall budget.
Sightseeing and Activities Budget in Belarus
Calculated from travelers like you
-
Sightseeing activities, entertainment, and entrance tickets in Belarus typically cost an average of $19 (Br64) per person, per day based on the spending of previous travelers. This includes fees paid for admission tickets to museums and attractions, day tours, and other sightseeing expenses.
-
Entertainment1
Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
$19
Br64
Nightlife Budget in Belarus
Calculated from travelers like you
-
The average person spends about $12 (Br40) on nightlife and alcoholic beverages in Belarus per day. The more you spend on alcohol, the more fun you might be having despite your higher budget.
-
Alcohol2
Drinks for one day
$12
Br40
While enjoying the local nightlife is part of the adventure, limiting drinks can help stretch your travel funds.
Traveling in Belarus
Viciebsk, Belarus
Belarus is a landlocked country of Eastern Europe, sharing borders with Russia, Ukraine, Poland, Lithuania, and Latvia. It is best known for its Stalinist architecture, many historic churches, grand fortifications, monuments, and wild forests.
Top Tourist Attractions
Minsk is the capital city of Belarus, centrally located. Situated on the Svislač and Niamiha rivers, it was the capital of the former Byelorussian Soviet Socialist Republic from 1919-1991. It is a modern city dominated by monumental Stalinist architecture with many of its museums, theaters, and other cultural attractions lining Independence Avenue (Praspyekt Nyezalyezhnastsi). Minsk is also one of six regions that make up Belarus. The other five include:
Brest - Located in the western part of Belarus, the region is home to the city of Brest which has a fortress memorial for World War II, several 19th-century churches, and a railway museum. Other towns and cities include Kamianiec, which has a well-preserved 13th-century tower, and Pinsk, which is perhaps Belarus' most remarkable city with churches, monasteries, and secular buildings from 17th to 19th centuries.
Gomel - A region in the south-eastern part of Belarus whose main city is Homieĺ with many historic locations and classicist monuments, Gomel is also home to Pripyacki National Park.
Grodno - Situated in western Belarus, Grodno is home to Hrodna, one of the oldest cities in Belarus with a 12th century church, an old castle, and numerous remarkable buildings from late 17th to early 20th century. Other important towns include Lida, Mir, and Navahrudak.
Mogilev - Located in the eastern part of Belarus, the region is home to the cities of Mahilioŭ and Babrujsk, both of which have many Soviet-time buildings.
Vitebsk - Vitebsk is a region in the north-eastern part of Belarus, whose main city is Viciebsk, a picturesque city that combines Polish heritage with Imperial Russian and Soviet architecture.
At A Glance
Most visitors entering Belarus are looking to see the sights of Minsk, Grodno, or Brest. A few attractions of Minsk include the Belarusian Great Patriotic War Museum which commemorates World War II, the iconic Gorky Park sports and recreation facility with an ice rink and open-air theater, Minsk Botanical Garden, Minsk Zoo, and the Belarusian National Arts Museum.
Grodno is known for the 11th-century Old Grodno Castle which was once the seat of a dynasty of Black Ruthenian rulers, descended from a younger son of Yaroslav the Wise of Kiev. Also unique to Grodno is Bialowieża Forest, one of the last and largest remaining parts of the immense primeval forest that once stretched across the European Plain. It is a nature reserve, park, and home to the European bison.
The best of Brest is probably Brest Fortress. A celebrated site of Soviet resistance during World War II, the fortress showcases a museum, bullet-riddled Kholmsk Gate, and several war monuments. Other Brest attractions include the open-air Railway Museum, which displays historic locomotives, and the Berestye Archaeological Museum, which preserves a 13th-century Slavic village.
There are also a number of well-preserved medieval castles in Belarus. One of these is Mir Castle (located in the Grodno region), which dates from the 16th century and was built in the Belarusian Gothic style, with later facade additions in the Renaissance style. Nesvizh Castle (in the Minsk region) is another impressive example of castle architecture, originally a Polish residence. Both Mir and Nesvizh Castles are UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
We've been gathering travel costs from tens of thousands of actual travelers since 2010, and we use the data to calculate average daily travel costs for destinations around the world. We also systematically analyze the prices of hotels, hostels, and tours from travel providers such as Kayak, HostelWorld, TourRadar, Viator, and others. This combination of expenses from actual travelers, combined with pricing data from major travel companies, gives us a uniqe insight into the overall cost of travel for thousands of cities in countries around the world. You can see more here: How it Works.
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.